COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Democratic challenger to Gov. John Kasich is looking for a new running-mate after Lt. Gov. candidate Eric Kearney dropped out of the race yesterday.
The state Senator from Cincinnati faced hundreds of thousands of dollars in state and federal tax liens, most related to his small business, Cincinnati Herald publisher Sesh Communications.
His decision comes less than three weeks after he entered the contest with Cuyahoga County executive Ed Fitzgerald.
The state Republican Part wasted no time in saying the Kearney snafu is an indication that FitzGerald should quit too.
“We have learned a lot about FitzGerald and his priorities throughout this entire episode. His lack of judgment and honesty will haunt him for the remainder of this campaign,” party spokesman Chris Schrimpf said.
A Cincinnati lawyer who is black, Kearney brought racial and geographic diversity to FitzGerald’s ticket, and direct ties to President Barack Obama, who is a friend.
But he couldn’t overcome political fallout associated with revelations of his many unpaid debts.
It may not be entirely smooth sailing for Kasich either. The incumbent may be facing a challenge from his right flank in next year’s Republican primary.
The Cleveland “Plain Dealer” reports tea party leader Ted Stevenot has filed the first papers to launch a campaign.
Tea party Republicans in Ohio are considering a challenge to Kasich after he successfully pushed for Medicaid expansion.