COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio’s Republican and Democratic gubernatorial front-runners are ready to gear up for a November showdown now that the field has been cleared somewhat of internecine competition.
See the list of candidates for statewide office.
Both parties were criticized for being too aggressive in pushing out challengers.
The Democratic Party’s first string is being challenged by Larry Ealy, a little-known figure from the Dayton area who has reportedly had past problems qualifying to run. Candidates for governor must have petitions with signatures of 1,000 registered voters that have to be verified by elections officials before they get on the ballot.
A phone listing for Ealy wasn’t working Wednesday evening.
The Democrats had a primary fight looming as recently as last Friday, before Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune quietly withdrew his late bid against Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, who is expected to carry the party’s banner in the general election against Gov. John Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.
The Republican primary field was clear for Kasich as a potential tea party challenge fell through.
Both will see at least one third-party challenger —Libertarian Charlie Earl.
Central Ohio’s members of Congress will each have to get past a primary opponent before the general election.
First-term Democrat Joyce Beatty is being challenged by Selina Miller. The winner will face either John Adams or Eric Vennon in the fall.
Two-term Republican Steve Stivers will see some familiar names on the ballot. Charles Chope of Upper Arlington, who lost to Stivers in 2012, is challenging him in the primary to see which will face Scott Wharton, who Stivers also defeated in 2012.
Republican Pat Tiberi, bidding for a seventh term, faces no primary challenge and will face Newark Democrat David Tibbs and the Green Party’s Robert M. Hart of Worthington.
The general election is Nov. 4.