Cindy Lazarus: Republican Candidate for Franklin County Commissioner
As Columbus observers already know, a heated primary for Mary Jo Kilroy's seat on the Franklin County Commission is brewing. Clerk of Courts John O'Grady, a popular local office holder, had been waiting to make the move up when Kilroy moved either to the US House or out of elected office. John has an impressive endorsement list, earning the backing of all major elected officials in Franklin County and both the county and state parties. I'm told he also has strong labor support for his bid.
Since she has been unable to get any love from her own party, Cindy Lazarus has turned to the local GOP for attention. In the most recent Other Paper, Dan Williamson discusses Cindy's GOP love. Lazarus has earned praise from former Republican commissioner, Dewey Stokes (no link, the entire story will be posted below the fold):
"I think she'll be a good addition," he said. "I know some people in her party don't think so. I think she's a level-headed business person, and that's what they need down there."
How could he not love her? After all, Lazarus gave Dewey some campaign cash when he was involved with the FOP, and she's been all but endorsed by Doug Preisse, Franklin County GOP Chair. It's also rumored that she is getting help from former Republican Mayor Greg Lashutka and 2007 GOP mayoral candidate, Bill "If you send your kids to Columbus Public, they'll rape and kill you while you sleep" Todd. (Okay, so that's not verbatim, but it was basically his campaign theme).
On top of all that GOP love, Ms. Cindy is refusing to take part in our party's endorsement process. Obviously she isn't going to get it, but it demonstrates a pretty high level of contempt for your own party when you refuse to even make your case in front of the Central and Executive Committee members you claim you want to lead. In fact, it pretty much shows that you are only in it for yourself and that you just don't give a damn about the good of the Democratic Party.
So, Cindy, why don't you just get it over with and run as a Republican? I'm sure they'd love to have you.
