OH-05: Randy Gardner Out; Latta Cackles in Ecstasy

Randy Gardner is ouuuuuuuutta there in the 5th District GOP race. So says the Dispatch:

State Sen. Randy Gardner of Bowling Green announced this morning that he won't seek the Republican nomination to replace the late Paul Gillmor as representative for the 5th Congressional District.

Gardner plans to seek Bob Latta's House seat. Sounds like there was some serious maneuvering over on the Republican side of the aisle during the weekend. Perhaps Bob Latta's supporters apparent "outting" of Commissioner and once OH-05 hopeful Tim Brown persuaded to Gardner to take a seat (I say apparent, because to the best of my knowledge it was Latta supporters that orchestrated the outting of Brown as a gay man).

However, those of y'all out there hoping for a bloody GOP primary, have no fear. Senator Stephen Bueher and Rep. Lynn Wachtmann have not ruled out bids yet.

Robin Weirauch should be paying attention to the already bubbling intra-party antics over with the Republicans in the 5th. While the GOP is busy eating its young right now, that energy will very shortly be redirected against a Democrat.