OH-16: The Earned Media Train Rolls on for John

For a race with a sitting 36 year Republican incumbent, this race sure is getting a lot of attention. At least that's got to be what our friends on the right are thinking this morning as they scratch their heads. Heh.

First, John made the New York Times today. Wooheee, that's the big time!

Now, with Regula approaching his 83rd birthday Dec. 3 — he is the second-oldest member of the House of Representatives — Regula is seen by some observers as a possible target for a Democratic Party takeover bid in 2008, or as a possible congressional retiree. And while Regula has not yet announced his plans for next year, candidates in both parties already are trying to get ahead of the curve in the 2008 campaign cycle.

Democratic hopeful John Boccieri, a state senator, formally kicked off his campaign Monday after saying a few weeks ago that he would run in the 16th regardless of what Regula does.

Also stepping forward on the Republican side is another state senator, J. Kirk Schuring, who filed paperwork last week with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to organize an “exploratory” committee for a possible campaign in the 16th. But Schuring’s candidacy is more speculative: He says it would become official only if Regula chooses not to seek a 19th term next year.

Strong candidates don't waffle on their intentions to get in the race. Do, or do not, Senator Schuring, there is no try.

Nipping at the heels of the Times was a nice article on John from the ABJ.

Strickland spoke to about 100 people gathered in Bitzer Park more than 16 months before the election.

Strickland emphasized Boccieri's military service -- he is an Air Force Reserve major who has served in Iraq -- in introducing a candidate Democrats hope can win a seat held by Republican Ralph Regula since the early 1970s.

Regula, 82, has said he is undecided about running again. State Sen. Kirk Shuring, R-Jackson Township, has said he will run for the seat if Regula retires.

Strickland said at Monday's event that 37-year-old Boccieri ``deserves our support.... He has paid the price.''

If the Governor says John deserves our support, that's good enough for me.