OH-7: Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly leaning towards bid
Submitted by 2010 Buckeye on Mon, 10/15/2007 - 10:23pm.
Allow me to introduce Gene A. Kelly, the career law enforcement officer who is leaning towards making a bid for the Democratic nomination in the OH-7. Kelly, Clark County Sheriff since 1987, has earned numerous awards--including being named "Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer in the State of Ohio"--during his long and distinguished career in Springfield and Xenia's police departments and as Sheriff. Kelly graduated from Antioch and received his Masters in Criminal Justice from Xavier. He also was first in his class at the Kennedy School of Government's Leadership for the 21st Century program.
A better Democratic candidate is not likely to emerge in the 7th. A no nonsense lawman, Kelly brings years of experience in government and a track record of winning elections in one of OH-7's most populous counties. He would come to the race with a proven base of support that would likely help generate momentum in the rest of the district. Furthermore, Kelly will have the Republicans looking over their shoulder in territory they never expected to defend. If he enters the race aggressively and quickly, he may even attract the attention of the DCCC and generate national support.
I have confirmed sources that Kelly is leaning towards making the race. If you know the man, live in Clark County, or live anywhere in the 7th, I would suggest calling the Clark County Democratic Party, as they are most likely to be in touch with Sheriff Kelly. Tell them to pass along your support.
Clark County Democratic Party
1726 Thomas Drive
Springfield, Ohio 45503
937-399-0800
dsaks@dansaks.com
Dave Woolever and Bill Connor are hardworking candidates and wonderful party members. Sheriff Kelly, however, has the ability to put this race in the first or second tier relatively quickly. If you're a 7th District Democrat, find a way to urge him to run. Taking this seat is a very real possibility with an aggressive, high profile campaign.
Sheriff Ellsworth
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 6:28am.
You are right, recruiting Sheriff Ellsworth was a coup. John Hostetler was the incumbent. Congressman Hostetler had an ill-concealed dislike for the mechanics of campaigning and fund-raising, and was not especially personally popular. He had won several terms, but each win was narrow. Ellsworth had the additional advantage of rugged good looks and is very photogenic. Sheriff Kelly's admirers need to get him in front of a skilled cameraman with that silly hat off his head, you're offering good advice, there.
Thanks for the acknowledgement
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 5:45am.
Really appreciate the hat-tip. Yes, Clark County is the biggest population county, and Springfield is the biggest town there. Hobson lives in Springfield. Strickland got 58% of the vote in the 7th District (!). Sherrod got 50%. Kelly should be a seasoned campaigner, since he's held elective office since 1987. (I guess I'm assuming he's had opposition.) I'm just thanking our lucky stars that we've got a great potential candidate in the wings.
He will not get mine, nor my wife's support
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 8:22am.
After he (in lack of other terms) screwed over a member of my wife's family, while they were employed under him, he has lost all credibility and will not gain our support; I will make it my effort to make sure he does not step foot into the Capitol Building.
Kelly should stay out of the race...
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 9:17am.
He is already in a tough race this coming year for sheriff. What makes you think that he could step up and run for Congress in a GOP district. It's very much like Brett Sciotto getting beaten out of the endorsement for state rep, but then being asked to run for Congress. The result would be the same for both. Kelly also has some real personal issues that could haunt him. He will be getting married this Saturday and it is not likely that a new bride would want his husband to be out campaigning and then be in Congress 5 days a week. There are some other issues that I will leave off this site, but for those interested you might want to research those.
i would simply say
Submitted by 2010 Buckeye on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 3:39pm.
back it up. it's easy to hide behind anonymous comments. if anyone has got "damaging dirt" then lets really hear it. Sounds like a GOP plant to just say "oh he's got so many personal issues" or "he really screwed us over." I prefer some real evidence.
Nope
Submitted by Nick D on Tue, 10/16/2007 - 9:39am.
2006 census estimates:
Clark: 141,872
Greene: 152,298
Fairfield: 140,591
Greene and Fairfield are both what I would consider "deep red" counties, which illustrates the difficulty in us picking up this seat. The district also includes a slice of Franklin Co., but its mainly suburban.
If Kelly's a good campaigner...
I'm reminded of Indiana's 8th congressional district in 2006, where Brad Ellsworth, sheriff of the county in which Evansville is located triumphed over the long-time incumbent (name now forgotten). It was an uphill battle all the way.
Now get a good photo of Kelly without the uniform, and especially the hat!
Is Springfield the largest city in the district, and is Clark the the most populous county in OH-07?