OH-89: Democratic candidate drops out in key House District.

The Ironton Tribune reported on Oct. 9th that Democratic candidate Bob Walton, Jr. has dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for the 89th House District currently held by State Representative Todd Book.  Book cannot run again due to term limits and is presently running in the Democratic Second Congressional primary against '08 Independent David Krikorian and frequent Democratic candidate Jim Parker.

The Republican candidate is former Democrat turned Republican Scioto County Dr. Terry Johnson.

Walton said he was dropping out because it was "not the right time for [him[ to run for the right to serve as your next state representative."  In other words, he believed he was going to be beat.

Sorry, but in talking with people active in local Democratic politcs there, that's what I'm being told.  That the race appeared to be unwinnable for Walton once Johnson announced his candidacy.

I'm not aware of any other potential Democratic candidate who is being mentioned as a replacement.

Barring such an entry, and the deadline to file petitions is now only four months away, this seat appears to be a safe Republican takeover... meaning that the Republicans need only three more pickups in '10 to regain the majority of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Actually, make that two seats.  Because I've yet to hear of any Democratic candidate to replace House Majority Floor Leader/Secretary of State candidate Jennifer Garrison who represents the 93rd House District.  Garrison is eligible to run for re-election in '10, but she cannot run for both her House seat and Secretary of State.

Unless a strong Democratic nominee emerges, the Republicans will likely take over that seat as well as its historically been a Republican seat.