Update on Presidential Organizing in Ohio

Back during the 2004 election, Ohio saw some early organizing from the presidential elections. Notably, Ohioans for Dean had a huge early presence in the state. When Dean dropped out of the contest in the first few months those organizers and activists who'd been volunteering in the Buckeye State swarmed to other groups. Some folks joined the Edwards movement, while others jumped on the good ship Kerry or fizzled out entirely. However, Dean's organization - built through the meetups - had a long term impact on Ohio Democratic politics. In groups like Blue88, Ohio Honest Elections and DFA, Dean's presence early infrastructure in Ohio lived on and served as the starting point for the reformation of the Ohio Democratic Party and the victories in 2006.

I've been watching Ohio for signs of an early presence similar to that of the Dean campaign back home. Sad to say, I'm not seeing the same level of organizing - although it is still early. From time to time I'll be updating BSB's readers with what's going on around the state. Folks that are involved with the early campaigns, feel free to send contact information regarding your email lists, yahoo/google groups, and whatever to me at jerid@buckeyestateblog.com ....I'll be sure to pass it along to the readers eventually.

So what's the current scene feel like on the ground?

OBAMA
Well, from my perspective it appears that Obama has the largest presence in Ohio so far. Ohioans for Obama, O's umbrella email list for all of the Ohio organizing groups, has over 236 members stretching from the Ohio river to Lake Erie. You can join the group here to stay updated via email (the group has a healthy email exchange). Also, Ohioans for Obama have a blog on Barrack's main site.

EDWARDS
Edwards trails Obama with 69 "One Corps" chapters throughout Ohio. However, I can't tell how many folks that entails because the One Corps interface isn't designed that great. Also, One Corps doesn't have an Ohio statewide email list, so it's difficult to keep track of Edwards overall Ohio presence.

CLINTON
Hillary practically has no Ohio presence. The best I can find is a meetup HQ'ed out of Hamilton County with 16 members. 

MITT ROMNEY
No Ohio presence that I can find

RUDY GIULIANI
No Ohio presence that I can find

RON PAUL
The good Representative from Texas has perhaps the largest online organizing contingent of any of the candidates. Paul retains meetup chapters throughout the state, one of the largest in Cleveland with 100+ members. Despite coming third in fundraising in Q2 for the Republicans, many in the media still portray Paul as an "online only" sensation within his party. 

Like I mentioned, if I glossed over any groups, or if you want to get information out about your local organizing, send me an email at jerid@buckeyestateblog.com