Enquirer Endorsement

I received the Cincinnati Enquirer endorsement yesterday. Read the endorsement below...

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20120302/EDIT01/303020052/Enquirer-Endorsements-Our-choices-three-key-primaries?odyssey=mod|newswell|img|FRONTPAGE|p

31st Ohio House District, Democrat: Denise Driehaus
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Ohio’s redistricting process has created an intriguing race in this state legislative district, which now includes Clifton, Evanston, Norwood, St. Bernard, Amberley Village, Silverton and other communities.

Lawmakers shifted the 31st away from incumbent Denise Driehaus’ Price Hill neighborhood, so she moved to Clifton Heights in order to run. Her opponents say that amounts to cartpetbagging, and that she doesn’t know neighborhoods she’d serve in the new districts.

But she knows statewide and local issues thoroughly as a three-term lawmaker, and has shown an ability to keep in touch with her communities. She’s worked well with colleagues in both parties to craft legislation, and has been a leader on foreclosure relief and environmental issues.

Also affected by redistricting is Terry Tranter of Amberley Village, a long-time state representative (1976-92) who bowed out when his neighborhood was shifted into a GOP stronghold. With the new map, he’s back into a heavily Democratic district – and in the race. He enjoys strong name recogntion and a track record of successful legislation. But Driehaus can produce her own list of bills she’s sponsored and worked on, too.

Tranter would be a capable lawmaker, but Driehaus is more up to speed on the players and dynamics of the Statehouse in 2012.

The third candidate, Luke Brockmeier, is making his first run for office. Bright, knowledgable and provocative, he says his strong progressive views are the best fit for this district – perhaps questionable, given the district’s diversity. But he lacks political experience, and his confrontational style might not help him get things done.