Forces are lining up against Redfern
http://www.dispatch.com/news/news.phpThursday, December 15, 2005
Joe Hallett
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
"In an attempt to break organized labor’s control of the Ohio Democratic Party, a coalition of influential Democrats yesterday rebuffed a candidate for state Democratic chairman who is endorsed by the party’s frontrunner for governor. Members of the coalition, who said their ranks will swell before Monday night’s vote on a new chairman, threw their support to Dennis L. Lieberman, leader of the Montgomery County Democratic Party.
By doing so, they at least slowed the momentum of House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, of Catawba Island, who has been endorsed for party chairman by U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon, the leading Democrat for governor. Strickland conceded that his candidacy could be perceived as weak if Redfern’s bid fails.
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Yesterday, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart, of Cleveland, withdrew from the race and endorsed Lieberman. Athens County Democratic Party Chairman Susan Gwinn said she, too, might withdraw and support Lieberman.
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Gwinn said Redfern lost support after announcing that he would keep his legislative seat and not be a full-time chairman. Two influential party leaders — Cuyahoga County Democratic Chairman Jimmy Dimora and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman — have said it is crucial for the next chairman to serve full-time."