Missouri Bigots Win

Missouri Dumps Governor, Bans Gay Marriage

Luken for Statewide Office?

Will Charlie run for Secretary of State? It makes sense. The Dems need a conservative to win some local votes. Would Luken fare well statewide? His reputation locally sucks, so would it be any better in Columbus?

CCA on Nate Jones Case

I think the CCA has given Nate Jones estate's civil lawsuit a bit boost. I myself disagree with their opinion that police caused his death by beating him, and the coroner disagrees. I don't really know what the details of the report stated beyond this article, but it seems they have taken the Nat Jone's estates private report and run with it.

That report conflicted with the official coroner's report. Does the CCA explain any differences, at least indirectly? Does the CCA address the failure of the Fire Department in leaving the scene? That outside of Nate Jones himself caused his death more than the police action.

The Bigots Are Ready

Anti-gay bigots claim they have the petitions ready to put an Gay-marriage amendment on the Ohio ballot. After these signatures were paid for, I wonder who really got the money for them?

I hope people know that this amendment in my opinion will ban state agencies from granting domestic partner benefits. That is pure hate trying to destroy gays. There is no other motivation with merit to warrant this type of action.

More on Luken

Howard Wilkinson has an article on Luken's past surprises and tribulations in Cincinnati Politics.

More form the Enquirer and Business Courier, and AP.

Chicagonati

For some unknown reason a movie is looking to shoot a movie that takes place in Cincinnati and is considering filming it in Chicago. How could Cincinnati not be cheaper? Hell, I bet the city would pay for movie to be shot here, unless it was the Tim Thomas story or Damon Lynch bio. Maybe it is a about Pete Rose.

Luken's Out

So who is left and what are their chances?

1. Mark Mallory only gains by having one less Democrat to crowd the field. I don't see a huge gain for him with Luken's departure.
2. David Pepper gains the most from Luken dropping out. He gains some money, as if he really needs it, but gains business leaders with influence.
3. Mark Painter gains the conservatives, which will be big.
4. Alicia Reece is likely not going to run, which was fairly obvious as soon as Mallory got into the race.
5. Charlie Winburn has been really quite since his supporters where wearing the Winburn for Mayor t-shirts at Board of Elections back in 2003.

Wes Flinn and Nick Spencer have more.

Also from the Post, WLWT, WKRC, and WCPO.


UPDATE: This announcement nicely drowned out coverage of the CCA's report on the Nathaniel Jones Death.