Preston on Politics: On The Campaign Trail

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Who Wants To Be The GOP’S AG Nominee?

Sounding as though it’s the name of the latest political gameshow, the “Who Wants To Be The GOP’S AG Nominee?” guessing game continues now that Delaware County Prosecuting Attorney Dave Yost says he’s not interested in running. A source tells me that State Supreme Court Justice Maureen O’Connor will now be the focus of a behind-the-scenes lobbying campaign to convince her to run for the post based on her name recognition across the state and her performance in internal polls against State Treasurer Richard Cordray, the Democrat’s likely nominee. Ohio Republicans have until August 20th to select a nominee, but the party’s screening committee is scheduled to meet Friday and select a nominee on Saturday.

Another Sign Obama’s VP Pick Won’t Be Hillary

Talking yesterday with Obama supporter David Wilhelm, the Bexley resident and former Bill Clinton presidential campaign manager, Wilhelm said he expected Obama to take his time in making a selection and to pick a candidate with a “working relationship and a personal relationship with Obama in order to play an important governmental role.” Wilhelm acknowledged he is not on the inside of discussions about vice presidential possibilities, but his statement reflects yet another sign that Hillary Clinton - while a potential running mate - is not likely to be the pick. Earlier this week, the Obama campaign hired Patti Solis Doyle to the position of chief of staff for Obama’s vice presidential pick. It’s a move that upset some Clinton supporters who saw the selection as a slap in the face to their efforts. Solis Doyle was removed from her role as Clinton’s campaign manager earlier this year as the Obama campaign moved from underdog to favorite. The Washington Post reported a frosty relationship between Solis Doyle and Clinton. The numbers from the Quinnipiac University poll show independents generally don’t want Clinton as the Veep.