From Openers

Six candidates for statewide office have earned the right to appear on the November ballot along side the major party candidates.

The most notable: Robert Fitrakis, a candidate for governor endorsed by the Green Party. He is the most vociferous critic of Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell. Whether in the pages of Hustler Magazine or on the Web, Fitrakis continues to spin the conspiracy that the Republicans stole the 2004 presidential election, in part thanks to Blackwell, who is Ohio's chief election officer.

Fitrakis also loves to rail against Blackwell’s association with religious conservatives, suggesting that Blackwell uses “far-right Christian cults for money-laundering purposes.”

His running mate is Anita Rios.

Bill Peirce, a Libertarian and professor emeritus of economics at Case Western Reserve University, is also running for governor. His running mate is Mark Noble.

Tim Kettler, whose slogan is “Elections should be about voters, not machines,” is a candidate for secretary of state. He, too, is endorsed by the Green Party.

As the race tightens these fringe candidates become more important.

From Openers

Congressional candidate Betty Sutton's campaign manager has quit. Anna Landmark said Friday that her departure was not caused by any disagreement with Sutton, the Democratic nominee for the 13th Congressional District seat.

"Betty is a phenomenal candidate," said Landmark, 28. "I have great respect for her."

Landmark said she has other job possibilities, but declined to identify them.

What is it with campaign managers and this race?

From the PD

Columbus- Wealthy Ohioans would benefit from a proposed capital gains tax cut that a House leader hopes will pass this fall.

The measure, introduced Thursday as House Bill 626 and sponsored by Medina Republican Rep. Charles Calvert, would cut the maximum capital gains tax rates to 5 percent in 2008, 4 percent in 2009 and 3 percent in 2010. Currently, the maximum rate hovers at 7.2 percent, but that's already due to drop below 6 percent by 2009 as part of across-the-board tax cuts previously passed by lawmakers.