From gaypeopleschronicle.com

The nation’s largest LGBT political organization has generated some controversy by endorsing both candidates in a central Ohio congressional race.

The Human Rights Campaign gave the nod and $2,500 to both Rep. Deborah Pryce and her Democratic opponent, Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy, for the 15th District seat.

Pryce, a 14-year incumbent, is the fourth most powerful member of the House as the Republican conference chair.

Kilroy, who supports full marriage equality, has a 20-year positive relationship with the Columbus LGBT community, many of whom live in the district.

Pryce ended the last Congressional session in 2004 with a Human Rights Campaign legislative score of 44 percent. The figure was lower than previous years, but reflects her vote against a marriage ban amendment and the presence of a gay and lesbian non-discrimination policy in her office.

From Openers

Blackwell was helped by more than 200 people who earlier contributed to his primary rival, Attorney General Jim Petro. These Petro supporters contributed more than $330,000, according to a Plain Dealer analysis.

That is good news.

Recently, Craig Foltin dropped by the home of Betty Sutton in Barberton. When he knocked on the door, Sutton was not home. On Thursday, Foltin held a press conference in Barberton asserting that Sutton does not live in the 13th congressional district:

``Betty Sutton claims Barberton as her hometown in a TV ad and on her Web site, but she doesn't live here, she lives counties away, outside the district in posh Munson Township in Geauga County... She's much closer to Pennsylvania than she is to the 13th District,'' Foltin said.

Foltin also stated:

``She keeps a run-down, abandoned property in a middle-class neighborhood, making her a terrible neighbor and bad citizen,'' Foltin said.

Jeff Gordon, Sutton's campaign spokesperson, had this to say on this controversy, ``She has deep roots in the community. She grew up in Barberton, spent most her adult life in Barberton, was on the City Council and on the Summit County Council... She moved out when she got married."

All of this is perfectly legal, but if Sutton really cared for her district and apparent hometown, she would be living there. Even so, she should be taking care of her property in Barberton. If she can't maintain her own home and keep it looking respectable, then maybe the 13th awaits the same fate if Sutton is elected.

HT Akron Beacon Journal: Sutton's home riles GOP foe

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/15196494.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_news

From Openers

"With global warming, Cleveland will be the new Hawaii," Gordon quipped.

Yes!

Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert campaigned alongside state Rep. Chuck Blasdel on Friday, who is running for the open 6th congressional seat. With the help of Hastert, Blasdel was able to raise $50,000 at an event that 80 people attended.

Hastert stated at the event, when asked about the 13th district, "Somebody's running there, but the numbers aren't as favorable there", comparing it to the 6th district. I would agree with that, but doesn't every seat matter? I think if people actually see Craig Foltin's record in the 13th and see that he isn't quite a firebrand conservative, they'll vote for him. Dick Cheney campaigned with Foltin earlier this year, and I don't see why Hastert wouldn't be doing the same.

HT Vindy

http://www.vindy.com/content/local_regional/286720989948943.php