Enquirer Endorses Schmidt (GOP)

I suspect Brinkman never expected the Enquirer’s endorsement, but that the DeWine (especially) and McEwen camps must be quite disappointed this morning.

McEwen’s camp may spin that it’s good news for them because Dewine didn’t get endorsed, they didn’t expect an endorsement anyway, blah, blah. That copout might be palatable if it weren’t for the fact that of the two candidates who claimed to have experience across the largest swath of the district, the Enquirer picked the relative newbie–ouch.

(click on “more” to see the rest)

An Enquirer endorsement isn’t the definitive boost it used to be around here (the lack of one isn’t the air out of the balloon deflator it used to be, either), but it’s still a powerful influence, and it’s impossible to pretend otherwise.

You may disagree with the arguments, but give ‘em credit for thinking it through in their own way. They’ve also proven that it’s at least (and in my opinion, at most, and unfortunately) a 4-person race.

Excerpts on why Schmidt:

It is vital for the House member from this district - stretching from the East Side of Cincinnati and Hamilton County through Clermont and Warren counties to Pike County - to represent a balance of interests and be an advocate for urban and rural areas, affluent and poor constituents.

The next representative should take a “ground up” approach to meeting the needs and priorities of constituents. Often, the best ideas percolate up from real people most affected by government policies.

Schmidt is in the best position to accomplish this…..

After a decade as a trustee in Miami Township, Clermont County, she served two terms in the Ohio House, proving herself a skilled legislator. The bills she successfully sponsored were remarkable in number and quality for a neophyte lawmaker, even in the majority party. Many were of specific help to townships in her district, such as restructuring gas tax revenue and enhancing distribution of local government funds. Even before her election, she was a key player behind a bill that expanded authority to limited home-rule townships.

…. In particular contrast to McEwen, Schmidt has spent the past 15 years learning local and regional issues. She’s a quick study who knows how to make deals and make things happen. She argues that the fact she’s a woman - specifically a conservative woman - gives her an edge. Perhaps that could help give her added clout and a national stage that could benefit the district. But that’s a side issue in our view, even though we support diversity - ethnic, gender and ideological - in Congress.

….Some are concerned Schmidt’s Clermont County roots mean she might favor townships and rural areas to the detriment of the city, but she sponsored the legislation that enabled the Cincinnati Convention Center expansion - unlike some of her rabidly anti-city colleagues in Columbus - and she’s smart enough to know it’s in her interests to serve urban as well as rural needs.

That’s ultimately what we’re looking for - a representative who, as Portman did so ably for so long, advocates for and serves all parts of the district, finds creative solutions, builds coalitions, and keeps a common touch.

Excerpts on why not others:

Brinkman…. has earned a reputation as one of Ohio’s least effective legislators, too often an uncompromising, anti-any-tax “no” vote. It’s hard to see how he could effectively serve this district.

DeWine built coalitions, worked across party lines and formed consensus during his five years on Cincinnati City Council. But he hasn’t shown he can do the same as commissioner, an office he just won a few months ago. He needs to establish a strong record of accomplishment in that role before seeking to leap up another step of the political ladder. Besides, his campaign has been flat….

McEwen…. As a lobbyist in Washington for the past 12 years, he’s connected. He knows the players. But that’s the problem - an insider, top-down approach that sees solutions as simply pulling the levers from above. “A member of Congress who knows what to do and where to do it can make a tremendous impact,” he says. Would that it were that simple.

Most noteworthy runner-up in the Enquirer’s view:

Minamyer–This Symmes Township trustee articulates a message that many in District 2, and around the country, share - saving Social Security, establishing a strategy to withdraw our troops from the Middle East and taking control of our dependence on foreign oil. Minamyer has the presence and confidence of a seasoned politician, and could be effective right now in the Ohio Statehouse.

Now it looks like no one but the voters has control of this situation. Imagine that.