State Rep. Connie Pillich officially launches campaign against Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel
May 20, 2013
CLEVELAND, Ohio — State Rep. Connie Pillich, a Democrat from the Cincinnati area known for spoiling Tea Party dreams, has found her next target: Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel.
Pillich told The Plain Dealer she officially will declare her candidacy for treasurer Monday.
“I look at this type of office as a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to public service,” she said.
An Air Force veteran and lawyer, Pillich has been a fixture at party dinners this year while working to build support for her campaign. The primary is a year away, but already she is the third Democrat to announce a statewide run.
Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald has launched a campaign for governor, and former Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper, the party’s losing candidate for state auditor in 2010, is running for attorney general.
Others could soon join the early-forming Democratic ticket, including Nina Turner, the state senator from Cleveland, who has been open about her interest in a bid for secretary of state. Republicans occupy every administrative office on the statewide ballot next year. Each of them, from Gov. John Kasich on down to Mandel, intends to seek a second term.
Ohio Democratic Party leaders see Mandel as vulnerable after his failed U.S. Senate bid last year against Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown. Mandel launched that campaign months into his first term as treasurer and became known for lacking truthfulness and candor. But the Tea Party favorite is a prodigious fundraiser whose national reputation can attract millions of dollars in outside spending.
As he did in his Senate bid, Mandel likely will emphasize economic development. He also will tout a $1 billion investment fund his office manages for local governments and public agencies.
