The Cincinnati Enquirer has endorsed Jean Schmidt in the Republican Primary, giving her campaign a nice boost in this highly contested primary.

They give some interesting contrasts to the other candidates that are considered as having a chance in the race:

Bob McEwen served six terms in the U.S. House from his Southwestern Ohio district. Whether or not that would translate technically into “seniority” if he returns to Congress, as he claims, he understands the specifics of projects such as highways in the economic development of the district, and would have an edge in bringing such projects to the district. 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.

Hamilton County Commissioner Pat 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, relying on boilerplate generalities about “advancing the conservative agenda,” with few specific ideas that would set him apart from other fiscal conservatives in the race.

State Rep. Tom Brinkman, R-Mount Lookout, has been active in his community, has kept close touch with people and has been conscientious in constituent service. We admire the consistency of the principles he operates under. But he 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.

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.

Anti-tax groups began attacking Schmidt last week for her support of state tax increases. We don’t find the attacks convincing. She, along with most Statehouse Republicans, had to make the best of a terrible political bargain with a monstrously bloated budget in 2003. But her overall record in public office is one of fiscal prudence. And she introduced a Tax and Expenditure Limitation (TEL) amendment that would lock state budget increases to the rate of inflation plus a population growth factor.

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.

No doubt McEwen has the connections to produce more for the district in the short term. But Schmidt is a long-distance runner - literally and figuratively, having run 59 marathons - and has the long-term potential to do great things for the district. (link…)


UPDATE: