Sun 15 Jul 2007
Fundraising numbers are in for the two “front-runners” (front-runners?!) in the Ohio 2nd’s Democratic primary. At their current pace both Democrats are on track for beating the primary money records set by Republican Pat DeWine in his losing bid for the 2nd in the 05 special election.
From the start the first bullet point on Steve Black’s resume was his ability to leverage his status as Indian Hill mover and shaker to raise cash. In our interview early this year Mr. Black said that fundraising was something that he is very skilled at. Veteran journalist Bill Sloat spells out the case for Black:
He’s a genuine Indian Hill blue blood whose dad was a judge. The corporate crowd in downtown Cincinnati can feel comfortable with him — he once headed the Harvard Club and was on the board at Seven Hills School, a private prep school. In other words, on paper he’s got the feel of being a Democratic version of Rob Portman, who was undefeatable in OH-02 and gave up the seat to become the Bush administration’s trade rep, then budget director. And, Portman worked at Graydon Head before running for Congress.
And under normal circumstances Black’s numbers are impressive. According to FEC Q2 reports he has raised $209,500.
Under the surface a few things stand out: $58,320 of it is a loan to himself, and a significant portion comes from family and coworkers at Graydon Head & Ritchey. Still… these are wells that Black can go to many times over the course the campaign.
One bit of insider gossip that I heard from people close to the Wulsin campaign was that one of the main areas of tension between the Doctor and her once campaign manager Mary Huttlinger was over resistance, common with newbie candidates, to the constant demands of fundraising. It’s certainly why Paul Hackett has such disdain for the political process. This election Ms. Huttlinger and Dr Wulsin have parted ways and she is working for Attorney Steve Black.
That’s why I was surprised to find out today that Wulsin for Congress is reporting Q2 numbers of $213,000, outraising Black with or without his personal borrowing. BSB was also impressed.
The Wulsin for Congress campaign crows:
Wulsin’s strong showing in her first quarter as a candidate for 2008 continues to demonstrate the strength of her campaign and her growing base of support, with more than 99 percent of her funds raised coming from individual donations. [This contrasts with 41% of Schmidt’s funds coming from individuals, in the 2006 race, the last year for which data is available.] Having come within one percentage point of defeating Schmidt in 2006 and winning more votes in Ohio’s Second District than any previous Democratic candidate, Wulsin has proven her self well-positioned to defeat the incumbent Congresswoman.
“I am starting earlier and I am starting stronger,” Wulsin said. “I am grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from the people of the Second District. This early outpouring of support indicates the strength of my campaign and desire for grassroots change in our district.”
Wulsin’s impressive fundraising strengthens her position as the candidate best suited to unseat the widely unpopular Schmidt, whose vulnerability is acknowledged by Republicans and Democrats alike. After scraping through the last election with only a one point lead, Schmidt has already received a spot on Karl Rove’s list of the most vulnerable members of Congress. Her highly publicized mistakes, such as repetitive lying (one leading to a reprimand by the Ohio Electoral Commission); impugning the valor of a fellow Congressman; downplaying hazardous and unsafe conditions where veterans are hospitalized; and marching in lock-step with the president’s escalation of the war – demonstrate her failing to effectively represent the district, reflect poorly on her constituents, and hurt her chances of re-election.
It’s our opinion that Steve Black is going to have to out raise and out hustle Dr. Wulsin if he’s going to have a chance of beating her in the primary. Wulsin is an experienced campaigner with a devoted base. Add to that the fact that primaries generally lean left, playing to Vic’s strengths.
So far it’s 0-1 Wulsin.
Well, sports fans… this is going to be one hell of a barn burner. Like it ever isn’t here in the OH02 
17 Responses to “The Most Expensive Congressional Race Ever”
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July 16th, 2007 at 9:32 am
Black will do well in fundraising with the republicans who cannot bring themselves to vote for, shall we say to be polite, very, very flawed candidates in the republican primary. Black is a republican from Indian Hill, the old fashioned kind. He is not the Dobson-Robertson kind. So the moneyed movers and shakers who still have somewhat of a grip on reality and know that republicans probably don’t have a prayer, are backing Black.
Wulsin is a real Democrat who did fantastically well in 2006 and had she had the support of the DCCC and HCDP, would have won. For a newbie in such a gerrymandered conservative district, she put the fear of God in the republicans. Stupid, stupid, stupid, to let Black get close to challenging here. Steve, for the sake of the country, run for state representative in the 35th like you said you were going to in the beginning of the year. Prove yourself as a real Democrat. The rank and file Dems don’t trust you. You do not have their support which, trust me, you will need. Wulsin will have national support. Please get a clue. Oh, and good luck with Mary, that ray of sunshine. Guess how popular she is with Democrats.
July 16th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
I just saw this 2nd ridiculous, personal attack on Steve Black in the above comment. Save your cheap shots for Jean Schmidt.
Steve is a commited civic leader with the brains and guts to fight for Democratic pricinples. Even if you prefer another candidate, he deserves better than these hysterical, defamatory attacks.
Your characterization of Steve is completely off base. Steve is deeply committed to economic fairness and protecting the environment. He has been unequivocally against the Iraq war (even before we started it. ) He is pro-choice, and is committed to universal health care. He has the political courage to stand up to Republican demagoguery, unlike many of the current Democrats in congress. He is already “taking the heat” from many people in this Republican leaning district for his positions…but he is not backing down. And most are supporting him even if they disagree because he is smart, honest, tough, and exceptionally competent - a combination too rare in politics today.
In a District that traditionally goes 65% Republican, this will be a much tougher race in 2008 - the presidential race will drive a heavier Republican turnout.
Steve is a smart, tough Democrat. I believe he is a candidate who can win and hold this traditionally Republican district…and make a real difference in Congress .
Paul Hackett and Vic Wulsin both made terrific runs at Jean Schmidt, but weren’t able to beat her in elections with low Republican turnout. Steve can win in 2008, against any Republican nominee. He has widespread respect across the district - he was mayor of the community he lives in, head of the school board, Chairman of the Trustees of Cincinnati Children’s home…and more.
Some tough competition in the Democratic primary will make the eventual Democratic winner even sharper…and primed to blow past Jean Schmidt in the general election. Please THINK about this before turning your wild rants on a Democrat who has the brains and guts to win the OH-02 Congressional Seat.
Murphy West
OH-02 Democrat
July 16th, 2007 at 6:58 pm
Goddess-
Please before you show us how ignorant you are with your rants next time, get a clue as to what the TRUTH and reality really are.
First of all your attack on Huttlinger shows how removed and stupid you are. Mary has the respect and admiration at the federal Dem level, and is recognized as such. Because someone didn’t call you about putting up a yard sign during Wulsins campaign doesn’t justify your mudslinging bullshit. She also worked for our Governor at one time too, and is still very highly regarded by both Francis and Ted. Hell- she’s practically like a daughter to them both. Guess that makes them bad people now too huh?
As for the comment “………had she had the support of the DCCC and the HCDP she would have won”, should speak volumes to you. She didn’t. Why? Well….lets see…perhaps it’s because she can’t stay on message. Or is unable to even know what that message is half the damn time. Or maybe…just maybe it’s because others realized that Vic wants to “Play Congress”, as a means of something to do (Something overheard more than once from her own camp last go around), NOT to help rescue this district that has been floundering away for so long under Herr Schmindt. See Goddess, two can play this game.
As for Black, here is an individual who has lived his entire life in this district and who is an incredibly respected man, who has an incredible track record for getting things done. Right here in SW Ohio. NOT SW Africa. He has a plan, and a vision, and I’m quite certain has the experience to make it happen.
So while Wulsin wants to “Play Congress”, and sing Kumbaya with all her little buddies, I’d be worried the Republican party didn’t try an put someone up to blasting Black. Maybe someone like yourself. Hmmmm. (Wow! Maybe your onto something- this ad hominem attack thing is a LOT of fun Goddess!)If left up to you Goddess, our choices would be an incumbent nazi and a disconnected, out of touch, special interest represented candidate who thinks it would be “fun” to “play Congress” Nice.
It’s time we we’re respresented by a Congressman who will fight for us. Who will stand up for us, and who will make things happen for us.
The fact that he damn near out fundraised a THIRD time candidate is HUGE!
Suffice it to say, we are damn lucky that Steve Black has decided to make a stand and do whats right for the people of this district. I can promise you he’s in it to win, and so is Huttlinger. Perhaps THATS what a lot of you need to realize about WHY she’s now working for our NEXT Congressman.
July 16th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Personal?, Hysterical? Ok..and good luck in politics. Was I wrong that Steve was registered republican until this Spring? That’s not an attack but a fact. Nice little barb on Wulsin though. But it’s not personal at all, just sexist to all her little buddies. BTW, one does not have to live forever in a district to represent it - really, it’s law that you do not have to be born and lived all your life in one place to run. In fact in Ohio, you don’t even have to live in the district to file (a little fact I learned in 06). A tad provincial on your part but your right to feel that way. Do you realize how rare it is for a first time candidate to win? It takes two or three runs to win. Is the idea of running an unknown candidate in a race when we have a candidate who lost by about 1/2% in her first time out in a extremely conservative district brilliant? Why would it be terrible to have someone who has worked many places in this country and in Africa? Should I infer from your comment that we need more white male lawyers in Congress because (that group is so under represented in Congress) they are the only ones who have valuable experience and can represent us? I’m real upset I didn’t get that yard sign, yeah that’s it.
July 16th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Domestic Goddess…
You started this whole unfortunate dialogue with you initial posts which include demafatory rants like “Stupid, stupid, stupid, to let Black get close to challenging here.”
I take that personally.
I believe Steve Black is a stronger candidate than Vic. I believe he has more leadership experience, and is a sharper on the key Democratic issues than Vic. I believe Steve will out-fundraise Vic and beat her in the primary, and that he will win the general election. I don’t believe Vic stands a chance of beating any Republican candidate in a year when the Presidential election with bring a strong Republican turnout.
I have nothing personal against Vic - I voted for her in the last election. But I don’t believe she is the best choice for Democratic voters this time around.
Murphy West
OH-02 Democrat
July 16th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
The reason Mary left has less to do with fund raising and more to do with viability. Wulsin may make a decent run in the primary but would be dead on arrival in the general election. A moderate Dem like Mr. Black or Russ Arey are the Dems best(and probably only) chance of beating Mrs. Schmidt or whatever the GOP throws at us. Dr. Wulsin in too liberal idealogically and too lazy politically to win. In the last election she didn’t knock on one single door prefering to give speeches to friendly groups. Wulsin had her chance and Mary knows her better than most people. Readers of OH-02 should trust a seasoned political pro like Mary Huttlinger over a sour grapes also-ran such as Dr. Wulsin. Please give Mary and Steve Black the benefit of the doubt.
July 16th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Goddess…..Obviously, I think I have yard sign lying about from the last election. I’ll send it right over.
You make weak arguments against Black and then attack and demean his campaign manager who by the way is very highly respected in politics both here and especially in DC, not to mention you bemoan the fact that Steve Black has always voted his conscious be it Republican or Democrat. I’d much rather have someone who can make decisions as opposed to someone like Herr Schmidt who will tow the party line, reagardless. Politics isn’t always as simple as red or blue, sometimes issues appear purple too. I want a representative who will make the tough decisions to help the people in our district. I’m glad Steve knows some republicans and knows how they think and operate. I’m glad he knows where his moral compass lies. I’m glad he’s lived and worked here his whole life. I’m glad he cares about me and you and our kids, and the future of Ohio.
His strength as a candidate doesn’t have a damn thing to do with his race or gender either. So why did you feel the need to go there? Does Vic Wulsin have some special powers that make her a viable candidate because she’s a woman now? No one ever told me we we’re empowered with those gifts. Perhaps she’s more appealing to a “certain” special interest group I guess. Yeah….thats just what we need, someone backed by an OUTSIDE special interest group. Yeah…they REALLY know what’s best for Ohio’s second. Give me a break!
As for working in Africa, that’s wonderful and noble- really it is. But if you cannot know that what I meant was that Steve Black knows this district, then your more than just a little clueless. He has worked tirelessly IN THIS DISTRICT, and he is a far better choice to represent us before Congress.
Of course then there is the old fall back of “She deserves it. She came close last time.” No. I’m sorry she doesn’t. NOT when THIS time she’ll be handed her hat very early. NOT when the future of the second district is up for grabs. NOT after we have endured Herr Schmidt all this time. NOT during a Presidential election year. AND ESPECIALLY NOT when Steve Black is by far the most viable candidate, and the BEST choice to run.
STOP making up lies about Black and his campaign manager. She is a damn fine and loyal Democrat who is smart, savvy, and a hard worker, and STOP trying to be cute with your posts. You’re not amusing- nor is your writing style going to get you a job writing for the NY Times. Stop trying so hard to be some all knowing wonk. You’re not. You’re just embarrassing yourself and dividing the party when we should be focused and ready to take back this seat. Strongly.
I too voted for Vic once. She lost. We need a strong candidate now who can make a difference. Stev Black is that candidate.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:44 am
I wonder if Domestic Goddess is secretly a Mean Jean supporter, what the French would call an agent provocateur, because she sure isn’t doing the Democrats any favors, least of all Vic…
I’d like to say why I support Steve Black.
I met Steve Black under awful circumstances. I had spent the previous five years in Ohio’s cesspool of a judicial system fighting off corrupt, tyrannical Republican judges who were doing their level best to destroy my family, steal every cent in my parent’s estate, violate my constitutional rights, torture me endlessly with meaningless judicial hogwash, and leave me bankrupt — among other things. The technique of legally harrassing and destroying people for so long that they finally commit suicide is well known. And I’m convinced that that is precisely what these Republican “judges” (read: tyrants) were trying to do to me.
I consider it the luckiest day of my life when I called Graydon Head Ritchey, asked if they had any “honest lawyers,” and they transferred me to Steve Black. I can tell you from personal experience that Steve Black is the ONLY lawyer in Cincinnati that I have ever met –and during my five years wading through Ohio’s legal cesspool I met quite a few–who is absolutely not corrupt or corruptable. Before I met Steve, I didn’t believe that there were any honest lawyers in Cincinnati. Unlike every other lawyer I had hired, Steve Black’s interest in my case was strictly in defending me, his client, as best he could, from any further damage. And I can tell you that Steve Black’s best efforts are formidable. He defended me with every legal tool at his disposal. He was always very polite when doing so, but beneath the politeness there was an unwavering and unmistakably steely determination to protect my interests–period. Steve Black managed to convince some very powerful and very filthy people that, so far as I was concerned, the party was over.
That is one of the reasons I support Steve Black. I know how he operates. He is exactly who the voters of the 2nd District need to represent their best interests in another environment famous for powerful, filthy people: the U.S. Congress. There is no doubt whatsoever in my mind that Steve Black will look after the interests of the people of the 2nd District in exactly the same way that he looked after mine: selflessly, totally and 100%. Look — I literally put my life in this guy’s hands. I was at the end of my rope. And if anyone unlucky enough to be in the same position as I was asked me what to do, I would say DON’T FOOL AROUND. GET STEVE BLACK TO REPRESENT YOU.
While I was working with Steve Black, we naturally discussed politics. And I can tell you that the very idea that Steve Black’s political philosophy is Republican is ridiculous. Look at the positions he has taken. Just to mention a few: he favors funding for stem cell research. He favors expanding the Child Health Insurance Program. Democrats come out in favor of those issues — not Republicans. And if I may say so, I think that his position on stem cell research, given the complexion of the 2nd district, is not just correct but it’s courageous and shows leadership.
Anyway, it certainly came as no surprise to me that Steve decided to run as a Democrat. That’s exactly what he is — a moderate Democrat. And to try to flagrantly mislead people about his thinking is, to my mind, a clear sign of desparation among Wulsinites.
I would also like to mention something that I at least think is very important. Steve Black is a good person — really one of the best people I’ve ever known. I’ve met his wife and daughter and they are the same way. As his record shows, Steve Black is a responsible, top-rate person who cares deeply about public service, the future of Ohio and the future of the United States. And he aims to change the way things have been going.
The idea that the voters of the 2nd District have the opportunity to elect someone of Steve Black’s caliber–the best lawyer in Cincinnati, really–to represent them (and for free!) is the greatest development in local politics in decades.
So do yourself a favor. Take it from someone who knows the kind of representation Steve Black will give the 2nd district: DON’T FOOL AROUND THIS TIME. ELECT STEVE BLACK. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Just a fair warning. As strident as her remarks may be concerning Mr. Black, Domestic Goddess was fighting hard to get Democrats elected in southern Ohio back when Steve Black was voting to put Republicans into office.
While I love new blood to the party, in a primary it’s voters like Domestic Goddess that you’re going to have to pitch to. She’s earned her place at the table by fighting long and hard what was till very recently a very uphill battle. She’s earned our respect.
July 17th, 2007 at 10:51 am
To the Editor: you make two comments in a previous blog entry that I found extemely insightful and particulary revelant to this dialogue. I quote The Editor:
“Many think she (Dr. Wulsin) deserves another match against the Congresswoman. Personally, I wonder what she can bring to the table to match the perfect storm that was 2006…..
The one thing that I really hate about Democratic politics in Ohio is that it resembles more a high school clique than a political machine. Say what you will about Karl Rove, but he never let his feelings distract him from the score board.”
I totally respect Domestic Goddess personally…I just don’t like being called “stupid, stupid, stupid”. And the shot against Mary H. was really gratuitous.
With all due respect to Domestic Goddess and the Editor,
Working together for a big Democratic win in 08.
Murphy West
Oh-02 Democrat
July 17th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Ok,….Is this practice Steve Black press releases or are all yall just former clients who he helped?? Yall sound pretty dang gone fishy…..for just regular supporters.
What work has Steve Black done? What has he accomplished? A year ago no one in the oh2nd political arena ever heard of this man now he has done so much and slayed dragons?? What tireless work did he do? Where were ya’ll at for that matter?
When did he stand up to Republican demagoguery?? Was channel 19 there?
Im just sayin……
July 17th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Mr. and Mrs. Editor-
Again and again you follow the same failed playbook in this district. The favorite play around these parts seems to be “INSERT NAME HERE (in this case it’s Wulsin) ran before, and therefore(SHE)automatically becomes the best candidate to represent us again.”
This ridiculous ideology and many others is why someone like Jean Schmidt (I mean really?) has held onto this seat here. The fact that this party struggles to organize itself because it’s too busy with pity parties and ego stroking is bad enough. It’s time we woke up and saw reality for change don’t ya think.
Personally Steve Black has never represented me legally, OR anyone I know for that matter. I don’t write press releases for anyone either. If I did I would start by saying that our best choice for ‘06 is NOT our best for ‘08, by a long shot. Congress isn’t something that should be done by someone who thinks it would be “fun”, or as a means to give your spouse something to do. (Perhaps you can read between the lines here……but even IF Black WERE NOT running, I and MANY others would NOT be voting for Wulsin based on THAT fact alone this time). The fact that he is running is a tremendous blessing for us.
Of course the fact that Steven Black was working for the Taft Museum, the Children’s Home of Cincinnati, The Cincinnati Global Center, and others doesn’t count right? Oh…and where exactly is the place in Africa where Vic has done all of her work? The fact that Steve didn’t parade around in your “circles” in DAYTON MRS.EDITOR doesn’t mean he hasn’t worked tirelessly for Southern Ohio.
Your red herring of “What has he done for us lately?” is weak at best. Yeah….Vic sure has cast a lot of votes up on the hill for us recently hasn’t she? (Too bad you don’t have an “Sarcastic eye-rolling emoticon, I’d put one right here) She has NO experience leading elected public office. But because she shows up in borrowed dresses she automatically should be our next Congressional Representative? (Man, where’s that emoticon?)
If you haven’t researched the selfless, and tireless efforts; the excellent track record for leadership; and the principles of one Steven Black- you should.
One final thought. Since when did this blog become part of the “Official Wulsin Website?” It’s obvious you’re drinking her kool-aid. I’m not.
Personally, I think Vic is a nice person, but she should stick to health care. Not Congress. We need strong leadership. We need to continue the fight to take back Ohio. Especially in this election year, when the Roves dogs will be in full attack here and elsewhere- We need Steve Black.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Ohhhhh SNAP! He/She didn’t just go there, did they? Oh they went there. Nawwww they didn’t? Yes they did. You sure??? I distinctly heard the sound of them going there. Well, if they went there they went there.
Lemme get some popcorn… this is going to be good.
July 17th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Oh Boo…they did go there!! Oh the web we weave
See..now you trying to lump me in with everyone else when you obviously dont have a clue. Alls I’m saying is ya’ll lookin kinda pervy getting all hot and bothered over a man who hasn’t even taken off his jacket yet. At least Wulsin supporters have seen the goods.
Wait…she borrowed them ugly dresses???? From someone else!!? Whoever gave Wulsin them dresses ought to be ashamed.
If you haven’t researched the selfless, and tireless efforts; the excellent track record for leadership; and the principles of one Steven Black- you should.
Jim Parker….is that you????
July 18th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Mrs. E and Mr. Evil E - mind passing the popcorn? Are Jim & Jeff on vacation?
July 18th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Conscientious- Ever meet Connie Pillich or Jeff Ruppert? Both lawyers, both former Democratic candidates and rumor has it that Connie is thinking of running again. I don’t know if Jeff is. I don’t know what lawyers you’ve run into, but I assure you there are many decent lawyers in the Cincinnati area. I met other lawyers who were Democrats at campaign functions. While I did not need their services, they seemed very decent people and had good reputations. Of course, they are Democrats. Jim O’Reilly ran for judge in Hamilton County and he was a terrific person too. Shame he didn’t win. Very good Democrats.
July 18th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Oh DG girl…just wait…its gonna get even better..