Fisher Ready to Go (But Not Ready to Say He's Ready to Go)

Calm and at ease in a slate blue fleece, comfortable jeans, and a pair of Timberland boots, Lee Fisher seems surprisingly relaxed for a person just weeks, if not days away from making a life changing decision.

When the Lieutenant Governor sat down with OhioDaily on Saturday morning in Columbus, he shed some light on the process he and his family are following as they prepare for a possible run for the U.S. Senate.

The decision won't be easy, and it won't come late.

The quick entry of former Congressman Rob Portman into the contest for George Voinovich's seat turned the heat up on everyone else in the kitchen, Fisher included. He said his answer will come in the next 45 days–maybe soon, maybe not–but it will be based on the first two of what he believes are the three reasons a candidate runs : personal, professional, and political. Fisher says this isn't a run for his own gratification, but rather another way to help Governor Strickland and Senator Brown bring good paying jobs back to Ohio.

When asked how this first attempt for federal office would differ from his statewide pursuits, Fisher, who would be running statewide for the fifth time (including two campaigns for Attorney General, one for Governor, and one for Lt. Governor), said the issues facing a federal candidate are really no different than those of one running for state office–with the one exception being foreign policy. Fisher was quick to note that the experience he's gained on trade and economic issues as the state's Director of Development, gives him added depth on the international economic crisis. "I deal with global economics all the time."

On the subject of politics, Fisher rejected the notion that as an urban liberal, he'd find courting voters difficult in rural parts of the state. "I'd point to John Gilligan and Dick Celeste as examples (of urban candidates running strong in rural areas)", said Fisher. "You don't have to be from a rural area to connect with rural voters, but sure, it helps."

As the conversation turned to the field of possible challengers, Fisher, who proudly pointed out he's never lost a primary, was asked his opinion of contested primaries, especially in this race. Fisher said he felt it was "best for the party that we not have one." As you might expect, Fisher did praise the other possible candidates and said he considered them all "friends." With decision day closing in for Lee Fisher, time will likely test those friendships. If the Capitol Square chatter holds true, it will the first of many tests on this long road to May 2010 and the Democratic Primary.