.gif){kind=logo}
OH Sen-24: Rosemary Palmer (D) to Replace Cotronakis (D) on Ballot UPDATED
Submitted by Jeff on Tue, 04/22/2008 - 1:23pm.
Word is that 10th Congressional District primary candidate Rosemary Palmer (D-Bay Village) will be replacing attorney Emanuel Cotronakis (D-Bay Village) as the candidate for the GOP-held open seat in the 24th Ohio Senate District. Term-limited State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) is the GOP contender. Cotronakis will be officially withdrawing soon, reportedly to focus on business.
I regard this as very good news. Like the previous Democratic Ohio Senate candidate to withdraw, Sylvia Washburn (D-Maumee) in the 2nd Ohio Senate District, Cotronakis was not visibly campaigning and had raised no money. Palmer proved to be an energetic and spirited campaigner in the primary. Although she finished last in the five-way contest, she gained valuable name recognition and experience, raised $50,917 in contributions from individuals, and has a host of campaign volunteers ready to go into action. I expect her to put a tremendous amount of energy and creativity into this race and make it a genuine contest.
The 24th District is composed of Cleveland suburbs around the western, southern, and eastern borders of Cuyahoga County, incorporating the 16th, 17th, and 18th Ohio House Districts. It leans somewhat Republican (PVI R+4). Incumbent State Sen. Bob Spada (R-North Royalton) is term-limited and is running for Patton's former seat in the 18th House District. Spada won re-election to his Senate seat with 62.14% of the vote in 2004.
UPDATE: Interesting exchange in the comment thread to this post - there is apparently another contender for the ballot position, and some controversy about Rosemary Palmer's eligibility to run for this seat. Meanwhile, the Ol' Professor has some pungent advice for Rosemary Palmer on how to win this race, should she become the candidate.
Is This Legal?
Details here.
Calling all lawyers!
She could do it
It would be a good fit for her too.
Palmer out - Diamantis in
I heard that George Diamantis is the preferred replacement candidate if there is a vacancy, not Rosemary Palmer. I hope Ms. Plamer puts her tremendous energy and creativity into getting Cotronakis - or Diamantis elected in November. I don't think the party would select Ms. Palmer to be a candidate for the 24th Ohio Senate seat. First of all I believe there is a prohibition against being a candidate for both state and federal office in the same election cycle (there is some question as to whether the primary is considered a separate election cycle from the general election). More importantly, I believe Ms. Palmer lives in and voted in Cleveland, at least on March 4, 2008 - election day. Cleveland is not in the 24th Senate District. Because she has not lived in the 24th District for a year prior to the November election day, she is not eligible. I don't think we should appoint someone who would get thrown off the ballot after Patton challenges her eligibility.
The Ohio Constitution states: "Senators and representatives shall have resided in their respective districts one year next preceding their election, unless they shall have been absent on the public business of the United States, or of this State."
PALMER ROSEMARY A
Voter Information (from Cuyahoga County Board of Elections website)
Address 4465 S HILLS DR CLEVELAND, OH 44109
Polling Location Information
Precinct Code 18-P-BBV
Precinct Name CLEVELAND-15- N
Location Name BROOKLYN HTSUNCH OF CHRIST
Location Description 2005 WEST SCHAAF RD
Location Address 2005 WEST SCHAAF RD CLEVELAND 44109
Location Load Date 2/29/2008
Thanks Bay Village
I appreciate the update - I also hope Ms. Palmer puts her energy and strength into getting whomever the candidate turns out to be elected. She is not lacking when it comes to energy and eventually she'll find the right political position.
Palmer Not Out. Palmer Very Much In.
Rosemary has already had elections attorneys review the issues raised by the previous poster. They believe she would win any challenge. Also, the Senate Minority Caucus was aware of these issues being raised and still opted to throw their support behind Rosemary Palmer in this race. She's had several meetings with members of the caucus and is looking forward to working with them this year, should she earn the appointment.
To clarify a few of the previous points, Rosemary did live in Cleveland 15, but lives in Bay Village now. She lived in two locations - Cleveland and Bay Village since last summer. She owns a house in Cleveland and rents another in Bay. During the primary campaign, she spent time living (sleeping is more like it since she was in the office or knocking on doors) in both houses. When she had late appointments on the west side of the 10th Congressional District, she stayed in Bay. When her later meetings were on the eastern part, she stayed in Cleveland. (Same if she had early meetings the next day, she'd stay in the location that was closest.) She voted in Cleveland, but isn't registered there now. She's registered to vote at her home in Bay Village.
These are very good points being raised, but they don't apply to Rosemary and wouldn't stand up to a challenge.
Diamantis Expected To Wrap Up Appointment By Week's End
Although Rosemary's clear enthusiasm to serve the state of Ohio, evident most substantially by her numerous runs this election year already, is admirable, she is not in fact the Caucasus choice candidate.
Diamantis has also met with a majority of the Democratic leaders in Cuyahoga County and beyond and has a firm campaign already geared up to begin at full steam once his name is officially on the ballot.
Democrats, not only in the district, should be hesitant to railroad and undermine each other in such a critical election cycle. We do not want to fall victim to the same games that have already weakened our national candidates. By this I mean the self-motivating fight that does not allow one candidate proper and full support of the party in such a way that is conducive to running a campaign, efficiently and expediently, that will defeat a very strong opponent.
Rosemary should accept the omens from previous primary's and let a fresh, energetic, well connected and electable candidate move froward with the business of the day. That is to solidify another democratic seat in State Senate. The more time we spend squabbling and delaying the inevitable appointment of Diamantis, the more time Patton has to garner and rally his own support.
Rosemary is beginning to look desperate to those of us who have followed her failing attempts to be elected, to any office. It is not dignified to move around the county, have lawyers look verify your legality in the race, etc., just for self promotion.
The Democrats have a history of making themselves their own worst enemy. Let us not forget the current candidate holds much weight in whom will be his successor on the ballot. History has already shown that Rosemary cannot be elected.
Full disclosure, please
This comment sounds like it is coming from someone speaking for Mr. Diamantis. That kind of relationship demands full disclosure in this sort of comment.
In any event, there are some errors and questionable aspects to what you say. First, Rosemary Palmer has not engaged in "numerous runs for election." She has been a candidate in a single race. Second, there hasn't been any "squabbling and delaying." Third, you suggest that Palmer sought to enter this race on her own, but I understand that she was approached about running. There is certainly nothing comparable between this situation and the presidential nomination contest.
Rosemary Palmer has done nothing to suggest that she is "desperate" or motivated by "self-promotion," and I certainly haven't seen anything to indicate that George Diamantis is "inevitable."
The support of the candidate leaving the race might carry some weight if that candidate had done anything at all about running, but under the circumstances I wouldn't give it any weight at all.
Palmer has at least run a campaign ... has Diamantis?