In Ohio, It Feels Like November

Mon, March 03, 2008 - 11:51 AM

To Ohio Democrats, having seen both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama become nearly permanent fixtures in their state, this year’s primary has been very different than what they’re used to.

“It’s been the center of attention,” Democratic Party spokesman Alex Goepfert said. “That’s the level of attention Ohio’s used to in the general election, not the primary.”

One in three Ohio voters participated in the state’s last presidential primary election.

This year, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner predicts more than half the registered voters will participate.

Goepfert called the last few weeks “exciting and energizing” for the party. After all, volunteers and voters are getting organized at a time when they would not be otherwise.

Still, numerous party leaders have been public with their wishes to bring the drawn-out primary process to a close so Democrats can start to rally behind one nominee.

--Neil Simon