[Dan from Michigan]

reveal that C. Ellen Connally, an African-American Democratic candidate from Cleveland for Ohio Chief Justice

Kerry may have PO'ed people off. From what I've heard, he also underperformed in SE Ohio which has a democrat tradition.

Also, a name that sounds like it could be Irish is usually an advantage in judicial races. It's one reason we have judges named Corrigan, Cavanaugh, and Kelly.

[Dan from Michigan]

Not to mention those who vote for a women over a man every time when they don't know the candidates.