I am in favor of someone that can win against DeWine, preferably solid at least on Judges, WOT and taxes. Anything else would be a bonus.
It doesn't matter if it is McEwen or Kasich, I want DeWine out. Perhaps you'll which stands the better opportunity.
I do know I am opposed to Kasich running for Governor. I want Blackwell in '06.
If there is someone to challenge DeWine, it is McEwen. McEwen was reportedly furious with the DeWine family after the recent congressional primary election when DeWine's son got his ass kicked and used a lot of his money at the end to attack McEwen and probably cost him the race.
However, Ken Blackwell has endorsed Mike DeWine for re-election. He did it very publicly at DeWine's ice cream social. Why did Blackwell do this? I think a primary for DeWine hurts Blackwell. It takes away manpower and financial resources (where Blackwell is struggling) from him. Plus, he has cut off any potential DeWine support to Betty and Petro by going to the mat for DeWine. Reports say Blackwell was the only statewide at DeWine's event. DeWine will remember that.
I do not see John Kasich running for either seat. He is well-liked amongst the establishment, and the establishment will turn on him against DeWine. While the establishment may back him in a gubernatorial primary (it would be the easier race for him), Kasich will lose the conservative base to Blackwell. It is basically a no-win situation for Kasich. Nevertheless, Kasich would be a formidable candidate as he would be particularly strong in Franklin County and central Ohio (a notorious swing area).
Blackwell may be favored for governor now. Petro and Betty may blink I think. They are tied up with this crap at BWC. Things don't look good for Republicans right now in Ohio. If one of them drop out, then all of a sudden the primary is very tight. However, there could be benefits for them by droppin out. Could they look at running for re-election and become the front runner for governor in 2010? Plus, a U.S. Senate seat probably will become open that year too.
A lot of different things going on here.