Free Republic

CINCINNATI -- Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis says Pat DeWine should resign as county commissioner now that he's running for Congress. In a letter to DeWine, Leis criticized his fellow Republican for running for higher office just three months after winning a seat on the commission, News 5's Raegan Butler reported. DeWine is running in an upcoming special election for Rob Portman's seat. Portman has been nominated to be U.S. trade representative in President George W. Bush's cabinet. "I think your candidacy for Congressman of the 2nd Ohio Congressional District is an affront to the voters of Cincinnati and Hamilton...

CINCINNATI -- Hamilton County Commissioner Pat DeWine and State Representative Tom Brinkman are the first to officially announce their candidacy for the 2nd congressional seat, News 5 reported. DeWine was elected Hamilton County Commissioner last November. He previously served on Cincinnati City Council. Brinkman is a state representative. Both are Republicans. Several others are expected to join the race to fill Rob Portman's seat, assuming the Senate confirms Portman's nomination as U.S. trade representative. Primaries could be held as early as May with a special election possible in August. Gov. Bob Taft will set the date once after Portman vacates...