A Democratic opportunity in Cincinnati?

Ohio is a GOP state and the Cincinnati area is extremely Republican. Not so long ago, the chances of a Democrat winning a Congressional seat in the area would seem far fetched but after years of GOP rule and scandal after scandal in the state and now the Rove-gate scandal, the Democrats actually have a chance. Next week there will be a special election to fill the seat of Congressman Rob Portman who resigned to work as a trade representative for the Bush administration.

So how does a Democrat stand a chance in an otherwise right wing patch? Paul Hackett, the Democratic candidate, is an Iraq war vet who has not shied away from criticizing the Bush team (even calling Bush a chicken hawk) for permanent tax cuts and for not providing troops in Iraq with necessary supplies and benefits. If he wins, he will be the only Iraq war vet in Congress.

The election is just next week (2 August) but perhaps for those of you in the area, there's some way of helping out. His campaign can be contacted here or by calling (513) 735-4310.