Cong. 18th: Ney (R) Triggers Special Primary Election

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that incumbent Rep. Bob Ney (R-Heath) has delivered to the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections his written notice of withdrawal from the 18th Ohio Congressional District race. Because he did so now rather than waiting until after August 19, a special primary election must be held. Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said that Ney told him "he really thought the voters of the district should make the decision in selecting the candidate, rather than the party chairmen."

State Sen. Joy Padgett (R-Coschocton) is Ney's hand-picked successor. Attorney General Jim Petro (R-Rocky River) recently issued an opinion to the effect that several complicated election law provisions designed to prevent candidates from running in a general election after losing a primary, and from running for state and federal offices simultaneously, did not apply to Padgett's situation. Democratic Party officials have said they will take the issue to court. Meanwhile, Ney's primary challenger, James Brodbelt Harris (R-Zanesville), has said that he wants to run, but it is unclear whether he can do so because of the same provisions that appeared to block Padgett's candidacy. Other candidates may also file to run in the special primary election, although I don't know of any potential candidates at present. State Sen. Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) has disavowed any intention to run.

A primary may help Padgett establish name recognition throughout the district, if indeed she is allowed to run. However, a contested primary could be divisive and thus damage her candidacy.

H/t to BSB.