Cong. OH-18: Zelenitz (R) Out of Primary; Challenge to Padgett (R) Denied

Just as in the world of fashion, one day you're in ... and then you're out.

News reports last week indicated that eight candidates filed nominating petitions for the September 14 special primary election in Ohio's 18th Congressional District, but I noticed two stories over the weekend (in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and New York Times) that referred to seven candidates (but didn't list them all out). Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, I called the Tuscarawas Board of Elections today and learned that the petitions of Gregory L. Zelenitz (R-Belmont), about whom I know nothing except that he has served on the board of the Ohio National Road Association and as president of the Blaine Bridge Resporation Project, were not certified.

Auf wiedesehn! (smack, smack)

As to State Sen. Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton), the Plain Dealer reports that the challenge to Padgett's candidacy filed by Gordon Firman, brother of candidate Jerry "Old Fogey" Firman (R-Coschocton) (who filed as "Samuel" but had the elections board change their records to his middle name "Jerry"), was denied by the Tuscarawas Board of Elections 2-1 yesterday along party lines. Socrates Space, a Democratic member of the board and father to candidate Zack Space (D-Dover), abstained. The decision may be appealed to court. No word on whether such an appeal will be filed. The Democratic Party had earlier announced that it would not challenge Padgett's candidacy.