Law Devastates Democrats

Here's some new information the AP posted this morning about the Strickland's (D - 6th) gaffe (via Lexis-Nexis):

Key Democratic House candidate in Ohio doesn't qualify for ballot

by David Hammer

National Democrats' best hope to hold onto a key U.S. House seat in Ohio failed to collect enough signatures to qualify for the party primary. The Columbiana County elections board ruled Wednesday in Lisbon, Ohio, that state Sen. Charlie Wilson had only 46 valid signatures on his petition for candidacy, four shy of the 50 he needed to qualify for a key race.

"In good faith, I submitted more than enough valid signatures to the board of elections, so I am obviously disappointed with this decision today," Wilson said. "I am exploring a number of options and am confident that, in November, I will be on the ballot and I will win the privilege and responsibility of representing Ohio families in Congress."

The ruling is potentially devastating for Democrats in an Appalachian seat that had been a stronghold but has been targeted by national Republicans as their best chance to pick up a seat. Popular Democratic incumbent Rep. Ted Strickland is leaving to run for governor and Democrats had thrown their support behind Wilson....

On the Net:

Charlie Wilson campaign: http://www.charliewilson.com

Bob Carr campaign: http://www.bobcarr.org

**Update: Jack Torry of the The Columbus Dispatch has a similar take.

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