Democrats still in need of local candidates

By FRED SWIFT

The County Line

Hamilton County Democrats say they intend to continue their efforts to turn the county blue, but to make progress in this year’s election they will need candidates for the local ballot. And, the party has only a month to fill that ballot which is nearly devoid of candidates for county and township offices.

Since no one ran in the May Democratic primary for most local offices, state law allows the party to select candidates by July 5 to oppose Republicans who filled their ticket in the primary. Democrats currently have only six candidates for the 36 township offices at stake this year, two hopefuls for 10 county offices, and eight for state and federal legislative positions.

Democratic County Chairwoman Dayna Colbert says her party is preparing to put forth candidates for at least some of the now vacant spots but has not said which offices might be contested.

Democrats have cut into traditional Republican majorities in the last two elections, but the challenge to actually win is significant. For example, in this year’s May primary about 31,000 voters asked for a Republican ballot while only about 8,000 chose to vote in the Democratic primary.

Some of this disparity can, of course, be attributed to the lack of contests on the Democratic ballot. But, there were a record number of folks running for precinct committeeman and state convention delegate who presumably urged friends to participate in the primary where these party positions are filled.

Besides the county’s Republican tradition going back to Civil War times, Democrats face a problem of out-promising a generally progressive GOP in local government. The public seems to show satisfaction with current road building, low crime rates, park and recreation development and reasonable local taxes. In just recent weeks county officials have revealed plans for a domestic abuse victims shelter and a major upgrade of the county fairgrounds.

So, Democrats need local issues, and their candidates need money for a steep uphill campaign. Local election campaigns are getting expensive, and many folks do not want to spend money on an election that looks very tough.

While candidates for state legislature or U.S. Congress can talk about issues of inflation, abortion, school safety and Daylight vs. Standard time zones, locals have to consider roads, drainage, local law enforcement and property taxes.

Both county political parties have new leadership this year. It will be most interesting to see what they can produce.