“In few places are the Democrats’ troubles more apparent than in Ohio…” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
Former OH Dem Chairman: “…if you don’t have state infrastructure, then you’re just whistling past the graveyard” (Former Ohio Dem Chairman Chris Redfern, 7/20/15)
‘We Need Better Candidates’ “In nearby Union County, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper, who succeeded Mr. Redfern, joined a statewide listening tour aimed at re-energizing the party. One conclusion, detailed in a report by state Democratic leaders: We need better candidates.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
Rusty Machinery
“Democratic Party Machinery Shows Rust… Leaders worry losses of state, local offices create shortage of top candidates” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
‘Withering… Campaign Machinery’ “The setbacks also revealed a withering of the campaign machinery built by Mr. Obama’s team more than seven years ago. While Democrats held the White House, Republicans have strengthened their hand in statehouses across the U.S.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
Democrats Are Worried “But many Democrats worry that GOP success capturing state and local offices will erode that advantage before they have a chance to rebuild.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
Thin Bench
Former Sen. Tom Daschle: “That’s where I do worry about recruiting and building a bench and finding ways to connect with real voters. We’re not doing a very good job of that.” (Former Majority Leader Tom Daschle, 7/20/15)
“…As the party seeks its next generation of candidates, the bench has thinned.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
“…the flow of fresh political talent rising to statewide and national prominence in the years ahead won’t be as robust as Democrats hope.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
“Ohio Democrats lost every statewide contest in the November midterms, allowing the GOP to build supermajorities in both legislative chambers. Democrats won just a quarter of races last year for county commissioner—the local masters of land-use rules, as well as county roads, jails and a host of other government services.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)
“The losses in Ohio are the consequences of failing to develop a strong corps of local officeholders and the campaign machinery to support them, Democrats in the state say.” (WSJ, 7/20/15)