OH-14

I can't vote there anymore but I'm fascinated by the political earthquake that took place in the district this week. After not only serving 9 terms in the House, but actually winning this year's primary and being a shoo-in for yet another term, Steve Latourette announced this week he's going to retire after this term. It's hard out there for a moderate. Apparently if you're not completely insane, your future in the Republican party isn't very bright these days.

Both parties scrambled Tuesday to assess their prospects in the 14th district in the wake of Rep. Steven LaTourette’s surprise retirement.

With the GOP Congressman’s decision to delay his retirement long enough to avoid a special primary, Republicans were confident that they could choose a successor capable of holding the moderately GOP-leaning district in November.

But Ohio Democrats are moving to replace their nominee, Dale Blanchard, with a top-tier contender, and whether they’re successful could determine their ability to put this winnable seat in play. [...]

“These are some of our best organized counties,” Ohio Republican consultant Barry Bennett said. “These guys fight for their lives, so they get it.”

Neither the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee nor the Ohio Democratic Party could comment specifically on any effort to persuade Blanchard to drop his candidacy so that he could be replaced in similar fashion with a viable candidate. If Blanchard does drop out, expect Democrats to invest in this seat, which is considered a perfect fit for the moderate LaTourette but highly competitive without him.

Why replace perennial candidate Dale Blanchard? Well, the guy isn't a pro, he's a sacrificial lamb. Take a look at his campaign website: it's horrific.

But despite Democratic hopes that he can be replaced, he doesn't appear to be going anywhere:

Solon Democrat Dale Virgil Blanchard said Thursday morning that he has no intention of dropping out as the Democratic Party’s nominee for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

Blanchard, an accountant, who has run for the position every two years since 2000, has felt energized since U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township, announced he would not seek re-election.

“Under no circumstances am I going to drop out,” Blanchard said. “I have no reason to do it. I’m the one who wants it.” [...]

A shame; that would've been a nice pickup.