3 Cleveland area mayors switch to Dem Party

[OzarkDem]

Just thought we could all use something to rally us as Dems. The Commish is loving it. Don't worry, though, he knows to keep a close eye on them...

3 Republican mayors bolt to Cuyahoga County Democratic Party

Three Cuyahoga County Republican mayors defected to the Democratic Party Tuesday during a primary election marked by wide-scale party hopping.

A fourth mayoral convert is a former Republican who turned independent four years ago. And there could be at least one more, said County Democratic Chairman Jimmy Dimora.

Those who switched are Mayors Kevin Patton of Solon; Kathy Mulcahy of Orange; Jeffrey Lansky of Maple Heights and Sam Alai, the independent of Broadview Heights.

....

Some of the mayors said they changed after political soul-searching and a preference to vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Tuesday.

"George Bush made me feel embarrassed to be a Republican," (Mayor Mulcahy) said. "I'm a Jewish woman who is pro-choice, anti-gun. I was like a woman in the wrong political body."

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1204795956158941.xml&coll=2




On edit: Condolences to Commissioner (and Dem Party Chair) Dimora who lost his beloved father a few weeks ago.

[Auggie]

1. They must be up for re-election

[OzarkDem]

3. These are strong GOP areas

which is why some of them ran as they did. Some of the GOP strongholds in the county saw as many as 70% of their turnout last Tuesday vote Dem. Amazing.

[Auggie]

5. It doesn't make sense

But then, I never could figure Ohio out (and I grew up there).

[movonne]

2. This does not thrill me...we need progressives not blue dogs...

[OzarkDem]

4. We'll keep an eye on them

and make sure they've learned their lesson.

I've always referred to them as "fair weather Dems". In county politics it can mean a lot in getting support for Dem initiatives.