Strickland 1, Cordray 0

The hits keep coming for Team Cordray.

If there was an award for worst week in Ohio politics it would have to go to Team Cordray for the debacle that was Wednesday night’s attempt to remove Chris Redfern as state party chair.

As I discussed Thursday, the real story behind the attempted ousting of Redfern is the battle between the Cordray and Strickland camps of the party.  Both want to run for Governor in 2014 and having a supporter as state party chairman gives them a real advantage entering a primary.  It was no surprise that Redfern easily kept his position but, just as I predicted Thursday, the real problems are just starting.

A Buzzfeed article from Friday titled “Ohio Democrats Blame Top Obama Official For Party Battle,” is probably not a headline that Team Cordray wanted coming out of their attempt to oust Redfern.

The article highlights Democrats deep dissatisfaction with Cordray’s tactics and their irritation that he’s putting himself above the interests of the party.  Despite protests to the contrary from his top political aide, it’s hard to believe that Cordray wasn’t somehow in the know on what was happening on Wednesday night. 

What’s even worse is that some of the Democrat county chairman approached by Team Cordray are talking on the record.  Chairmen in Mahoning, Hamilton and Montgomery Counties all expressed disapproval with Cordray’s tactics when they spoke with Buzzfeed.

David Betras from Mahoning County has my favorite quote; "Anyone that would spearhead this and get the ass kicking that they took doesn't know much about politics."  Ouch.  That might make for an uncomfortable meeting when Cordray comes to Mahoning County during the primary.

At the end of the day the coup attempt by Cordray supporters was much ado about nothing.  They clearly didn’t come close to accomplishing anything other than making themselves look bad in the eyes of the voters whose support they will soon need. 

So in addition to being illegally appointed to his position and greatly expanding the power of his office, Richard Cordray is burning bridges with Democrats throughout Ohio. 

If Team Cordray keeps this up I think it’s only fair for the Strickland folks to send him a thank you card for ending the 2014 primary before it even starts.