OH-5: Nine File for Special Primary Elections

Today was the final day for filing election petitions in Wood County for the November 6th special primary elections in the 5th Ohio Congressional District. Subject to verification of petition signatures, the candidate list looks like this (h/t CQ Politics):

• State Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green)


• State Sen. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta)


• Retiree Michael J. Reynolds (R-Columbus Grove)


• Libertarian business consultant Mike Smitly (R-Van Wert)


• Teacher Mark Hollenbauh (R-Bowling Green)


• Fred Pieper (R)


• Former University Administrator Robin Weirauch (D-Napoleon)


• Dr. Earl Campbell (D-Perrysburg)


• George F. Mays (D-Norwalk)

I received an email earlier today from a reliable source indicating that Sandusky County Commissioner Brad Smith (R-Fremont), who was widely regarded as a strong potential candidate from the eastern reaches of the district, decided against running at the eleventh hour. Smith was not convinced that he had a serious chance of success and is unwilling to play the spoiler or be a pawn. Reportedly he does have future political ambitions, and does not want to do anything to jeopardize his reputation as a sincere public servant.

UPDATE: There is an interview with new Democratic candidate Dr. Earl Campbell here.