Ashland County Commissioner Matt Miller (R) announced Tuesday that he had received the endorsement of Family First Political Action Committee, which supports candidates who oppose abortion rights and support “traditional marriage, school choice, lower taxes and smaller government,” according to a campaign news release.

“Matt Miller is the only candidate in this race that has balanced a budget without raising taxes,” said Family First Executive Director Lori Viars. “We need that type of fiscal conservatism in Washington.”

Miller seeks to replace retiring Rep. Ralph Regula (R), the longest-serving Member of the Ohio Republican delegation. Online radio talk show host Paul Schiffer and state Sen. Kirk Schuring also are running for the Republican nod, while state Sen. John Boccieri is the Democrat favored to win his party’s nod in the open-seat race.

Miller ran against Regula in the 2006 Republican primary and received 42 percent to the incumbent’s 58 percent of the vote. Regula has endorsed Schuring for the competitive race in a district that includes Canton.

Kucinich to Debate His Democratic Opponents

Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D) has agreed to debate his Democratic challengers in his home city of Cleveland. According to The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer, Kucinich’s staff confirmed he will debate the four other Democrats on Feb. 19.

Kucinich’s Democratic challengers include 2006 candidate Barbara Ferris, North Olmstead Mayor Thomas O’Grady, Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman and anti-war activist Rosemary Palmer. On the Republican side, former state Rep. Jim Trakas (R) is running.

Kucinich, who also is still a presidential candidate, has won with at least 60 percent of the vote every year except his first election in 1996. However, some Ohio pols believe Kucinich’s second quixotic presidential run — after insisting publicly last year he would not make a second bid — would make him an enticing target for both Republicans and Democrats.
— Shira Toeplitz