Attorney Sharen Neuhardt (D) has joined state Sen. Steve Austria (R) on the airwaves in south central Ohio’s 7th district. Rep. David Hobson (R) is retiring from the Republican-leaning seat.

The spot, “Spiral,” capitalizes on the state’s economic condition. It is playing on network stations in the Dayton and Columbus media markets, according to the campaign.

“Our economy, jobs in a downward spiral,” says an announcer. “Incompetent career politicians in Washington pocket money from Wall Street and we pay the bill. Steve Austria is another career politician. Austria supported Bob Taft’s failed economic polices and sided with corporate lobbyists over working people. We don’t need more Steve Austrias in Washington. Sharen Neuhardt fights for working families and real change.”

“I’m Sharen Neuhardt and I approve this message because if we’re ever going to change how things work here, we have to change who we send there,” Neuhardt says at the end of the spot.

Despite the Republican lean of the district, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was optimistic enough about Neuhardt’s chances that it recently put her on its “Red to Blue” list, which features the committee’s 55 most promising challengers in the country.

EMILY’s List: Fudge the Tasty Treat in Cleveland

EMILY’s List has endorsed Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia Fudge (D), the party’s nominee for the Cleveland-area 11th district.

Fudge is seeking to follow in the footsteps of her mentor and former boss, the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D), who died suddenly on Aug. 20. Jones was a supporter and frequent spokeswoman for the abortion-rights organization.

“A longtime friend and adviser to Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Mayor Marcia Fudge has the experience and dedication to continue the late Congresswoman’s legacy,” EMILY’s List President Ellen Malcolm said.

The 11th district, which covers east Cleveland and its suburbs, is a reliable seat for Democrats. Fudge is expected to win both the general election on Nov. 4 and the special election later that month to serve out the remaining couple of weeks in Jones’ term.