Is Mallory's Replacement a loyal Democrat?

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   Eric Kearney, former CEO of a newspaper publishing company, attorney, and Dartmouth College graduate, was chosen to succeed Mark Mallory last month in the State Senate after Mallory resigned to assume his new elected position of Cincinnati Mayor. But there has been local mumbling about where Kearney's political loyalities really lie, given his campaign contributions in the past. Kearney has donated to Ken Blackwell's Secretary of State and Treasurer campaigns and Joe Deters' State Treasurer campaign. Apparently, Kearney has also never voted in a Democratic Primary election before. Indeed, Kearney's first run for public office was for Cincinnati City Council in 1993 and he ran as a Charterite, not a Democrat. This has made some Cincinnati Democrats uneasy with the choice and led to Senate Minority Leader CJ Prentiss (D-Cleveland) writing an op-ed in the Cincinnati Enquirer defending the choice. Kearney's appointment spells doom for former Vice Mayor of Cincinnati Alicia Reece, who is still looking for a way to advance her political career. Kearney has already drawn one primary opponent in St. Rep. Catherine Barrett, but I'd have to give the edge to Kearney at this point. Kearney's relative youth, nice personality, and likeability should carry him through. If Kearney fends off Barett's challenge in the primary, he will most likely face former Cincinnati City Councilman Charlie Winburn (R) in the general election.

Commentary: Given Winburn's outspoken social stances, I'm not sure who I would personally support in such a matchup. Kearney has an impressive resume and is not like the other Cincinnati politicians who are only concerned about holding an elected position at all times (a la Pat DeWine and Alicia Reece). I suppose only time and Kearney's voting record in the next year will tell. Leslie Ghiz anyone?