POLITICS Faux pas for GOP governor candidate

Trumbull Republican Chairman Craig Bonar said he's staying neutral.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
It looks like Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro, a 2006 gubernatorial candidate, counted his chickens -- or at least his county GOP chair endorsements -- before they hatched.
Questioned Thursday by a Vindicator reporter, Petro said he has the endorsements of more than half of the state's 88 county Republican chairs.
When pressed for names and counties, Petro -- the guest speaker at the Columbiana County Republican Party's Lincoln Day Dinner at Timberlanes in Salem -- listed Trumbull Republican Chairman Craig Bonar as someone who endorses his gubernatorial bid.
Yet Bonar said Friday he hasn't endorsed any of the three major Republican gubernatorial candidates running next year, and he doesn't plan to endorse any of them before the May 2006 primary.
"I'm staying neutral," Bonar said. "I'm not going to jeopardize Trumbull County or Craig Bonar by endorsing a candidate. After the primary, we'll back the winner."
Running in next year's Republican gubernatorial primary are Petro, Auditor Betty Montgomery and Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell.
"Everyone's asked me for my endorsement," Bonar said. "I've been taken to lunch and dinner repeatedly. But I've told each campaign I won't endorse anyone."
Bonar said the three candidates would all make excellent governors.
Petro's campaign staff couldn't be reached Friday for comment.
Misinterpretation
Also, Dave Johnson -- the former Columbiana Republican chairman who is also a state central committeeman and one of Ohio's most influential Republicans -- said he is not endorsing any of the candidates because he respects all three.
An article in Friday's edition stated Petro had Johnson's endorsement based on statements he made at the Lincoln Day Dinner.
"Jim, you can count on us here in Columbiana County," Johnson told Petro when introducing the attorney general to the audience Thursday.
A day later, Johnson said, "It was merely the way I introduce anyone. When I introduce someone I try to make them feel like they're the most important person in the world."
Ohio Republican Chairman Bob Bennett named Johnson to a committee of about 20 prominent Republicans who will develop a strategy and campaign plan for the party's ticket during next year's general election.
skolnick@vindy.com