Capri Cafaro staying put in the Ohio Senate

By David Skolnick

With U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan giving strong consideration to running next year as Gov. Ted Strickland’s lieutenant governor, a number of politicians are looking to replace him in Congress.

But not Ohio Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro.

A few months ago, Cafaro said she’d be interested in the 17th Congressional District seat if it opened up.

It was a logical move for Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd.

She has impressed long-time political observers with her ability and intelligence.

It also doesn’t hurt that she could raise a boatload of money for a congressional campaign. Though she did that in 2002 and 2004 in failed efforts to win congressional seats in districts outside of the Mahoning Valley.

Since then, she was appointed to replace Marc Dann in the state Senate and ran unopposed for the seat — which includes Trumbull and Ashtabula counties — last year. It was just a few months ago that the Democratic members of the Senate elected her as minority leader.

If Cafaro ran for Congress next year, she wouldn’t have to give up her seat in the Senate because that term doesn’t expire until the end of 2012. Running “safe” is what Ryan did in 2002 when he ran for Congress after less than two years as a state senator.

But Cafaro says she won’t run if Ryan vacates the congressional position.

“I will finish out my commitment as Senate minority leader,” she said. “I’ll fulfill my commitment to my district and my colleagues. I’m not going to run for Congress. We’re in the middle of one of the most challenging times in the state and it would be irresponsible to run for a federal office while working to help the state and the district.”

Cafaro said she’s “always been interested and active in federal policy such as Medicare and long-term care. I now have the opportunity to be on the front line on these issues on the state level.”

Besides, “I really, really like what I do,” she said. “I don’t know if I can get as much accomplished on the federal level” in comparison to the state level.

As for Ryan running for lieutenant governor, it’s something that is far from being definite. But his comments indicate he is leaning toward doing it.

Ryan said if being lieutenant governor helps the Mahoning Valley more than being in the U.S. House, where he serves on the powerful appropriations committee, he’d leave Congress.

He also has his eye on running for governor in 2014. Serving as lieutenant governor allows him to be more visible statewide than being a congressman in the years leading up to the 2014 gubernatorial race assuming Strickland is re-elected next year.

If Ryan vacates the congressional seat, there are plenty of politicians interested in replacing him. With Cafaro out of the picture, that list will grow.

Among those interested are Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti of Poland, former regional director for ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., and state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, a former state senator who lost the 2000 Democratic primary for the House seat to Traficant.

“I’d like to take my issues to a higher office,” Hagan said. “That includes health care issues, advanced technology and job creation.”

Other potential candidates include Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Allen Ryan, Tim Ryan’s brother and political adviser.

Ryan’s interest in lieutenant governor has some of his constituents concerned. I’ve received a number of e-mails and telephone calls from Mahoning Valley residents who don’t want him give up his seat on the appropriations committee.

Though Hagan would like to replace Ryan, he said he tried to “dissuade” Ryan from leaving his congressional position.

The lieutenant governor position is open because Lee Fisher, who currently holds the job, is running next year for a a seat in the U.S. Senate.

Strickland’s decision on a running mate is expected by the end of the month.