Another Dem enters Ohio secretary of state race

COLUMBUS (AP) — Another Democrat has entered the 2010 race for the job of Ohio’s elections chief.

State Rep. Jennifer Garrison of Marietta announced her candidacy for secretary of state at a news conference Monday.

Garrison will compete against fellow Democrat and Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown and Republican state Sen. Jon Husted in the race for the seat being vacated by Democrat Jennifer Brunner. Brunner is running for the U.S. Senate.

In the latest campaign fundraising period, Husted raised nearly 10 times more than Brown.

The secretary of state is Ohio’s top elections official. The office is vital politically for both parties because it holds a seat on the state Apportionment Board, which draws legislative districts.