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Gains eyes 2010 run to succeed Brunner
The Ohio Democratic chairman is ‘impressed’ with the county prosecutor.
YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains is giving serious consideration to running in the Democratic primary for Ohio secretary of state next year.
“I’m leaning towards running,” said Gains, county prosecutor since 1996. “There are so many variables involved, primarily money” in making a final decision.
Gains is talking to people, including national fund-raising firms, about his campaign.
Gains estimates it would cost between $3 million and $5 million to run a successful campaign for secretary of state.
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a fellow Democrat, plans not to seek re-election next year and instead run for the U.S. Senate. She and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher are the top two Democratic candidates for that office.
With Brunner leaving, state Rep. Jennifer Garrison of Marietta and Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown have announced plans to run in next year’s Democratic primary for the job.
The leading Republican candidate for the post is state Sen. Jon Husted of Kettering, a former speaker of the Ohio House.
Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern said Gains would be a “credible candidate” for secretary of state.
“I think he is a terrific prosecutor, he’s got strong name recognition in the Valley, and he’s built a very strong following in the Valley and among other prosecutors in the state,” Redfern said. “I’m impressed with his record of service and his candor.”
Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras called Gains “one of the best public servants in our region” and looks forward to discussing the campaign with him.
“Paul’s prosecutorial and investigative experience, his proven ability to fight corruption, and his commitment to public service would make him a compelling candidate if he decides to enter the race, and would make him an outstanding secretary of state when he wins, as I believe he will if he runs,” Betras said.
Gains attracted national attention in December 1996, a month after winning his first four-year term as prosecutor, when local mob figures ordered a hit on him in an attempt to keep him from taking office. Gains was wounded in the shooting at his home.
The shooting was profiled in 2001 on “City Confidential,” a show on A&E, and repeated several times on the cable-television network.
“I have a hell of a story to tell,” Gains said. “Unquestionably, no one else has that story.”
skolnick@vindy.com