Hagan out, Pepper gains support for ODP chairman

YOUNGSTOWN — Outgoing state Rep. Robert F. Hagan will not seek the Ohio Democratic Party chairmanship and is urging his supporters to back David Pepper for the job.

Pepper, a former Hamilton County commissioner and Cincinnati councilman who lost the state auditor’s race in 2010 and the attorney general’s race last month, said before Hagan’s withdrawal that he has about 90 of the party’s executive committee’s 148 members. The party meets next Tuesday to elect a chairman.

Hagan told The Vindicator this morning he is getting out of the race and is asking his supporters to back Pepper.

Hagan has about 20 votes.

“We’re thrilled to have his support and I’m eager to work with him,” Pepper said of Hagan today.

Also, sources say the state’s four U.S. House members, including Rep. Tim Ryan of Howland, will make an announcement today that they are backing Pepper. Rep. Joyce Beatty of Columbus has already endorsed Pepper.

Sharen Neuhardt, who lost two congressional races and was the party’s lieutenant governor candidate in last month’s disastrous election, is also seeking the position.

She has picked up a number of high-profile backers, including U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Brown said last week that he was whipping votes for Neuhardt and “she’s got way more votes than anyone else.”

However, based on what Pepper has said — and he started providing the names of his supporters Tuesday — and Hagan’s withdrawal gives him more than enough votes to win.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and watch for updates on Vindy.com.