Russo Down, But Not Out in Cleveland Council Race

Ohio blogger Tim Russo, who passed on the traditional filing deadline at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections last week, is apparently not finished sniffing around the Cleveand Ward 14 race. According to Russo, he is giving serious consideration to a write-in challenge to those candidates who made it onto the ballot including current Cleveland Councilmen Joe Santiago and Brian Cummins, former Councilman Nelson Cintron, and Cintron's former staffer, Rick Nagin. To qualify as a write-in, Russo would likely need a smaller number of signatures, but obviously still wouldn't appear on the ballot. However, it should qualify him for the numerous debates and candidate forums. That alone makes it worth the price of admission.

While it's unlikely Russo could finish first in the primary, his entry as a write-in makes life harder for his opponents and potentially sets him up as the alternative choice in the race. Furthermore, the simplicity of his name makes it easy for anyone wanting to cast a "none of the above" vote to do so. All they've got to remember are two words with fewer than five letters each.

Meanwhile, with the Fourth of July approaching, Councilman joe Santiago is up to it again. This time trying to flip flop after anointing himself as the champion of summertime fun and "saving" the city fireworks show with funds intended to help keep seniors safe, children healthy, and families sheltered. The PD's Henry Gomez has more on this. (Please note...Yes, I'm linking to Henry within 24 hours of PD publication because a.) I think he does good work and deserves to have it read... and b.) he's linked to us in the past and given us credit for things we've reported.)