A third Ohioan Republican representative is calling it quits. David Hobson represents Ohio’s Seventh District. Like his retiring colleague, Ralph Regula (OH-16), he sits on the Appropriations committee. Deborah Price(OH-15), a former member of the House leadership, is the other retiree. That’s a lot of firepower to lose from one state. Add in the unexpected death of Paul Gillmor (OH-05) and the likely retirement of Steve Chabot (OH-01) and it is getting very lonely for Minority Leader John Boehner (OH-08). Things are looking very grim for the GOP in Ohio and it will be almost impossible for the Republicans to retain the White House without winning the Buckeye State.
At this point, it’s hard to say which districts are safe-Republican districts. A new poll (.pdf) shows Rep. Don Young (AK-At Large) trailing Ethan Berkowitz 46%-51%. And the GOP is begging Steve Pearce (NM-02) not to run for the Senate because they don’t want to leave his House seat open. He won re-election with 60% of the vote. What does that tell you?
