Major new primary opponent for Kucinich - Dean DePiero

[oberliner]

From "Buckeye State Blog":

Dean DePiero, Mayor of Parma - Ohio's seventh largest city with 80,000 residents - is tossing his hat into the Primary carnival to take out Democratic Congressman and presidential wannabe Dennis Kucinich. While BSB followed up on rumors of Dean's interest back in May, nothing ever came of it. Until now.

Over the weekend I spoke with two reliable sources. One source confirmed that he had spoken with Dean directly, and Dean claimed to be committed to the race. Another source confirmed that throughout the summer (notably August) DePiero had been busy cultivating donors. Also, I've heard multiple whispers that a poll may've been commissioned already, but I don't have further info there.

I have no details on kick off, entrance, official word from Dean or any of that. Calls placed to DePiero's campaign office on Wednesday have gone unreturned. However, I repeat, one of my sources spoke with DePiero directly, and Dean claimed he was in the race.

http://www.swingstateproject.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=794

[Bryan]

1. That makes what, TWO notable primary challengers?

This character and the previously announced Rosemary Palmer? Maybe Kucinich should go home and mend fences lest he lose his seat...

[oberliner]

2. Rosemary Palmer is a "politcal outsider"

Whereas DePiero is an Ohio mayor.

[WCGreen]

3. I'm sorry but Rosemary Palmer is not a notable challenger...

Dean DePiero is...

The mayor of the largest suburb in the district, the best Friend of County Prosecutor Bill Mason, a close Friend of State democratic chairman Chris Refern, a good friend of County Chairman Jimmy Dimora, the captain of the second best on the ground force in Cuyahoga County (Dennis has a better volunteer base), and a guy who can raise lots and lots of cash in a heartbeat...

DePiero would not be even thinking about it if he hadn't run a poll...

I know Dean and the most important factor in all of this is he can run from cover...

He doesn't have to give up his seat to try and run against Dennis...

I heard this all the way back in January...

I am not privy to any special insider information it's just that I know all the players in this drama having spent the better part of a decade on the inside looking out as DePiero went from Ward Councilman in Parma to state rep to mayor...

[Bryan]

4. Thanks for the detail!

I love it when DUers fill in these races for those of us who aren't local to them. Thanks.