State rep: Dems have to focus on all 88 counties

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by Deborah Guziak

Reporter

The Democratic party must address all 88 counties in the state to prevail in the elections, said state Rep. Chris Redfern.

Redfern, a Democrat from Catawba Island Township who represents the 80th district, spoke Oct. 19 at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner hosted by the Federated Democratic Women of Portage County.

He laid out the strategy the party must use in the next 13 months should it wish to place more Democrats, including the president, in office.

"John Kerry and John Edwards focused on 16 counties," said Redfern, the state Democratic chair. "They spent every dime campaigning there, and we saw how that went down."

Gov. Ted Strickland used the technique of campaigning in every county, Redfern said, adding that many Republicans voted for him in the last election.

The same was true for state Sen. Sherrod Brown, who, like Strickland, is a Democrat.

Redfern's short talk was motivational, encouraging the Democrats to work hard together to approach each county; to talk with the residents; and for those Democrats who currently hold a public office, they need to help their party in any way they can.

"We'll turn a few heads next year because we've worked together," Redfern said.

The Democratic women's group also recognized Leota and Sam Reale as the 2007 Democrats of the Year.

"She's a real go-getter, always willing to help," said Bonnie Howe, county recorder, who presented the award to the surprised couple.

"Even when they were going through rough times, they never let down the Federated Democratic Women."

Editor's note: Guziak is a reporter for the Record-Courier.