Dems in governor’s race to debate Tuesday

With Republican Gov. John Kasich required to leave office in early 2019, the field of candidates wanting to replace him is large and possibly growing.

The four declared Democratic candidates will gather Tuesday evening in Martins Ferry for the first debate of the primary season.

It will be the first of three Democratic debates in 2017. Three more will be held in 2018 before the March primary, party officials said.

Participating in the first debate will be former state Rep. Connie Pillich of Montgomery, state Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of Copley and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.

Also said to be mulling a bid for the Democratic nomination are Richard Cordray, director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and television talk-show host Jerry Springer, but neither has announced he is running.

On the Republican side, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci of Wadsworth and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor are running. They are to participate in a forum at Genoa Baptist Church near Westerville on Oct. 8.

By going to eastern Ohio to kick off primary season, Democrats might be trying to reintroduce themselves to a struggling region that Republican Donald Trump dominated in winning the November presidential election. In Belmont County, home to Martins Ferry, he received 68 percent of the vote.

The Democratic debate will start at 7 p.m. at Martins Ferry High School, 5000 Ayers Limestone Road. To be placed in a pool for tickets, text DEBATE to 90975.