Strong governor’s race will benefit Ohioans

The 2018 Ohio governor’s race just got a whole lot more combative with Thursday’s announcement that two powerhouse candidates are teaming up.

The primary ticket of Mike DeWine, currently Ohio’s attorney general, and Jon Husted, the secretary of state, now leads the field in campaign cash, with a combined $8 million-plus on hand at the mid-year reporting period. GOP contender Mary Taylor was trailing badly in fundraising, while U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci had loaned his campaign $ 4 million.

By teaming up, DeWineHusted conserve cash for a November fight and avoid fighting that would weaken the other.

This disadvantages both GOP and Democratic contenders, especially Richard Cordray, who is expected to enter the race this week. He narrowly lost the A.G.’s office to DeWine eight years ago and ended up in Washington, heading the embattled Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. While Cordray would have to play catchup in fundraising, he easily has the strongest name recognition in a robust Democratic field. And he has the right friends.

In 2014, the Democrats tapped a poorly vetted and wholly unprepared candidate for governor, then-Cuyahoga County Administrator Ed FitzGerald, who, it turned out — rather suspiciously — didn’t have a valid driver’s license. This time around, the field of candidates is largely exemplary, with deep experience in government. Leading candidates in both parties have a reputation for integrity and excellent administrative skills. Debate should be fierce, intelligent and enlightening.

Ohioans will be the winner in this race.