|

Lindsay chosen as 6th District delegate

With the Ohio primary election approaching in March, Democrats in the state's 6th District met in a caucus in Marietta on Jan. 3, to elect delegates for the Democratic National Convention in August.

During the caucus, more than 200 people from the 12 counties that represent Ohio's 6th District voted for three men, two women and a female alternate to represent them at the DNC in Denver, Colo., on Aug. 25-28. Determining which delegates go to the convention will be dependent on the outcome of the primary election on March 4, with the six delegates being divided among presidential candidates who receive at least 15 percent of the votes.

One of the delegates chosen was Tom Lindsay, of Wheelersburg, who was elected as delegate for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's campaign. If Clinton receives the party nomination, Lindsay will get to represent Ohio's 6th District at the DNC. This is his first time serving as a delegate, and he said he still doesn't know what to expect.

“I've been involved in politics for a long time now, through the boiler maker's union on the political end. And I think it's been three or four years now, I've been the vice-chair of the Scioto County Democratic Party,” Lindsay said.

He said he chose Clinton because she is experienced and already knows the workings of the White House, and believes she would represent the working class well.

“I'm a retired boiler maker, and I know what it's like to get out there and work everyday. Believe me, it's just getting harder and harder to do it,” Lindsay said.

He also agrees with her position on children's health care.

Lindsay has been involved with many local campaigns, including Kerry/Edwards in 2004, and past campaigns for senators Sherrod Brown and Charlie Wilson and Ohio Gov. - and Scioto County native - Ted Strickland. His wall is adorned with photos of himself with such politicians as Clinton, Barack Obama and Strickland.

Local rumors persist Strickland is on the “short list” of potential vice-presidential candidates. Rumors often place him on a Clinton/Strickland ticket.

“That sounds great. I think Ted would really do what's best for Ohio, whichever position he should choose. Whether it be as vice president, or whether it be to stay as governor,” Lindsay said.

He said adding Strickland to any ticket could be a major boost to any candidate, citing Ohio historically has been a swing state with many electoral votes.

“Ohio traditionally elects the president. It did the last two terms with Clinton and it did the last two terms with Bush,” Lindsay said.

Keith Dailey, a spokesman for Strickland's office, said the governor has no desire to seek the nomination.

“The governor has absolutely no interest in serving in the vice-presidency, or on a national ticket. He loves being governor and he feels an obligation to the people of Ohio to serve out his term,” Dailey said. “If he is drafted, he will not run. If he is nominated, he will not accept. If he is elected, he will not serve.”

Lindsay said there almost are twice as many Democrats in Scioto County as there are Republicans, but also said there are nearly three times as many Independents as there are Democrats. He said he believes people want a change from Republican leadership, and said the key to this election will be motivating the Independent base.

“These Independents, each election, are slowly and slowly going to the Democrat side. It's just time for a change,” he said. “Hopefully it'll be Hillary, but no matter who they run, it will be a Democrat because everybody is really tired of what Bush has done.”

Following the primary election on March 4, the Ohio General Election will be Nov. 4, 2008.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235.