Thomas O'Grady decided a few months ago to run for congress in the Ohio 10th, a district that includes Cleveland and some western suburbs. He plans to make the official announcement tomorrow. The retried Army intelligence officer and green beret says he's had successes in the city's top job. However, he's convinced he's done all he can in the office.
Thomas O'Grady: "I've recognized that there are things that I cannot fix from this office. I cannot fix jobs or education or healthcare as a city mayor."
Candidates must file to run for Congress by Jan 4. On Wednesday, Kucinich's D.C. Office was still declining comment on whether he would run. A written statement chastising Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, who announced Tuesday that he would seek the seat, has been Kucinich's only mention of these latest challengers. Rosemary Palmer, a former journalist and teacher whose son was killed in Iraq and Barbara Ferris, who worked with the Peace Corps and United Nations, are also running.
O'Grady says he supports a phased withdrawal from Iraq. And, he says, he's the only candidate you won't hear bashing Kucinich.
He also won't badmouth county Democratic leaders, who have been quoted saying none of the contenders can beat Kucinich.
O'Grady's term as mayor ends in 2009.
Kymberli Hagelberg, 90.3