When Jimmy Dimora relinquished his seat atop the Democratic Party Tuesday - he did so in a way that doesn''t allow local party leaders to replace him - by declaring that he was only `temporarily' stepping aside.
In a county considered by most to be Ohio's most important politically, that decision isn't sitting well with state party leadership, including Governor Strickland, and state Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern; who says Dimora's temporary abdication is far short of what's needed.
CHRIS REDFERN: "It's not enough, and to linger on polarizes your constituency. It makes it difficult to raise money, there's guilt by association. It tends to have an impact on candidates and recruitment of candidates; and I just can't stand for it."
Redfern says he has not spoken to Dimora.
He says he's concerned for the party, because even with no indictments, and no convictions, Democratic leaders are already having second thoughts on party operations, fund raising, and even who it should include in its actions.
Also speaking out is the county's Republican Party leader, Rob Frost, who says Dimora needs to show more concern for voters.
ROB FROST: "He's no longer able to do his job. He is more than a distraction, he's a hindrance to the county and its' business being done. He needs to k of the public interest ahead of his personal and partisan intersts, and step down as commissioner immediately."
While not voicing opinion past the party post, a disappointed Redfern says he expects Dimora to rethink his choices, and to leave his position, in weeks, if not sooner.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
