The November election for the congressional seat in Ohio's 15th CD should be a spirited one. Trends show that Democrats are gaining strength throughout the district. Here are some points to ponder from data provided by CQ Politics:
* Democratic congressional candidates have been gaining more votes in every election and Republicans have been winning by smaller percentages.
* Mary Jo Kilroy, the Democratic candidate for the 15th, has a much larger campaign war chest than her Republican opponent.
* Much of the criticism that retiring GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce has received has been her overwhelming support of banks, big oil, big pharmaceuticals, insurance companies, and large corporations instead of her constituents. This time, the GOP candidate is a former bank lobbyist who has made no apologies for his support of banks/lending institutions instead of consumers.
* Worthington and Upper Arlington, two suburbs in the 15th, were once solidly Republican. Today these two suburbs are bluer and large Progressive groups have attracted residents and volunteers for Democratic candidates.
* Closed restaurants, home foreclosures, and business failures will force many voters to support candidates that offer solutions to economic problems.