This is great news for Ohio Democrats, if true. Clears primary for Senate, primary for Governor was also cleared today, and puts OH-2 in top competition.

He wouldn't have to change his mind, because it was the opposition putting out the false story to begin with. They even lied in phone calls to other leaders yesterday saying it "was a done deal"

Paul Hackett for Senate, or DeWine keeps it.

Seems like he's not sticking to that plan

Turns out Mr. Hackett didn't stick to the plan that would give the Dems two possible pickups (OH SEN and OH 02) but instead chose to demonstrate that even grown men can act like that little boy we all knew in elementary school who took his ball and went home because no one wanted to play his game.

Mr. Hackett is a talented, honorable man with grand contributions to Ohio and this country. His loss in politics is truly a disservice to the people of Ohio. But his refusal to put OH 02 in play and help recapture DeWine's seat shows that Paul Hackett puts Paul Hackett first....and thankfully, the Party has had enough of that.

http://www.hackettforohio.com/newsroom/128/thank-you

Hacket is NOT running for anything else...

Bad News:

Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.

(...)

I told the voters from the beginning that I am not a career politician and never aspired to be--that I was about leadership, service and commitment.

Similarly, I told party officials that I had given my word to other good Democrats, who will take the fight to the Second District, that I would not run. In reliance on my word they entered the race. I said it. I meant it. I stand by it. At the end of the day, my word is my bond and I will take it to my grave.

(...)

To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.

(...)

Remember, we must retool our party. We must do more than simply aspire to deliver greatness; we must have the commitment and will to fight for what is great about our party and our country; Peace, prosperity and the freedoms that define our democracy.

Rock on.

Paul Hackett

Today I am announcing that I am withdrawing from the race for United States Senate. I made this decision reluctantly, only after repeated requests by party leaders, as well as behind the scenes machinations, that were intended to hurt my campaign.

(...)

To my friends and supporters, I pledge that I will continue to fight and to speak out on the issues I believe in. As long as I have the microphone, I will serve as your voice.

What kind of place can credibly WANT Schmidt in any official capacity?

Forcing Hackett to withdraw so they can run a party hack like Sherrod Brown is why the Dems will keep on losing

So much for the theory of Hackett entering the House race....

Not so fast. Seems this wasn't such a major victory for the DCCC after all.

Hackett dropped out all right, but not to take on "Mean Jean" in OH-02.

We need the excitement of Paul Hackett in our party. He is very articulate, honest, and progressive. Please stay in the fight, Paul!

I saw Mr. Hackett on the Chris Matthews show, 2/20/06. I am very concerned about his pulling out of the race. If I could suggest the internet as a money making vehicle, coupled with perhaps running on a Independent ticket. It's been a long time since any erect, straight talking man, appeared on the political scene or anywhere else for that matter. I hope Mr. Hackett reconsiders his political involvement. The people deserve a voice in their own government.