2004 United States Senate election in Ohio

Republican primary

Candidates

• George Voinovich, incumbent U.S. Senator since 1999
• John Mitchel George Voinovich faced only token opposition from John Mitchel, a former Air Force lieutenant colonel, a former Reform Party candidate for governor in 1998, an Independent candidate for U.S. House in 2000 and as a Republican in 2002, both times against congressman David Hobson.

Results

Democratic primary

Candidates

• Eric Fingerhut, State Senator and former U.S. Representative from Ohio's 19th congressional district
• Norbert Dennerll, former Cleveland City Councilman

Declined

• Jerry Springer, host of The Jerry Springer Show and former Mayor of Cincinnati

The early story of the campaign surrounded speculation of whether Jerry Springer would enter the race. Springer, a former mayor of Cincinnati, had previously considered a challenge to the state's other Senator Mike DeWine in 2000, but ultimately passed on it. Among the steps Springer took, included filing papers to run traveling across the state to meet voters, and airing a nationwide 30 minute infomercial for the purpose of fundraising. The infomercial would not be seen in Ohio due to equal time laws. Ultimately, Springer declined a return to public office, citing his inability to distance himself from his infamous talk show's reputation. He also cited his show's contract as playing a role. In all, Springer spent a little over $1 million of his own money on his exploratory campaign.

Had he run, Springer would have faced obstacles, as polling showed that as much as 71% of voters polled held an unfavorable view of him. That same poll also showed that in a prospective contest, Voinovich lead with 77% of the vote to Springer's 16%. After his brief exploration, Springer hinted that in 2006, he would be interested in the open governorship and declined to rule out a Senate bid that year. Ultimately, he would pursue neither bid.

After Springer declined to enter, Fingerhut was seen as the favorite to win the nomination. He only faced token opposition from Norbert Dennerll, a former City Councilman who served in the late 50's and early 60's.

Results

General election

Candidates

• George Voinovich (R), incumbent U.S. Senator and former Governor
• Eric Fingerhut (D), State Senator and former U.S. Representative from Ohio's 19th congressional district
• Helen Meyers (write-in)

Campaign

A popular U.S. Senator, Voinovich was the heavy favorite to win the election virtually from the start. He had over $9 million in the bank, while his opponent barely had $1.5 million. Fingerhut tried to draw attention to his candidacy by walking over 300 miles across the state and meeting with voters. However, he still faced long odds, with many Democratic officials ignoring his campaign and voters not believing in his chances.

Voinovich's biggest advantage was getting support from the most Democratic-leaning county in the state, Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Kerry carried it with almost 67% of the vote, by far his best performance in the state in 2004. It is the home of Cleveland and it is also most populous county in the state. Voinovich was a former mayor of Cleveland. In addition, he catered to Cleveland's large Jewish population by visiting Israel six times as a first-term U.S. Senator. He also consistently voted for aid to Israel through foreign appropriations bills. He's supported resolutions reaffirming Israel's right to self-defense and condemned Palestinian terrorist attacks. In addition, Fingerhut's home base was in the Cleveland area, and therefore he had to cut in through the incumbent's home base in order to even make the election close.

In a September University of Cincinnati poll, the incumbent lead 64% to 34%. In an October ABC News poll, Voinovich was winning 60% to 35%. He led across almost all demographic groups Only among Democrats, non-whites, liberals, and those who pick health care as #1 issue favor Fingerhut. The election coincided with the presidential election, where Ohio was a swing state. 27% of Voinovich's supporters preferred U.S. Senator John Kerry for president.

Predictions

Polling

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

• Monroe (Largest city: Woodsfield)
• Cuyahoga (Largest city: Cleveland)
• Mahoning (Largest city: Youngstown)
• Trumbull (Largest city: Warren)
• Summit (Largest city: Akron)
• Lorain (largest municipality: Lorain)
• Portage (largest city: Kent)
• Belmont (largest city: Martins Ferry)
• Jefferson (largest city: Steubenville)
• Harrison (Largest city: Cadiz)
• Perry (Largest city: New Lexington)
• Pike (Largest city: Waverly)
• Athens (Largest city: Athens)

By congressional district

Voinovich won 17 of 18 congressional districts, including 6 that have Democratic congressman and 5 that voted for John Kerry in the presidential race.

Notes

References

References

1. Drew, James. (2004-02-29). "Underdogs challenge 2 veteran candidates". Toledo Blade.
2. [http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/elections/Research/electResultsMain/2004ElectionsResults/04-0302RepUSSenate.aspx Ohio Secretary of State, 2004 United States Senate Republican primary election results]
3. CBS News/AP. (2003-07-14). "Jerry Springer Nixes Senate Run - CBS News".
4. AP. (2003-07-11). "Jerry Springer Eyes U.S. Senate - CBS News".
5. Associated Press. (1999-08-14). "National News Briefs; Springer Won't Seek Senate Seat in Ohio (Published 1999)".
6. Susman, Gary. (2003-07-11). "Jerry Springer will file papers for Senate run".
7. McCarthy, John. (2003-08-01). "Springer could not separate from show".
8. Associated Press. (2003-07-15). "Jerry Springer takes steps for Senate Race". Reading Eagle.
9. Whittington, Lauren W.. (2003-08-08). "The Other Candidate".
10. Drew, James. (2003-08-07). "Springer won't seek U.S. Senate nomination". Toledo Blade.
11. Whittington, Lauren W.. (2003-10-17). "Springer Spent $1.1M Not to Run".
12. McCarthy, John. (2003-05-11). "Can Jerry Springer get your vote?".
13. Skolnick, David. (2003-03-11). "In poll, Voinovich tops Fingerhut and TV's Springer.". The Vindicator.
14. Noah, Timothy. (2004-07-29). "Rehabilitation Watch". Slate.
15. [http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/elections/Research/electResultsMain/2004ElectionsResults/04-0302DemUSSenate.aspx Ohio Secretary of State, 2004 United States Senate Democratic primary election results]
16. "Archives. Product site". Newsbank.
17. Cleveland 19. (2004-08-30). "Candidate for U.S. Senate to walk 310 miles in Ohioans shoes".
18. (2004-04-02). "Several Mahoning Valley Democratic officials are simply avoiding their party's nominee for the U.S. Senate".
19. Skolnick, David. (2003-10-29). "Fingerhut sets sights on Voinovich's seat". The Vindicator.
20. [https://web.archive.org/web/20121104024352/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-109160310.html HighBeam]
21. "Archives. DDNB Theme". Newsbank.
22. "Poll: Advantage Kerry in Ohio Race".
23. "The Final Predictions".
24. [https://www.surveyusa.com/2004Elec.html SurveyUSA]
25. [http://www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/elections/Research/electResultsMain/2004ElectionsResults/04-1102USSenator.aspx Ohio Secretary of State, 2004 United States Senate general election results]
26. (April 2022). "2000 elections results". Frank LaRose.