Analysis of the US State/Territory Governorships in the 1986 Midterms (Part VII)
*OHIO
Ohioans were shocked when former four-term Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes announced his candidacy on seeking the Governorship again. Incumbent Ohio Governor Dick Celeste and the Ohio Democrats delicately balanced hitting Rhodes, often referring to him as "Part of the generation of Ohio Politics in the past" and "Turning the Page on the Past". As the campaign wore on, key segments of Ohioans were incensed by Celeste's controversial campaign attacks and despite polling surveys showing Celeste leading by double digits, the incumbent Democratic Governor's lead in the polls steadily faded and faded, resulting in a shocking major upset victory by Rhodes, who secured an unprecedented fifth term.
*OKLAHOMA (Open)
Former United States Senator and former Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon defeated political newcomer, David Walters in a very close election with 48 percent of the statewide vote. Walters told reporters he intends to seek the Governorship again in 1990: it's unknown whether Bellmon will seek reelection to a historic third term in four years.
*OREGON (Open)
Former US Transportation Deputy Secretary Neil Goldschmidt held off former Oregon Secretary of State Norma Paulus inside the Beaver State: Goldschmidt is viewed as one of the rising stars of the Democratic Party and a potential contender for either the United States Senate or the Presidency in the future.
COMING UP IN CHAPTER 22 OF THE AMERICAN REPUBLIC: Part VIII of the Analysis of the US State/Territory Governorships in the 1986 Midterm elections.