I am appalled at the suggestion that the ODP is now considering endorsing a candidate in the upcoming Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Two of the core principles governing our party are inclusiveness and party unity: there is, at least in theory, a place for every Ohio Democrat in the ODP.

Those principles have been well-served, in my view, by the current, spirited primary race for the nomination for U.S. Senate. In my 30 years in Ohio, I have rarely seen so much engagement by rank-and-file Democrats in a senatorial primary.

Many of the people I have met during this primary contest tell me, in fact, that while they have been involved in the Presidential primary system, they have never been involved in a statewide primary race, and they have been energized and excited by this race.

For the ODP to endorse at this point in the contest will be tantamount to telling those newly engaged activists that they were fools to think that the Ohio Democratic Party was anything other than a machine run by political insiders.

And let’s be truthful about the other significant impact: by endorsing at this point, the ODP also runs a significant risk of alienating the 50% of the citizens who conclude by reason thereof that the ODP lacks simple respect for the now-unendorsed candidate whom they have been supporting as well as for the supporters themselves.

Since one cannot identify any benefit to the ODP itself that would inure from such an endorsement and given the potential damage to the ODP from such a move at this time, there simply is no rational justification for such conduct, especially in light of the fact that the two candidates have just agreed to a public debate.

In the face of these facts, for the ODP to go forward and endorse in the race will disserve those basic principles of inclusion and party unity.

If the ODP wants to see a Democrat capture the open U.S. Senate seat in November, let’s start by demonstrating that we are worthy of it by honoring our principles during what remains of the primary season. Otherwise, it will be hard to tell the difference between us and the Republicans.

And if it was ever important for us to clearly distinguish ourselves from the Republicans, this is both the time and the race.

Thank you for your careful consideration of my views.