Brunner was criticized by Lee Falke as “selfish” for indicating she would not work for Fisher if he wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
Falke, former Montgomery County prosecutor and a longtime Democratic activist, said it was Brunner’s second act of selfishness, the first being her decision to put her hat in the ring for Senate. Many Democrats wanted Brunner to run for reelection so that she could keep her spot on the state apportionment board that redraws legislative districts.
Brunner has spoken of the importance of Democratic unity but last week, as a poll indicated she was falling further behind, Brunner was asked by a reporter how much she would work for Fisher if he wins. Brunner held up her hand and formed a zero.
“Im disappointed,” said Fisher on Monday. “But I am very confident that we will unify, that the Democratic party will unify.”
He plans to reach out to Brunner whether he wins or loses.
The winner on Tuesday will face Republican Rob Portman, a former Cincinnati-area congressman and former U.S. trade representative.
Brunner is a “good Democrat” but has always said she has not and will not endorse or publicly support any candidate because she is Ohio’s chief elections official, said David Dettman, her campaign manager.
“Jennifer Brunner has fiercely guarded the independence of the office of secretary of state,” Dettman said in an emailed response. “She has said for months that if she wins the primary she will continue the delegation of authority she signed that shifted some of her responsibility to senior staff. If she loses the primary, she will resume all of her duties and continue to be an impartial secretary of state.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7455 or lhulsey@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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