Why Republicans lost in Ohio

At least she's not marrying Bob Taft.

State Rep. Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, announced
yesterday that he plans to marry Republican fundraiser Kim Kahlert next
year.

They would like to have Gov.-elect Ted Strickland perform the ceremony,
if Ohio law permits it. Strickland, an ordained Methodist minister and Democrat,
takes office Jan. 8.

Redfern, 42, and Kahlert, 31, met at a political event in March in
Columbus.

"Kim just needs a little direction politically, and I'm providing it,"
joked Redfern, of Catawba Island in northern Ohio.

Franklin County elections records show Kahlert declared herself a
Republican in the May primary. But she said she may be more liberal than Redfern
in some of her views and considers herself an independent.

"As far as social issues, I'm as far on the left as I could possibly
be," she said.