While it is no secret that the Democratic Party maintains a strong foothold in Athens County, it might surprise some readers to learn that the Democrats of Athens have begun to turn on one another. Susan Gwinn, former chairwoman of the Athens County Board of Elections, recently resigned from her position in order to run against incumbent and fellow Democrat C. David Warren in the upcoming primaries for county prosecutor. The move prompted contempt and confusion among some Ohio Democrats.
This strange political move has left even non-Democrats with one burning question: Why? It is unclear as to why Gwinn is seeking to dethrone Warren. Her actions suggest that she is pursuing some personal vendetta. Gwinn has every right to run ' she is not breaking any laws. But with Athens County firmly in Democratic hands, one has to wonder what purpose such politics have. Warren has served his party and his position well, and Gwinn's candidacy against him seems utterly pointless.
While Gwinn insists that her candidacy will not harm party unity, some of her fellow Democrats, including Ohio party chairman Chris Redfern, disagree. In a presidential election year like 2008, the efforts of a political party should be focused and unified. Gwinn's choice to run against one of her own is a step toward destroying the unity of the Democratic Party in Athens.
Decisions like this go beyond simple party squabbles. Gwinn's decision falls squarely in the realm of political backstabbing. There is no conceivable reason for Gwinn to pursue the office of county prosecutor other than to increase her own power base at the expense of her party's unity. Her decision has rightly drawn criticism from other Ohio Democrats and citizens. No politician, regardless of his or her party affiliations, should so readily cast aside their loyalties in exchange for advancement. Through her actions, Gwinn has shown that her devotion lies with her own self-promotion and not with the people of Athens County.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of the executive editors.
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A riddle: former Democratic chairwoman runs against incumbent of her own party
