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Ohio Primary Battles Loom for Senate, Boehner’s Seat

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CINCINNATI (AP) – Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has made it clear from the start of his Senate run that he’s focused on the Republican incumbent. But he still has a primary to win.

Strickland has mostly treated a spirited primary challenge by Cincinnati councilman P.G. Sittenfeld as a pesky annoyance. At an editorial board meeting in Cleveland Strickland said he didn’t see a reason to give Sittenfeld a platform.

The 74-year-old Strickland has state Democratic Party support and President Barack Obama’s endorsement. The 31-year-old Sittenfeld has the endorsement of former Gov. Dick Celeste and some other veteran Democrats.

Republican Rob Portman also has a primary, but his campaign has also been anticipating a race with Strickland

Fifteen Republicans vie to succeed former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner in his western Ohio district.