Greg Harris (Ohio)

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Greg Harris is an American politician of the Democratic party who challenged incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot's bid for re-election in 2004. Harris lost the general election twice - first 65-35% in 2002 and then 59-41% in 2004. In 2002 Harris ran after the original Democratic candidate dropped out. Harris was a director of a local public policy organization, and had little public name recognition. As a late entry, Harris focused his 2002 campaign on voter registration and developing a grassroots infrastructure to support a 2004 bid. Harris' race in 2004 encouraged the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) to target the race in 2006, although Harris decided against a third run, despite support from Paul Hackett and Congressman (and 2006 Democratic Gubernatorial candidate) Ted Strickland.

Harris race was named to Howard Dean's "Dean Dozen" in 2004. While Ohio's First Congressional District is largely Catholic and right of center, Harris ran as an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq and in support of such causes as universal healthcare, energy inependence, campaign finance reform, and increased education funding. Harris was endorsed by the progressive Cincinnati weekly magazine, CityBeat, as well as the region's African American newspaper, the Cincinnati Herald; while critics contended that Harris' candidacy was the result of a political establishment that was out of touch with the local electorate and the needs of the natural Democratic constituents in the city - African Americans.

Harris' only victory in a contested election came in 2004 against former Sen. Bill Bradley press secretary Richard Lerner (primary.)

Democratic party primary election results:

Candidate Votes Percentage
Greg Harris 18,284 61
Richard Lerner 11,674 39

See also:

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