Winburn says he had fun

Charlie Winburn arrived at his Hamilton Avenue headquarters shortly before 10 p.m. to a standing ovation from about 50 supporters, who, moments before, had been deadly silent when they learned the final results.

"First of all, I want to tell you we won tonight,'' Winburn said to thunderous applause and shouts from the audience. "I still have the city of Cincinnati. I still have my wife and family.

"You don't have to worry about me,'' said Winburn, with his wife and three children at his side.

"I'm at peace. I've had more fun than I have ever had before. The only thing I am disappointed about is that I won't get to lock people up.''

Winburn said that "within 24 hours, I will announce who I am backing for mayor.''

Councilman Chris Monzel, a Republican who supported Winburn's candidacy, showed up at Winburn headquarters shortly before 10 p.m.

Winburn was the last of the major candidates to enter the race, and Monzel said he is convinced that if Winburn had had more time, "the outcome would have been different.''

"He only had eight weeks to try to pull this off,'' Monzel said.

-- H.W.