Pepper's people gather early

At the David Pepper campaign party at the 20th Century Theater in Oakley, the bar was open before the polls closed. Campaign workers decorated the joint with red, white and blue bunting and table cloths, flags and, of course, "We're Pepper People!'' signs. Tiny white Christmas lights hang from the ceiling.

Waiting for the party to start, supporters of the candidate set up electricity for the four television stations already here. Then, they watched "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Entertainment Tonight" on a big screen above the stage where they hope, later, to show more votes rolling in for their man than for opponent Mark Mallory.

On the menu later: spicy chicken wings, bruschetta, veggies and dip. On one table: a Hormel meat tray, advertised as "Great for a Party of 8.''

Among the first in the door: Pepper's girlfriend, former Channel 9 reporter Andrea Canning, who now works for ABC News in Washington, D.C. Soon after came Pepper's father, John, former chairman of Procter & Gamble, wearing a homemade sign: I'm David's Dad.

Derek Blassingame, who first made a name for himself in Cincinnati as a young activist after the April 2001 riots - when he was just 14 - volunteered for Pepper because he said Cincinnati needs a plan and Pepper's got plenty.

"The biggest problem in Cincinnati is that we haven't had a road map,'' Blassingame said. "David Pepper is severely organized and I think that's what Cincinnati needs.''

-- Jane Prendergast