Are you sure you want Blackwell's job?

Greg Hartmann, Hamilton County Clerk of Courts and the Republican candidate for Secretary of State just walked in with his campaign consultant, Mark Weaver, and campaign director Robert Kovey.

Already, TV crews are asking Hartmann, who was unchallenged in the primary election, whether he really wants Ken Blackwell's chaotic job.

On WBNS-TV in Columbus, Hartmann promises to "improve access and improve innovation."

Earlier tonight, Hartmann said he met his Democratic opponent for the first time. He ran into former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Brunner at Du Amici, the same downtown restaurant where Gov. Bob Taft celebrated his bond issue victory in November.

"She's very nice,'' said Hartmann, dressed in a snappy blue striped tie and Navy suit. "We're going to have a spirited campaign.''

One Republican said he was in a campaign pool, betting on the Blackwell primary race against Jim Petro race. He predicted a margin of 15 percentage points.

"That's great color," I said.

"You can't print that,'' he said en route to the parties for Petro and Treasurer Jennette Bradley at the Athletic Club.

There are about 100 Blackwell supporters here now, about 10 minutes to 9, some of them watching Bill O'Reilly grill someone about immigration on a big-scheme TV. Now Rush Limbaugh is on with O'Reilly.