Petro never expected to win Hamilton County

Ohio Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Jim Petro gives his concession speech in Columbus, Ohio. Petro lost the primary to Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell. (Photo by Jay LaPrete/The Associated Press)

Just a minute before 11 p.m., Jim Petro came back to his party to tell his supporters what they already knew - that he'd lost.

"You are all terrific,'' he said. "And I've got to tell you. This is more fun than winning. Almost. Not quite.''

He said he called Ken Blackwell on the only number he had for him, his cell phone. He left a message, then called again.

"It's interesting to leave a voicemail congratulatory message, but I was pleased to do so.''

Blackwell started campaigning two years ago, he said, had the advantage and could build on it.
He called the Blackwell campaign masterful.

"We didn't quite make it,'' Petro said. "But because of the effort of so many of you here....''

He thanked "the major newspapers in Ohio, with one exception.'' And when he started ticking off counties that supported him, someone yelled, "Hamilton!''

Petro said, "Where? They didn't endorse me.''

"I never expected it in Hamilton County,'' he said laughing, "but it was a nice effort.''

"I always told myself, from the first time I ran for office, if you're not prepared to lose, don't run. We were prepared to put forth the best campaign we possibly could.''

He said he wanted to campaign on truthfulness, facts and dignity. "I think we did all of that too.''

Regardless of what he does next, he said, "I am truly blessed. And I'm a winner.''