GOP party in Columbus is heating up

Republicans sure are punctual. The GOP election night party started at 7:30 p.m. and less than an hour later, the ballroom is quickly filling up. There are probably about 200 people here now. Maybe it helps that there’s an open bar? At least a few people are already clinking glasses.

The mood here is giddy cautions. Some people are on their cell phones. Others are standing in small clusters talking. Some women are dressed up in black cocktail dresses. Many are wearing Ohio State University gear.

Two large-screen TV sets are playing CNN, blaring out through the room. A flag is hung between the TV screens. Red, white and blue balloons adorn the room while a giant “Blackwell for governor” sign sits off to the side. Early poll results have already indicated Democrat Ted Strickland will win that race.

No sign of Sen. Mike DeWine's campaign.