Rep. Betty Sutton, a Copley Township Democrat, as she gives her victory speech Tuesday as she celebrates her re-election victory over Republican challenger Tom Ganley. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Copley Township Democratic Rep. Betty Sutton said this morning that she plans to seek election to a newly reconfigured congressional seat drawn to favor freshman Republican Rep. Jim Renacci of Wadsworth.
"There is no doubt that Republicans targeted me in redistricting by dividing up my current congressional district into five pieces," Sutton said in an interview. "However, we are not daunted. We know that working hard and working with the people in the 16th district beside us, we are going to achieve victory. I am looking forward to getting out there, visiting their neighborhoods, listening to their concerns and fighting their fights."
More
- The Plain Dealer's interactive congressional district map
- Betty Sutton coverage
- Jim Renacci coverage
Renacci, 53, has already filed his re-election petitions at Cuyahoga County's board of elections. Sutton, 48, said she will file hers before the close of business today.
The new district includes parts of Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Portage and Stark counties, and all of Wayne County. Sutton and Renacci both live within its boundaries.
Her announcement sets up a high profile battle between incumbents who weathered tough contests in 2010. In that year's GOP wave, Renacci ousted incumbent Democrat John Boccieri with 52 percent of the vote. Sutton got 56 percent of the vote against car dealer Tom Ganley.
Renacci issued a statement today saying, "At a time when career politicians and Washington insiders have ground our political system to a halt, I have been using my experience in business to advance bipartisan solutions to the significant challenges we face as a nation. Regardless of who decides to enter next year’s race, I will continue to work tirelessly to improve the economy and bring jobs back to northeast Ohio. Serving the people of the 16th District is an honor, and it will remain my sole focus."