It’s still a bit early to discuss the 2014 election year in Ohio, but the first Democratic challenger has filed to run for a statewide position.

David Pepper, a former Cincinnati councilman and Hamilton County commissioner, filed paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office declaring his intent to run for Ohio attorney general.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, a Republican, hasn’t filed to run for re-election, but he likely will.

Pepper also ran statewide in 2010 as a candidate for Ohio auditor, but lost to Auditor Dave Yost, a Republican.

Other Democrats considering statewide bids and who may file in the near future are Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald for governor and state Sen. Nina Turner of Cleveland for Ohio secretary of state.

The U.S. Senate failing to move forward with gun control legislation may have jump-started another political campaign in Ohio — for 2016.

State Rep. Bob Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat who obviously was upset with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman voting no on weapons legislation, announced on Twitter that he will run for U.S. Senate against Portman.

“Senator Portman shows his lack of courage and testicular fortitude. The NRA wwns him. I am declaring my candidacy,” Hagan tweeted with the remainder of his statement appearing on his Facebook page. “to run against him in the next election. I will be his hair shirt for the next three years.”

A few hours after his comment was picked up by media outlets, Hagan tweeted again and explained what he meant: “Some have asked of my seriousness in challenging Portman for U.S. Senate. I will be his hair shirt making him itch from his pro NRA vote.”

In a statement released after his vote, Portman, R-Ohio, defended his position and said that he carefully reviewed the legislation.

“I do not believe it would be effective in preventing the kind of heartbreaking loss of life seen in Newtown or in other recent tragic incidents,” Portman said. “It does, however, contain several provisions that would make it more difficult for law-abiding Ohioans to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. I do believe there are actions Congress can and should take to reduce gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights, and I look forward to supporting such amendments.”

Bolton Republican Women’s Club

Mother’s Day Event, “Honoring Our Mothers” at 6 p.m. May 6 at The Painesville Area Senior Citizens Center with special guest speaker Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson. See Heidi Callender or call Lake County Republican Party headquarters.

Legislative update

State Sen. Capri S. Cafaro will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. April 29 at the Municipal Center in Chardon on April 29th to provide residents with a legislative update regarding work in the Ohio Senate.

Candidate filings

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are David Eva for Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor and William Brotzman for Madison Township trustee.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Connie Newyear for Willoughby-Eastlake School Board, Jennifer Jakosh for Mentor-on-the-Lake City Council, Robert Carr for Willoughby Council Ward 4 and Chris Woodin for Willoughby Council Ward 1.

Fundies

n Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende will host “Fende’s Victory” spaghetti dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 29 at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Diane Fox.

n Willoughby Hills Councilman Kevin D. Malecek’s Annual Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Malecek or Nora Colburn.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Ron Young, 2 to 4 p.m. May 5 at Perry Community Center. See Young.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah