PEDRO -- At 4:30 a.m. Friday, Tim Hagan, Democratic candidate for governor, was in Dubuque, Iowa coping with family issues. However, hours of driving didn't stop him from attending a picnic fundraiser at Lake Vesuvius at 6 p.m.

"You ask, why would you do this?&uot; he said. "Because this area has been neglected both politically and policy-wise."

"The real question is, where is Bob Taft?&uot; Hagan asked.

A big difference between him and Taft is that he will be a governor who will stand up on the tough issues--like education, he said.

"The neglect of our

childrens' future is the neglect of the state's future," he said. "If you want someone forthright to look you in the eye and not play political games, I am the candidate."

A couple of hundred people were at the event, hosted by the Lawrence County Democratic Party. It was intended to show support for Hagan and other candidates like current State Sen. Michael Shoemaker, Doug Malone, candidate for the county commission, and Fred Deel, candidate for State Representative, 87th District.

In November, Hagan and his running-mate, Charleta Tavares, will run against Gov. Bob Taft in the general election. They won the Democratic nomination in this year's May primary election.

Hagan visited the area back in October and "was impressed by the people," said Don Simmons, vice-chairman of the Lawrence County Democratic Party. He will visit Portsmouth on July 9 as part of a bus tour.

"His upbringing is white-collar and his background lets him relate to people," Simmons said. "We are real pleased to have a statewide candidate here in Lawrence County."

Hagan is one of 14 children and worked as a construction worker, steel worker and a social worker. He was inspired by his father's commitment to politics and has spent nearly two decades in public office.

Mike O'Grady, field director for Hagan's campaign, said that gatherings like this allow them to talk to the people in Ohio who have voted Democrat their whole life.

"These are the people we represent and they need to be heard by all the candidates," O'Grady said. "The opponent is talking to the fat cats and we are talking to the real people."

Democratic Committee member Marty Martin was excited about the prospect of Hagan winning the election.

"In my opinion, it would be one of the greatest moves for the state of Ohio," he said. "I would do cartwheels if the man gets in."

Shoemaker agreed that this election may be even more important than most.

"This year is a defining moment for the Democratic party, especially here in southern Ohio," he said.

Kitts Hill tobacco farmer Larry Norris said it is important for people to show their support because Taft has been taking money from farmers like himself.

Hagan worked in administrative positions in state, county and regional governments before he was elected by fellow Democrats to serve as the chairman of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.

In 1982, he filled a vacancy in the office of Cuyahoga County Recorder and two years later was elected to the first of four terms as Cuyahoga County Commissioner.

He has served on the faculties of Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University and currently serves as a consultant to the Mandel Foundation.

Late last year, he joined the board of trustees of Olmsted Township, where he lives, after being drafted by town leaders. Michael Caldwell/The Ironton Tribune