Renacci vs. Sutton, Kaptur vs. Kucinich, Fudge vs. Turner: Filing deadline sets up intriguing 2012

"Ohio's congressional races came into sharper focus Wednesday with no shortage of intriguing possibilities heading into next year.

The biggest revelation came from U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, whose base Republicans dismantled when drawing a map that required two fewer seats. The Copley Township Democrat announced plans to run in a newly configured 16th District.

Her decision sets up a general election showdown with freshman Rep. Jim Renacci of Wadsworth. The district, which includes a large western portion of Cuyahoga County, is expected to heavily favor Renacci, who ousted Democratic incumbent John Boccieri in 2010.

Elsewhere, Reps. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland confirmed a Democratic primary battle in a new, Lake Erie-hugging 9th District that consolidates their turf. Among the others vying for the seat is Republican Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher."

Complete article at:

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/12/renacci_vs_sutton_kaptur_vs_ku.html