Ohio party leaders: Ohio Supreme Court winners had better 'ballot names'

COLUMBUS, Ohio - State political party leaders say two of three incumbents on the Ohio Supreme Court lost the election because their challengers had better "ballot names."

The Columbus Dispatch reports that Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert Bennett blamed Justice Robert Cupp's loss on name familiarity, saying Democratic challenger William O'Neill has a name that appeals to Irish-American voters.

And Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, said Republican Sharon Kennedy's "great ballot name" was the reason for her victory over Justice Yvette McGee Brown. Kennedy, though, said she won because she worked hard campaigning across the state.

Bennett said many voters rely on name familiarity rather than qualifications. Party affiliations for Ohio Supreme Court candidates are not listed on the ballot.