Political battles already lining up – A portrait of Redfern
Ohio Democratic chief keeps eyes on future
By Dennis J. Willard
Beacon Journal Columbus Bureau
Published on Thursday, May 14, 2009

COLUMBUS: Chris Redfern, the boyish-looking state chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, stood Tuesday with his back against the headquarters' wall.
Normally, the main attraction in any room he consumes, the gregarious, outspoken, funny and biting Redfern instead stood removed, attentive himself, as David Pepper, a Hamilton County commissioner, announced plans to run against Republican incumbent Mary Taylor for state auditor next year…
… As Pepper spoke eloquently about his intentions, it was impossible not to notice the concern and strain on Redfern's face as he took serious measure of the candidate's mien…
… In finding Pepper to run against Taylor, Redfern went to Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The last Democrat to win statewide from the southwestern corner of the state was Gov. John Gilligan in 1970. He lost his bid for re-election four years later…
…Is it any wonder the 44-year-old Redfern looks like he has aged in recent weeks so that he appears to be 29 instead of 25?