DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Even before the votes are counted, Ohio's increasingly nasty race for governor already appears headed for a showdown in court.

Democrat Ted Strickland said Wednesday he plans to file a lawsuit against Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell, in his role as secretary of state, over a challenge to Strickland's eligibility to vote.

"We're going to sue you and we're going to win," Strickland, a U.S. House member from Lisbon, said as the two dueled verbally in a meeting with reporters and editors of the Dayton Daily News.

The two had a heated exchange over a challenge to Strickland's voter registration filed by Jacquelyn Long of East Liverpool. Long's son is a volunteer in his campaign, Blackwell said. But Blackwell said his campaign had nothing to do with the challenge.

An unanswered question is whether Strickland's status as a registered voter could also affect his place on the Nov. 7 ballot.

"This is unbelievable," said Strickland, who has residences in Lisbon and Columbus. "He knows that I am registered in Columbiana County ... I pay rent in Columbiana County. I pay utility bills in Columbiana County ... I am a qualified elector and qualified to be on the ballot as his opponent."

Said Blackwell, "That's a decision for the local board of elections."