Two years ago, the race for Congress in Ohio's wide-ranging 6th District was the talk of Washington.

        It featured a high-profile challenger — then-Lt. Gov. Nancy Hollister — and, more importantly, the seat had swung between the parties for four straight races, prompting the pundits to look at it as a barometer of the national mood.

        This year, the 6th District has all but disappeared from the political landscape. Ted Strickland is seen as a fairly secure incumbent, with one forecaster, The Political Oddsmaker, giving him a 3-2 edge.

        His opponent, insurance salesman Mike Azinger of Marietta, has never held office.

        “We're polling stronger than we have in any previous election,” said Greg Hargett, Mr. Strickland's campaign manager.

        Races have historically been close in this multiple-personality district, which starts in suburban Warren County and stretches east through blue-collar communities, Appalachia and liberal college town Athens to the West Virginia border.

        “This is a tricky district,” Mr. Hargett said.

        In fact, Mr. Strickland, of Lucasville, lost the seat as a freshman in 1994 before grabbing it back in 1996. Two years later, Mr. Strickland managed to pull away from Mrs. Hollister, a moderate Republican who supported some abortion rights, with a 57 percent to 43 percent win.

        Both sides agree Mr. Azinger's much more conservative beliefs — similar to those held by Frank Cremeans, who went 1-for-1 in efforts against Mr. Strickland in the 1990s — mean the incumbent can't count on a repeat in 2000.

        “We can't assume that we're going to be anywhere near that 14-point margin with another opponent,” Mr. Hargett said, despite Mr. Strickland's current lead.

        Both sides also agree Warren County is a key to the district, even though it's virtually a lock to go Republi can. Les Spaeth, the county's GOP chairman, said Mr. Azinger needs to get a lot of votes in Warren — along with Clinton and Highland counties.

        “I think as Azinger gets around, he's picking up some name recognition,” Mr. Spaeth said. “If he can carry those three counties heavy, I think he'll have a chance.”

        Likewise, Mr. Strickland's goal will be to hold steady or improve his 35 percent performance in Warren County, Mr. Hargett said.

        Campaigning will pick up after Congress recesses, officials said. The candidates have been invited to about a half-dozen debates, including one in late October in Wilmington.

        Both are trying to position themselves early as caretakers of elderly people. Mr. Azinger, who is holding senior forums across the district — one is planned in Mason on Oct. 9 — accuses Mr. Strickland of voting to tax seniors' Social Security benefits.

        Mr. Strickland, on the other hand, has focused on his support of voluntary prescription drug benefits for elderly people.

Abortion foes form human chain
Results of our news poll
Two Miami students busted with half-kilo of cocaine
School themes hit home with Tristate voters
What the candidates propose
Special interests dominate Ohio Supreme Court race
Feds: Don't fret over nuke list
Tristate sites linked to nuclear weapons program
West Chester welcomes new link to I-75
SAMPLES: Wal-Mart dwarfs neighborhood
Warren Co. key in 'tricky district'
East Bridge to Cinergy Field closes
United Way at 29 percent of goal
Beasts go home blessed
Blue Ash sponsors photo contest
Dayton airport plan on hold
Groups team up to promote art
Local Digest
Schools plan for expansion