Hamilton County commission candidate David Grossmann, discounted by GOP insiders as out of the political loop, sure is spending money like a serious contender in his five-way primary.

The retired juvenile court judge is the first of the 10 Republican and Democratic candidates for two seats to air TV ads. Grossmann is also the only one besides Pat DeWine who has already done a mass mailing. DeWine is running against incumbent John Dowlin in the other race.

Grossmann's pitch is simple: He's the only candidate who has won countywide office.

However, son Tom stretched the point a bit while out stumping for his dad. He said the judge received more than 200,000 votes in his last run for office. What Tom Grossmann didn't mention: The elder Grossmann had no opponent in that race, and it occurred a dozen years ago.

Tom is slick enough to be a politician himself ... oops, he is a politician. Not only is he a Mason councilman, he's also co-chairman of the Warren County GOP.

GET REAL: The Web sites of some of Grossmann's opponents are also ripe for a reality check.

Russ Jackson's site, www.russjackson.com, lists Charles Foster Kane, the main character in the classic movie Citizen Kane, among friends of the Anderson Township trustee. Or maybe the reference is to the other fictitious Charles Foster Kane, the writer of the local political gossip sheet The Whistleblower, known in real life as Jim Schifrin.

The FOR list also includes Prosecutor Mike Allen and Sheriff Simon Leis - never mind that they have both endorsed Jim Sumner - not Jackson - in the GOP race to challenge Democratic commissioner Todd Portune.

Speaking of Sumner, he isn't above trading on political celebrity, either. His site, www.electjimsumner.com, features a picture of the Blue Ash councilman and wife Patti with President Bush.

No comment from the White House on whether that means Bush is endorsing Sumner.

Cindi Andrews

ROUGH SLEDDING: Sure, Butler County MetroParks folks were dismayed that a few people (less than 10) were hurt sledding at the new Freedom's Voice Reserve Park hill last week.

But they also were thrilled such a huge crowd discovered the county's newest park.

"The point that everyone is missing is that 1,500 people out there had a great time that Monday, and that's what this is all about," said Mike Muska, MetroParks director.

The 200-acre park will open in April or May for hiking, biking and picnicking. The temporary, 65-foot sledding hill was built with dirt excavated for a planned lake.

John Kiesewetter

COME ONE AND ALL: Despite the new club's name, all ages are welcome at the Warren County Young Republicans' kickoff gala Saturday. The event starts at 1:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Speaker is Rep. Rob Portman.

To RSVP or for more info: WCGOP.com or 228-0860.

Erica Solvig