Attorney Bill Coley, former Butler County Republican Party vice chairman, has green campaign signs - usually next to Bush-Cheney signs - throughout the district encompassing West Chester, Liberty and Lemon townships, Monroe and part of Middletown. Coley, 44, has raised about $20,000 for his first political race, seeking the seat Gary Cates gives up because of term limits.

Democrat Tyrone Sims of West Chester Township - a heavily Republican area - has no signs and no money.

"I work three jobs, so I don't have a lot of time. I have been talking to some people," said Sims, 36, who works as a part-time police officer, hospital security guard and a driver-education teacher.

Sims, who finished last in a four-way race for West Chester Township trustee a year ago, said he hasn't received any financial support from the Butler County Democratic Party. He has zero campaign expenses.

"I'm not asking anything from anybody. ... My vote is not for sale," Sims said.

Of chief concern to both candidates is Ohio's projected $2.5 billion shortfall next year when the temporary one-cent sales tax expires in June.

Coley, special counsel for Medicaid recovery for Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro, said Ohio should be more aggressive in collecting personal property assets after the death of Medicaid patients. His plan could bring in $100 million, he said.

"You would not have to raise property taxes, or drive people out of the state, and you'd still provide the level of services people expect," Coley said.

Sims suggests placing toll booths at the state border to make up for "the revenue we're losing to the (Indiana) riverboats and the Newport entertainment" venues. He also supports slot machines at Ohio racetracks and new tourism taxes.

Sims advocates cutting taxes on the elderly; Coley wants to lower business taxes to stimulate job growth.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com