Despite newspaper speculations, Susan Gwinn has not publicized any plans to run for the top seat in the state's Democratic Party, she said.

Gwinn has been the Athens County Democratic Party Chair since 1996. At this point, she said she has no comment as to whether she will run for Ohio Democratic Party chair.

"This all started prematurely in my opinion," Gwinn said. "Actually, right now, I'm sitting in my office with Faith Dickerhoof, a student running for City Council and that's my top priority until Nov. 2."

David J. Leland, the current Ohio Democratic Party chairman, is planning on running for re-election. He said he knows Gwinn personally.

"I was the one who appointed her to the Democratic state executive committee," he said. "In 1996 when she was unknown in the state of Ohio, I thought she had a lot to offer and got her appointed."

Yesterday Leland said he has no opinion about Gwinn's potential candidacy.

"It's a free country and people can run for whatever they want to," he said.

Ann Charles Watts, communication director for the Ohio Democratic Party, said the chairperson is elected by the executive board. The executive board is made up of several different people including party leaders, party chairs, elected officials and union chairs, she said.

As the party's top state officer, Leland is in charge of raising funds and recruiting candidates for statewide offices. He said he serves as a catalyst of the Democratic organization and to provide organization, motivation and energy to Democrats across the state.

Watts said Leland also attends Democratic national meetings.

Currently, Gwinn handles similar responsibilities at the county level. She said her job responsibilities are to be a spokesperson for the party, set the strategy for the party, recruit candidates, hold meetings, conduct dinners, raise funds and set up the day-to-day functions such as meeting with candidates.