Never Call Retreat (Hackett's "grudge" )

[Algorem]

http://www.cleveland.com/weblogs/openers/

None of the fight has gone out of Paul Hackett, who told a home-county Democratic audience Thursday night that he won't do anything to help U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown campaign for the Senate.

"Not in my lifetime,'' Hackett said. ''He spread rumors about my service in Iraq that were absolutely bullshit.

"Sorry, I'm a hillbilly at heart, and also Irish," Hackett explained. "I've got Irish Alzheimer's. You know what that is: You forget everything but a grudge.''

Hackett spoke for about 45 minutes to the Anderson Newtown Democratic Club, which is based in the Cincinnati suburbs not far from his home in Indian Hill. About 80 people were in the audience, including former Democratic Gov. John Gilligan, and they gave Hackett a standing ovation at the start and finish of his talk. Not one person rose to challenge him for attacking Brown, and it was clear the Democrats had warm feelings for him...