Despite Democrats' efforts to get her to run for county treasurer, Marilyn Hyland said today she will run for the Hamilton County Commission seat held by Republican Bob Bedinghaus.

Her decision means a primary race against Democrat-endorsed Cincinnati City Council Member Todd Portune.

Ms. Hyland, who considered running as an independent --- which would have upset the Democrats more --- said she decided to remain as a Democratic candidate and face a primary.

"I gave (running as an independent) a lot of thought...but I realized this might split the anti-Bedinghaus vote and that would defeat my purpose," Ms. Hyland said today. "My purpose is to defeat Bedinghaus and if to do that I have to defeat Todd, so be it."