Columbus (AP) - Half of the candidates for governor in Ohio are women, but their chances of victory are looking far less than 50-50.
During Labor Day weekend, two seemingly more electable Democratic men drew attention away from three women seeking the party's nomination: former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and former State Rep. Connie Pillich.
Then on Tuesday, Republicans lone female candidate, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, held a debate by herself. Two leading male contenders declined to participate.
Experts disagree over how influential gender is in the race for Ohio's top office a year after Hillary Clinton became the first female major-party presidential nominee.
But with men dominating front-runner predictions on both sides, female candidates' backers are working harder than ever to get their messages across.
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