CANFIELD, Ohio - Ohio is still 14 months away from the 2014 governor's election, but the local Democratic Party is already gearing up for the race.

Monday evening, dozens of Democratic Party supporters rolled through the gates of Canfield businessman Bruce Zoldan's home.

The private fundraiser included a visit from special guests; Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern.

Redfern told 21 News the fundraiser is in part to benefit the party's candidate for governor Ed Fitzgerald, who is taking on incumbent Republican John Kasich.

"In the case of Ed Fitzgerald we know we're right on the issues." said Redfern. "We're going to be out spent. Hey, we were out spent by Mitt Romney, we are out spent by Republicans every day but we're not out worked and we're right on the issues."

Redfern points to the rescue of the American automobile industry as an example of where he believes Fitzgerald would stand on the issues.

"It was the Democrats that stood squarely, shoulder to shoulder with those families who supported those auto jobs," said Redfern.

Mahoning Valley Republican Chairman Mark Munroe defend the current Governor. Accusing the democratic party of leaving Kasich with an $8-billion deficit and a loss of 400-thousand jobs before he took office.

"For the first time in many years, Ohio is actually becoming a jobs friendly state," said Munroe. "Its becoming a state where employers want to move to rather than away from."

He adds, Kasich's success as Governor has lead to speculation he could be a candidate for President.

"Although when you talk to the Governor that's not his interest," said Munroe. "He is focused completely, exclusively on Ohio. He talks everyday about making Ohio a better place to live, work and play."

While Munroe commented that a win by Kasich might help the Republican party take the White House in 2016, both Munroe and Redfern say their focus is on the Governors race for the time being.