Lachey in-laws vote early and often for their ‘Star’
Source: columbusdispatch.com
2/23/06

Among the millions of votes that ABC expects to be cast tonight for the three finalists on Dancing With the Stars, dozens will originate from one Cincinnati-area home.

Dan and Gerri Urra of Colerain Township make a family affair out of the show.

‘‘We gather everyone together, make sure they have their cell phones and order LaRosa’s pizza,"’ Mrs. Urra said.

The couple have a rooting interest: Drew Lachey, one of the finalists, is married to her daughter — and his stepdaughter — Lea.

The Urras typically welcome friends, Lea’s four siblings and other relatives — all of whom work their speed dials to stuff the ballot box.

‘‘We all start voting as soon as the show begins," Mr. Urra said. ‘‘We don’t even wait for Drew to dance."

The family and its guests manage to squeeze in about 70 calls for Lachey before the voting ends 30 minutes after the show.

‘‘I think he has a real good chance of winning," his mother-in-law said.

Her daughter and Lachey — who live in Woodland Hills, Calif. — both grew up in the Cincinnati area and went to elementary and high school together downtown at the School for Creative and Performing Arts. They married five years ago.

Mrs. Lachey — who is sometimes shown on camera — is expecting their first child next month.

"The show is a chance for us to see how she is doing with her pregnancy," Mr. Urra said.

Lachey sang with older brother Nick in the boy band 98 Degrees and co-starred in the Broadway production of Rent.

"He is a very accomplished dancer but has not done ballroom dancing before," Mrs. Urra said.

Drew, 29, has practiced up to 10 hours a day with his professional partner, Cheryl Burke.

"He always has been very competitive," Mr. Urra said. "He always wants to be the best, even when he is playing Yahtzee or cornhole."

Mrs. Lachey, a professional dancer and choreographer, has been "coaching Drew on the side," Mrs. Urra said.

The members of his family will hate to see Dancing With the Stars end Sunday night, when the winner will be announced.

"We’ve been hooked," Mrs. Urra said. "We’re going to miss it."

They hope that the series concludes happily, she said.

"Vote for Drew: The number is 1-800-868-3405."