Dispatch endorses Ted & Betty

[Schmajo]

10/8/06
http://www.dispatch.com/editorials-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/08/20061008-B4-00.html

“Ohio is falling behind in jobs, education and optimism. It has been riven by bitter and closely decided presidential elections. More than anything, the next governor of Ohio must be someone who can bridge political gulfs and enlist the help of all Ohioans to make the state a national leader again. For this reason, The Dispatch urges voters to elect Democrat Ted Strickland on Nov. 7.
***”

http://www.dispatch.com/editorials-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/08/20061008-B4-02.html

“For Ohio attorney general, The Dispatch endorses the candidate who already did the job well for two terms and is ready to do it again: Betty D. Montgomery.
***”


This is what I expected from the Dogpatch. They already endorsed Cordrey (expected) and Taylor (not surprising). I expect them to endorse Brunner. I'm guessing they'll endorse Espy and Cupp in the SCt race. Assuming they endorse in the Congressional races, I predict Pryce, Space, Wilson, and (big surprise) Shamansky.

The big question (for me) is the Senate race. Originally, I figured the Dogpatch would endorse DeWine. But, in an editorial last week, the paper urged Bush ("after the election") to set a definite time table for withdrawal from Iraq. Does this mean they are leaning in Sherrod's direction? We'll see.

[Kolesar]

1. Plain Dealer endorses Strickland--Brent Larkin &Kevin OBrien reach for ...

...the Tums.

I edited out the material on Blackwell. In one month, he will be history (presuming that he does not try to steal an election in the Space, Wulsin, or Kilroy races.

http://www.cleveland.com/editorials/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/opinion/11602102007140.xml&coll=2

At a time when Ohio's eco nomic fortunes and job- generating capacities are fearfully diminished, voters are presented with two starkly different candidates in the race for governor:

Democrat Ted Strickland projects steadiness, but often appears stunningly free of vision.

...edit...

Ohio doesn't need a caretaker in charge, so Strickland's apparent passivity is cause for concern. But even less does Ohio need a governor who would burn down state government in order to save it. Blackwell's history gives every indication that he could take that course.

Blackwell reeks of recklessness. ...edit...

The deep contrasts in their temperaments and level of political maturity should make Strickland's election a fairly easy call. Besides, the ideas Strickland has been willing to advance so far are solid, and we are relatively confident he will continue to surround himself with smart people who can help him implement and expand upon them.

...edit...

Strickland, on the other hand, has at least properly identified Ohio's strengths - the foundation on which he would attempt to build. What he hasn't done is deliver a convincing vision that includes the type of creativity that can separate winners from losers in a global marketplace.

As articulated by the candidate, Strickland's eco nomic rescue plan - known as Turn Around Ohio - strikes us as a compilation of sensible ideas that lack the sense of urgency to deal with Ohio's gloomy economic climate. Strickland must make clear to the public that he's thinking bigger, aiming higher and pushing harder than Bob Taft ever did. He must grasp the power of the governorship and use it as a catalyst for change.

Strickland recognizes the importance of an educated work force in any strategy to revive Ohio's economy. What he has not done is offer enough short-term bridges leading toward that elusive, long-term goal. His Knowledge Bank idea and his pledge to focus on improved classroom instruction are noble goals, but a state that exports too much of its best young talent is looking for stronger signs of life from its governorship's atrophied muscles.

For one thing, he needs to hit the ground running with workable plans to make a university education more affordable to more Ohioans right away.

[POAS]

2. I don't think the Beacon has

endorsed in the Governor race as yet (please update me if I'm wrong) BUT today's lead editorial points in Strickland's direction.

In an editorial titled "Flat Fall" with the subhead, "The centerpiece of Ken Blackwell's proposed tax reform doesn't translate into relief for those households with middle incomes".

They conclude in the last paragraph:

"All or it suggests the Blackwellian quality of this flat tax. It sounds so good - until you plunge into the detail, into the complicztions and potential harm."

[WCGreen]

3. I believe Espy is running against Cupp....

[Schmajo]

4. As usual, you are correct

For whatever reason (e.g., carelessness) I was thinking it was Espy - O'Donnell. :blush:

I still think the Dogpatch goes with Espy, primarily because he's the home town guy. However, Cupp has spent a lot of years in Columbus (as state senator) and generally has a decent reputation.

As for O'Neill - O'Donnell, I'm not sure. Normally, I would expect the Dogpatch to go with the Republican, but the recent 'justices-rule-in-favor-of-contributors' story may be sufficient taint (in this time of political corruption scandals) for the paper to endorse O'Neill who is seeking no cash campaign contributions.

Anyway, Mr. Green, thanks for the correction (no matter how embarrassing).

[mtnester]

5. This has GOT to burn Blackwell's ass

watch his poll numbers tumble even more.

Any money he was getting from the Repubs will probably dry completely up TODAY...wait a minute...I have not seen an ad for him for weeks...maybe it ALREADY dried up.

Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher WIlL be in the governor's office in January.

My call on DeWine? I think the Dispatch endorses Brown and leaves Mike hanging.