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I thoroughly enjoyed this article and some of the writer's insights and joy,
from:
www.dispatch.com/editorials-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/11/20070211-B5-01.html
Sunday, February 11, 2007
If Strickland, Husted keep up straight talk, things might get done
The governor is on the phone. Gee, better take this one. That’s right, Democrat Ted Strickland does press calls. Each day, he sets aside at least 30 minutes to respond to interview requests. In an era when every two-bit politician seems to need a spokesperson, Strickland’s willingness to speak for himself is refreshing.
....
The same is true of Republican House Speaker Jon A. Husted. It’s probably a too-good-to-last phenomenon, but for a change, the positions of the Statehouse’s top two titans aren’t routinely being sanitized by professional mouthpieces.
As a result, a candid interplay is unfolding between Strickland and Husted, who genuinely like one another but could end up as rivals for governor in 2010. Ironically, the political viability of each depends on what they achieve together for a state desperately needing inspired and bipartisan leadership.
With rhetoric that at once bespeaks their gentlemanly natures and partisan toughness, Strickland and Husted have begun to feel each other out through the press. Their tentative dance was displayed last week when Husted invited reporters to a bringyour-own lunch.
Despite a tight budget, he praised the governor for pledging not to dismantle Republican tax cuts and reforms. But Husted quickly segued to Strickland’s campaign pledge to fix Ohio’s unconstitutional school-funding system or be adjudged a failure.
....
So, ..., what does the governor have to say about Husted’s comments? Not surprisingly, (Strickland's Press Secretary) puts Strickland on the phone when The Dispatch asked for an interview.
One thing has become abundantly clear about the mild-mannered former Methodist minister and psychologist: He’s no milquetoast.
....
The interaction in the days ahead between two strong and likable partisans — the governor and the speaker — will be …
Hang on a second. Hold that thought.
The governor’s on the phone.
Joe Hallett is senior editor at The Dispatch.
jhallett@dispatch.com
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