There were a few races that I felt both candidates were qualified and a few races I wasn't happy with either. The Ohio Auditor's race unfortunately fell into the latter. Neither candidate has statewide experience - I defaulted to Pepper because of his academic background. I don't like that he used masses of personal wealth to run and don't like that he ran for Mayor of Cincinnati - it makes me believe that he just sees this position as a stepping stone, rather than really wanting to make a difference. Yost, while Auditor of Deleware, seemed to hold a political vendetta against an office mate and certainly doesn't seem any more humble.
For Treasurer, I voted for Mandel. I like Mandel's work ethic and bipartisanship. His Ohio House district's index is 2:1 democratic and he has handily won it the last few elections. Mandel is ideologically farther right than I'd like and I also worry that his ambition doesn't end at treasures' office - but he is intelligent and harder working than just about anyone I've ever met.
For SOS I voted for Husted. Husted introduced and earnestly tried to pass a bill that would stop gerrymandering in Ohio. Seanguy, that bill may just move in lameduck House if Democrats lose today. I really like O'shaughnessy - but would rather see her in the legislature or mayor before SOS. Here's hoping for O'shaughnessy for Mayor.
For AG, I voted Cordray. Cordray's settlement against AIG and current suit against Bank of America may be what keeps our states pensions systems and universities in the Black in the coming years. Dewine is a great candidate - but Cordray has excelled at every position he's ever been elected too and I don't see any reason for a change.
For Governor, I voted for Strickland. Strickland's guided us through two budgets and has pragmatically governed from the center. He's continued on with most of the Republican's good ideas of Third Frontier, Clean Ohio Fund and restructuring Ohio's tax code while further reforming education for the better. Mostly I worry that Kasich has tied his hands on the budget and hasn't lived up to his campaign promises. It also irks me that his rhetoric on the 3C hasn't been factual or that he didn't come across as more moderate against it. A more reasonable answer would have been - our budget currently doesn't allow for it or I'm against it until ridership shows it will be successful. Meh, It’s all going to come down to turnout.
Strickland is winning among registered voters but slightly behind among likely voters in the polls. Facebook automatically opens to a link saying, “Today is Election Day†with a link to find your polling place and click I voted “to tell your friends you voted.†I think it may affect the youth turnout? As of now over 6 million users have said they voted. If youth turnout is higher than expected, the election goes to Strickland:
According to the PPP poll, in the 18 to 29 Age Group: 38% support Kasich and 53% support Strickland.
That combined with Pew’s finding that land line only polling is skewed four to six points towards Republicans makes me think Stickland still has a chance if turnout is higher than expected.
“Kevin Kidder, spokesman for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, the state's top elections official, said the office is predicting about a 52 percent voter turnout, ''largely based on past voter history.''In the 2006 gubernatorial election, turnout was at 56 percent. In 2002, 47 percent, Kidder said.â€Â
If there is 55 to 56% voter turnout, then Strickland stands a good chance. If it’s below 50, I don’t think Kasich can loose. Also good for Strickland is the governor’s race led on the ballot, not the US Senate race.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Launched in August 2010, TheMetropreneur.com is a local online resource devoted to small business development and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to tell the stories of Central Ohio's business community, foster regional economic development and assist entrepreneurs with its resource-heavy focus.