Can newly-elected Ted Strickland help the Democratic presidential candidate carry Ohio in 2008? It's a fair question, and Reid Wilson from the RealClearPolitics blog seems to think the answer is yes.
By far the most common criticism was that I had omitted the most obvious choice: Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. The newly-elected governor and former long-time congressman was subjected to the veep treatment by Chris Cillizza and Shailagh Murray in the Washington Post a few weeks ago, and would be a big help for any Democrat hoping to win Ohio.
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-- Finally, Strickland is arguably the most popular Democrat in Ohio, save perhaps John Glenn. Ohio is perhaps the most important state, electorally, to a presidential contest. With an historically weak Democratic Party that is only now rebuilding itself, state Democrats need someone at the top. With Strickland's solid presence, the party can work to regain seats in the legislature and take out several Republican members of Congress it has targeted in recent years. In the long run, Strickland as Governor does more for the Democratic Party than Strickland as Vice President.
Ted Strickland is a good match for Ohio. Inoffensive and kind of bland. Just like the state. But could he help carry Ohio? Maybe, but there's a big risk. The truth is that Strickland is still very much untested in a big heavy statewide campaign. In 2006 he ran against the Republican establishment and painted his opponent Ken Blackwell as part of it. Blackwell let him. As the former Governor Taft had a 15% popularity rating, it was a walk in.
Strickland was never really challenged by the Ohio media, his policy proposals were utterly forgettable, and he basically played a "prevent" defense all the way to victory. Could he do that for Ohio in 2008 in the presidential election? Maybe, but on the other hand close association with a losing Democratic campaign could tarnish him forever in the publics mind and ruin him for Ohio governorship.
Strickland won't be the Dem Veep choice and that's probably a good thing for both the Democrats and the governor.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Ted Strickland as VP could be great for Ohio. He understands Washington, and would be in a better position to help and relay the concerns of Ohio's citizens. As a minister he could also change the democrats image.
raymond at 9:01PM on Aug 20th 2007
2. Governor Strickland? That will be a great choice. He has an impressive track record and I think it will be interesting to have him join the "battlefront".
Auto Parts Jock at 2:00AM on Sep 26th 2007
3. I think he would be a great VP. His genuine personality would help soften Hillary’s personality. Plus he seems to have a trust factor. He is from the same town as I am and he’s life has been about public service. A professor and a minister are good images that will help swing some republic votes to the democratic side.
tisha at 7:13PM on Nov 2nd 2007