GOP riding election ‘wave’

Republicans energized by knowledge they could gain the House  of Representatives.

What’s at stake in this fall’s election?

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By William Hershey, Columbus Bureau Updated 4:35 PM Sunday, September 5, 2010

COLUMBUS — Ohio is once again at the center of national attention for mid-term elections being held against the backdrop of the worst economy since the Great Depression.

Races for governor, U.S. Senate, control of the Ohio House and Apportionment Board seats dominate the state ballot.

School districts including Kettering, Beavercreek, Oakwood, Xenia, West Carrollton and Springboro are asking voters for more money or to continue existing levies. Montgomery County voters will vote on a 6.03 mill Human Services levy.

Also, the outcome in half a dozen Ohio U.S. House races could determine whether Republicans take control of the U.S. House, setting up local congressman John Boehner, R-West Chester, to become the next speaker.

One thing is certain, Republicans are energized heading into election season which unofficially kicks off Labor Day weekend. Early voting starts Sept. 28, so there was no August lull in campaigning.

Last week’s national Gallup Poll found Republicans leading Democrats, 51 to 41 percent, among registered voters in a midterm generic ballot for Congress, the GOP’s largest lead dating back to 1942.

In the Dayton area, considered an Ohio bellwether, that’s good news for Montgomery County Republican Party Chairman Greg Gantt and a challenge for Mark Owens, County Democratic chairman.

“You’re either riding the wave or being chased by it,” said Gantt. “This year we’re riding it.”

With Vice President Joe Biden scheduled to be in Dayton on Sept. 20 for a fundraiser for Gov. Ted Strickland, Owens said there’s time for Democrats to turn things around.

“As we get closer to the election, people will realize what’s at stake,” Owens. said “I think we’re going to have much higher interest.”

»A closer look at the key races, issues in this election Article on XX

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