One thing is for sure after today’s announcement from Ted Strickland – Republicans will use his decision to raise taxes against him.
There are many ways to frame it. For example, “Ohioans didn’t expect they’d be asked to pony up $844 million more for Ted Strickland’s budget mess, but here we are.”
In the Fall of 2010, there will be a message war between the Strickland and Kasich campaigns. As with all re-election campaigns, it will be centered around the record of the incumbent.
So, using the talking points from Ted Strickland’s own campaign website, how will they play against eachother? Let’s test it out….
Strickland:
I added school days to the calendar.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.Strickland:
I created a residency program for teachers, similar to the process a new doctor might go through.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.Strickland:
I crafted an evidenced-based approach that ensures that every Ohio child will receive an adequate education.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.Strickland:
I signed a major tax cut for senior citizen homeowners, lessening the tax burden on Ohioans with fixed incomes.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.Strickland:
I froze tuition at all public colleges and universities – the only state in the nation to do so over the last 2 years.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.Strickland:
I proposed and signed legislation requiring that 25 percent of all of Ohio’s electricity be produced from advanced energy sources, such as wind and solar.Kasich:
Under Ted Strickland, unemployment doubled and your taxes were raised by $844 million.
I think you get my point.
Effective campaigns are defined by effective messages on issues of high priority to voters.
The economy is, and will continue to be, the number one issue among Ohioans. Thanks to Strickland’s ineptitude, Kasich now has his primary message that, whether you think it’s fair or not, will be incredibly effective on the Ohio electorate in 2010.
