SHELLEY TERRY
ASHTABULA — Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland tackled an elephant Monday in the Blue and Gold Room at Kent State University-Ashtabula.
The “elephant,” as he called it, is the issue of race in the 2008 presidential election.
“Some people may say they do not feel comfortable voting for him so we have to validate Barack Obama to our family and friends,” Strickland said. “Say to your neighbor, ‘This is our guy.’”
Strickland hosted an Economic Town Hall Meeting to share Obama’s vision for helping working families, rebuilding the country’s faltering economy, adding more jobs both in Ohio and elsewhere across the country, and putting America back on track.
Democratic candidate for Congress Bill O’Neil, State Rep. Deborah Newcomb and State Sen. Capri Cafaro joined Strickland in his efforts. About 100 area Democrats, including several locally elected officials, attended the meeting.
Strickland promises that if Obama is elected, Obama will:
n Get a health care plan for all Americans that’s affordable.
n Provide a $1,000 rebate to help families with energy costs;
n Bring an honorable end to the war in Iraq.
n Repair the U.S.’s standing in the world.
Strickland warned the group that the campaign will be tough and lies will be told about Obama.
“We must do everything we can to help Obama. … He’s not a Muslim,” he said. “The truth is he’s a young man reared by a single mom with a grandmother who helped out. … He’s just like us.”
The crowd stood and applauded the governor.
Earlier in the day, Strickland participated in the annual 11th Congressional District Labor Day Parade and Festival in Cleveland. He then spoke on behalf of the Obama-Biden campaign at Luke Easter Park in Cleveland.
