Strickland Says Obama Lacks Substance on Economy

COLUMBUS - Just days after lowering expectations on his ability to deliver Ohio for Barack Obama, Gov. Ted Strickland renewed criticism today over the lack of substance coming from his party's presumptive nominee.

"I particularly hope he strengthens his economic message - even Senator Obama can speak more clearly and specifically about the kitchen-table, bread-and-butter issues like high energy costs," said Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio. "It's fine to tell people about hope and change, but you have to have plenty of concrete, pragmatic ideas that bring hope and change to life." (The New York Times, 08/17/08)

Strickland's criticism carries some irony after the governor's silence last week amid news that Ohio's unemployment rate is now at its highest level in 15 years.

"Ted Strickland has no room to criticize anyone for lacking an economic plan," said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett. "He's done nothing to turn around Ohio's economy, and now he's embracing a presidential candidate whose only solution is to raise taxes on everything from senior citizens to natural gas. If Barack Obama does for the nation what Ted Strickland has done to Ohio these last two years, the only thing turning around in our economy will be the jobs leaving our state."

Bennett also challenged Sen. Obama to take a position on State Issue 4, the proposed jobs-destroying "sick leave" regulations being put on the Ohio ballot this fall by labor unions. Gov. Strickland has so far failed to derail the issue despite his claimed opposition. California's elected leaders killed a similar issue recently which was estimated to cost the state 370,000 jobs and cost job creators $4.6 billion in five years.

Strickland's criticism of Obama is nothing new. He previously spent months campaigning against Illinois junior senator, calling him "fluff," suggesting he would be "disastrous for the country," and comparing him to an "American Idol" contestant:

Strickland Called Obama's Supporters Irrational.

"Gov. Ted Strickland has endorsed Clinton and is actively campaigning for her in Ohio, saying last week that he thinks Clinton is by far the more experienced candidate - and that some Obama supporters are 'following their heart without engaging their head in the process.'" (Mark Niquette, "One Win is Enough, Obama Says," Columbus Dispatch, 3/11/08)

Strickland Suggested Obama Would Be Disastrous.

"He acknowledged that Obama is connecting with voters but pointed to the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, when some voters said they backed George W. Bush because he seemed like the kind of guy they could have a beer with. "We ended up with George W. Bush, and I think that's been disastrous for the country," Strickland said. (Mark Niquette, "Strickland: It's the Economy (Stupid)," Columbus Dispatch, 2/20/08)

Strickland Called Obama 'Fluff'.

"Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Clinton backer, says she'll win the Buckeye State. 'I don't think Ohio is going to be taken in by the fluff,' Strickland told The News in Cincinnati. 'I think it's a choice between a speech and a plan,' he said." (Michael McAuliff and Michael Saul, "In Wake of NIU Horror, Barack Obama & Hillary Clinton Back Arms Rights," NY Daily News, 2/16/08)

Strickland Called Obama's Plans "Just Political Rhetoric."

"Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said at a rally...with Clinton in Toledo that Obama's vow to renegotiate NAFTA and be tough on trade is 'just political rhetoric.'" (Foon Rhee, "Clinton Goes After Obama on NAFTA Meeting," Boston Globe, 3/3/08)

Strickland Said Obama Tried to Buy Ohio's Votes and Referred to Obama As A Fleeting Phenomenon.

"'Senator Obama is spending a lot of money on TV; if this can be purchased, he can win it,' Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio, a Democrat who has campaigned across the state with Mrs. Clinton, said in an interview. 'I think we've survived the initial blast of the Obama phenomenon, and we're now holding steady.'" (Adam Nagourney, "Obama Spends Heavily to Seek Knockout Blow," New York Times, 3/2/08)

Strickland Suggested Obama Was More Suited For American Idol.

"...Ohioans should vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton because the March 4 primary is not about selecting the 'next American idol,' Strickland told reporters in Washington today, where he is attending the National Governors Association winter meeting.(Jonathan Riskind, "Strickland: Pick a President, Not an American Idol," Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/08)