Perspectives
by ED CHERRYHOLMES
The primary vote of the various states is about over and the main event is about to begin. I’m speaking of the presidential race between Barack Obama and whoever the Republicans nominate as their candidate for president. At this time, it appears that the candidate for the Republicans will be either Mitt Romney or Rick Santorum. It would be foolish of me to try and pick a winner this far out, but some things are coming into focus and give us some idea of what is to come.
Ohio will play an important part like it almost always has and one fact stands clear. No Republican has ever won the presidency that did not take the state of Ohio since Abe Lincoln in 1860. It is a fact to keep in mind. At this moment it seems that the Democrats are in a fierce battle to win Ohio again. It appears that the Democrats have a slight majority. It breaks down like this: Democrats 40%; Republicans 40%; Independents 20%; Advantage to the Incumbent .5%.
In order to win, each party will need to convince 10% of Independents to vote for their candidate. Right now it looks like a rugged race, which might be as close as the 1960 race between Kennedy and Nixon.
Right now, we do not know if Romney or Santorum could carry Ohio in the November election. But we do know that Ohio is a pivotal state.
Obama has his own problems in winning a majority and a second term as president will be difficult. The Republicans have their problems too – of carrying a state where you are a minority. That demands unanimous support from all wings of your party. It seems to me, the Republicans must decide if they are going to unite and pull together in the campaign for president or if they are going to stay fractured with splinter groups. It is their’s to decide and a total effort is needed to bring about a win for the White House.
Coach Vince Lombardi used to say, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” If the Democrats win, it’s going to be a long tough four years. It might be that the party who wants most for their candidate to be president will be the one to win. It is going to be interesting.
