16. Ohio’s Background(continued) Largest industry by employment is trade/transportation/utilities Largest industry by Grosse Domestic Product is manufacturing/financial activities 84.7% White; 12.1% Black; 2.8% Hispanic; 1.6% Asian (2009) Median household income $48,011 (2008) Bachelor’s Degree or + - 21.1% (2000) High School Graduates - 83% (2000)
17. Ohio’s Political History Key swing state in past elections Big and industrialized Conservative and liberal population; a microcosm Battleground with major influence Winner usually takes Ohio; 2004 Presidential election Control has oscillated between Democrats and Republicans Balance in Ohio government Blue Northeast, red Southwest
18. Key Issues Hurting economy Jobs losses Attacks on Portman (R) for his support of free trade as trade representative and budget director for George W. Bush Counter attack on Fisher (D) for failing to bring in new jobs and stop jobs for going to other states as lieutenant governor and development director Frustration with the establishment “Washington is broken” – Fisher
19. News Coverage As of right now the media coverage for the senatorial race in Ohio has been pretty sparse. There hasn't been much coverage, mostly the focus seems to be on the gubernatorial race between Strickland and Kasich instead.
20. Prevailing Topics Possible shift of Ohio from blue to red. – Portman leading in the polls with a 55-35 lead. Each candidate’s fundraising:Fisher: $4.9 millionPortman: $10.7 million Some think that maybe its because Fisher is a Washington " outsider" and was never been "popular" with the Democratic party and there is questions on whether they will continue to fund his campaign. Thoughts that voters are losing hope with the democrats and Obama administration as reason why republicans are fairing well in the polls. – “bad environment” for Democrats right now.
