WKSU News: Election 2008

McCain highlights Cleveland Clinic record keeping on campaign trail
(Thursday, May 1, 2008)

Likely Republican Presidential nominee John McCain continued his health care campaign theme in Cleveland today. Earlier this week, McCain rolled out a plan to provide all Americans the opportunity to buy private health care coverage with a $5,000 tax credit. But he said in Cleveland this morning that health care reform must include cost savings. And he praised the Cleveland Clinic's use of web-based medical recording keeping as one way to save. (more )

Summit County GOP picks candidate to topple Arshinkoff
(Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

Cuyahoga Falls councilwoman Carol Klinger will oppose Alex Arshinkoff in next month's runoff for the chairmanship of the Summit County GOP. (more )

African American women are in a unique position this presidential year.
(Monday, March 17, 2008)

Women voters are getting more attention in this presidential season than ever before. In Ohio 59 percent of the electorate was female and the overwhelming majority voted for Hillary Clinton. For African American Ohio women , the choice between Clinton and Barack Obama may have been more difficult. (more )

Northeast Ohio couple counting on new administration to boost economy
(Monday, March 17, 2008)

A new poll by the University of Akron finds that Ohioans see the economy as the top issue in this fall's presidential election. More than half of all Democrats and Independents surveyed and nearly a third of all Republicans say economic concerns will outweigh foreign policy, domestic and social issues as they head to the ballot box this November. But one Northeast Ohio couple worries that the change in national leadership won't come soon enough to help them. (more )

Dark horse winner in Democratic primary gets sworn into office
(Tuesday, March 11, 2008)

The state's newest lawmaker is a young, ambitious newcomer who few people thought had a chance of winning the primary. Stephen Slesnick is being sworn in this week to fill Canton's vacant 52nd House seat. He beat several experienced politicians to get there. (more )

National spotlight shines on 16th District Congressional race
(Friday, March 7, 2008)

Ohio's 16th District Congressional race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the country after this week's primary. WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz spoke with Cook Political Report House Editor David Wasserman. (more )

No winner in Summit County GOP contest - yet
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

There's no clear winner in the battle over the leadership of the Summit County GOP, but both sides are claiming a victory in yesterday's election. (more )

Canton scrap metal company owner beats out four other Dems for House seat
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

Voters in Stark County picked a political newcomer to fill a vacant seat in the Ohio House. (more )

16th District Congressional race comes down to the wire for Republicans
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

Two State Senators will face each other in November to fill a seat in Congress that is vacant for the first time in decades. But it wasn't easy for one of them. (more )

Summit County Dems react to Clinton win
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

Two long-time Summit County Democrats who backed different candidates both say they're pleased with Hillary Clinton's win in Ohio. (more )

Summit County issues, candidates results
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

Summit County executive Russ Pry has defeated Democratic challenger Joe Finley and voters passed a ballot issue supporting public transportation. (more )

For Clinton, Cuyahoga County didn't count
(Wednesday, March 5, 2008)

Hillary Clinton was declared the winner of Ohio's Democratic primary with just a small fraction of the votes counted in the largest Democratic county in the state . (more )

Count under way in Cuyahoga County
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

The vote count is finally underway in Cuyahoga County. Absentee and early voting totals are ready. From the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, Kevin Niedermier reports. (more )

No sure bets on Obama,Clinton in Cuyahoga, Stark and Summit
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

Summit County was leaning toward Obama. Stark tilted toward Clinton. But the biggest county in northeastern Ohio hasn't yet weighed in on the Democratic presidential nomination. WKSU's M.L.Schultze has more.. (more )

Vermont finishes quickly; Ohio braces for long count
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

They called Vermont for Barack Obama by 7:15 tonight. But Ohio's vote results may be a lot longer coming. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more.... (more )

Stark County Update
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz reports on updates from Stark County... including on a replacement for former U.S. Congressman Ralph Regula (more )

Primary Election Results in Summit County
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

Karen Schaefer reports from Summit County (more )

It could be a long night
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

By 7:15, they'd called Vermont for Barack Obama. But Ohio's vote count may take a lot longer. (more )

Poll closing delayed in Cuyahoga
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

A federal judge ordered polls in Cuyahoga County to stay open until 9 tonight, 90 minutes longer than usual. From Cuyahoga County Board of Elections headquarters, WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports ... (more )

Students confused over absentee, provisional ballots
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

In Oberlin, where hundreds of college students waited up to five hours to vote in the general election four years ago, turnout has been steady and wait times short, despite some confusion over absentee versus provisional voting. (more )

Small glitches in today's voting
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

Polling places around northeastern Ohio were reporting steady, but not overwhelming, voting traffic today. (more )

Today's voting: Strong, steady and few problems
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

No-fault absentee voting may have done just what it was designed to do in Ohio -- alleviate the rush at the polls. (more )

Voter voices
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

Voters took on sleet and freezing rain to get to the polls in northeastern Ohio today, and it was clear what drove them " the Democratic presidential matchup between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton ... Here are some of the voices of those voters.... Nationally, people were watching Ohio's elections on two fronts. There's the presidential contest, of course. And then there's how the election process itself went. Cuyahoga County was ordered to change from electronic voting to optical-scan paper ballots. Summit County went to optical scans two years ago. And other northeastern Ohio counties like Stark had to do a bit of both... vote electronically, but offer optical-scan ballots to voters who wanted them. Here's the read by our voters on how it all went... Some of the voices of voters who went to the polls today in northeastern Ohio. (more )

For Summit County, there's no mystery in optical scan ballots
(Tuesday, March 4, 2008)

For the first time, many voters in northeast Ohio will be using optical-scan ballots. But the ballots are relatively old-hat for Summit County voters. (more )

Political spouses play important role in presidential campaigns
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Spouses of presidential candidates spend as much time on the road speaking and shaking hands as their mates. Their job is not so much to push a political agenda, but to humanize their spouse's campaigns by sharing personal stories in more intimate gatherings. (more )

Candidates want to be first new 16th District Congress member in 36 years
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Voters in the 16th Congressional District take the first step Tuesday to fill a seat that's open for the first time in 36 years. Two Democrats and three Republicans are vying for their party's nomination to replace Ralph Regula, who is the second most senior Republican in Congress. (more )

Update: Voters line up for early ballots
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Voters continue to crowd into northeastern Ohio boards of elections today, trying to get the jump on tomorrow's election. (more )

Ohio takes unusual primary front-stage
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Ohioans got a big taste this past month of what Iowans live with every four years. Just take a look at the candidates' calendars and checkbooks. (more )

What's really at stake in Ohio's primary?
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Given the money, ads and candidate barnstorming, Tuesday's (tomorrow's) primary has far more the feel of the general election than a primary election. (more )

Many take advantage of no-fault voting
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Boards of elections have been inundated by early voters. Those at one local board included a congressman and his wife. (more )

Summit County issues on March 4th ballot
(Monday, March 3, 2008)

Summit County has issues and contests on the March 4th ballot of interest beyond the Democratic presidential race. (more )

Obama and Clinton stump for last-minute votes in Northeast Ohio
(Sunday, March 2, 2008)

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton made final pushes across Ohio before Tuesday's crucial primaries. At a stop in Parma Heights on Saturday, Obama tried to separate himself from his opponent, while Clinton vowed to carry out her campaign promises at stop in Akron Sunday. (more )

Cleveland Jewish leaders respond to Obama meeting
(Friday, February 29, 2008)

Barak Obama met with leaders from Cleveland's Jewish community last weekend to allay concerns about his connections with Louis Farrakhan and about his grasp of Middle East foreign policy. Most of those who attended appear to have been reassured by what they heard, but some have dissenting views. (more )

Despite constituent discontent, Kucinich is leading challengers in re-election bid
(Friday, February 29, 2008)

There's a real Democratic primary race in Cleveland's 10th Congressional District for the first time in years. Six term incumbent Dennis Kucinich is campaigning hard for re-election after dropping his long-shot Presidential bid last month. The time Kucinich spent campaigning for President angered many of his congressional constituents and generated a field of 4 challengers, but it doesn't guarantee his ouster. (more )

Long-time New Philadelphia Republican passes on McCain, backs Obama
(Thursday, February 28, 2008)

Marvin Fete lists Ronald Reagan as one of the great American presidents. In the last two presidential elections, he supported John McCain and George Bush. This week, he was sitting on a stage with Barack Obama. He says his cousin's death in Iraq inspired him to make a statement. (more )

Ohio issues front and center in presidential debate
(Wednesday, February 27, 2008)

In the final head-to-head match-up before Ohio's Tuesday primary, Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama found some common ground in how to help the state's economy. (more )

Midnight stop for a candidate
(Wednesday, February 27, 2008)

Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and family and political surrogates have made nearly three dozen campaign stops in Northeastern Ohio in the past two weeks. The campaign crescendo was supposed to be Tuesday night's debate at Cleveland State University. But that didn't even end the campaign night. (more )

If it's Ohio, this must be healthcare and NAFTA
(Wednesday, February 27, 2008)

Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama clearly knew their audience for last night's Ohio presidential debate -- people concerned about jobs and about the cost of health insurance. (more )

Chelsea Clinton says best hope rests with mom
(Wednesday, February 27, 2008)

One person in Ohio may have been even better prepped about Hillary Clinton's platform than Hillary Clinton on the eve of her debate with Barack Obama. And that was Chelsea Clinton. (more )

Clinton says her plan for the economy is sound
(Tuesday, February 26, 2008)

Hillary Clinton hosted a town hall meeting in Lorain today, her last public appearance before a final debate with Barak Obama tonight in Cleveland. The economy was the primary focus of her remarks. (more )

WKYC Channel 3 poll shows Clinton's lead narrowing in Ohio
(Tuesday, February 26, 2008)

An exclusive WKYC-TV/Survey USA poll shows Barack Obama gaining ground on Hillary Clinton's lead in Ohio with one week until the primary. (more )

Clinton-Obama duel over NAFTA
(Monday, February 25, 2008)

NAFTA has killed any concilliatory tone struck between Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama last week. (more )

McCain stumps in Cleveland
(Monday, February 25, 2008)

The frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination campaigned in the Cleveland area today. Senator John McCain held a town hall meeting in the suburb of Rocky River where he touched on several topics important to area voters. (more )

Pledging parties
(Monday, February 25, 2008)

Technically, primary elections belong to the political parties and their members. That's why technically, Ohio does not have open primaries. But technicalities have not always held sway, as evidenced by primary voting eight years ago. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more.... (more )

Obama barnstorms Northeast Ohio
(Sunday, February 24, 2008)

During his visit to Akron last night (Saturday), Barack Obama offered plans for healthcare, minimum wage increases, college tuition credits and tax cuts. But for many of those in his Northeastern Ohio audiences, the message that matters remains: change and hope... (more )

Kucinich's Congressional campaign well-funded
(Friday, February 22, 2008)

Congressman Dennis Kucinich is pulling in big money as he focuses on re-election to Congress after dropping out of the presidential race. (more )

Barack Obama's wife courts Cleveland voters
(Thursday, February 21, 2008)

The wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama was in Cleveland today challenging criticism of her husband's experience to be Commander in Chief. Michelle Obama spoke at Cleveland State University, where her husband also picked up an important local endorsement. (more )

Oberlin says no to coal-fired power plant
(Thursday, February 21, 2008)

Cleveland is one of about two dozen northeastern Ohio communities that will decide this month whether it wants to sign a 50-year contract to help pay for a new coal-fired power plan in southern Ohio. The debate already played out this week in Oberlin, which became the third city in the state to opt out of the 2.9-billion dollar project before the March 1st deadline. (more )

Healthcare headlines Hillary's visit to Parma grill
(Tuesday, February 19, 2008)

Hillary Clinton is back in Ohio today, stumping for votes in a Parma restaurant and Youngstown high school. Her core message continues to play up healthcare and the economy. (more )

Cleveland 10th District Congressional candidate trade jabs at debate
(Tuesday, February 19, 2008)

The gloves came off at the Cleveland City Club today in the Tenth Congressional District primary campaign debate. Challengers took shots at six-term incumbent Dennis Kucinich as well as each other. (more )

Obama tells crowd in Youngstown he wants to help working class
(Monday, February 18, 2008)

Barak Obama made his first appearance of the primary campaign in Ohio today at a rally in Youngstown. He told nearly seven-thousand supporters that change won't be easy, but with their help he can succeed. (more )

Bill Clinton's theme is a familiar one: economy
(Monday, February 18, 2008)

The Clintons -- Hillary, Bill and Chelsea -- made nearly a dozen stops in the Buckeye state over the last five days. Former President Clinton wrapped up the blitz in Canton Sunday with an overriding and reminiscent message. (more )

Hillary Clinton tells Akron defense workers she'll stop outsourcing of jobs
(Friday, February 15, 2008)

Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop at a Lockheed Martin research facility today in Akron to talk about the need to rebuild the middle class. Local union officials told her about jobs at the facility next door that will be moving to Mexico over the next two years. (more )

Obama supporters turn out in force in Akron
(Friday, February 15, 2008)

Barak Obama supporters came together in Akron last night to organize their get-out-the-vote campaign. They appeared energized by the Illinois Senator's recent primary gains and say they're ready to help bring Ohio into the Obama camp. (more )

Sen. Hillary Clinton campaigns at GM Lordstown Assembly Plant
(Thursday, February 14, 2008)

Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton will visit the Lockheed Martin facility in Akron today (Fri). She is campaigning in Ohio before the March 4th primary, which is now considered a must-win, if she is to stop the momentum of fellow Democrat Barack Obama. Yesterday (Thurs) she walked through the G-M assembly plant in Lordstown. She told the United Auto Workers that she was on their side over issues such as free trade and health care. (more )

Chelsea stumps in Cleveland
(Thursday, February 14, 2008)

Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton continued her blitz of Ohio college campuses today with stops at Cleveland State University and the University of Akron. The 27 year old has been speaking at colleges nationwide to help persuade younger people to support her mother, Hillary Clinton, in her presidential bid. (more )

Akron supporters turn out for Clinton
(Thursday, February 14, 2008)

A group of Clinton supporters met in Akron last night to plan their door-to-door campaign. They're hoping to win over friends and neighbors in the 20-days remaining before the March 4th primary. (more )

Cleveland debate back on
(Wednesday, February 13, 2008)

A February 26 debate in Cleveland between Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama is on. (more )

Obama Clinton debate in Cleveland still up in air
(Tuesday, February 12, 2008)

A debate that was proposed to take place in Cleveland between Barak Obama and Hillary Clinton later this month is still up in the air. But that hasn't stopped the two campaigns from starting to power up in Ohio. (more )

Campaign Clips: It's the economy, period
(Friday, February 8, 2008)

Sometimes it weaves in with other issues like healthcare. But the economy is far and away the top concern when talk turns to politics at northeastern Ohio beauty and barber shops and salons. In our occasional series, Campaign Clips, WKSU reporters visited shops in suburban Stark County, Akron, downtown Cleveland and South Euclid to talk politics and governance. (more )

Imagine Romney
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

The Republican race is tightening as the candidates head into Super Tuesday. Mitt Romney still has plenty of cash to spend. If elected he would have four years ahead of him to fulfill his campaign promise to change Washington. In this part of our special series from Capitol News Connection Sara Sciammacco takes a closer look at what type of President Mitt Romney would make. (more )

Imagine Huckabee
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

Senator John McCain is in the front of the Republican presidential pack, and Governor Mike Huckabee remains long shot. But long shot or not Huckabee says he's sticking it out. We continue our presidential "Imagine" series today with an insider's look at Huckabee. He's got executive experience, but Little Rock isn't Washington. Matt Laslo has this story from Capitol Hill. (more )

Imagine McCain
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

While the Presidential hopefuls are campaigning for change, there's also a battle over who has the right experience for the job. Arizona Senator John McCain is an institutional rebel who is also part of the DC establishment. Especially after Tuesday's win in the Florida Primary. In this special series from Capitol News Connection, Jodi Breisler "imagines" John McCain as President. (more )

Imagine Edwards
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

While Barack Obama promises to rise above partisanship, and Hillary Clinton is banking on her experience to bring change, Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards is declaring an all-out war...on corporate lobbyists. In the third part of a series from Capitol News Connection, Eric Niiler 'imagines' John Edwards as President. (more )

Imagine Obama
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

Barack Obama is hoping to turn his victory in South Carolina to more wins on Super Tuesday. On the campaign trail, Obama and the other candidates make lots of promises, leading the field of presidential candidates who say they want to bring change. But change requires shaking up the inertia of official DC. In the second in a special series from Capitol News Connection, Todd Zwillich (ZWILL-ick) asks how Barack Obama might change Washington. (more )

Imagine Clinton
(Wednesday, February 6, 2008)

After getting trounced in South Carolina, Hillary Clinton now has to hope that Super Tuesday will give her the delegates she needs to secure the Democratic nomination. Amidst all the lofty rhetoric about 'change,' it's worth asking how EACH candidate might translate campaign promises into policy. How do personalities and experiences bode for how each candidate will govern? In the first of a special series from Capitol News Connection, Elizabeth Wynne Johnson 'imagines' Hillary Clinton as President. (more )

Voter registration deadline is this Monday
(Wednesday, January 30, 2008)

Ohioans who want to vote in the March 4th presidential primary must make sure they're registered by this coming Monday. (more )

Edwards' dropping out may make Ohio primary more important
(Wednesday, January 30, 2008)

The field of presidential candidates is thinning. Democrat John Edwards dropped out today (Wednesday), and Rudy Guiliani is expected to follow. Political scientist John Green says that may make Ohio's March 4 primary more important than anyone anticipated. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more... (more )

Campaign clips: Political talk from northeast Ohio's beauty and barber shops
(Wednesday, January 30, 2008)

There's something about a barbershop that lends itself to talk. ... And a beauty shop ... Even a quick cuts. So on the day after the president's State of the Union address -- and five weeks before Ohio's presidential primary, WKSU reporters visited area shops and salons to listen to talk of issues and politics. Here's M.L. Schultze with the first in our occasional 2008 political series: Campaign Clips (more )

Clinton campaigns for Clinton in Cleveland
(Tuesday, January 29, 2008)

Former president Bill Clinton laid out the reasons his wife should be the next President during a stop in Northeast Ohio yesterday. (more )

Five Democrats vying for vacant House seat shift focus to campaigning
(Monday, January 28, 2008)

Five Stark County Democrats who were hoping to be appointed to fill a vacant House seat are now focusing on the March primary. The Ohio House Democratic Caucus this week chose to keep former State Representative William Healy's 52nd district seat open. Instead, they're letting the voters' choice of a candidate for the next Statehouse term become the appointed incumbent for the rest of this term. (more )

Kucinich now battling only for his congressional seat
(Friday, January 25, 2008)

Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich officially announced today he's transitioning from long-shot Democratic presidential hopeful, to full-time congressional reelection candidate. And he doesn't expect to miss a beat changing from one campaign to the other. (more )

Voters will pick Healy's successor
(Wednesday, January 23, 2008)

Ohio's House Democrats have decided to leave it to Democratic voters to pick the Statehouse successor to Canton's William Healy. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more... (more )

Ohioans start to think about the election
(Monday, January 21, 2008)

In six weeks, Ohio voters will decide everything from the fate of school levies to the type of ballots they want to use. But most of the primary election talk is about presidential politics, even among people who are no where near certain how they'll vote. WKSU's M.L Schultze has more. (more )

Kucinich running for reelection to congress as well as president
(Wednesday, January 9, 2008)

Cleveland Congressman Dennis Kucinich is now running in two campaigns. Yesterday he added a congressional re-election bid to his long-shot presidential campaign. (more )

Ohio Dems caucus too
(Friday, January 4, 2008)

Ohio Democrats were caucusing Thursday night, though in a lot more obscurity than their Iowa counterparts. Democrats from each of Ohio's 18 congressional districts met to select their delegates to the national convention in Denver this August. But unlike Iowa, Ohio's caucus voting carries no weight until the March 4th primary. WKSU's Amanda Rabinowitz was the 16th district caucuses in Stark County and prepared this report. (more )

Stumping for No. 2
(Friday, January 4, 2008)

About two dozen of Terry Armstrong's Lordstown High School students are leaving Iowa convinced they made a difference ... and convinced the Iowa caucus process is crazy, surprisingly personal and a kick. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more ... (more )

Lordstown kids stump for Edwards, Romney
(Thursday, January 3, 2008)

In the final hours before the Iowa caucuses, the goal is simply this: Get out the vote. And a group of students from Terry Armstrong's classes at Lordstown High School near Youngstown is involved in that goal. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more ... (more )

Learning politics firsthand: Lordstown High School students head to Iowa
(Monday, December 31, 2007)

Some two dozen Northeast Ohio kids are spending the end of their winter break in Iowa, stumping for the campaigns of Mitt Romney and John Edwards, and getting an up close look at the Iowan institution known as presidential caucuses. WKSU's M.L. Schultze has more ... (more )