QUOTES News Contacts

The Vindicator asked its News Contacts if they believe Ohio is a key battleground state in the presidential election, and if they are tired or excited about the attention given by the campaigns to Ohio and the Mahoning Valley.
Frank Raub of Mineral Ridge, an assistant roller at WCI Steel and a Democrat: "I believe that Ohio is a key state, but so are many others. I think that at election time, the politicians tell the people in the Valley whatever they want to hear to get their vote. In the past 10 to 15 years, all the candidates have promised to help the Valley, and once they get elected, turn their backs to this area. It doesn't matter who gets elected, we in the Valley are living in a depressed area that no one cares about."
George E. Sutton of Poland, a Republican: "Both parties can afford to promise to help the Valley since it is well-known that politicians' promises are like New Year's resolutions."
Bill Johnson of Boardman, a systems programmer and Democrat: "The Swift Boat lies have swung the uneducated and easily brainwashed electorate into the Bush camp. ... You've got to give the Republicans credit. If they can sell [President] Bush as being better for national security, then they can sell anything."
Kymberly Seabolt of New Waterford, a writer and an independent: "Seeing as how both coasts generally view Ohio as 'fly-over' country, newsworthy only in cases of natural disasters, I am perversely pleased that Ohio is viewed as such a 'must-have' by the politicos."
Susan Shwartz of New York City and formerly of Youngstown, vice president of Citigroup Alternative Investments and a Democrat: "I think Ohio is crucial for a variety of reasons. First, because it's perceived as crucial. Second, because it does represent so much of mainstream America. Am I excited to see the Mahoning Valley featured? Frankly, I find it a little opportunistic. It's one thing to come in and express compassion and sympathy all over the place, but after the election, will the Valley be forgotten until its votes are needed and its story is once again told?"