Ohio newspapers voice opinions on candidates

The Vindicator pointed out Strickland's 'touch of class.'
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Two Ohio newspapers on Sunday supported Democrat Ted Strickland for governor, while a southwest Ohio paper endorsed Republican Mike DeWine for U.S. Senate, and two other papers came out against a ballot issue that would put a minimum-wage increase in the Ohio Constitution.
The Dayton Daily News and The Vindicator are backing Strickland, who is trying to end 16 years of Republican rule in the governor's office. The Springfield News-Sun endorsed DeWine, from neighboring Cedarville, in his bid for a third term. The Akron Beacon Journal and the Tribune Chronicle in Warren came out against Issue 2, the minimum-wage increase amendment.
The Daily News said Republican candidate for governor Ken Blackwell "has been wrong on important issues, and, more recently, he has exposed a ruthless streak that has made reasonable people choke and then gag." The paper said Strickland "deserves to be governor not just because he's been the better gentleman, but also because he's right about what that job needs to be."
The Vindicator said Strickland "has brought a touch of class to the hotly contested race for Ohio governor, and in so doing has put the much-maligned Mahoning Valley in a positive light."
About DeWine, Brown
The News-Sun said DeWine "has shown himself to be a thoughtful conservative with an independent streak, a strong awareness of issues that affect this region and a burning desire to improve the lives of children." The newspaper said it worries about Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown's "protectionist tendencies. In today's world economy, raging against globalization -- a force at work everywhere -- accomplishes little."
The Beacon Journal said while the minimum wage should be raised -- the amendment would push it to 6.85 an hour -- the issue doesn't belong in the Constitution.
"Proponents took the dramatic step of a constitutional amendment because the Legislature dodged its responsibility. The understandable sense of frustration, even outrage, doesn't ease concern about the lack of flexibility," the newspaper said.
The Tribune Chronicle said Democrats persuaded activists to use Issue 2 as a way to get their base to the polls.
"If the play works, liberals in droves will mobilize to approve one of their pet issues, and while at the polls, cast their votes for Democratic governors, senators and representatives," the newspaper said.