While strong support in Mahoning and Trumbull counties helped Democrat Barack Obama carry Ohio, an

While strong support in Mahoning and Trumbull counties helped Democrat Barack Obama carry Ohio, an important swing state, his vote percentages in the two counties were smaller than those of John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic candidate, who lost his race.

Though the Valley didn’t come through as strong as some expected, Obama supporters were absolutely thrilled with the final results that had him not only win Ohio, but win the national election.

Obama will be a strong advocate for cities, such as Youngstown, and areas, such as the Mahoning Valley, that have struggled and are working to better themselves, state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, said.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, who made history in 2005 when he was elected the city’s first black mayor, is hopeful Obama can help the Valley, but we need to be patient. Help for the area from the federal government will come, but it won’t happen the day after Obama is sworn in as president, he said.

Obama is vowing to be a president for all of America, even those who voted against him.

The president-elect cast his election as a defining moment in American history and an answer to cynicism, fear and doubt about the power of democracy.

His victory speech was delivered before a multiracial crowd of more than 100,000 people. Many cried and nodded their heads while he spoke surrounded by clear bulletproof screens on his left and right.

He sprinkled his address with references to the civil rights struggle that has led to him being elected the country’s first black president.

To those who voted against him, he said, “I will be your president, too.”