Ohio GOP deputy chairman says presidential race in the Buckeye State will be ‘extremely close’

YOUNGSTOWN — Despite Republican John McCain slightly increasing his lead in polls of Ohio voters, the state’s GOP deputy chairman says the presidential race will be extremely close.

The results in Ohio between McCain and Democrat Barack Obama could be decided by one or two percent, Kevin DeWine, deputy chairman, said during a interview today at The Vindicator.

“It’s still a difficult year for Republicans” because of “a negative Republican climate” in Ohio dating to the 2006 election that saw Democrats take control of most of the state’s executive office positions.

DeWine said his primary focus is helping McCain win Ohio, an important battleground state in the presidential election. He’s also concentrating on down-ticket races including the attorney general, Congress, the Ohio Supreme Court and maintaining a majority in the Ohio House.

That last one’s going to be a “big challenge,” DeWine said.

Republicans control the House 53-46.

“It’s a difficult task to hold on to the majority,” DeWine said. “Whoever’s in charge [after the election] will be by the slimmest margin; probably by one vote.”

For the complete story, see Wednday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.