Gov. Strickland lashes out at critics of rail plan

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. Ted Strickland is lashing out at critics of the state’s plan to use $400 million in federal stimulus money for a startup rail service, calling them “cheerleaders for failure.”

Strickland said today he’s tired of people who attack every idea that comes along and always look for something negative to say.

The governor says that’s not the way to move Ohio forward.

Strickland, a Democrat running for re-election, says the plan will create at least 8,000 jobs and is a first step toward building a passenger rail infrastructure.

Some Republicans have questioned the plan, and newspapers have been full of letters to the editor on the topic, some supportive, some critical.

Strickland says other states would have rejoiced to receive $400 million in federal funding.

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