Governor criticizes Kasich for some of his past votes

Gov. Ted Strickland said he’s not smearing, lying, distorting or telling half-truths about John Kasich, his Republican opponent.

Instead, Strickland, a Democrat, said that he’s pointing out the “different values” between the two.

Kasich “has called what I’ve said smear,” Strickland said today at a campaign visit to the Lemon Grove Cafe on West Federal Street in the city’s downtown. “When you talk about a person’s record, that’s not smear.”

Strickland criticized Kasich for some of his votes during the Republican’s 18 years in the U.S. House.

“I challenge John Kasich to refute anything I’ve said about him,” Strickland said. “I know what mudslinging is. It’s when you lie, distort or tell half-truths. I’m just saying what’s in the record.”

Rob Nichols, Kasich’s spokesman, said all Strickland is doing is attacking his Republican opponent and ignoring his failures as governor.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com