Strickland, Kasich search for clues to fall

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Democrat Ted Strickland and Republican John Kasich, unopposed in the primary, nevertheless are looking at their performances with primary voters in this pivotal swing state for clues to who will take the helm as governor in November.

This much is known: Almost 736,000 Republicans cast their votes for Kasich, compared with about 621,000 Democrats who voted for Strickland. Does that mean Kasich, a former congressman, investment banker and conservative commentator, will beat the sitting governor?

Maybe, maybe not, political observers say.

“For sure, Democrats should pay attention to that,” said Susan Marilley, an associate political science professor at Capital University. “Once again, Republicans are ready to vote — no matter what the weather, they’ll be active and present.”

Unofficial totals show more votes were cast for Republicans than for Democrats in every statewide race except U.S. Senate.

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