Strickland, UAW say auto bailout saved the economy

Strickland, UAW say auto bailout saved the economy

WARREN

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and national United Auto Workers President Bob King said without the president’s decision to bail out the American auto industry, it likely wouldn’t exist today.

On a conference call, Strickland said President Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat, “did the right thing” by pushing through an $82 billion government bailout of General Motors and Chrysler in 2009.

“I believe an entire economy was saved from sliding into a deeper recession or even a depression,” Strickland said.

The Obama campaign said it will have press conferences this week throughout the state to highlight the positive impact of the bailout. The events will feature local auto workers and local elected officials. One of the stops is Warren, near the Lordstown General Motors complex, which makes the Chevrolet Cruze.

In response, Chris Maloney, Ohio Republican Party spokesman, said the Obama campaign is highlighting one part of the president’s record, and ignoring issues such as his health-care reform plan, the stimulus package and job losses.

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