Ohio's Governors Race

The election is November 7, 2006. Here is where the candidates stand on the issues.

Ted Strickland: Democrat, Assistant Minister Trinity United Methodist Church Portsmouth, Ohio 1997- present. His running mate is Lee Fisher, former Ohio Attorney General.

Ken Blackwell: Republican, Ohio secretary of state 1999- present. His running mate is State Rep. Tom Raga.

TAXES:
Strickland
Believes Ohio should take time to realize the effects of the tax reform which was recently passed. He says he won't cut taxes and also says he will not raise taxes.

Blackwell
Is in favor of cutting the states income tax to a flat 3.25%. He wants to do away with the stand alone estate tax and would roll back the state sales tax to 5%.


HEALTH CARE :
Strickland
Is in favor of creating an Ohio healthcare exchange where by small businesses and private insurers would come together to create low cost health care packages and make them available to uninsured Ohioans. Participation would be voluntary. Low income families would get help to pay for premiums.

Blackwell
Is in favor of creating the Buckeye Health Plan to cover uninsured Ohioans. The plan would match Ohioans with existing health care programs which would include the transfer of all Ohio's Medicaid programs to private insurance companies.

EDUCATION:
Strickland
Would spend $50 million per year on early childhood education and would establish a state department which would establish programs for children from prenatal to age 6. Also, college savings accounts which the state would contribute a total of $4,000 annually
over 18 years.

Blackwell
Is in favor of the 65 cent solution which requires 65 cents of every education dollar be spent in the classroom on books, teachers and supplies.


JOBS:
Strickland
Wants to expand state assistance to help save and grow business in Ohio. Also wants to invest in alternative fuels and clean energy technology which he believes would create 22,000 jobs. The plan includes ethanol production and clean coal technologies. He would also invest in the states broadband infrastructure.

Blackwell
Wants to lease the Ohio Turnpike for $4- $6 billion and use the money to start Jobs for Ohio Businesses Fund (JOB). The money would be spent on alternative energy development and clean coal, a revolving loan fund, improving turnpike corridor development and creating universal broadband access.

Questions or comments: write or email eugene.dougherty@realliving.com