Strickland stumps for Cordray in Lima

LIMA - Gov. Ted Strickland on Sunday called the current economic crisis the most challenging since the days of the Great Depression.

"And I don't think it's exaggerating to say that," he said to a crowd gathered at the Plumbers Pipefitters and Service Technicians union Local 776, 1300 Bowman Road.

The governor was in Lima on a tour of northwest Ohio with Ohio attorney general candidate Rich Cordray, who is the current state treasurer. Lima Mayor David Berger and Delphos Mayor Michael Gallmeier attended the event, but did not address the audience. Several local Democratic candidates for various offices were also in attendance.

"These are interesting times in our state and in our nation ... we need leadership," Strickland said. "Just eight years ago we were a country on the move. Now, instead of people being lifted out of poverty, more people are falling into poverty."

There is a chance for change, however. Strickland urged listeners to support Barack Obama, Democratic candidate for president.

"We've got a few more days and we can change this country. As governor I need a partner in the White House," he said.

As for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, Strickland said he respects McCain's service to the country, but rejects his run for the presidency because of his ideas.

"John McCain will do in the next four years basically what [President George W.] Bush [has done]. We can't put up with four more of what we've already got," Strickland said.

Cordray echoed Strickland's support of Obama, and said that it seems like anyone who criticizes the government is called unpatriotic.

"That's wrong. We have the right to think and speak as we please," Cordray said. "A vast majority of Americans think this country's on the wrong track ... this is an important election."

Strickland said he supports Cordray's run for the attorney general spot, and it's because of his leadership as treasurer that Ohio "is in much better shape than many other states" in the economic crisis. He compared Cordray to Bill Clinton, who Strickland said was one of the smartest political figures he knows.

Cordray is "really a smart guy. Rich Cordray is Bill Clinton smart," Strickland said.

Audience reaction to Strickland and Cordray was positive and many said they agreed with the need for change in the county.

"Maybe people should look at how their lives have been [in the last eight years] ... maybe we need change," said DeeDee Dirksen, of Lima.