In Ohio, Downturn Upends Old Loyalties

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Wall Street Journal

BOARDMAN, Ohio -- John Butler's flower business is in such bad shape he's laid off 25 of his 26 employees and canceled his health insurance. Two weeks ago, the lifelong Republican voter made a decision just as dramatic: He plans to support Democratic Sen. Barack Obama.

"I looked at my situation and realized I couldn't afford to vote for McCain," Mr. Butler said. "I was as shocked as anyone."

The economic downturn has been felt especially hard here in the Mahoning Valley, a Democratic Party stronghold in Northeast Ohio. The unemployment rate is above the national average. Home foreclosure signs are ubiquitous. Mahoning County also is one of a dozen or so districts straddling the Ohio-Pennsylvania border where Sen. John McCain has targeted blue-collar Democrats.

But as the economic crisis has deepened, voters here are reacting in unexpected ways. Some, like Joe Sullivan, are plain angry.

Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122550296751690121.html

[blue sky at night]

1. I hate to say it, but how long should it take for people to....

wake up and QUIT voting against their best interests....how can we get this guy to be "our" John the Florist....someone who has had the wool pulled from over his eyes and has seen the light of day for the first time in his adult life!!!! Please send this post to the Obama/Biden Campaign asap.


DU'ers we need to Kick and Recommend this big time!!!







CHange, HOpe, OBama/BIden......yes, even for you life-long republicans....there is change and hope in the offing.

[rpannier]

4. I share their anger and frustration

Not enough to vote 3rd Party, but I'm getting there

I voted Obama because I'm a Democrat and he's my US Senator, so I know a bit about him -- plus I have called his office an average of 3 times a month to register my support or anger over something he's done. This helps me know more about him.

If he plans on running another pro-corporate, weak-as-water middle of the road government I'll go looking elsewhere in 2012.

If I'm gonna be disappointed, it might as well start on election night, rather than 'death by 1000 cuts'

[MsLeopard]

2. Mission accomplished!

Decimation of the middle class - check!

[frylock]

3. john the florist to joe the "plumber"

eat it, poseur.

[blue sky at night]

5. I have to say this....

what the fu..... why did this post die? you got three replies and my one rec???? PLease repost this asap.