hot topic | PARTY CONVENTIONS CSG TAKES A LOOK AT THE POLITICAL PARTY CONVENTIONS ...
ELECTION 2012: THE DEMOCRATS The Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., in September may have put the spotlight on President Barack Obama, but Democrats who hold or have held the governor’s office had the opportunity to share something about their states and their beliefs.
Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland “It’s been a long slog back, and we’ve still got a long way to go. But all over Ohio—all over America—men and women are going back to work with the pride of building something stamped ‘Made in America.’ Before Barack Obama took office, it looked like that pride could have vanished forever, but today, from the staggering depths of the Great Recession, the nation has had 29 straight months of job growth. Workers across my state and across the country are getting back the dignity of a good job and a good salary.”
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick
©AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, 2011 CSG President “Let me tell you how we get ’er done in Montana. We’ve had record budget surpluses every year I’ve been governor, averaging over $400 million in surplus even during the Great Recession. We’ve invested more new money for education than ever before, frozen tuition at our colleges for the longest period ever, and get this: We increased the percentage of adults with college degrees faster than any other state. We cut more taxes, for more people, than any governor in Montana history and our bond rating was upgraded. Montana is moving in the right direction. So is America.
“When I came to office, we set out on a different course: investing in ourselves and our future. And today Massachusetts leads the nation in economic competitiveness, student achievement, health care coverage, life sciences and biotech, energy efficiency and veterans’ services. Today, with the help of the Obama administration, we are rebuilding our roads and bridges and expanding broadband access. Today we’re out of the deficit hole Mr. Romney left, and we’ve achieved the highest bond rating in our history. Today—with labor at the table—we’ve made the reforms in our pension and benefits systems, our schools, our transportation system and more that Mr. Romney only talked about. And today in Massachusetts, you can also marry whomever you love. We have much more still to do. But we are on a better track because we placed our faith not in trickle-down fantasies and divisive rhetoric, but in our values and common sense.”
“When President Obama took office, the economy was in free fall, losing more than 800,000 jobs a month. Since then he’s helped create 4.5 million private sector jobs, 29 straight months of job growth.”
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn “In Illinois, we know President Barack Obama. We know his record. And we know that President Obama has made sure that work is always part of welfare. As an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama spearheaded welfare reform in the Land of Lincoln. And the fact is, under President Obama, states can get flexibility only if they move 20 percent more people to work.
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©AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
“From day one, President Obama has told you where he stands, what he believes and what he is doing to make our middle class strong again. America is moving forward under President Obama’s leadership—and that’s a fact.”
©AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
Former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm “With the auto rescue, (Obama) saved more than 1 million middle class jobs all across America. In Colorado, the auto rescue saved more than 9,800 jobs. In Virginia, more than 19,000 jobs. In North Carolina, more than 25,000. Wisconsin, more than 28,000 jobs. Pennsylvania, more than 34,000. Florida, more than 35,000. Ohio, more than 150,000. And in the great state of Michigan? President Obama helped save 211,000 good American jobs. All across America, autos are back! Manufacturing is rebounding.”
