WANT MORE? | Check out the inside for additional election information. Pages 2 and 3
DAILY Contact us at stater@kent.edu or (330) 672-2584
ELECTION RESULTS Governor and Lt. Governor 11,550 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Bob Taft (I) & Jennette Bradley, GOP: 58% ■ Tim Hagan & Charleta Tavares, Dem.: 38% ■ John Eastman and Sadie Moore Stewart, Ind.: 4%
U.S. House, 17th District 656 of 656 precints counted ■ Ann Womer Benjamin, GOP: 32% ■ Tim Ryan, Dem.: 53% ■ Jim Traficant, Ind.:14%
Ohio House, 68th District 101 of 101 precints counted ■ Terri Hauenstein, GOP: 43% ■ Kathleen Chandler, Dem.: 56%
Ohio House, 43rd District 656 of 656 precints counted ■ Mary Taylor, GOP: 53% ■ Mike Grimm, Dem.: 46%
Issue 1 11,314 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Yes: 33% ■ No: 67%
State Supreme Court
KENT STATER Visit us online at www.stater.kent.edu
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2002
GOP takes Senate majority Alan Fram Associated Press WASHINGTON — The Republican Party held its slim majority in the U.S. House of Representatives last night and took control of the Senate with close wins early this morning. The Republicans scored early victories in Senate races in both New Hampshire and Georgia, setting the tone for a night of small, but potentially important Republican gains. In Georgia, Republican Rep. Saxby Chambliss defeated moderate first-term Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, a triple amputee from the Vietnam War, after chiding him for opposing President Bush’s plan for creating a new Department of Homeland Security. Rep. John Sununu was victorious for the GOP in New Hampshire, retaining a Republican-held seat that Democrats had high hopes of winning. He defeated Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen, despite a lack of help from many conservatives bitter over his primary defeat of Republican Sen. Bob Smith. The turnover in Georgia could prove cru-
cial to the GOP’s bid to reclaim control of the Senate in the Congress that convenes in January. Traditionally, the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections. But this year, Republicans appeared to be helped by President Bush’s popularity and by the relatively low number of competitive races. In the House of Representatives Republicans had won 195 seats and were leading in 32 others, with only Alaska’s polls still open early this morning. If that trend continued, Republicans would hold 227 seats — four more than they do in the current Congress. Majority control requires 218 votes. Republicans won three of four races that featured incumbents running against other incumbents — the result of a redistricting to reflect population changes. Rep. Nancy Johnson, (R-Conn.), defeated Rep. Jim Maloney, (D-Conn.), and Rep. Charles Pickering, (R-Miss.), defeated Rep. Ronnie Shows, (D-Miss.) Rep. John Shimkus, (R-Ill.), defeated Rep. David Phelps, (D-Ill.), in a downstate district. But a Republican incumbent was
2002 ELECTION RESULTS U.S. House of Representatives - 435 seats up for election
*1 Independent
U. S. Senate - 34 of 100 seats up for election
*1 Independent
*1 Independent
SOURCE: CNN.COM
Taft beats Hagan
8,206 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Jim Petro, GOP.: 65% ■ Leigh Herington, Dem.: 34%
Secretary of State 8,206 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Kenneth Blackwell (I), GOP: 61% ■ Bryan Flannery, Dem.: 38%
Charley Gillespie Associated Press
Auditor of State 10,122 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Betty Montgomery, GOP: 66% ■ Helen K. Smith, Dem.: 33%
Treasurer of State 11,432 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Joe Deters (I), GOP: 54% ■ Mary O. Boyle, Dem.: 46%
Portage County Commissioner 129 of 129 precints counted ■ Paul R. Miller, GOP: 35% ■ Chuck Keiper (I), Dem.: 52% ■ William N. McDowell Jr., Ind.: 11%
Portage County Auditor 129 of 129 precints counted ■ Janet Esposito (I), GOP: 65% ■ Steve Shanafelt, Dem.: 34%
11th District Court of Appeals Term beginning 2/9/03 843 of 843 precints counted ■ Judith A. Christley (I), GOP: 49% ■ William M. O’Neill (I), Dem.: 51%
629 of 660 precints counted ■ Jon A. Heben, GOP: 23% ■ Dennis J. Kucinich (I), Dem.: 74% ■ Judy Locy, Ind.: 2%
11th District 572 of 646 precints counted ■ Patrick Pappano, GOP: 24% ■ Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (I), Dem.: 76%
13th District 589 of 594 precints counted ■ Ed Oliveros, GOP: 31% ■ Sherrod Brown (I), Dem.: 69%
14th District 664 of 669 precints counted ■ Steven LaTourette (I), GOP: 72% ■ Dale Virgil Blanchard, Dem.: 28%
PATRICK SLABAUGH | DAILY KENT STATER
See CONGRESS | Page 3
Attorney General
10th District
Democrats - 23 seats Republicans - 15 seats 11 Seats with pending results
The above figures are based on vote counts available at press time.
Term beginning 1/2/03 9,424 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Evelyn Stratton (I), GOP: 56% ■ Janet Burnside, Dem.: 43%
Area U.S. House races
Democrats - 46 seats Republicans - 50 seats 3 Seats with pending results
Governors - 36 of 50 seats up for election
Term beginning 1/1/03 9,424 of 11,786 precints counted ■ Maureen O’Connor, GOP: 57% ■ Tim Black, Dem.: 42%
Term beginning 2/10/03 843 of 843 precints counted ■ Mark Hasset, GOP: 26% ■ Cynthia Rice, Dem.: 46% ■ Jeffrey H. Black, Ind.: 28%
Democrats - 197 seats Republicans - 210 seats 17 Seats with pending results
SCOTT R. GALVIN | DAILY KENT STATER
Tim Ryan celebrates with his friends, family and campaign supporters upon his arrival at Mollica’s Banquet Center in Niles. Ryan, now a state senator, was elected to the 17th Congressional District seat in Ohio.
Ryan captures 17th district Ronee Rose and Rachelle Weber Daily Kent Stater Stater reporter Jessica Coomes contributed to this story. Democrat Tim Ryan swept the Ohio 17th District U.S. House race yesterday, winning 51 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Ann Womer Benjamin, who got 34 percent, and independent Jim Traficant, who got 15 percent. At Mollica’s Banquet Center in Niles, the mood was explosive with victory — Ryan had been leading in
the results all night. About 500 supporters, most of whom were dressed in green “Ryan for Congress” T-shirts, flooded the inside of the center, standing on tables and chairs to greet the new congressman. Ryan’s eyes were teary as Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background and his supporters chanted, “Ry-an, Ry-an.” The room fell dead silent when Allen Ryan introduced his brother. “Ladies and gentlemen, mission accomplished,”Allen Ryan announced. For a few minutes, the crowd roared
in response with cheers and applause. “This is definitely the greatest moment in my life,”Ryan said during a five-minute speech. “But today is only the beginning.” Years from now, Ryan said, Northeast Ohio residents will have high-paying jobs, students will have affordable higher education, and they will stay in Ohio to work after graduation. Ryan said everyone supporting him yesterday will be able to say they were there when it all began. See RYAN | Page 3
COLUMBUS — Republican Gov. Bob Taft, the great grandson of a president, was easily elected to a second term yesterday over underfunded challenger Tim Hagan. With 69 percent of precincts reporting, Taft had 1,297,571 votes, or 59 percent, while Hagan had 815,436, or 37 percent. Third-party candidate John Eastman had 90,052 votes, or 4 percent. Taft took a call of congratulations from President Bush but had not yet declared victory. Hagan had conceded. TAFT “We fought the good fight. We stayed the course. We kept the faith,” Hagan said. Taft’s victory means Jennette Bradley will become the nation’s first black female lieutenant governor. It also continues 12 years of GOP control of the state’s highest office. “We have to take each victory as it comes as a victory for women and African-Americans, and I hope it opens the door of opportunity for other people to become involved in public service,”she said. Taft overcame worries about a stagnant economy and a lingering school fundinglawsuit to win another fouryear term. He faced little opposition from Hagan, a Democrat, and Eastman, an independent. Taft’s campaign centered on jobs and education.
16th District 610 of 610 precints counted ■ Ralph Regula (I), GOP: 69% ■ Jim Rice, Dem.: 31% Notes: These are the most recent vote totals available at press time, as compiled by the Associated Press and the Portage County Board of Elections. Denoted winners are projected winners in races where counts are not complete. Party affiliations in judicial races are not official. They are the parties that have endorsed and supported the candidate. (I) denotes incumbent.
DKS HOLDS FORUM The Daily Kent Stater invites students, faculty and staff to attend an open forum at 7 p.m. tonight in the Student Center, Room 317. The forum is intended to gather feedback from the university community and Kent community regarding the Stater. Editors representing each department will be on hand to address readers’ questions, concerns and comments. Refreshments also will be provided at the forum, which will last about an hour. This will be the final forum of the semester.
Roy Lilly: KSU’s unofficial morale officer Tony Lombardo Daily Kent Stater Students come to Kent State, stay for four years, maybe five or six, get an education and move on. But for the past 38 years, psychology professor Roy Lilly has made Kent State his career, his hobby and his home. “Students stay the same age and the faculty get older,” Lilly said. “Students are still a lot of fun to be around.” Lilly’s years of teaching earned him the university’s highest faculty award The President’s Medal in October, an honor he was reluctant to accept. “I’m a Midwestern boy born and raised in Illinois,”he said.“I’m not used to taking compliments gracefully.” Although this award is generally given toward the end of a faculty member’s career, Lilly said, he is only considering retirement. Even during his 10-year battle with prostate cancer, Lilly continued to teach. It was only this year that
Lilly was unable to educate students in statistics, his specialty. “It really didn’t diminish my energy or interfere with my job until this semester,” he said. “The chemotherapy is making me more tired than I have ever been before.” Despite his illness, Lilly still comes into his Kent Hall office to help students with statistical research at least twice a week. Lilly’s colleague, psychology professor Maria Zaragoza, said he acts as a “morale officer” for the university and knows practically everyone. “You can’t walk on campus with him without a secretary or someone saying ‘hi’ to him,” she said. After a few decades, people start to recognize you. Lilly first started teaching in the 60s as an assistant professor in the psychology department. He said the students of that period were more liberal thinking than today’s. See LILLY | Page 6
ERIN GALLETTA | DAILY KENT STATER
Psychology professor Roy Lilly has received the President’s Medal for his years of teaching. Lilly has worked at the university for 38 years.
DAILY
KENT STATER
’04
DECISION
State & local Primary results at a glance Democrats Wesley Clark Howard Dean John Edwards ✔ John Kerry Dennis Kucinich Lyndon LaRouche Richard Gephardt Joe Lieberman
1% 3% 34% 52% 9% 0% 0% 2%
Republican George W. Bush (i)
100%
U.S. Senate Primaries Democrats ✔Eric Fingerhut Norbert Dennerll, Jr.
70% 30%
Republicans ✔ George Voinovich (i) John Mitchell
76% 24%
Ohio Supreme Court (Full term beginning Jan. 1, 2005) Democrats ✔Nancy Fuerst 60% W. Scott Gwin 40% Republican Judith Lanzinger
100%
Ohio Court of Appeals, 11th District Democrats Raymond Tisone ✔ Mary Jane Trapp
39% 61%
Republicans Paul Brickner ✔Colleen Mary O’Toole
49% 51%
State Senate, 28th District Democrats ✔Kim Zurz (i) Thomas Seese Republican Kevin Fowler
62% 38% 100%
Portage County Common Pleas Judge (Full term beginning Jan. 1, 2005) Democrats Leigh Herington 48% ✔Laurie Pittman 52% (No Republican filed)
Portage County Commissioner (Full term beginning Jan. 2, 2005) Democrats David Elias 19% ✔Maureen Frederick (i) 81% Republican Larry Solak
100%
Portage County Commissioner (Full term beginning Jan. 3, 2005) Democrats Timothy Ludick 48% ✔Chris Smeiles (i) 52% Republican Daniel Smith
100%
Clerk of Common Pleas Court Democrats Charlene Badger ✔Linda Fankhauser Republican Ronn Franczkowski
31% 69% 100%
Portage County Sheriff Democrats Larry Carver ✔Tony Stankiewicz
39% 61%
(No Republican filed)
County Recorder Democrats Gene Brown ✔Bonnie Howe Linda Kovacs
28% 42% 30%
Republican Louis Dudek
100%
County Treasurer Democrats Vicki Kline ✔Steve Shanafelt
48% 52%
(No Republican filed) (i) Indicates incumbent candidate.
PAGE
7
More local election coverage
It will be Kerry vs. Bush Kerry takes all Super Tuesday states except Dean’s Vermont Ron Fournier Associated Press
President Primary
Visit us online at stater.kent.edu
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2004
Contact us at stater@kent.edu or (330) 672-2584
John Kerry cemented the Democratic presidential nomination, driving rival John Edwards from the race with a string of Super Tuesday triumphs that catapulted the Massachusetts senator into an eight-month struggle to oust President Bush. “Change is coming to America,”Kerry said, capping a remarkable comeback that began this year with his candidacy on the brink of extinction in Iowa and New Hampshire. The four-term lawmaker has won 27 of 30 primary elections or caucuses so far, from Edwards’Southern strongholds to the Midwest states of Ohio and Michigan to his own New England base. Edwards, a senator from North Carolina, stopped just short of conceding,
DEMOCRATIC DELEGATE SCORECARD DELEGATES NEEDED TO WIN: 2,162
but two Democratic officials said on condition of anonymity that Edwards would step aside today in Raleigh, N.C. In state after state, Democrats said their top priority was a candidate who could defeat a wartime president with a $100 million-plus campaign treasury. Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran, won an overwhelming number of their votes, and now leads a relatively united party against Bush. “I am a fighter, and for more than 30 years I have been on the battle lines, on the front lines, for fairness and mainstream American values,” Kerry told cheering supporters in Washington, D.C., promising to close tax loopholes, offer new incentives for manufacturers, protect the environment, raise the minimum wage and cut health care costs.
John Kerry
John Edwards
Al Sharpton
Dennis Kucinich
Ohio — 100%
81
55
0
0
California — 39%
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Georgia — 99%
37
32
0
0
Maryland — 98%
26
13
0
0
Massachusetts — 97%
73
13
0
0
Minnesota — 76%
13
7
0
5
New York — 99%
174
54
8
0
Rhode Island — 99%
17
4
0
0
Vermont — 95%
6
0
0
0
35 771
14 221
0 16
0 9
1,233
413
24
14
State — (% of votes counted)
Conneticut — 99% Total before yesterday New total
JEFF BOWEN | DAILY KENT STATER
SOURCE: CNN.com
See KERRY | Page 6
Pittman wins court nomination Municipal Court judge narrowly defeats Herington Matthew Schomer Daily Kent Stater Ravenna Municipal Court Judge Laurie Pittman captured 52 percent of the votes in the Portage County Common Pleas Court judgeship primary, defeating former state Sen. Leigh Herington for the Democratic nomination. Pittman received 10,841 votes. Herington received 9,914. No Republicans have filed candidacy for the position. Monday, Ravenna attorney John Plough filed as independent to run in the race and will face Pittman in November. “I will be a very good judge,” Pittman said after election results were announced.“I’m elated that the people of Portage County made the right choice.” Herington said he was disappointed. “I don’t know what it is we could have done that we didn’t do,” he said. “When you run against a sitting judge, it’s a difficult thing.” Herington said he believes Pittman will do well in Common Pleas Court. Pittman said Gov. Bob Taft will likely appoint a Republican to the Municipal Court judgeship if she wins the general election. “She’s a capable person,”he said.“I have nothing but respect for her.” Pittman claimed Herington’s campaign tactics, including attacks on the legality of her campaign signs, contributed to his downfall. “It was obvious to me from the
PAT JARRETT | DAILY KENT STATER
Laurie Pittman beams after the final vote count is read at the Italian American Society in Ravenna, confirming that she won the Democratic nomination for the Common Pleas Court judgeship last night. beginning that people do not care for dirty politics, and that sort of backfired on Senator Herington,”she said. Herington said he would return to practicing law, as well as spend more time fishing. In a speech at Palace Hall and Catering Company in Brimfield, he
thanked members of the College Democrats for their support during his campaign. Kelly Stellrecht, College Democrats member, said 10 to 15 members of the organization supported Herington’s campaign.The organization, however, never gave Herington an official
endorsement, she said. “I worked a lot for Leigh, and it was really disappointing,”she said.“We truly did ‘Believe in Leigh,’ and he has done some great things for us and Portage County.” E-mail: mschomer@kent.edu
Comic book Smeiles beats Ludick in race for commissioner by 4 percent star tells of
ordinary life
Brianne Bongiovanni Daily Kent Stater Christopher Smeiles won the hotly contested race for Portage County Commissioner last night in the Democratic primary against Timothy Ludick. Smeiles won the tight race with 10,404 votes, or 52.07 percent, while Ludick had 9,578 votes, or 47.93 percent. “My next step is to pick up signs,” Smeiles said. “I will spend time with my family for the next few days before I start to plan for the fall.” Smeiles thanked the crowd of about 70 supporters at the Palace Hall and Catering Company in Brimfield. “Next, I will reorganize, start some fund-raisers, catch my breath and hit it hard for summer,” Smeiles said. Ludick, an instructor of finance at Kent State and a lawyer, was not able to be reached for comment. His wife, Dixie, said her husband was out picking up signs last night. “I am obviously disappointed about the results,” she said.“It was a very close race, but when an incumbent is in office that long, it is a hard-fought race. (Ludick) had a good campaign.” Smeiles has been a commission-
Ernest Brewer Daily Kent Stater
ELLIOTT S. CRAMER | DAILY KENT STATER
Supporters of Democratic Commissioner Christopher Smeiles congratulate him on his renomination. Smeiles has been in office for 16 years. er for 16 years. Smeiles’ wife, Deborah, said Timothy Ludick’s negative campaigning hurt him. “I would never vote for anybody that runs a negative campaign,” Deborah Smeiles said.“I am upset with how close the race was.” Ludick’s campaign focused on the commissioners’ decision to spend millions of dollars on real estate in the county, which could be a conflict of interest because Smeiles
owns a realty company in Kent. Ludick also criticized him for making budget cuts to the Sheriff’s Department and not taking fulltime responsibility as commissioner. Smeiles mostly ignored Ludick’s charges, saying he was trying to keep a positive campaign. Smeiles will run against Republican Daniel Smith of Mogadore, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in the general election. E-mail: bbongiov@kent.edu
When Harvey Pekar, writer of the American Splendor comic books, began reading comics, they were filled with superheroes, fantastic powers and exciting battles. But when he began writing them, his normal everyday life was the inspiration, and he eventually turned his life into a popular movie. Pekar spoke of his success last night in the Student Center Ballroom. When he was 6 years old, Pekar said, he learned to read by reading comic books. “When I got older, they started getting old,”Pekar said.“They were predictable.” “I thought comics were kids’ stuff and grew bored with them,”he said. Pekar got respect for the medium after reading Mad, he said, because they were aimed at intellectual people. “I found there was nothing wrong with comics, but the people who made the comics,”Pekar said.“I got to thinking that maybe comics could be about anything. You can do anything with words and pictures. Comics don’t have to be kids’ stuff.” Pekar said he decided to write his own comics. “I would be the central figure as the world revolved around me,”Pekar said. See COMIC | Page 6
KENT STATER daily
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Wednesday, November 3, 2004
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Ohio proves to hold the key to the election with the final say of who will be ...
MR.
PRESIDENT? P
With Ohio’s electoral votes up in the air, the country waits for a president. Page 3 Local supporters wait for results. Page 3 Voters turn out in record numbers. Page 3
"
I believe I will win, thank you very much.
" "
President Bush
"
I’m not pretending to anybody that it’s a bed of roses.
Sen. John Kerry
resident Bush and Sen. John Kerry sweated out a tension-packed conclusion to the race between an embattled incumbent and a Democrat who questioned the war he waged in Iraq. Ohio loomed as this year’s Florida, the decisive state, with Kerry’s options dwindling. Bush won Florida, the state he nailed down four years ago only after a 36-day recount and Supreme Court decision. Kerry hung on to the Democratic prize of Pennsylvania, but had precious few places to pick up electoral votes that went Republican in 2000. He took New Hampshire from Bush, but it has only four electoral votes. That leaves just Ohio and Nevada. As of 2 a.m. with 96 percent of Ohio’s precincts counted, Bush had 51 percent of the vote, and Kerry had 49 percent. — Associated Press
LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS Issue 1
State senator
✓ Yes 62.15% No 37.85% Precincts counted: 79.78% Story page 2
✓ Kimberly A. Zurz Kevin M. Fowler
U.S. representative ✓ Tim Ryan Frank V. Cusimano
77.92% 22.08% Story page 4
U.S. senator
GAVIN JACKSON | DAILY KENT STATER
Kent residents Bonny Esparza and Nancy Warlop watch election coverage at the Democratic Headquarters in Kent after working to get the vote out. See story on Page 3.
✓ George V. Voinovich 64.42% Eric D. Fingerhut 35.33% Precincts counted: 79.78% Story page 4
County commissioners 64.42% 35.58% Story page 5
State representative ✓ Kathleen Chandler 63.71% Andrew Manning 36.29% Precincts counted: 100% Story page 5
✓ Chris Smeiles Daniel Smith
59.66% 40.34%
✓ Maureen T. Frederick 62.46% Larry Solak 31.36% Mick Corcoran 6.18% Precincts counted: XX% Story page 4
Sheriff ✓ Duane W. Kaley Tony Stankiewicz
56.82% 43.18% Story page 5
PAT JARRETT | DAILY KENT STATER
Lines wrapped around the polling station at the Kentway Retirement Center on Summit Street. The wait was as long as three hours. See story on Page 2.
GOVERNOR
U.S. SENATE
Ted Strickland
Sherrod Brown
Democratic candidate Strickland celebrated an early victory, 60-37 percent.
Democratic candidate Brown celebrated a 56-44 percent victory over incumbent DeWine.
★
ISSUES Issue 2 Issue 3 Issue 4 Issue 5
Minimum Wage — APPROVED Learn and Earn — FAILED Smoke Less Ohio — FAILED Smoke Free Ohio — APPROVED
2006 ELECTION RESULTS
DAILY KENT STATER
WEDNESDAY
November 8, 2006
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STRICKLAND ELECTED OHIO'S NEW GOVERNOR
‘‘
I believe in the future of Ohio because I believe in the people of Ohio. — Governor-elect Ted Strickland
GAVIN JACKSON | DAILY KENT STATER
Margie Chambers, a member of the UAW from Cleveland, cheers along with more than 600 other visitors to the Cleveland Public Auditorium last night. Brown defeated incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine in the midterm election.
Democrats have big reasons to celebrate Party takes over control of House, gains in Senate David Espo
Associated Press
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCT
Democratic governor-elect Ted Strickland celebrates his win with his wife, Frances, at the Capitol Square Hyatt in Columbus yesterday. He holds a paper chain with names of volunteers who helped him get elected.
BLACKWELL CONCEDES
Strickland calls for ‘common sense solutions’ Bryan Wroten
Daily Kent Stater
C
Republican candidate Kenneth Blackwell conceded early in the evening, stating: “Ted, you ran a good race and have won a tremendous opportunity to lead the people of this state to better days, a stronger economy and a higher quality of life.”
WASHINGTON — Resurgent Democrats won control of the House and challenged the Republicans’ grip on the Senate in midterm elections early today, riding a powerful wave of public anger over the war in Iraq and scandal at home. “Mr. President, we need a new direction in Iraq,” said California Democratic Rep. Nancy Pelosi, celebrating her party’s return to power — and her own ascension as first female speaker in history. President Bush monitored the returns from the White House as the voters picked a new Congress certain to complicate his final two years in office. He arranged to call Pelosi this morning, then hold an afternoon news conference. “They have not gone the way he would have liked,” press secretary Tony Snow said of the election returns.
OLUMBUS — Putting his hands up to calm a packed ballroom of supporters, Ted Strickland began his acceptance speech. “I want to begin by thanking every one of you for being here,” he said after the cheering and chanting of his name. With a vote of 60 to 37 percent, Democratic candidate Strickland became Ohio’s new governor. A poll by The Associated Press predicted Strickland to be the winner by 8 p.m. last night. Strickland’s Republican opponent, Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, conceded the election later in the evening. In his concession speech, Blackwell told chanting supporters that he would not “ride into the sunset” after this political setback. “Football coach Vince Lombardi used to tell
people that his team never lost game, but that sometimes the clock ran out on us,” Blackwell said. “Well, tonight the clock ran out on us.” Blackwell urged his supporters to work with the new Democrat-led state government, but also stressed holding onto their core beliefs. “We must have a civil discussion with those who have been our loyal opposition,” ON THE WEB What’s your reaction to the election? he said. The Governor ’s Ball- Tell us your opinion at room of the Hyatt on Capitol StaterOnline.com. Square was standing room only for most of the night. Strickland supporters yelled and clapped every time they saw CNN project a Democratic candidate as a winner in the races. Children in Ted Strickland T-shirts walked around, holding their mothers’ or fathers’ hands.
See GOVERNOR | Page 6
See HOUSE | Page 6
HOUSE CONTROL*
SENATE CONTROL*
180 221 Democrats Republican seats seats
48 49 Democrats Republican seats seats
34 Undecided
3 Undecided
*As of 1:30 a.m.
Brown strips important Senate seat from DeWine Ben Breier
Daily Kent Stater
Campus Dems excited to watch efforts ‘pay off’ Kali Price
Daily Kent Stater “It’s a good day for Democrats,” College Democrats President Kelly Stellrecht said in a phone interview as she watched Rep. Sherrod Brown speak about his win on TV. Stellrecht was only able to express her excitement at the results of the
ONLINE For a look at what election day was like around the county, visit us at StaterOnline.com for an exclusive photo gallery.
in
Ohio senate and governor races. “It’s really exciting to be working hard as a Democrat for so long and for it to pay off,” she said. Stellrecht said Strickland’s and Brown’s campaign promises were key in their victories. “I think voters just wanted a change, and the message of hope that Strickland and Brown gave just made
SHORT
Read students opinions about election results on the issues. Page 6. ■
people feel hope again,” she said. Amy Groya, Undergraduate Student Senate senator for governmental affairs, said she felt other issues — such as education — became more important to voters.
Man says Bibles in pocket stopped bullet JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A 54-year-old Orange Park man credits two small Bibles in his shirt pocket
Groya added that she felt students had a major impact on the election. “I think a lot of students went out and voted,” she said. “I do think that the way that students voted is the way the election went.” Stellrecht said she thinks Strickland and Brown will bring a change to Ohio.
for saving his life when they stopped a bullet. The man, whose name was withheld, told police that two men who he didn’t recognize ambushed him with a rifle as he carried bags of garbage to a trash bin. The two men fled and have not been arrested.
See STUDENTS | Page 6 Other than a red mark and a pain in his chest, he was not injured, The Florida Times-Union reported yesterday. The man said he was carrying two New Testament Bibles in his shirt pocket to give to friends. Police took the Bibles as evidence.
CLEVELAND — Sherrod Brown received an early birthday present from the state of Ohio last evening. Brown, who will celebrate his 54th birthday on Thursday, was elected to his first term in the U.S. Senate, defeating incumbent two-time Republican Senator Mike DeWine. His victory was one of six necessary pick-ups for the Democratic party in order to gain control of the Senate. Brown defeated DeWine 56 to 44 percent, as of 1:30 a.m. And when Brown arrived at the Cleveland Public Auditorium at 10 p.m., confetti exploded out of a cannon placed on a balcony, raining onto roughly 600 Brown supporters below as they expressed jubilance over his victory.
See BROWN | Page 6
INSIDE 2: Students use ‘bling’ to personalize their cell phones. 4: State should help students with children attend college. 10: KSU wrestling coaches hit the mat.
SPORTS KENT STATE SOARS OVER REDHAWKS, GRABS TOP SEED IN MAC TOURNAMENT PAGE 12 WEDNESDAY MARCH 5, 2008
DAILY KENT STATER
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Voters turn out as predicted Erica Weisburn and Jenna Gerling Daily Kent Stater
PHOTOS BY GAVIN JACKSON | DAILY KENT STATER
Democratic presidential candidate Sen. HIllary Clinton speaks at her primary night rally in the Columbus Athenaeum in Columbus. Clinton won the Ohio primary last night.
Supporters cheer while watching the primary returns last night as they waited for Clinton to speak.
COLUMBUS — Hillary Clinton finally had a confetti night. The Democratic presidential hopeful claimed victory in the Ohio and Rhode Island primaries last night, and said that means: “We’re going strong and we’re going all the way.”
Clinton takes Ohio
Mike Glover
Associated Press Despite a turn of fortunes that also saw her in a tight race with Barack Obama in Texas, the New York senator had an uphill fight to catch Obama’s lead in delegates. Confetti rained down on her Ohio rally as she took the stage. She told the crowd, “This nation’s coming back and so is this campaign.” E a r l i e r, C l i n t o n b r o k e Obama’s winning streak by taking Rhode Island after Obama was declared the winner in Vermont. It was a costly rash
of defeats for Clinton over the weeks, only partly redeemed last night because both Democrats divided the delegates at stake. “Boy, thank you Ohio,” she said, dragging out the “Ohhh.” “For everyone here in Ohio and across America who’s ever been counted out but refused to be knocked out,” she said, “and for everyone who has stumbled and stood right back up, and for everyone who works hard and never gives up, this one is for you.”
See NATIONAL | Page 9
THE RESULTS
As of deadline last night, the results of the primary for Ohio were the following:
55% 43% 60% 31% CLINTON
OBAMA
MCCAIN
HUCKABEE SOURCE: CNN.COM
International students share their views of politics Marissa Mendel
Daily Kent Stater With the upcoming presidential race and yesterday’s primary election, American politics are everywhere. Even in other parts of the world. “It seems to me that many individuals from other cultures are aware more-so of American politics than Americans realize,” said Amy Bode, immigration compliance specialist in the Office of International Affairs. Boryana Dzhambazova, visiting scholar from Bulgaria, said European media are interested in United States’ foreign policy. “The United States is a world leader,” Dzhambazova said. “I think everywhere in the world, people pay attention to American politics.
Especially right now with the presidential race and the primaries.” Samuel Tekpetey, technology graduate student, said elections in his home country of Ghana are held around the same time as elections in America, which adds to how much people pay attention to U.S. politics. “People are following them closely,” Tekpetey said. “America is the eye of the world and everyone looks up to America.” While the United States only has two major parties, many countries have several. Tekpetey said that’s the major difference between politics here and in Ghana. “Supporters of political parties sometimes get into fights just because of opposing opinions. Sometimes there’s a little violence. Over here, you wouldn’t see supporters
of Republicans fighting against the Democrats,” Tekpetey said. Shirley Ng, sophomore fashion merchandising exchange student from Hong Kong, said she doesn’t think people follow U.S. politics in her home country. “We don’t focus so much on American politics,” Ng said. “We focus much on our own politics.” Julie Mazzei, assistant professor of political science said that our campaign season is commonly viewed as long with a lot of money incorporated in it. “In a lot of other countries, your campaign time is limited,” Mazzei said. From her experiences traveling, Mazzei said she learned some Cubans believe that their system is more democratic than ours because it doesn’t revolve around finances
as much. “Their impression is our system is more influenced by the wealthy,” Mazzei said. Another difference is our Electoral College. “You really have to win the Electoral College. You don’t have to win the popular vote,” Mazzei said. “That definitely makes our system different.” Mazzei said she thinks that can be confusing to people from other nations, and Dzhambazova agrees. “For me, your system is complicated,” Dzhambazova said. “Basically in Bulgaria, we just have the popular vote, we don’t have Electoral College and delegates. I think it’s more simple.” Contact international affairs reporter Marissa Mendel at mmendel1@kent.edu.
Voters turned out as expected yesterday, braving the icy rain to take part in a highly anticipated primary election. Monday, Lois Enlow, deputy director of Portage County Board of Elections, predicted a 40 percent turnout. As of press time last night, the county reported 38,722 votes in the presidential primary. That’s about 38 percent of the county’s registered voters, with 10 precincts left to be counted. When those precincts are counted, voter turnout will likely match Enlow’s prediction. Portage County poll workers described the day as “steady,” with a few brisk moments. At the Board of Elections last night, Adreina Murphy, presiding judge at a Brimfield polling location, said the election went smoothly until she and other polling location judges arrived at the election’s headquarters with ballots. “It seemed to be bottlenecked, but they realized there was a problem, and shortly after,
LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS: Dem. sheriff candidate: David Doak
Aurora school levy: Failed
Dem. county commissioner candidate: Chris Smeiles
Ravenna Township fire levy: Failed
Issue 2, Kent liquor license: Passed
Edinburg Township fire levy: Passed Source: Portage County Board of Elections Web site
it began to speed up,” she said. Poll results started coming in at 9 p.m. and winners in the local races were decided by 10:15 p.m. Chris Smeiles won the Democratic primary for county commissioner. David Doak won the Democratic primary for sheriff. Progress wasn’t as steady in other counties, however.
See VOTING | Page 9
Incumbent Smeiles defeats 19-year-old candidate for county commissioner Democratic incumbent Chris Smeiles defeated Brett McClafferty in yesterday’s Democratic primary election for Portage County commissioner. He will campaign to keep his position on the three-member board against Republican Larry Solak of Mantua. The Kent resident credited a solid local government and successful political history for the win. Smeiles earned 60 percent of the vote and spent roughly $8,000 campaigning to beat the 19-year-old McClafferty. When asked about the support for McClafferty, Smeiles attributed much of it to what he called the “ham sandwich effect.” “When facing any new opponent, he or she is usually going
to get close to 35 or 40 percent because voters may not vote for a long-time incumbent,” Smeiles said. “Put a ham sandwich on the ballot and it will get close to 40 percent.” McClafferty said he gained a lot of confidence after running for mayor last year. Despite the loss, he is pleased with his campaign and the support he received. “More than 10,000 people voted for me because they want more than just experience; they need to see dedication,” McClafferty said. “If you can perpetuate that, and I think I did, people will vote for you.” McClafferty added that he will support Smeiles in the November elections. — Cory Smith
Doak wins Portage County sheriff primary David Doak, former chief deputy, won the Democratic primary for the Portage County sheriff position against Jeff Buck, chief of the Reminderville police department. Doak will run against Portage County sheriff Duane Kaley in the November election. With 92.4 percent of precincts reporting, Doak received 64.67 percent of the vote against Buck’s 35.33 percent. Doak won 15,088 votes, and Buck won 8,243. “Obviously I’m very pleased with the numbers,” Doak said. “I didn’t think the margin would be that much.” Doak, currently unemployed because he was fired from his position as chief sheriff’s deputy of Portage County when he announced his candidacy, said
he would spend all his time campaigning against Kaley. One thing he hopes to improve is communication. “I don’t think the sheriff has been in touch with the community,” Doak said. He said he and Buck were on the same page in terms of improving manpower. Buck said he had hoped to improve police protection in the rural areas of Portage County. “There’s an awful lot of crime out there and they don’t have a lot of police coverage,” he said Buck congratulated his opponent and said his first time running for political office was a learning experience. “I’ll do better next time,” he said. — Kiera Manion-Fischer
[ ONLINE ] Are you satisfied with the outcome of yesterday’s Ohio primary election? Tell us at KentNewsNet.com and get extra election coverage. Check out an audio slideshow of last night’s men’s basketball game.
[ INSIDE ] FORUM
Let us know what’s on your mind The editorial board has teamed up with Residence Services to hold an open forum tonight in Eastway’s lounge. PHOTOS
Polls, voting and rallies The Daily Kent Stater photo staff caught the atmosphere of the primary in a variety of views. PAGE 10
PAGE 4
ONLINE: Check KentNewsNet.com for the latest election information
DAILY KENT STATER watch. read. listen. react.
www.KentNewsNet.com
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University
YESTERDAY OUR NATION MADE HISTORY. SEE HOW EACH STATE VOTED. PAGE A10, A11
THE WAIT, THE HOPE,
A NEW ERA
President-elect Barack Obama, left, his wife Michelle Obama, right, and two daughters, Malia, 7, and Sasha, 10, wave at the election night rally in Chicago yesterday.
Jae C. Hong | ASSOCIATED PRESS
Grins and tears of joy at Chicago’s Grant Park
Obama triumphs, will be first black U.S. president
Theresa Bruskin
David Espo
CHICAGO — In a shout heard around the world and back, hundreds of thousands of Obama supporters crowded into Grant Park and greeted the news that would change the world forever — the United States had elected its first black president. ¶ The faces Barack Obama’s campaign made so familiar over the past many months — the young and old, black and white — erupted into grins and tears, all full of hope and each memorable. ¶ “The world will light up,” Jason Garrett, 27, said, his eyes glued to one of many Jumbotrons through which CNN declared the election for Obama only moments before.
WASHINGTON — Barack Obama swept to victory as the nation’s first black president last night in an electoral college landslide that overcame racial barriers as old as America itself. ¶ The son of a black father from Kenya and a white mother from Kansas, the Democratic senator from Illinois sealed his historic triumph by defeating Republican Sen. John McCain in a string of wins in hard-fought battleground states — Ohio, Florida, Virginia and Iowa. ¶ A huge crowd in Grant Park in Obama’s home town of Chicago erupted in jubilation at the news of his victory. Some wept.
Associated Press
Daily Kent Stater
See FIRST | Page A3
See CHICAGO | Page A3
DEMOCRATS ECSTATIC, GOP SOMBER IN COLUMBUS
‘THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ...HAVE SPOKEN CLEARLY’
Supporters of both candidates watched the election from viewing parties in the state capital. See PAGE A2 for our coverage from Columbus and results from other state races.
Arizona Sen. John McCain conceded his race for president from Phoenix. The Daily Kent Stater sent a reporter and photographer to cover the election. Read about what they saw on PAGE A3.
More local and national election coverage PAGE 6
DAILY KENT STATER Wednesday, November 3, 2010 • The independent student newspaper of Kent State University • Weather: Partly Cloudy, HI 51, LO 40
GO TO KENTWIRED.COM TO READ, WATCH, LISTEN AND REACT TO THE LATEST ELECTION UPDATES
ELECTION REACTIONS
DOWN 17 POINTS IN SEPTEMBER, STRICKLAND HAD RISEN FROM THE DEAD, BUT
KASICH TAKES IT AND BECOMES OHIO’S NEXT GOVERNOR AFTER DEAD-HEAT ELECTION DAY
Tony Lange
alange3@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater John Kasich will be the next governor of Ohio. Kasich had 50 percent of the vote to Democrat incumbent Ted Strickland’s 46 percent with about 97 percent of the votes counted. Minor party candidates had the other 4 percent of the vote. Shortly after midnight, the Associated Press called Kasich the winner. Kasich hadn’t claimed victory, but spokesman Rob Nichols said, “It’s going to be a very, very good night.” “We feel real good. We knew it was going to be a fairly close race. This is an important election and this is Ohio and races for governor are close,” Nichols said at 11:30 p.m. The independent voters, which account for 29 percent of the ballots statewide, looked to be the difference. At deadline, 52 percent voted for Kasich while 39 percent voted Strickland, according to exit polls by CNN. The CNN poll showed that 51 percent of men and 45 percent of women voted for Kasich. Days before the election, Nichols said in an interview Kasich plans to keep tuition down by asking faculty to teach more courses and universities to combine programs. As governor, Kasich said he will work to eliminate the state income tax. He also plans to put more money into classrooms and students by funding fewer school buildings or large administrations. Strickland said his Ohio Evidence Based Model, which Kasich wants to eliminate, already does that. As late as September, polls showed Strickland as much as 17 percentage points behind Kasich. But Strickland had gained steadily in the polls up to Election Day. In the final two weeks of October, President Barack Obama made two visits to Ohio in support of Strickland. Previously, Obama made 10 trips to Ohio since his election in 2008. More than 30 percent of likely voters said they were less likely to support Strickland because of Obama’s efforts, Quinnipiac University Polling Institute pollsters found in mid-October. Three percent of the 1,356 likely Ohio voters, whom Public Policy Polling pollsters surveyed from Oct. 28 to 30, were still undecided. Nine percent of voters in the 18-29 age range were undecided,
kstoklos@kent.edu
Kristyn Soltis
ksoltis1@kent.edu Daily Kent Stater Around 11 p.m., supporters began to file out of the Italian American Club, wishing Kathleen Clyde congratulations as they passed. But Clyde was cautious. She wouldn’t admit victory before all
‘‘
Well, honestly it was very predictable. Reaction-wise, I’m very concerned that this Congress isn’t going to be able to produce any substantive results for the American people … I really feel like we’re heading towards another ‘do-nothing’ Congress. (Republicans have) made it pretty clear that they’re willing to obstruct, obstruct, obstruct.” BRYAN STAUL College Democrat vice president
SAM VERBULECZ | DAILY KENT STATER
Tommie Jo Marsilio, center, Portage County’s next Republican commissioner, celebrates John Kasich’s gubernatorial victory at a Tea Party gathering in the Student Center Ballroom. PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY DEJAK ASSOCIATED PRESS
with 53 percent backing Strickland and 38 percent backing Kasich. Meggie Wittman, a senior theatre studies major who voted at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Tuesday, said unemployment is a focal point in the governor race. “Jobs is the main focus in the election, so I think that’s what people are looking for,” she said after voting. “People are going to vote for who they think will bring in the most jobs.” Throughout election season, Republican-funded ads bashed Strickland and blamed him for losing 400,000 Ohio jobs as governor. See GOVERNORS, Page 6
votes were tallied. Clyde succeeds Kathleen Chandler as Ohio’s 68th District House Representative, which represents Portage County’s interests in Columbus. Chandler is not eligible to run again because of CLYDE term limits. Clyde leads W. Roak Zeller by 4.5 percentage points with 95 percent of polls reporting.
LOCAL RESULTS AT A GLANCE Republicans took back the House of Representatives and several seats in the Senate. Ohio has a new governor, and a Republican-controled House of Representatives. Around Kent, here’s what’s new: OHIO GOVERNOR John Kasich (R) Ted Strickland (D)
50% 46%
OHIO ATTORNEY GENERAL Richard Cordray (D) 45% Mike DeWine (R) 48%
38% 58%
OHIO REPRESENTATIVE, DIST-68 Kathleen Clyde (D) 48% W. Roak Zeller (R) 44%
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, OHIO-17 Jim Graham (R) 29% Tim Ryan (D) 55%
OHIO REPRESENTATIVE, DIST-43 Stephen Dyer (D) 45% Todd McKenney (R) 55%
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE, OHIO-16 John Boccieri (D) 40% James Renacci (R) 54%
COUNTY COMMISSIONER Vicki Kline (D) 49% Tommie Jo Marsilio(R) 51%
U.S. SENATE, OHIO Lee Fisher (D) Rob Portman (R)
‘‘
I’m excited because I feel like the Congress that we’ve had so far hasn’t really served us well. My biggest problem is as a student, I don’t have a lot of money. I work part-time. I have to cut things out of my budget. I can’t operate in the red, and the federal government, they think that they can. It’s frustrating to think that I have to give up things, but they don’t think they have to.” KASSANDRA MEHOLICK College Republican president
Ohio Gov.-elect John Kasich celebrates a victory during the Ohio Republican Party celebration Wednesday in Columbus.
Clyde wins Ohio House seat in local matchup Kelley Stoklosa
YOUR VOICES
92 percent of precincts reporting
About 70 people gathered in the Italian American Club to support Clyde Tuesday night as results came in. About 20 people joined Zeller at Belleria in Kent. People at Zeller’s ZELLER event dined on pizza and baked ziti, occasionally glancing up at Fox News’ election show while Clyde’s supporters sipped beer
and Coca Cola and munched on pizza, wings and cookies. Before results began rolling in, Clyde admitted she was nervous. “I feel like I’ve done everything I can do,” she said. “I’ve knocked on over 10,000 doors, held events all over the county and worked my heart out. I ran a clean campaign and I hope that I can come out on top and do a lot of hard work on behalf of this county.” See REPRESENTATIVES Page 6
‘‘
It’s basically a massacre, but I was expecting it to be bad. We’re (Democrats) going to hang on to the Senate, but the House is fargone. We’ll do our best to rebound from this and build for the future and for 2012.” MARK MILLER Former College Democrat president
‘‘
I’m disappointed especially, in the youth vote. Strickland is really concerned about education, especially college-age students. It’s just a pure reflection of not enough young people coming out to vote ... Hopefully we’ll have a better turn out in 2012.” CHRISSY FRANCISCO College Democrat president
‘‘
My reaction is of course disappointment … In our district, we actually got out state Rep. Kathleen Clyde in, so that’s a really big one for us, but the overall major loss is kind of heartbreaking. I’m pretty sure that it will help us in the long run, honestly. I think that it will really prove that (Republicans) don’t have enough on the agenda.” LAURA VANZO College Democrat communications director
U.S. voters send Democrats a message: We’ve had enough Republicans take House, not Senate Steven Thomma
McClatchy Newspapers WASHINGTON — Two years ago, Barack Obama promised change. Tuesday, the voters made a change of their own. In a tidal wave of anger and anxiety, they voted President Barack Obama’s Democrats out of office from coast to coast, sweeping them out of power in the House of Representatives and slashing their once near-invincible numbers in the Senate. Democrats appeared likely to hold a narrow Senate majority. The vote changed the balance of power in Washington, slammed the brakes on Obama’s agenda and ignited anew the central question of what the country wants from its government. It also reopened debate over whether either major political party is anywhere near forging a durable majority coalition. See REPUBLICANS, Page 6
PHOTO COURTESY OF ED REINKE | ASSOCIATED PRESS
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul talks at his victory party in Bowling Green, Ky. Tuesday night.
Online election coverage
DKS DAILY KENT STATER
The independent student newspaper of Kent State University
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Kent State basketball looks to win MAC this season
Sports Page 8
BREAKING NEWS AT KENTWIRED.COM
• ELECTION 2011 •
You might not care
But here’s why you should
‘Call of Duty: MW3’ midnight release attracts hundreds
Results
Evan Graening egraenin@kent.edu
Issue 2: Failed The failure of Issue 2 rejects Senate Bill 5 statewide. Issue 3: Passed The passage of Issue 3 allows Ohioans to opt out of a measure in Obama’s health care law that requires citizens to purchase health insurance. The measure is seen as more symbolic than practical, as federal law generally trumps state law. Kent Ward 4 council member: Garrett Ferrara (689) defeats Melissa Long (628) Mayoral races: Ravenna: Joseph Bica, Jr. (2,108) defeats Bill Davis (814) Stow: Sarah Drew (7,103) defeats Scott Buck (5,406) Kent Free Library levy: Passed For: 4,843 Against: 2,485 The Kent Free Library placed a $1.8 million operating levy on the budget to combat state budget cuts. This is the first time in 108 years the library appealed to the public for funding help.
Hundreds of people lined up outside the GameStop store in Ravenna Monday, anticipating the midnight release of “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.” The release of the newest addition to the critically acclaimed first-person shooter franchise saw an estimated 600 people in line to pick up the game, according to an employee of the video game retailer. Some people arrived a couple hours early and sat in lawn chairs. An employee said that Monday evening was probably the biggest night in GameStop history. “We have about 2,000 copies of the game ready to sell tonight,” another employee said. Ryan Divens, freshman sports administration major, said his reason for attending the midnight launch was simple. “Just basically to play the game early,” Divens said. “I’ll probably play the game for a few hours and then go to bed.” Divens owns all but one of the “Call of Duty” games and said he usually jumps on multiplayer right away and then plays the single player campaign later. Others attending the midnight release echoed similar reasons for coming out to the event, which saw a line stretching from the GameStop store entrance and wrapping around the shopping complex located just 2.8 miles from the Kent State campus.
MCT CAMPUS Tamar Gray, a music teacher from Cleveland Heights, raised her arm following a speech after the failure of Issue 2 at the We Are Ohio event held at the Hyatt Regency Ballroom in Columbus on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Issue 2 failed.
Here’s what that means for public employees: Non-emergency public employees will still be allowed to strike. Restrictions exist only for police and firefighters. Public employers won’t be able to obtain a court order stopping strikes. Seniority and length of service will remain the primary criteria for determining layoffs. Public employees may still negotiate the amount of their contribution to health benefit costs. Kent State has a sliding scale for payment where those who earn more contribute more money to help subsidize the cost of health care for those earning less. College professors may participate in shared governance without being labeled as management. Professors at Kent State who participate in things like Faculty Senate or search committees may still be union members. Faculty unions can still negotiate class sizes. Tenure remains an option for those wishing to pursue it. Pay raises will remain based on years of service.
Voters reject SB 5 legislation Julie Carr Smyth Associated Press The state’s new collective bargaining law was defeated Tuesday after an expensive unionbacked campaign that pitted firefighters, police officers and teachers against the Republican establishment. In a political blow to GOP Gov. John Kasich, voters handily rejected the law, which would have limited the bargaining abilities of 350,000 unionized public workers. With more than a quarter of the votes counted late Tuesday, 63 percent of votes were to reject the law. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, among the many union leaders who hailed the outcome, said victory was achieved among Democrats and Republicans in urban and rural counties. “Ohio sent a message to every politician out there: Go in and make war on your employees rather than make jobs with your employees, and you do so at your own peril,” he said. Kasich congratulated his opponents and said he would spend time contemplating how best to take the state forward. “I’ve heard their voices, I understand their decision and, frankly, I respect what people have to say in an effort like this,” he said. “And as a result of that, it requires me to take a deep breath, you know, and to spend some time reflecting on what happened here.” In a signal of the issue’s national resonance, White House
spokesman Jay Carney issued a statement saying President Barack Obama “congratulates the people of Ohio for standing up for workers and defeating efforts to strip away collective bargaining rights, and commends the teachers, firefighters, nurses, police officers and other workers who took a stand to defend those rights.” Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern, at a celebration at a downtown Columbus hotel, said Republicans and Kasich overreached. “He literally thought he knew more than everyone else,” Redfern said. Asked whether the collective bargaining law, called Issue 2, was a referendum on Kasich, Redfern said, “Absolutely. He was the face of the campaign. John Kasich chose to put his face on this campaign for the last eight weeks. The people of the state pushed back.” Labor and business interests poured more than $30 million into the nationally watched campaign, and turnout was high for an offyear election. The law hadn’t taken effect yet. Tuesday’s result means the state’s current union rules will stand, at least until the GOP-controlled Legislature determines its next move. Republican House Speaker William Batchelder predicted last week that the more palatable elements of the collective bargaining bill — such as higher minimum contributions on worker health insurance and pensions — are likely to be revisited after the dust settles.
Public employees celebrate results
SEE MW3, PAGE 2 KENTWIRED.COM Go online to see a video of the “MW3” release and take our gaming poll.
College Democrats, Republicans react to election results Megan Tomkins mtomkins@kent.edu Both the College Democrats and Republicans took a loss and a win after Tuesday’s election. Ohioans rejected Issue 2, which would’ve weakened public employees’ collective bargaining rights, but they pushed Issue 3 through, allowing Ohioans to opt out of Obama’s health care plan. Student leaders from each group took time to reply to the results.
Dimitri Savelieff, vice president of the Kent State College Republicans: Issue 2
MATT HAFLEY | DAILY KENT STATER Robert Colecchi, a Kent firefighter and president of Local 721, “shakes” the hand of Ohio Gov. John Kasich after Kasich said, “I need to shake the hand of the people who defeated me,” in his speech after Senate Bill 5 was defeated. Local union firefighters and teachers gathered at Digger’s Bar & Grill on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to watch election results.
Lydia Coutré lcoutre@kent.edu People crowded into the back room at Digger’s Bar & Grill waiting to hear the verdict Ohio voters would hand to unions — a verdict already well predicted by polls. Outside, a sign encouraging citizens to vote “no” on Issue 2 welcomed the patrons inside. With a 61-39 percent defeat, Senate Bill 5, which would have weakened public employees’ negotiating powers, was repealed Tuesday. According to the Portage County Board of Elections, there were 18,547 “yes” votes and 30,557 “no” votes in the county. “It means that tomorrow when I go into work I can relax for the first time in six months and not have to worry about what’s happening next,” said Kent firefighter Jeff Coffee.
Public employees, firefighters, teachers, police officers, professors, friends and other opponents of the bill gathered at a viewing party at Digger’s, 802 North Mantua St. The back room set aside for the viewing party was soon overflowing as patrons found themselves bumping into their neighbors with every movement. The mood in the bar was confident and victorious even before any precincts began reporting. But when the news came in, Deborah Smith, associate philosophy professor and grievance counselor for the American Association of University Professors said it was a huge relief. She clenched her fist in the air, grinned and let out a quiet “yes” as she watched the percentages hold steadily against the bill as more precincts reported results.
SEE RESULTS, PAGE 2
“We wanted the results to turn out differently. We were going up against emotion and misinformation. We did what we could and will continue on.”
Issue 3 “Ohioans clearly told Obama that his health care is not for Ohio. Hopefully, America will do the same soon, which in turn will make Obama a one-term president.”
Bryan Staul, president of the Kent State College Democrats: Issue 2 “We’re excited that people in Ohio stood up regardless of party. They said there is a better way. We are not going to be subjected to political scapegoating. There is a real opportunity for us in Ohio to have a real substance of conversation of rights.”
Issue 3 “Obviously, we’re disappointed. There’s been a lot of lies about ‘Obamacare.’ It insures 32 million Americans. (Health care) is not going to be decided by the referendum. It is going to be decided by the Supreme Court, not the people. The people don’t have the right to supersede federal rules.” Megan Tomkins is the student politics reporter for the Daily Kent Stater.