Teachers, fire fighters, police officers, and other public employees spent much of last night celebrating. As StateImpact Ohio’s Ida Lieszkovszky reports, their victory could extend well beyond last night.
Teachers, fire fighters, police officers, and other public employees spent much of last night celebrating. As StateImpact Ohio’s Ida Lieszkovszky reports, their victory could extend well beyond last night.
The presidential elections are just about a year away, and Ohio’s Issue 2 could play a key role in that race. Paul Sracic chairs the political science department at Youngstown State University. Sracic says Issue 2 galvanized Ohio’s unions, and helped them make political connections that could come in handy next year.
“This could turn Ohio voters against Republicans and that can have an effect on 2012,” says Sracic.
But rejecting Issue 2 does not mean Ohioans are suddenly leaning liberal. Sracic says it’s important to keep in mind voters also approved Issue 3, that means rejecting forced health care – a blow to the federal healthcare overhaul.
“What you put these together it is a little bit of a contradiction among Ohio voters. They don’t seem to like Republicans but they don’t seem to be thrilled with President Obama either,” says Sracic.
As for any effects this election may have on Governor John Kasich’s chances of a second term – well, Kasich won’t be up for reelection until 2014.
