The Ohio governor's office shifted from blue to red last night when Republican challenger John Kasich defeated Democratic incumbent Ted Strickland.
Kasich, a former congressman, received about 1.85 million votes in the state, surpassing Strickland by about 100,000 votes to become Ohio's new governor.
Kasich and his lieutenant governor running mate, Mary Taylor, received about 50 percent of the state's total votes, according to the Ohio Secretary of State's website. Strickland and his running mate, Yvette McGee Brown, a member of Ohio University's Board of Trustees, received about 47 percent of the state's votes.
I'm very pleased with the turnout of the election
said Pete Couladis, chairman of the Athens County Republican Party. I think (Kasich) is going to do really well.
Although Kasich won the popular vote in the state, Strickland swept Athens County with about 11,500 or about 71 percent of the county's total votes, while Kasich received about 4,300 or about 27 percent of votes, according to the Secretary of State's website.
Official election results will not be available until Nov. 16.
Kasich's main goal for Ohio is to lower taxes so Ohio can compete with other states and create jobs by attracting new businesses, according to his campaign website.
He proposed plans to shrink Ohio's government by closing down the Ohio Department of Development and replacing it with a panel of business executives. He also said he wants to phase out the state income tax and dismantle Strickland's education-funding system because it is underfunded.
The former congressman was able to beat Strickland by attacking the loss of 400,000 Ohio jobs sustained during Strickland's term.
Ohioans are worried about their futures so we gave them ideas Kasich said.
Many Democrats in Athens cite the economic recession, which caused major job losses, as a downfall for Democratic incumbents' re-elections.
I think (Strickland) has done a great job given the current situation with the recession
said Bill Bias, chairman of the Athens County Democratic Party.
Volunteer for the Democratic party Vicky Mattson said Strickland has done great things for college students and public schools throughout his previous term, such as putting caps on tuition and keeping teachers in the classroom.
The economic hole that was dug has been blamed on the Democrats
and it's hurting us
Mattson said.
Although Strickland was not re-elected, he urged Democrats to keep working and not give up hope.
I'm going to fight for this state as long as there is breath in my body
he said.
Other challengers for the governor's office were Ken Matesz of the Libertarian Party, Dennis Spisak of the Green Party and the write in, David Sargent.
Republican Congressman-elect Bill Johnson of the 6th Congressional District of Ohio said he is extremely happy with the turnout of the governor's race.
It's a great day for Ohio
he said.
- The Associated Press contributed to this report
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