John Kasich's message is simple: create more Ohio jobs with less government.
"We're going to create a Jobs Ohio program," Kasich said. "It's going to be a private sector program. It's going to be the best and brightest. We need to come here and focus and take advantage of places like the Mahoning Valley and its assets, like what we have at Lordstown."
About 300 people came to the Spread Eagle Tavern in Hanoverton Wednesday night to hear from Kasich and running mate Mary Taylor. The candidates say the Mahoning Valley is a big part of their plan.
"I think the Democrats take the Mahoning Valley for granted, and a lot of Republicans never get here," Kasich said. "If we could bring life and hope to the Valley, that would be fantastic."
The latest poll from the Columbus Dispatch has Kasich leading current Ohio Governor Ted Strickland by 12 points. Earlier in the day, Columbiana County Democrats hosted their own event in support of Strickland.
"Having this today is an important way for us to start out our campaign and point out the positive things Governor Strickland is doing," said Rep. Linda Bolon, D-1st District.
They disagree with Republicans, saying the governor is creating Ohio jobs.
"When our team took over in 2009, Ohio was losing 700,000 jobs a month," said Rep. Charlie Wilson, D- 6th District. "We stopped that hemorrhaging, creating 100,000 or 200,000 jobs a month for the last six months.
One thing is for sure: we'll be seeing a lot of the gubernatorial candidates before the election November 2.
