How 1,300 jobs could cost Bush his own (Howard Fineman MSNBC)

[BadGimp]

How 1,300 jobs could cost Bush his own

In Midwest manufacturing towns, electoral math is Stark

By Howard Fineman
MSNBC contributor


Since winning the state of Ohio by a slim margin in the 2000 election, Bush has made numerous trips to the state, including this one earlier this month where he waved to supporters from his bus near Lebanon.


WASHINGTON - I just got back from Ohio (a phrase I’m uttering often these days) and the most significant news in the Mother of All Battleground States is not the prison-abuse scandal or the 9/11 Commission but ball-bearings — specifically the decision (or threat) by a famous old steel company, Timken, to close its nearly century-old manufacturing plants in its hometown of Canton. It’s only a slight exaggeration to say that if the company follows through on the plan — which will cut 1,300 high-paying jobs and produce a nasty spin-off effect — it could cost George Bush the presidency.

Here’s why: As Timken goes, so goes Canton (and nearby Massillon). As they go, so goes surrounding Stark County, the bellwether county in the bellwether state. As Stark County goes (history tells us), so goes Ohio and its 20 electoral votes. Stark’s vote in presidential elections has always almost exactly mirrored the statewide totals. And no Republican has won the White House without Ohio.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5006885/
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How gloriously fitting this would be.

But remember, Ohio is home to Diebold (maker of touch screen voting machines), and the man who promised to deliver Ohio to Bush in 04.

[molly]

1. Did anyone see the idiot on TV this morning?

he was going on about how the gas prices are the fault of the energy bill not passing and Anwar. He sounded like the pug senators that are trying to blame the media for the abuse hearings. :wow:

[blueknight]

2. this guy...

is truly embarrasing. it's all he can do to put a sentence together. he is without a doubt, the biggest puppet this country has ever seen.

[MidwestTransplant]

3. As soon as I heard this story a couple weeks ago

I knew it would be a euphamism for the Bush presidency to Ohioans.

[Gothmog]

4. This could be great Moveon.org or Kerry commercial

This story needs to be made into a campaign commercial. Moveon or the Kerry folks need to jump on this.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

9. Commercial shows shrub speaking at the plant, segue to same shot

of plant with shuttered doors, tumbleweed/crumpled newspapers blowing past...

Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago?

[Miss Authoritiva]

5. Never misunderestimate the importance of ball-bearings.

n/t

[Avalon Sparks]

6. Wondering...

The owner of this place, a guy named Timken is suppose to be a friend and support of the chimp.

If that Timken guy is such a great friend and supporter of Bush*, why couldn't his greedy,selfish, money grubbing self wait until after the election before announcing layoffs. The election is only 6 months away, would it really make any difference to his company to wait 6 more months? Surely Timken would be aware of the ripple effects these layoffs could have on the election, right? It's the first thing I thought of when I heard about it - Bush just lost the Ohio vote.

It does make me wonder about Diebol and Ohio.

But, if that's true would that Timken guy know the election is going to be rigged? Even if the Cheney/Rove Administration are planning to rig the vote in Ohio would they really go around with a wink/wink and let some of their key supporters in on it?

[scarletwoman]

7. Oh geeeze, those are some chilling thoughts...

Looks like it's time to research Ohio's voting technology. I don't recall seeing Ohio listed as one of the states that's gone totally touch-screen, but if the major population centers are using them...

Some serious, albeit unpleasant, food for thought...

sw

[Hand]

8. Howie the Ho has a new style!

"Is the union making unreasonable demands so that the plants will have to close, in the Machiavellian hope that the news will sink Bush in Ohio? Could be, though I doubt it. Does the governor want Timken to cut a deal at any cost? Probably. Is Karl Rove following the details? I’m sure."

Sounds like Rummy--asking his own dumbass questions and answering them himself... "Am I the quintessential media whore? You betcha."

Here's to you, HOwie!