http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ohio4nov04.story ELECTION 2004
Republicans Beat Democrats in Ohio Ground Game
Evangelicals, citing 'moral values,' turn out in large numbers to push anti-gay marriage amendment and help Bush win the state.
By Sam Howe Verhovek And Elizabeth Shogren
Times Staff Writers
November 4, 2004
COLUMBUS, Ohio — In Ohio, it really was all about the turnout — though in ways that defied the conventional political wisdom of the Buckeye State.
A hugely motivated Republican base, driven in part by a "marriage protection" amendment to the state constitution, proved more than equal to the task of matching heavy increases in Democratic voting strength in Ohio's big cities.
The GOP's extensive mobilization delivered the state's 20 electoral votes — and the White House — to President Bush.
More than 5.7 million Ohioans showed up to vote Tuesday, many waiting patiently for hours in the rain to have their say. That is about 1 million voters more than the total participating in the 2000 presidential election.<snip>