In August, we learned that News Corporation – the parent company of Fox News – donated $1 million to the Republican Governors Association to target Democratic Governors across the country for defeat.
This morning, I was shocked to learn that the gift was personal. Rupert Murdoch’s money is specifically aimed at turning Ohio red – and defeating Governor Ted Strickland.
Last night, Mr. Murdoch – cornered by a reporter – admitted that the gift was for our opponent, former Fox News host and Congressman John Kasich.
"It doesn’t reflect on Fox News," he said. "It had nothing to do with Fox News. The RGA [gift] was actually [a result of] my friendship with John Kasich."
What’s worse is that Murdoch didn’t stop at just a million. Recently News Corp. gave a second million dollar gift to the Chamber of Commerce. It just so happens that the Ohio Chamber has endorsed Congressman Kasich, too.
Since June, the RGA has been spending Murdoch’s $1 million just the way he wanted. They’ve targeted Ted with thousands of negative TV ads in Ohio – telling outright lies about the Governor’s record and doing everything they can to get Congressman Kasich elected.
I don’t need to tell you how important Ohio is. It may very well be the most important battleground state, and it may determine who wins the White House in 2012.
It’s clear that Rupert Murdoch and Republicans across the country know how important the Ohio Governor’s race is to their national agenda, too. They’re trying to do everything in their power to put Congressman Kasich in charge of this state – and Ted is determined not to let that happen.
A few weeks ago folks around the country were saying this race was over. That Ohio was already lost. Since then, Ohioans have started to pay attention to the race and compare Ted to Congressman Kasich. Now, polls show we’re locked in a dead heat. In fact, many are saying that this is one of the most competitive races in the country.
I don’t know about you, but Ted doesn’t have too many friends that throw around money like Rupert Murdoch.
We need your help. We need to let as many people as we can know about what Rupert Murodch is doing in Ohio. Please spread the word, and if you’re able – help Ted fight back against Murdoch.
Aaron Pickrell
Campaign Manager
Strickland for Governor