There's been a lot of praise and optimism on this blog for the "Reform Ohio Now" election-reform ballot issues, but what's needed is concern, focus, and an immediate infusion of cash and effort. From where I sit, the issues appear to be in big trouble. I'm very alarmed.
I live in Cleveland, in Northeast Ohio, which is the most liberal part of the state. The issues should be in great shape here, but to me it looks like they are in a downward slide to defeat.
The warning signs are after the flip:
(1) The
Plain Dealer is in the middle of a five-part series on the issues. It is being carried in the Metro section, not the front page, and the tone of it ranges from skeptical to dismissive.
(2) Our NPR station did a series, by a reporter in their statehouse news bureau in Columbus, and I am forced to admit that the interviewees from the opposition did a much better job than the supporters. It seems like "Ohio First" (the opposition organization) has marshalled crisper, sharper arguments in the early going, despite the general conditions that ought to favor passage of reform issues.
(3) The only poll I've heard about (haven't actually read it, and can't find it on the web) was conducted by the Columbus Dispatch, and it put only one of the issues (campaign contribution limits) above 50%. The other three lag behind.
(4) Yard signs have been available for a week and I've only seen a few. I am trying to get everybody I know to display one, but I'm meeting with a lot of ignorance and apathy, from people who ought to know better.
I believe in these ballot issues and I think they are the most important thing going in November's elections. Success here could boost chances for similar reforms in other states. But let's not have any false complacency about it, this effort needs help now!