Ohioblog: A Swing State Journal

Basket-case Ohio: Off and on critical lists 

How far has Ohio fallen? According to Jules Witcover, a columnist with the Baltimore Sun, there is one state that Sen. John Kerry cannot afford to lose among the swing states - and it isn't Ohio.

Would you believe Michigan?

Actually, Ohioblog would believe Michigan. The state up north still has the strong labor base compared with that which has been eroded in Ohio. The Democrats in Michigan also have a statewide party that functions. So to lose Michigan would be
the end of the end for Kerry, who continues to lead in the state by six percentage points, 47 to 41 (Knight Ridder-MSNBC).

Ohioblog has used Longaberger as the poster company for the state's basket-case economy, and the Longaberger has not let us down. In its third major reduction in employees in 12 days, Longaberger announced this week that it is ending its basket-making operation at Hartville as of Jan. 3. In addition, 650 workers at its Frazeysburg plant will be furloughed fromm Oct. 4 through Nov. 12.

The good news is Hartville will still have 90 workers doing long preparation, veneering and wood-processing operations, and that 76 Hartville basket-makers can transfer to Frazeysburg and 34 who will be laid off will be able to apply for future openings. Get out your Ohio map, however, and check the drive from the Hartville area to Frazeysburg, which is northeast of Newark. It will not be enjoyable in January.

- Steve Love


posted by Ohioblog: A Swing State Journal at 10:10 AM