Clinton campaigns in crucial Ohio - Los Angeles Times

Former president Bill Clinton speaks at a campaign rally for Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, back, and other Democratic candidates in Canton, Ohio. (Associated Press / October 30, 2010)

Former President Bill Clinton campaigned in Ohio on Saturday, part of a last-minute push by Democrats to capture a state that has been traditionally important to the presidential aspirations of both parties.

As he has throughout this midterm campaign season, Clinton slammed Republicans and compared their economic policies during the recession to his administration's positive efforts.

"Their deal sounds good but it doesn't work," Clinton said.

With just days to go before Tuesday's election, this weekend is whirlwind of stops, rallies and meet-and-greets as Democrats try to energize their base and Republicans continue their push to win the House and Senate.

But even within campaigning across the country, Ohio has a special place.

In 2008, Ohio was one of nine state President Obama captured and Ohio remains a crucial state to Obama’s re-election chances. On Sunday, the president will make his 12th visit since taking office to the state and his second visit in as many weeks.

Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will campaign on Sunday in Cleveland.

Democrats are pushing for Gov. Ted Strickland, locked in a close race with former congressman John Kasich. Most polls show Kasich ahead, but Strickland remains close and within the margin of error in some polls.

The governor's race is also especially important in Ohio because of redistricting. The next governor will have a large say in drawing the new congressional and state legislative district lines which could influence Ohio elections for a decade.

Clinton's campaign stops took him to Canton, where Rep. John Boccieri interrupted the former president's speech by running off of the stage when the congressman learned his wife had gone into labor.

"The baby is now being born!" Clinton told the cheering crowd. "You'd be amazed how many times I take a picture with a very pregnant woman and then she immediately gives birth."

"We got another Democrat," Clinton said. "I wish we could register that baby before it's too late."

michael.muskal@latimes.com
Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal

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