CANDIDATES KEEP OHIO PRESS CORPS BUSY

By: Todd Shields E&P's Campaign Confidential





WASHINGTON - A tight presidential race is under way, spelling months on the road for some political reporters. Others have it easier. The candidates come to them.



Take, for instance, the Ohio press corps. It has fielded at least 30 visits by Democrat Al Gore and Republican George W. Bush - with more expected. "This feels like a governor's race," said Joe Hallett, a veteran political writer for The Columbus Dispatch.



Candidates come to Ohio for the same reason that they historically have visited another dozen or so key states - the state is closely contested and controls a big chunk of electoral votes.



While in-state, candidates find it useful to lavish attention on the likes of the Dispatch, The Cincinnati Enquirer, and The Plain Dealer in Cleveland. There's a reason for this, Hallet wrote: "Gore and Bush, wary of their jaded traveling press contingents that trumpet nuance over message, know they'll get more favorable treatment from the local media."



Indeed, Gore scored a double goal on one Ohio trip: The next day, the national media trumpeted his dismay at the GOP's now-infamous "RATS" ad, and Ohio newspapers focused on his plans for education.



And the public may even be tuned in



After nearly two years of politicking by the major contenders, continual TV coverage and weekly visits by major contenders, one might think the average Ohioan wants to hear no more.



Not so, say reporters who talk to candidates and to normal people (meaning anybody not part of the politico-journalistic complex). "A lot of people among readers have still not made up their minds," said Joe Frolik, who covers politics for The Plain Dealer. "They're interested in what these folks have to say."



My son, the candidate



Eighty-five-year-old Marcia Lieberman of Stamford, Conn., sent gifts to reporters covering her son, Joseph. Packages containing lip balm, tissues, an apple, bagel chips, and postcards for reporters to write home to their mothers caught up with reporters aboard the Democrat's plane in Texas, The Associated Press reported. The packages came with a handwritten note saying, "Please be good to my son!" and signed, "Marcia Lieberman (Joe's mom!)."



Gaffe watch on the Potomac



"Gore lead vanishes in series of gaffes" - The Washington Times, Sept. 28, Page One.



"Bush's Gaffes are Back as Debates Near" - The Washington Post, Oct. 1, Page One.



"An article Oct. 1 incorrectly stated that Texas Gov. George W. Bush had referred to Michael Jordan as Michael Jackson. The candidate who did that was Vice President Gore." - The Washington Post, Oct. 2, p. A2.





Todd Shields (tshields@editorandpublisher.com is the Washington editor for E&P.





Copyright 2000, Editor & Publisher.