BREAKING RUMOR: Jello Ted to Raise Taxes!

Word in circles this evening is that tomorrow morning Ted Strickland and House Democrats will put the nail in the coffin that is the Governor's campaign for re-election.

Rumor is that Ted is going to announce a plan to raise taxes.

-Because that's what you do when your business tax climate is the absolute worst in the midwest and 4th worst in the nation.

-Because that's what you do when unemployment is at levels not seen in 25 years.

-Because that's what you do when you don't have the guts to cut back the wasteful government spending that has flourished in Ohio for decades.

Besides this not-at-all surprising revelation, two aspects of this story are going to be particularly interesting to watch in the short- and long-term

First, over the next few days it will be intriguing to watch how Strickland spins his own claim that Senator and Former Governor Voinovich was "immature" in suggesting he do just what he's planning to do tomorrow.

Second, and more interesting in the long-term, virtually every major newspaper in the state has been calling for the Governor to raise taxes for months. Will they end up supporting the Governor's long and meandering path to their side? Or will they call out his clear lack of principles until he was forced into a corner?

One thing is clear, Strickland only had two options - raise taxes or cut spending. Strickland saw how the left was all too happy to feed on its own when the Governor cut their spending(e.g.; the Libraries, early ed programs, etc.). Strickland must feel that further enraging his base isn't politically feasible.

So where does he stand now? The left still upset that he broke his promises and cut their spending. The middle wondering what it would be like to have a Governor with principles. And the right ticked off that they are getting their taxes raised.

Well Gov, if you really go through with this tomorrow, and that's a big if considering your affinity for bad-news-Fridays, you will have completed the all-too-rare Political Suicide Trifecta.

I shoulda put money on it.