Refocusing Our Attention

In recent days there has been some dissension among the authors and readers here at 3BP in regards to Governor Kasich's proposal to modernize the severance tax (yes, updating a 40 year old law is modernization—it's not just a talking point). To be sure, there can be legitimate disagreement as to the details of the plan, just like almost every other piece of legislation.

Honestly, I myself wasn't entirely sold on the plan at first. But upon further examination, it makes sense and deserved GOHP's full support. I've previously highlighted the finer points as to the why. 

Unfortunately, however, sometimes strong opinions can cloud judgment, and thus the conservative dissension over the new "Opportunity Ohio" poll, which is clearly a push poll, as pointed out by Nick3BP.

I won't debate the merits of the poll, or the claims that it is somehow legitimate, but what I have noticed is that conservative disagreement over the plan has our focus off what should be the primary goals of 2012: 

Beating Sherrod Brown and Barack Obama. 

The reasons are plain: Brown is a career politician, a hypocrite on women's issues, and a job killer. Barack Obama, after presiding over one of the worst recessions in decades and driving up the national debt $5 TRILLION, might go down as the worst president in modern history. Together, they are literally suffocating the U.S. economy, making it harder for Ohio to create and maintain jobs. 

Fortunately, we're making headway, but it's a hell of a lot tougher going against the national winds than if they were at our back. 

That's why now, more than ever, we need to be united as conservatives in support of Josh Mandel and Mitt Romney (sorry, Ron Paul apologists, he will be the nominee). They both understand that a rising tide lifts all boats—that a strong economy nationally will foster an even stronger economy here in the Buckeye State. 

The issues surrounding the severance tax will get their day and be fully vetted in committees before the Ohio House and Senate. Until then, frank discussion on the merits of the proposal are certainly warranted and should be encouraged. But let's not take our eyes off the prize. 

After sending millions of Americans to the unemployment lines over the past four years, let's make sure Ohio returns the favor to both Sherrod Brown and Barack Obama.