John McCain

The National Journal calculated that Barack Obama spent $7.90 for every vote he received in Ohio, while John McCain spent just $5.80. That's a bargain compared to Nevada, where the candidates spent twice as much on a per capita basis.

The Public Policy Polling blog examines their own polling data and analyzes how the change in voters' issue preferences led to Barack Obama carrying Ohio in the general election.

Rob Portman defended John McCain and Sarah Palin's campaign for president at the Republican Governors Association meeting in Miami.

Portman, the former U.S. representative from Cincinnati and Bush administration official, toured Ohio with McCain throughout the campaign. At the RGA's press conference Wednesday, Portman stood by the choice of McCain for the GOP's presidential nomination.

MSNBC's First Read reports that Portman "insisted he was the best there was and was facing an incredible headwind" and also defended Palin's preparedness to be president after "an awkward pause...."

COLUMBUS – Republicans failed to connect to voters on the economy and must move away from talking about social issues to win in the future.
 
That’s the message Ohio Republican Party deputy chair Kevin DeWine delivered Thursday during a wide-ranging, hour-long briefing with reporters at party headquarters. DeWine said poor messaging from John McCain, a rotten national environment and Barack Obama’s clear message and technologically advanced ground campaign were the main reasons the GOP was defeated.
 
With the economy facing declining stock prices and rising unemployment and most voters saying the county is on the wrong track, McCain talked too much about national security and was too defensive in his overall message, DeWine said.

COLUMBUS – John McCain’s chief booster in Ohio, Rob Portman reacted to the projected loss of the state to Barack Obama.

“If Senator Obama wins Ohio it will be because of terrific grassroots efforts on both the Obama parts, but particular impressive turnout efforts on the Obama side,” Portman said, adding that he Republican turnout in the state will extraordinarily high.

The former U.S. representative from Cincinnati said the economy’s shape also contributed to the expected Obama win.

UPDATED: Barack Obama is the projected winner of Ohio’s 20 electoral votes, according to the television networks.

With 20 percent of precincts reporting, the Democrat was winning with 54 percent of the vote, while John McCain had 44 percent.

The last poll of Ohioans before the presidential election shows the race virtually tied between Barack Obama and John McCain.

Zogby surveyed likely Ohio voters and showed Barack Obama with 49 percent support to John McCain's 47 percent. About 3 percent said they were not sure or voting for someone else.

Obama beats McCain among independents 60 to 27 percent and leads McCain by 30 points among voters ages 18 to 30.

See all recent presidential polls here. 

A Survey USA poll of likely voters shows Barack Obama and John McCain neck and neck in the race to win Ohio.

Obama has 48 percent support to McCain's 46 percent, within the poll's 4 percent margin of error. About 2 percent said they are undecided. 

Obama leads 5 to 3 among those who've already voted while McCain leads 5 to 4 among those who haven't yet voted. The poll was conducted Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

A new survey by Rasmussen Reports and Fox News shows Barack Obama and John McCain dead even on the eve of Election Day.

Obama and McCain have 49 percent support. McCain has gained 4 points from the last Rasmussen poll in Ohio, while Obama has remained steady. 

See all recent presidential polls here. 

COLUMBUS – Mitt Romney knows what it’s like to be Barack Obama

Romney spent months and millions trying to defeat John McCain in the Republican primaries but failed to wrest the nomination from McCain. Now, as McCain battles Obama for the White House, Romney is visiting Republican campaign centers to pump-up volunteers, as he did at McCain headquarters Monday.

Romney told PolitickerOH.com that from his experience, McCain is a strong closer who can’t be underestimated.