The Outline of Ohio Politics

Abstract

BSERVATION OF OHIO POLITICS may produce some surprises. Its best-known figures have been Republican, but the state is not wedded to the Republican party. Rural Ohio is thought to be solidly Republican in what is assumed to be typical Midwestern style, but not all of rural Ohio is Republican. The cities of the state are now Democratic but not all of them. The lower house of the state legislature is poorly apportioned relative to population, but the consequence is not an almost permanent majority for one party or the other as it is in some other states. Reports from the state legislature make frequent reference to the party caucuses which are evidently potent mechanisms, although these same reports contain general references to urban-rural antagonisms. All this is interesting enough to suggest a closer look. The immediate purpose of this study is to describe the principal features of Ohio politics and the forces which have shaped them, in order that a clearer view of Ohio politics may be obtained; but it is anticipated also that the information and analysis presented here will be of use in the making of future comparative studies. In addition, a few generalizations may be drawn which reach beyond Ohio politics. STATE-WIDE COMPETITION