Democrats calling on Ohio

Reporting from Washington — Ohio Democrats say they will have made more than 1 million phone calls to voters by day’s end, part of the party’s frenzied efforts to hold a key governorship and save vulnerable House incumbents.

The get-out-the-vote efforts are focused on areas of the state where Democrats typically thrive, and the Ohio Democratic Party says they are producing results. A statement from the party says turnout could exceed 60% in the Mahoning Valley, in and around Youngstown in northeast Ohio.

Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland is seeking a second term in the state and trailed narrowly in most public polls in the closing weeks of the campaign. At least half a dozen Democratic incumbents also faced tough reelection efforts. The Senate race to replace retiring Republican George Voinovich is considered a lost cause for the party, however.

The White House and national Democrats have heavily invested time and resources into the state, hoping to stave off losses in the House but also eyeing President Obama’s reelection prospects in the traditional bellwether.

President Obama has made three political trips to the Buckeye State during midterm campaign season, 12 since he’s been in office. Vice President Biden campaigned with Strickland six times, and former President Clinton did the same five times.

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