Deadline Warren

Presidential politics

The Mahoning Valley gets another taste of presidential politics tomorrow when Sen. John McCain holds a noon event at Youngstown State University's KilCawley Center.

Ohio Democrats are trying to get jump on the visit by unveiling a new commercial today. A telephone press conference is scheduled for this afteroon with party Chairman Chris Redfern and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles.

Not to be outdone, Ohio Republicans got in the first word with a telephone press conference of their own this morning. It featured party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine and Republican National Committee Co-chair Jo Ann Davidson.

DeWine and Davidson said McCain will be presenting his plan to cut taxes to stimulate the local economy in the hopes of attracting so-called Reagan Democrats beck to the GOP fold. DeWine said, " McCain is strong conservative' and Mahoning Valley Democrats are conservative.

DEMOCRATIC SUPER DELEGATES In case you missed it, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton picked up Ryan's endorsement over the weekend.

Ryan said:

"The people of the 17th District overwhelmingly voted for Sen. Clinton in the Democratic primary and today I officially pledge my support for Hillary Rodham Clinton. Throughout the 1990s, Sen. Clinton working alongside President Bill Clinton had a proven record of economic growth and higher wages for America's working families.

"People in the 17the District of Ohio would enjoy a return to strong economic growth, millions of jobs being created and a rise in wages. I look forward to working with her to see that our community is the beneficiary of her economic policies."

Meanwhile, another Ohio super delagate, DNC member Enid Goubeaux, endorsed Barack Obama today.

She said:

“I am endorsing Sen. Obama because his message, ‘yes we can’ has inspired so many voters, especially younger voters, to take part in shaping our country's future. I believe that Sen. Obama will end politics as usual which divides the nation and prevents us from confronting our most serious problems."