Candidates in OH-2 trade barbs and jockey over results of debate

The candidates in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District met for their first debate on Monday at the Anderson Center, hosted by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Since the debate, which saw its most interesting moments focused on the economy at the outset, U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland), Dr. Victoria Wulsin (D-Indian Hill) and businessman David Krikorian (I-Madeira) have been jockeying over the results.

Closely following the debate, Schmidt spokesperson Bruce Pfaff issued a press release dated the Thursday before claiming victory in the debate.

Pfaff said that Schmidt proved she was the only candidate with an understanding of the issues, vision and work ethic to lead. Pfaff said Schmidt "clearly won."

"Her two opponents proved they lack the experience and ideas to represent the people of the 2nd Congressional District," Pfaff said. "Their dangerous and naive views on the economy were painfully evident versu Congresswoman Schmidt who was clear and direct."

The Wulsin campaign claimed victory for their candidate, saying that Schmidt struggled to explain her vote in favor of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act during the debate.

"Jean Schmidt voted for the $700 billion taxpayer bailout of Wall Street only after it was loaded with pork and regulatory changes that her top campaign contributors asked for and now she is bending over backwards trying to come up with an excuse," Wulsin spokesperson Kevin Franck said. "Government in Washington should be accountable to the people, not the banking lobby that has lined Representative Schmidt's campaign coffers with more than $150,000."

For their part, the Krikorian campaign took great umbrage at the Schmidt press release that was issued following the debate.

"This press release is unbelievable." said Krikorian spokesperson Dee Burdette. "David Krikorian has spent his entire professional career in finance, economics, and business.  He has degrees in economics and finance, as well as, an MBA.  Mr. Krikorian is an entrepreneur and small business owner who has created jobs for Ohio's 2nd district.  What are Jean Schmidt's economic credentials?  None."

Krikorian also commented himself.

"The only thing ‘dangerous' and ‘naïve' is Representative Schmidt's belief that she can take the financial industry's special interest money and sell us down the river without a fight," Krikorian said. "The voters have had enough.  Throughout my campaign, I have highlighted the risks facing our economy and have taken action to protect the American people, while my opponents have remained virtually silent."

Pfaff said that the only candidate who showed leadership and experience was Schmidt.

"Congresswoman Schmidt's proven record of opposing higher taxes and wasteful government spending as well as connection to the people of the district stood out as examples of real leadership," Pfaff said.

Following these events, the Schmidt campaign began hitting Wulsin for agreeing to serve as Chancellor of Mount Kenya University in a newsletter issued by the university.

In the newsletter Wulsin said that she is honored to be Chancellor, and "Together - all of us - we will make Mount Kenya University the beacon of innovation, intelligence, integrity and inclusion that our country and our world so richly deserve."

Pfaff called Wulsin's acceptance of the position "truly bizarre."

"She already has a job lined up outside of the country ending some five years of unemployment," Pfaff said. "I can't imagine her donors are thrilled at the timing of her announcement. Everyone knew she was going to lose but now she has taken a job overseas and cancelled her broadcast television commercials. Not exactly the actions of a serious candidate."

The Wulsin camp hit back, saying that Schmidt was "desperate" to "distract attention from a gaffe" she made during the debate.

The Wulsin campaign points to Schmidt saying during the debate that the financial crisis didn't arrive until several weeks ago. The Wulsin camp said that to cover Schmidt is now bringing up "a months-old honorary title given to Dr. Victoria Wulsin by a new college in Kenya in recognition of her work there."

"The Schmidt campaign apparently cannot explain why Representative Schmidt only noticed our economic crisis weeks ago, as she said at the debate on Monday," said Franck. "We're in the midst of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression and Jean Schmidt just doesn't get it."

"Jean Schmidt has supported the same failed policies that got us into this mess and even John McCain disagrees with her," Franck says. "Last night John McCain told us that tighter regulation of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would have prevented this crisis, but Jean Schmidt opposed tighter restrictions and oversight for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both whom failed and have already gotten billion dollar taxpayer bailouts."

The Krikorian campaign is insisting, however, that while his opponents claimed to win the debate, neither did.

"Both Schmidt and Wulsin have rushed to claim they "won" the October 6th debate which focused on the economy, but the truth is neither Schmidt nor Wulsin have the necessary education, experience or understanding of what is going on in our economy or what should be done to correct it," Krikorian said. "If they win, the voters most definitely will lose."