Issue 2 Defeat May Play Key Role in 2012 Presidential Elections

Teachers, fire fighters, police officers, and other public employees spent much of last night celebrating. Their victory could extend well beyond last night.

• Defeat of Issue 2 could have ramifications for 2012 presidential elections.Efforts to overturn SB 5 galvanized and united Ohio’s public employee unions.Download

The presidential elections are just about a year away, and Ohio’s Issue 2 could play a key role in that race. Paul Sracic, chair of the political science department at Youngstown State University, says Issue 2 galvanized Ohio’s unions, and helped them make political connections that could come in handy next year.

“This could turn Ohio voters against Republicans and that can have an effect on 2012,” he says.

But rejecting Issue 2 does not mean Ohioans are suddenly leaning liberal. Sracic says it’s important to keep in mind voters also approved Issue 3, that means rejecting forced health care – a blow to the federal healthcare overhaul.

Sracic says “when you put these together it is a little bit of a contradiction among Ohio voters. They don’t seem to like Republicans but they don’t seem to be thrilled with President Obama either.”

As for any effects this election may have on Governor John Kasich’s chances of a second term, well,  Kasich won’t be up for reelection until 2014.