Gov. Taft congratulates Strickland, his wife

Gov. Bob Taft of Cincinnati, who is completing his second four-year term, just issued the following statement about his successor:

"I wish to congratulate Congressman Ted Strickland on his election as Ohio’s 68th governor. I also offer my best wishes as he leads state government through the challenges and new opportunities that will be encountered in the next four years. I want to also congratulate Ohio’s next First Lady, Frances Strickland.

"Through my eight years as governor, my administration effectively managed
state government through challenging budgets under very difficult economic
times. Our hard work and strategic investments have positioned Ohio’s
economy for growth and enabled our state government to achieve financial
stability as the Strickland administration begins.

"In the days ahead, members of my staff, my cabinet and I stand ready to assist Governor-elect Strickland and his team to ensure a smooth, professional transition to the new administration."