Strickland's formal statement

Minutes after he began his victory speech at the Hyatt on Capitol Square, Democrat Ted Strickland's campaign released this formal statement:

An audio clip of Strickland is available at the following link: http://www.tedstrickland.com/page/-/ElectionNight.mp3.

"Dear Friends, I am proud and humbled to stand before you tonight as Ohio's next governor.

"And I am here to tell you that we are standing at the threshold of the rebirth of our great state. Starting this morning, Ohioans of all walks of life went to their polling places and made the clear, unmistakable choice for change. The choice for hope over despair. The choice for unity over division.

"I want you to know that I have heard that message and I am moved and strengthened by it. I will be a governor who will work to unite all Ohioans to turnaround Ohio. Ohio's challenges are considerable. But I know that our good hearts and hard work are more than up to the task.

"But we can't tackle our challenges divided. There is a time and place for campaigns and spirited contest.

"But it's time for us to put aside our personal disagreements and work together in common purpose to create new jobs, improve our schools and increase access to quality health care.

"I believe that the people of Ohio are sending us a clear message to abandon the politics of divisiveness and, instead, focus on the core issues that matter most in their lives. What are those issues?

"*Creating living-wage jobs

"*Building an education system, from pre-school through college, that doesn't just compete with our neighbors like Indiana and Kentucky, but rivals the best schools in the world.

"*Making sure that high quality health care is available to those who need it.

"These are not Democratic or Republican issues. And there are no strictly Republican or Democratic solutions to these issues. But there are common-sense solutions.

"Lee Fisher and I have a plan. Our Turnaround Ohio plan will work to keep the jobs we have by investing in our strengths and bring us the jobs of the future by making sure we have the most educated workforce possible.

"I've tried very hard to craft priorities that will bring us together in a commitment to service. I think Turnaround Ohio responds to the issues that make a real difference in the lives of Ohioans. And I'm eager to work with the leaders of all parties in Ohio to find common agreement to move our state forward.

"Over the past 18 months, I have been moved and humbled by the inherent decency of the people of Ohio. But, I have not been surprised. I grew up on a small dirt road in southern Ohio called Duck Run. I am the son of a steelworker and one of eight brothers and sisters. We didn't have much growing up, but we had each other and that was more than enough.

"We also had a strong, vibrant community that revolved around church and our neighbors. In the Duck Run of my childhood, who you were and how you treated others mattered a lot more than what party you voted for. Your dedication to each other was respected a lot more than how much money you had. We believed we were all in it together -- and we were.

"The same is true today. Ohio is a great state, with an economy that could be among the largest in the world, but our greatest strength is each other. I'm so proud to be from Ohio. I believe in the future of Ohio because I have faith in the people in Ohio.

"Now, you may have noticed this chain made out of construction paper. For months now a dedicated volunteer in our campaign's Columbus office has written the name of everyone involved in our effort, every volunteer, every staffer on a link of this chain. As of tonight, we have thousands of links in this chain.

"That chain represents the bond of common brotherhood that links all of us together here in Ohio. If we listen to the better angels of our nature we will be linked together by our hope, by our passion and our belief in a better future. There may be storm clouds on the horizon from time to time, but nothing is as strong as we are when we're working together.

"This is my pledge to you, the work of my administration will be the work of all of Ohio and all Ohioans. And I welcome all Ohioans in this effort to turnaround Ohio. Positive change just can't happen without Democrats, Independents and Republicans all working together.

"I am also deeply committed to restoring civility and respect in our public life. And I have faith and hope that legislative leaders in both houses will want to join me in that effort. We may be members of certain political parties, but we each are something more important by far, we are proud Ohioans and free Americans.

"At the end of the day, the success of my administration will be based not by the size of the victory tonight, but by how much difference we make in the lives of everyday Ohioans. Those who work as hard as they know how in order to build a good life for the families they love.

"The people of Ohio have sent a clear message, they want more than just a change of political parties, they want a change in the way our government is run. They want a return to civility and they want us to focus on a clear plan to Turnaround Ohio. I pledge all my heart and soul to that effort.

"I hope and pray that you will join me in the work ahead.

"Thank you, God Bless you and God Bless the great state of Ohio."