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"The sort of conservatism practiced in the South will not work in Ohio or many other Northern States..."

I agree completely. I was raised in NW Ohio, but left right after high school (my parents recently retired to GA as well). I have lived in GA for almost 10 years now. So, I speak with some first-hand knowledge on this topic.

Because of the exodus of manufacturing jobs and the latest Automotive bailout fiasco, Ohio has been lost to the Democrats perhaps for a decade, or longer. Ohio elected one of the most liberal Senators in '06 (Brown) and has a solidly liberal Governor in Strickland. Although, Strickland is smart and stays away from the cultural divide issues and sticks to more bread and butter stuff. He's popular in Ohio and is (surprisingly) gaining in popularity since the economic melt-down last fall. Two years is a long time, but right now he seems a shoe-in for reelection.

The GOP has its work cut out for it. I think its right to oppose the Auto bailout and this latest "stimulus" package. But, there's going to be continual fall out for these positions in the midwest. Things are bleak.

I agree...although, I do want to save the autos for the future. We need some manufacturing...I speak as a soon to be ex-GM wife...my hubby received a layoff notice (management before I get the ‘FU union’ freeper mail).

OH is definitely trending liberal. In many areas, 'Pubs of all stripes, conservatives, moderate, and liberal, are being bounced out of office. My district used to be represented by conservative-moderate 'Pubs and the latest election saw a liberal 'Rat knock off a conservative-moderate 'Pub. Not a big difference in policy issues, just the "R" and "D" designations. There has been a huge influx of Hispanic (Mexican) immigrants. The demographics have shifted heavily in favor of the 'Rats.

The last election portends disaster for the GOP in this area of the country. The last bulwarks against the blue tide flooding out of the Northeast into the Great Lakes region have been swept away (OH and IN). The 'Rats have the region ringed, from NY to MN.

If the 'Pubs are ever going to rebuild as a national party, they've got to re-take IN and OH in this area. Even as a regional party, it's on shaky ground, with VA and NC and FL tumbling into the 'Rat column. You know you're fighting from a weak position when you have to re-take formerly solid territory.