Ohio political experts set the stage for final weeks before midterm election

With the Labor Day holiday now behind us, we have about two months until the midterm elections in  November.  The period between Labor Day and Election Day is typically a time of intense campaigning for candidates as they compete for votes.

There are many factors weighing on voters as they make up their minds for November:  the pandemic, which is receding but still a factor.  Inflation which has driven prices up and made making ends meet more difficult for families.  The Supreme Court decision in Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health Organization that overturned the precedent of Roe versus Wade.  And the continued impact of former President Donald Trump. The midterm elections historically have given voters a chance to express their unhappiness. 

Voters have a lot to consider as they make their choices.  For Ohioans the ballot will include a number of statewide races, including those for Governor and Secretary of State and for United States Senator.

Registration to vote in the election will close on October 11.  Early in-person and absentee voting begins on October 12.

Later in the show, high school reunions are -- all things considered - pretty uneventful.  It's a lot of  catching up on various levels. But as the 1972 class of Firestone High School approaches their 50th anniversary, some of the remaining classmates have decided to mark the occasion with some philanthropy.

A few of the 1972 alumni banded together to assemble a new book, titled "Akron Rocks: A Salute to the Rubber City", and has been using that as the catalyst to raise money for the Save the Music Foundation.

That's a charity helps fund music education programs in schools across the country.

Our Drew Maziasz recently talked with two of the books editors, Darryl Scotti, and Ed Markovich about how they decided to put together the book - and team with the Save The Music program.

Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV 
Thomas Sutton, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science, Baldwin Wallace University 
Brianna Mack, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Politics and Government, Ohio Wesleyan University  
Ed Markovich, Editor, "Akron Rocks: A Salute To The Rubber City"  
Darryl Scotti, Editor, "Akron Rocks: A Salute To The Rubber City" 
Drew Maziasz, Producer, Ideastream