Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. swung through Ohio Monday to tout the Obama administration's economic policy and to raise money for three junior House Democrats who should face challenging re-election campaigns next year.
In the morning, Biden headlined a Columbus fundraiser for Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, whose likely 2010 opponent is former state Sen. Steve Stivers, the same Republican Kilroy narrowly defeated last year in an open-seat race in the 15th District.
According to a press pool report, Biden characterized Kilroy as a partner in the administration' effort to revitalize Ohio's economy. Kilroy in February was one of 246 House members, all Democrats, who voted for the economic recovery plan, which Biden said has provided needed relief to Ohio eight months after President Obama signed it into law.
"The question is, look at what you inherited, look at what Ohio got nailed with after eight years of absolute failed economic policy," Biden said.
Later Monday, Biden planned to attend a fundraiser in Cleveland for freshman Rep. John Boccieri, who represents the Canton-area 16th District, and two-term Rep. Zack Space, whose 18th District takes in mostly rural areas in east-central and south-central Ohio. Boccieri and Space also voted for the stimulus plan.
Ohio Republican Party chairman Kevin DeWine released a statement that said Biden "won't have to meet with the 115,000 Ohioans who've lost jobs since he took office, and he won't have to explain to them that Ohio's unemployment rate jumped nearly three points during that time."
UPDATE: Biden spoke to about 100 people at a $1,000-per-plate luncheon in Cleveland to benefit Boccieri and Space, according to a press pool report.
Biden thanked Boccieri and Space for voting for the stimulus bill, referring to them as "part of a new generation of leadership" who "made the tough calls."
"They're going to be under a lot of pressure," Biden said.
CQ Politics presently considers Kilroy to be in a tossup race. Space's contest is rated Leans Democratic and Boccieri's is rated Likely Democratic.
To follow the 2010 House races, check out the CQ Politics election map
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