"Herbert B. Asher" is a professor emeritus of political science at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. He is a well known commentator on current political events, writing numerous books on political polling and the like. One of the foremost authorities on Ohio politics, he has been interviewed by a host of news organizations that include CNN and CNBC. He gave the commencement address to Ohio State's graduating class of Winter 1996.

Asher received his BA in mathematics from Bucknell University/Bucknell in 1966 and both his MA (1968) and PhD (1970) in political science from the University of Michigan. Asher was for many years both a tenured professor in the Department of Political Science and in charge of government relations for The Ohio State University. He went on to serve on the Ohio Ethics Commission and has since returned to the University. Today he serves as Special Counselor to the President of the University, advising him on policy decisions.

More Herb Asher on Wikipedia.

The state, for a long period of time, has been undergoing a wrenching economic transformation. The reality is much grimmer than in other states.

281

When he comes to Ohio, the economy really gets emphasized. They have incorporated the fact that Ohio is not doing very well into their strategy.

208

People perceive the campaign to be close, so that should stimulate people to vote. And the media environment is unbelievable, in terms of focusing on the campaign.

189

We wonder why we're electing Democrats and Republicans who seem to be more extreme than the average Democrat or Republican, and when they get to the statehouse, they don't seem to talk to one another.

175

He's worked very hard on all fronts in the state.

174

Clearly, issues of ethics and corruption will be playing a significant role in our discussions of politics in the ensuing months. The longer this goes on, the more pressure on candidates from both parties to discuss how they will clean up the system.

150

I think the Democrats have done a better job on voter registration efforts. Whether you can get those voters out on Election Day remains to be seen.

142

You will most likely find a tremendous difference in opinion from certain Ohio universities.

133

These recent economic numbers show Ohio has the worst economy in the nation. But that's not something Democrats have taken great advantage of.

126