A Tale of Two States

In Florida, it is the best of times for Republicans. In Ohio, it is the worst of times.

In Ohio, writes Kimberley A. Strassel, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, Ken Blackwell, is down by double digits. The voters don’t like the GOP and you can’t blame them. The Republican governors for the past 16 years have delivered tax increases and scandal.

Republicans have practiced one-party rule in the state since 1994--more than enough time to lose one's principles. Former Gov. George Voinovich set the standard in 1992 by breaking his word and signing tax hikes. His successor, Bob Taft, with the help of the GOP legislature, in 2003 broke pledges not to raise taxes without voter permission. Some $3 billion in tax increases later, Ohio jumped to fourth place in the rankings for state and local tax burdens. (It was 23rd in 1994, when the GOP took over.) Over their first 10 years in power, Republicans increased Ohio's general operating budget by 71%--the highest increase in the nation.

Had enough? But in Florida the Republican gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist is ahead by double digits. There’s no problem in figuring out why.

Florida Republicans have passed tax cuts every year of the eight Mr. Bush has held office--a whopping $19 billion, including the elimination of the infamous "intangibles" tax, levied on investments. While Florida's budget has grown at a rapid clip, Mr. Bush vetoed more than $2.1 billion in wasteful spending, earning him the nickname "Veto Corleone" among frustrated state lobbyists. He's trimmed 11,000 state jobs.

Tort reform? Did it. Overhauling the child welfare system? Done.

Education reform? You got it. Medicaid reform? How about a spot of privatization?

Florida today has the highest rate of job creation in the country, and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. It's bond rating hit triple A. Revenue is pumping into the state coffers, giving Florida $6.4 billion in reserves. Gov. Bush's approval rating stands at 55%.

Oh, and did you know? Florida doesn’t have a state income tax.

Really, there isn’t any mystery in all this. If you keep spending down and tax rates low and the playing field level, the economy will boom.

And Republican candidates will get elected.