Once again, Northeast Ohio was front and center in the news last week as the two major party presidential contenders made visits to area.

President Barack Obama visited Lorain County Community College in Elyria on Wednesday to talk about the importance of job training programs such as those offered at the college.

Mitt Romney visited the closed National Gypsum plant in Lorain on Thursday in part to say that Obama’s job creating policies are not working.

Romney and Obama both know the importance of winning a swing state such as Ohio, especially as no Republican has ever been elected without winning the state.

Now that former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum has left the GOP race, Obama and Romney will now sharpen their messages to compare and contrast each other.

Romney also has received an endorsement from Gov. John Kasich, media outlets such as the Columbus Dispatch reported.

If Ohio’s economy continues to improve and the state’s unemployment rate keeps dropping, it could potentially help not only Kasich improve his standing in the eyes of Ohioans, but it could also help Obama in his effort to win Ohio.

Basically, both Democrats and Republicans will take credit for any improved economic climate in the state. Kasich will say his policies are working and so will Obama.

Geauga GOP update

The campaign for Ralph Spidalieri, a candidate for Geauga County commissioner, dropped a line to say that Spidalieri does not plan to seek an appointment by the Geauga County Republican Party to fill the seat of Commissioner Bill Young, who will retire effective June 30. 

Rather, Spidalieri will continue his campaign for the Nov. 6 election to replace Commissioner Mary Samide, who lost a Republican primary to Spidalieri in March. Spidalieri faces Democrat Christopher John Lacny in the general election.

Attention ladies

The Bolton Republican Women’s Club based in Lake County invites all interested ladies to attend the next regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. April 30 at the Lake County Republican Headquarters in Painesville. The discussion topic will be the “Faux War on Women: Ann Romney vs. Hilary Rosen.”

The organization’s purpose is to provide political education, healthy discussion and information to help advance the principles of the Republican Party.

Deadline

For candidates and others who would like to submit items for consideration to run in the column, the weekly deadline is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred. Have a fundraiser? Send it in weeks ahead of time.

Fundies

n David M. Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, will host a fundraiser with guest U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, from 5:30 to 7:30 April 30 at Fiebig’s home in Willoughby Hills. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or Dale Fellows.

n Willoughby Hills Councilman Kevin Malecek will host his 8th Annual Cinco De Mayo Party, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 3 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Malecek or Nora Colburn.

n Fundraiser for Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. May 10 at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, See Kathy Russo or Moran.

n Fundraiser for Sharon C. Gingerich, Geauga County Recorder, from 6 to 9 p.m. May 10 at Patterson’s Fruit Farm, Orchard Hills Center in Chester Township. See Judy Gallowan.

n Eleventh District Court of Appeals Court Judge Mary Jane Trapp will have a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 16 at the home of Todd and Susan Petersen in Munson Township. See Mike Apicella,

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah