MOUNT VERNON — The 2012 presidential election turned the spotlight on central Ohio and Knox County.
Both presidential candidates — President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney — spent time in Knox or surrounding counties bringing national attention to central Ohio and some successful businesses and educational institutions including Ariel Corp. and Kenyon College.
Obama spoke about the recession and his plan to move the company forward to a crowd estimated at 2,166 on Aug. 1.
Republican candidate Romney, along with New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, addressed a private town hall at Ariel Corp. on Oct. 12. Both Christie and Romney touted the success of Ariel Corp., and the energy industry, to make the United States self-sufficient in both fuel sources and jobs.
Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to appear at Kenyon College in late October. That event was canceled following Superstorm Sandy’s arrival. A debate between Congressman Bob Gibbs and his Democratic opponent Joyce Healy-Abrams took place that same day at Kenyon.
First lady Michelle Obama drove home the Democratic platform just prior to Election Day at Kenyon.
Romney won the local vote in the presidential race although lost the national vote.
Contact Samantha Scoles
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