ELYRIA — On a recent visit to Lorain County, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland smiled when he was handed a snack-size Nestle Crunch bar, by Jean Sekulik, chairwoman of the Avon Lake Democrats.

"It’s crunch time," Strickland said, just eight days before the Nov. 2 election in which he will face former Congressman John Kasich.
He held on to the treat and after about 20 minutes glad-handing with local Democratic supporters, the governor’s chocolate treat had turned to mush.
There were plenty more to eat in a basket adorned with Betty Sutton sticker that matched the red and blue candy bar wrapper.
- Rick Payerchin