A drawn-out political battle

TOLEDO, Ohio (WUPW) - Although there's still two months of campaigning left, but it could be a long, drawn-out political battle for the 9th Congressional District seat.

Even a vice presidential visit in Toledo Labor Day morning is showing a contrast between candidates.

Republican candidate Rich Iott called Vice President Joe Biden's visit alongside Gov. Ted Strickland in Toledo's Labor Day parade a classic case of government waste.

"They're out there campaigning and using your money and my money to campaign," Iott said. "I think that's a waste. As a taxpayer, I find that offensive."

But incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur countered saying face time from the vice president could mean more federal money for the region.

"We welcome them with open arms," Congresswoman Kaptur said. "We want them to pay attention to what's happening with our local economy and we need their help."

Seconds later, Congresswoman Kaptur counterpunched over recent political advertising by the Iott campaign.

"He's using his own position as a candidate to shill his own products and sell those to the public - products in which he has a financial interest," she said. "He's using his campaign to make money."

During a Labor Day campaign stop at a West Toledo car show, Iott claimed he's just trying to tell his story to voters.

"Over the years I have helped with a number of small companies in Northwest Ohio, helped them develop, raise capital," he said.

Regardless, the campaign is quickly turning ugly. With two months still to go, both candidates are baring their teeth at each other.

"You have to not play dead when someone rolls a tank over you," Kaptur said. "So, I hope we can keep it on the issues - jobs, the economy."

"I don't know about a tank, don't believe I have a tank, but if she's complaining about any of the advertising we're doing, all we're talking about is her record, how she's voted," Iott countered. "I'm never going to attack her personally."

Iott's been aggressive all summer, attacking Congresswoman Kaptur over everything from earmarks to pork barrel politics. Now it looks like she's going to fire back, as hard and as often.

Kaptur, Iott, and Joseph Jaffe will participate in an Oct. 11 debate, sponsored by FOX Toledo and media partner the Toledo Free Press. The debate will be aired live at 7 p.m. A limited number of tickets will be available.