Debates unsurprising for local viewers

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Democrats and Republicans throughout the Miami Valley gathered to watch last night's debate. Both sides are processing what they saw, and neither was very surprised.

The Montgomery County Republican party gathered at its headquarters on Yankee St. in Washington Township to watch the debate.

On the other side, the Montgomery County Democratic Party met at the Park Layne Apartments on Belmonte Park North in Dayton.

Both sides agree that right now the attention is focused on the new comer, John Kasich, since voters are familiar with Governor Ted Strickland and his policies.

Republicans say this was his chance to introduce himself, and they say they're proud of how he did.

"It's classic John Kasich, it's who he is, talking about his family and coming to Ohio and going to Ohio state, I just thought it was classic John Kasich," said Greg Gantt, the chairman of the Montgomery County Republican party.

Jamie Fant was in opposition, as a member of the Democratic party, saying "If they think we have it bad now, it's going to be a lot worse if Kasich gets in because he's just flat out said he's going to privatize, put state employees out of jobs and a lot of pensions are going to be going out the window, and the state of Ohio's going to face bankruptcy."

Democrats say they don't trust Kasich, and they say he showed deception tonight.

With a month and a half until the polls open, these campaigns still have a long way to go.