Ted Strickland's Attack Advert Over Invacare Layoffs Gets Under Kasich Camp's Skin

Governor Ted Strickland released an advertisement highlighting outsourcing done by Elyria based company Invacare. His rival in the 2010 election John Kasich served on the board at the company and signed off on moving the jobs to Mexico and China. Kasich's running mate Mary Taylor visited Northeast Ohio yesterday and called the attack ad a cheap shot.

Invacare also weighed in on the controversy by saying:

In response to Governor Ted Strickland's campaign ad which criticizes business decisions the company has made in recent years, Invacare Corporation issued the following statement:

On behalf of Invacare Corporation's 1,300 associates in Northeast Ohio and 6,200 associates worldwide, the Company is very disappointed that its home-state governor would attack it in a campaign commercial. Invacare is proud to call Lorain County and Ohio its home and is proud of the contributions its associates make here every day. Since 1979, Invacare has grown from a local manufacturing company with 350 associates to a global organization with 1,300 associates in Ohio and a total of 6,200 associates worldwide. In fact, Invacare recently celebrated its 30th anniversary under current management with an associate celebration where it was honored for its commitments to the community and Ohio by U.S. Congresswoman Betty Sutton, Ohio State Senator Sue Morano, Ohio State Representative Matt Lundy, Elyria Mayor Bill Grace, and Lorain County Commissioner Betty Blair. Invacare Corporation is one of the largest public employers in Lorain County.

Invacare is constantly searching for the best ways to make its products and serve its customers, shareholders, associates and communities. Though difficult, the changes made in 2006 strengthened Invacare and over the past few years, despite the challenging economy, the Company has added approximately 200 associates to its Ohio campus and rehired many associates.

Here is the advert that is causing the stir.