Instead of telling us who is supporting him, Gov. Ted Strickland should focus on telling citizens why they should do the same.

Strickland was in Lawrence County earlier this week to talk about the Second Amendment and his recent endorsement by the National Rifle Association.

Apart from a brief mention about funding for the Chesapeake Bypass, the bulk of his visit was pure campaigning, proof that the summer election season is already here.

Strickland, likely facing a tough fight against Republican John Kasich, certainly isn’t the first candidate to start politicking.

In fact, it seems as if there is little break between the spring primary campaigns and the start of the general election campaigns.

This isn’t a criticism of Strickland. The governor has had his share of successes and failures in his first term, a period that has been difficult across the entire country.

It is too early to make a call on whether or not Strickland deserves another term. Voters will have to gather information and make that determination this November.

All politicians — whether they are running for a state position like Governor or a local post like commissioner — would be best served by sharing concrete facts about what they have accomplished or what they plan to do if granted the privilege by the voters of this great state.

We don’t need empty promises, rhetoric and attacks on opponents. Ohioans need solid plans to create jobs, clear solutions to providing quality education and a comprehensive strategy to return the state to its place at the top of the best places to live, work and play.