"In a sense, we have both bets covered," Youngstown Mayor George M. McKelvey said. "The Democrats, you know, they're going to deliver probably their traditional 60 percent of the vote. So, if Kerry's elected, he's sure going to deliver something to them, right? If Kerry's not elected and Bush is elected, I guess I'm the go-to guy."

---

If you are going to claim to be standing on the high ground of principle, it's a good idea not to hand out road maps showing just how low you are willing to stoop.

McKelvey, a Democrat, surprised some of his colleagues to the point of sputtering outrage Monday when he announced he was endorsing President Bush for re-election. That move sets him far apart from other Democratic mayors of Ohio's large cities, who are among John Kerry's strongest supporters in the crucial swing state.

Don Plusquellic, mayor of nearby Akron and the chairman of the National Conference of Cities, was astounded by McKelvey's announcement. "I'm shocked, given the huge number of job losses that have occurred in Youngstown ... I don't see he (Bush) is willing to do anything to help cities in Ohio."

McKelvey is in his second term as mayor of Youngstown, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 5-to-1 ratio. He said he had gotten to know the president personally in May when he and his wife were invited to the White House after the president had been to Youngstown promoting some federally supported community health centers.

The mayor said he supports Bush's positions on national security and the economy. He said he hoped his endorsement might help bring federal assistance for job creation and infrastructure to the region. While he said he doesn't plan to switch parties, he said he wouldn't mind an invitation to the Republican National Convention next week in New York.

So far, so good. There is nothing wrong with a politician breaking ranks with his party over strongly held convictions. The fact that other Dems such as Plusquellic are near apoplectic over the announcement is a mere sideshow if McKelvey is sincere in his beliefs.

But then he opened wide and expelled that blast of hot air you see above. Explaining his decision to reporters Monday, McKelvey let it out that he doesn't really care who wins the election because by being a Democrat for Bush he has put himself in a win-win situation.

Note to Mayor McKelvey: You just explained too much.

---

Have you heard, seen or read a statement for a politician, media personality or other public figure that you think doesn't quite add up? Let us know, and we'll check it out. Call Ray Cooklis at (513) 768-8525; e-mail rcooklis@enquirer.com