Journal-News.com

Columbus, Ohio — President Barack Obama used his first Ohio trip as president to join 25 new Columbus police recruits as they were sworn in with the help of $1.2 million from Obama's economic stimulus plan.

On a day when the government announced a February unemployment rate of 8.1 percent — highest in more than 25 years — Obama said doubters should look to the new recruits as proof his $787 billion stimulus plan is working.

"I ask them to come to Ohio and meet the 25 men and women who will soon be protecting the streets of Columbus because we passed this plan," Obama, accompanied by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, told the estimated 1,000 in the audience at the Aladdin Shrine Center.

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman laid off the new recruits until the money from the stimulus plan became available to pay them for this year.

Obama urged the audience to emulate the spirit of the new recruits.

"...if we can show even a fraction of the courage and selflessness that these cadets have already demonstrated, then I have no doubt that we will emerge from this crisis stronger than ever," Obama said.

Obama used the speech to announce that $2 billion in the stimulus plan is for local and state law enforcement, including $61.6 for Ohio.

Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine said in a press release that it was "great that we're keeping more law enforcement on the streets" but blasted the borrowing in the stimulus plan.

"...someone at some point has to pay for it," DeWine said.

Contact this reporter at (614) 224-1608 or whershey@DaytonDailyNews.com.