That was true for his speech on the economy last night, which was bumped from the nobody-is-really-watching slot of 4:30 p.m. EDT to 10 p.m., a few speakers before Sen. Hillary Clinton took the podium to cap off the evening.

And it also applies to Strickland's rising prominence and profile nationally in the party, with Ohio once again expected to play a decisive role in choosing the next president.

The first-term Democrat has been interviewed this week by the likes of Tom Brokaw of MSNBC and had dinner with reporters and editors of The Washington Post. He also was invited to speak yesterday to the California delegation, has been featured at other party events and is treated like a rock star by Ohio delegates.

"Just about everyone realizes that Gov. Strickland is the key to any real hope of (a) Democratic victory in Ohio," said Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist who is attending the convention.

In his speech last night, Strickland, who had been a staple in national speculation as a possible running mate for Sen. Barack Obama, bemoaned the uncertainty that many Ohioans feel about their jobs, homes and the economy.

He then placed the blame squarely on the Republicans and held nothing back in criticizing presumptive GOP nominee Sen. John McCain, following the party's strategy of linking McCain to the unpopular President Bush.

"While families are losing sleep tonight trying to figure out some way to make their paycheck stretch through one more day, John McCain is sleeping better than ever," Strickland said in a nine-minute speech as the Ohio delegation cheered wildly and waved signs. "He's sleeping better than ever because he thinks, and I quote, 'Americans overall are better off,' thanks to President Bush.

"And would you believe he said last week that 'the fundamentals of the economy are strong.' John McCain has no problem hitting the snooze button on the economy because he's never been part of the middle class. And I would say to him: Sen. McCain, it's time for your wake-up call because we just can't afford more of the same."

Strickland also harked back to one of the sharpest verbal stones ever thrown at Bush's father.

"You know, it was once said of the first George Bush that he was born on third base and thought he'd hit a triple," Strickland said. "Well, with the 22 million new jobs and the budget surplus Bill Clinton left behind, George W. Bush came into office on third base, and then he stole second."

As the crowd roared, Strickland added, "And John McCain cheered him every step of the way."

Strickland, one of 10 Democratic governors who spoke last night, also touted Obama's plan for a $1,000 middle-class tax cut and investment in advanced energy such as wind power -- which the governor said could boost wages in Ohio by more than $3.5 billion by 2020.

Ohio Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine said Strickland, who ran on a "turnaround Ohio" platform, is trying to shift blame for the foundering economy.

"We've had a Democratic governor and a Democratic majority in Congress for nearly two years, but gas is $4 a gallon, unemployment is at a 15-year high and businesses are running from Ohio," DeWine said in a statement. "It's time to stop pointing fingers and start providing leadership."

Strickland started the day yesterday by speaking to the California delegation. He also spoke at a "My Rural America Lunch and Panel Discussion" and did a few satellite TV interviews.

At the California delegation breakfast, some Golden State residents admitted that they didn't know anything about the governor of Ohio. But others said they are well aware of the former congressman from a key battleground state.

"I know of him because Ohio is so important to the bigger picture," said Dan Weitzman, a political fundraiser from Sacramento.

mniquette@dispatch.com