Franklin Co (Columbus) is one of the bluest counties in Ohio. Not sure where Republican came from..? The governor is Republican, and yes Columbus is the capital, but red it is most definitely not.
The gay scene in Cleveland has pretty much collapsed. The new development has not done much for it either. Hopefully the Games will break down some stereotypes of Ohio in general.
People in Salt Lake kept saying that hosting the 2002 Olympics would break down stereotypes here and I kept saying NOT! And, they didn't.