Last week the Republican was touting support from labor leaders and the Democrat was talking up support from business leaders. This week they each went a step further. The Democrat is now talking up support from Republicans while the Republican touts support from Democrats.

State Sens. Kirk Schuring (R-Jackson Township) and John Boccieri (D-Alliance) seem to be taking the theme of a need for change to heart as they compete to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) in Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

The campaigns have apparently decided to compete on their ability to win crossover votes.

Last week, Schuring announced support he was receiving from a couple local labor leaders. Boccieri responded with his own list of local business owners backing him. Over the weekend, Boccieri campaigned with Ohio First Lady Francis Strickland at the home of "lifelong Republican" Frank Fleischer in North Canton.

Now Schuring is out with the announcement that a "group of area Democrats today announced the establishment of a Democratic coalition to support" Schuring in his bid for the seat.

Schuring's coalition of Democrats includes Former Canton City Councilman Fonda Williams as the group's chair.

"I've known Kirk for many years. In that time, I've seen him effectively work with members of both parties to get things done. He's a problem solver and someone you can count on," Williams said. "He's one of us. Kirk's lived here all his life, and he has the pulse of the community and will be a strong voice for us in Washington."

The Schuring campaign says that the group has over 30 members.

"I've worked hard to represent all the people within my district over the years, regardless of political affiliation," Schuring said. "I'm honored that so many Democrats have chosen to support my candidacy for Congress."

Local Democrat Bill Ackerman is "enthusiastic" in his support.

"He's what I've been looking for in an elected leader my whole adult life. He's never asked me to support him, but he reached out to me when members of my own party turned a deaf ear," Ackerman said. "I met Kirk at an outing a few years ago and he helped me with a problem. He's done more for me than any Democrat I know."