The campaign of attorney Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) is saying that state Sen. Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) is playing Monday morning quarterback on the issue of the "bailout" legislation.

The comments come as a response to a statement from the Austria campaign that criticized the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act as not having worked, and Neuhardt for supporting it.

Neuhardt spokesperson Jessica Kershaw said it was easy to play Monday morning quarterback.

"Austria refused to take a position when it mattered," Kershaw said. "He's naïve if he thinks the economic rescue plan is a cure all and an immediate fix to our nation's economic crisis. Austria has shown a lack of real leadership by not proposing an alternate plan. The people of the 7th District need leadership the day of, not a week later."

"Austria's mentor in Washington, Dave Hobson, knows our country is on the brink of economic disaster," Kershaw continued. "He voted in support of the rescue plan. If Austria really opposed the bill, why didn't he have the courage to buck his own party? The voters know why. Steve Austria is just another career politician, content to get along and go along. "

Neuhardt and Austria are vying to replace retiring U.S. Rep. David Hobson (R-Springfield) in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.

Hobson voted in favor of the Stabilization Act each time it was before the House.