Rumors are circulating around the Ohio Statehouse today that outgoing Governor Bob Taft is ready to play hardball over Ohio Core, his proposed toughened high school graduation standards.

Ohio Core calls for four years of math and English and three years of a lab-based science, as well as a school and workplace-readiness test in the junior year, for graduation and entrance into a four-year state university in Ohio.

Some members of the Ohio General Assembly are wavering over the proposed requirements, probably bending to some pressure from local school districts who are worried about the cost of implementation. Governor-elect Ted Strickland supports the spirit of Ohio Core and tougher standards, but thinks the whole issue needs more study and evaluation.

Taft, who has little to lose and at least a piece of a legacy to gain from passage of Ohio Core, is threatening to veto a pending batch of bills that are dear to legislators' hearts if the beefed up educational standards fail to pass before the end of the session. Is this a new Fighting Bob?

Governors have certain clout - looks like Taft is discovering that fact a little late in his tenure, but maybe in time to toughen the curriculum and standards for graduation in Ohio.