Ohio governor calls for end to recounts in radio address

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Gov. Bob Taft called for common sense and an end to recounts Saturday and gave his support to a Bush-Cheney administration in the weekly Republican radio address.

"George W. Bush is rightfully our president-elect," Taft said. "We should not prolong a constitutional impasse that could prevent the timely transition of presidential power."

Taft said this was a "critical period" for an incoming president to prepare for his administration. He called for the ballot-counting process to end so the election could be concluded, and said Bush and running mate Dick Cheney were right to work on a transition.

What is needed now, Taft said, is "common sense."

"The world is watching and waiting for an end to our election. It is time for the rancor to end and a victor to be declared," he said.