Buckeye State Blog Breaking

GEN. WESLEY CLARK TO RALLY FOR WULSIN SATURDAY

2006-11-03T13:13:00.005-05:00

NATO Supreme Allied Commander Stumps for Wulsin at VFW Hall in Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH -- Victoria Wulsin will be joined by retired General Wesley Clark on Saturday morning for a rally and press conference at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Pleasant Ridge. Clark, the former presidential candidate and Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, will talk about the war in Iraq and the importance of electing a Democratic Congress that will conduct real oversight of the war.

Clark and Wulsin will be joined by Tim Goodrich, executive director of the Iraqi Veterans for Progress, a political organization that advocates a new course for the war in Iraq. Iraqi Veterans for Progress has hired an veteran of the Iraq war as a full time field coordinator for the Wulsin for Congress campaign.

Wesley Clark rally and press conference
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
9:30 AM: Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall
6112 Montgomery Rd
Pleasant Ridge

Voting Protecters Needed in OH-02

2006-11-03T13:13:00.004-05:00

Dear White Knight Bloggers,

I know you are getting many appeals for volunteering on election day. But this is a special request for a certain type of assistance we NEED on election day.

We are recruiting Election Protection Observers on an immediate basis for the upcoming Congressional election in Southwest Ohio. The State Democratic Party of Ohio has not recruited or placed Election Observers in any of the extremely Republican counties because of traditional strategy, ignoring repeated reports of obfuscation and irregularities in the vote-counting procedures in 2004 and the 2005 special election.

We, a bipartisan board of legal advisors dedicated to fairness, have come together over grave concerns over the loss of faith in the integrity of our electoral system. Partisan groups have often focused their efforts on urban areas and so called “base precincts”. We want to guarantee fairness and openness in all precincts, especially in the ex-urban and rural counties where most Americans live and vote.

We will keep special watch over the elections in Warren and Clermont counties, which have had significant reports of problems and lack of visibility in recent elections. We will not turn a blind eye to voter suppression on the part of either campaign, Democratic or Republican, and we will make sure that every ballot box is tracked and remains untampered.

We need volunteers to be registered observers (the only qualification is a registered voter in the state of Ohio), people to stand-by giving advice on election day, and assistance in filings before that day. Can you help us?

Please contact the election protection office at Wulsin for Congress and help us out! Or go to http://www.wulsinforcongress.com/volunteer and select “Voting Protection Observer”.

Tony Vila
Voter Protection Coordinator
513-233-4180

Schedule for Marc Dann, Candidate for Attorney General

2006-11-03T13:13:00.003-05:00

The following schedule from Friday 11.3.06 until Tuesday 11.7.06 is subject to change.

Friday 11.3.06
12:30 pm Debate, Cleveland City Club, 850 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
2:00 pm Implementing Ohio’s new predatory lending laws, Trinity Commons, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH
8:30 pm United Negro College Fund, St. Joseph’s Family Center, 610 West Exchange Street, Akron

Saturday 11.4.06
12 pm Rally with Strickland and Brown, AFL-CIO, 4127 E. 2nd Street, Dayton
2 pm Rally with Edwards, United Steelworkers, 501 Kelly Avenue, Akron
3:45 pm GOTV rally with Edwards, Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland
9 pm GOTV rally with Obama, Strickland and Brown, 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland

Sunday 11.5.06
12 pm GOTV rally with Brown, Boardman Headquarters, 451 Boardman-Canfield Rd., Boardman
1:45 pm GOTV rally with Brown, IBEW Local 246, 626 North 4th Street, Steubenville
4:00 pm GOTV rally with Strickland and Brown, Fiore Pottery Factory, 333 Market Street, Zanesville
6:00 pm GOTV rally with Strickland and Al Green, Living Faith Apolistic Church, Columbus

Monday 11.6.06
10 am Rally with Strickland, Strickland Headquarters, 10 South Superior Street, Toledo
12 pm Rally with Strickland, Hancock County Headquarters, 530 South Main Street, Findlay
1:30 pm Rally with Strickland, Kewpee Burger, 1350 Bellefontaine Street, Lima
5:30 pm Rally with Strickland, Champaign County Headquarters, 111 South Main Street, Urbana
7:30 pm Rally with Strickland, Dale Henry Headquarters, 128 East Main Street, Springfield

Tuesday 11.7.06
4:30 am Teamster’s Local 20 Dawn Patrol Ham and Egg Breakfast, 435 Hawley Street, Toledo
Travel from Toledo to Youngstown (will probably make stops along the way in Cleveland etc.)
Election night- Joey’s Restaurant, 2921 Belmont Avenue, Liberty Township

An Important Message From Frances Strickland

2006-11-03T13:13:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I cannot wait until Jennifer Brunner is our Secretary of State.

Protecting our right to vote is central to keeping our democracy strong. And I know that Jennifer Brunner is the right person for this job.

It was 36 years ago when the first Democratic female candidate was elected to statewide office in Ohio. In 2006 we have the opportunity to make history once again. It took hard work then and it will take hard work now. In order to turn around Ohio, Jennifer Brunner should be elected Ohio’s first woman Secretary of State this November.

Jennifer Brunner entered the race for Secretary of State in an effort to bring about a fundamental change in the way elections are run in Ohio. It’s time for a Secretary of State who is experienced and committed to a fair process and who encourages people to make their voice heard in our elections. I believe that Jennifer’s message of fair, reliable and trustworthy elections will resonate with folks all over Ohio.

We have just days left before voters head to the polls, and we must make every moment count. In order to win this election, a substantial number of independent women must vote and support one of our greatest candidates -- Jennifer Brunner! We are asking women all across Ohio to join in this effort.

Jennifer offers leadership that is based on experience, knowledge, and dedication and she has consistently proved that she believes in responsibility and accountability in the Secretary of State’s office.

Jennifer has run an exceptional campaign by:
-- Consistently polling ahead of her opponent,
-- Receiving ALL the major newspaper endorsements of the state,
-- Receiving countless endorsements from key organizations, and
-- Continuously reaching out to ALL Ohio citizens.

Please join us in our efforts to make positive change in Ohio. There are several ways that you can help elect Jennifer Brunner the first female Ohio Secretary of State with the click of a button on jenniferbrunner.com:
-- Contribute. All donations, big or small, help the campaign work to change Ohio.
-- Join our team. If you have 10 hours, 10 minutes, or just a yard to put a sign in, we need volunteers!
-- Tell your friends. Tell your friends, family, and coworkers about Jennifer Brunner. The Women for Brunner page can help you send emails quickly and easily.

A positive appeal delivered by you to concerned female voters can -- and will -- make the difference this year. There are only a few days left until victory -- please act now!

Sincerely,
Frances Strickland

Kilroy to Pryce: Denounce Boehner’s Negative Comments about U.S. Generals

2006-11-03T13:13:00.001-05:00

COLUMBUS -- Today, Mary Jo Kilroy, Franklin County commissioner and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, called on Deborah Pryce to denounce Republican Majority Leader Congressman John Boehner’s comments blaming U.S. generals for the chaos in Iraq.

During an interview with CNN, Boehner said, “Let’s not blame what’s happening in Iraq on Rumsfeld… But the fact is, the generals on the ground are in charge, and he works closely with them and the president.” [New York Times, “Bush, Trying to Rally Base, Defends Rumsfeld,” 11/2/06]

“Boehner’s comment was a direct swipe at the troops and military leaders fighting this war,” Kilroy said. “They would rather blame our troops for the problems in Iraq than accept their role in the chaos of the war.”

Pryce admitted to the Wall Street Journal that she has never questioned the Bush Administration’s handling of the war, and thinks Rumsfeld is doing a good job.

“On Iraq, for example, Ms. Pryce says: ‘People know there’s no real answer. They don’t really ask about it unless they want to complain about it.’ On the future of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld she says: ‘He knows the intricacies of this war, it’s his war, why put somebody else in there to finish it up?’…About conversations with the White House, she says, ‘If I did see something glaringly wrong, I would not hesitate to bring it up.’ Yet when pressed, she admits: ‘I can’t say I have called them out on how they are conducting the war. No I haven’t.’” [Wall Street Journal, “Ohio House Race is Brutal Test,” 8/31/06]

“Deborah Pryce, George Bush and John Boehner refuse to hold Donald Rumsfeld accountable for the lack of planning and failed execution of the war in Iraq,” Kilroy said. “Instead of holding one of their own accountable, Boehner would rather blame the U.S. generals working hard in Iraq to accomplish their mission. Deborah Pryce should immediately repudiate these terrible remarks Boehner, one of her fellow members of Republican leadership, made.”

Five Days and Counting. . . Help Bring Us to Victory

2006-11-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

Dear Supporters,

The election is just five days away and we still can use more help to bring us to victory. We will be conducting telephone banks everyday to contact voters and encourage them to vote for our Democratic Slate. If you have a 2-3 hour block of time that you can give to us on any of these days, you can help make sure that our supporters are contacted. We are also conducting literature drops on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 in key Democratic areas.

Our two priorities are as follows:

1. The Literature Drops on Saturday, November 4. We will send supporters out in two waves -- one starting at 10:00 am and one starting at 12:00 pm.
» If you can help on Saturday, click here

2. On Election Day, Tuesday, November 7. We can use help throughout the day, making telephone calls, passing out literature near polling places, and helping with other important Election Day activities.
» If you can help on all or part of Election Day, click here

Please RSVP for these priority efforts with your availability so that we can properly prepare for them.

Below is a complete calendar of events and your help will make a huge difference in the election.

With deepest thanks,
Mayor Mike Coleman

Friday, November 3
Phone Banking
Time: 11:00 am -- 6:00 pm
Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: Yael Fischer at (614) 221-6563

Saturday, November 4
Phone Banking
Time: 12:00 pm -- 7:00 pm
Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: Yael Fischer at (614) 221-6563
Literature Drop
Time: 10:00 am
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
RSVP: Click here
Literature Drop
Time: 12:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
RSVP: Click here

Sunday, November 5
Phone Banking
Time: 12:00 pm -- 7:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: Yael Fischer at (614) 221-6563
Literature Drop
Time: 1:00 pm -- 3:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Literature Drop
Time: 4:00 pm -- 6:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
2006 Voter Education and Outreach Rally
Join Mike Coleman and our County Chair Bill Anthony in support of our entire Democratic Slate including Congressman Ted Strickland for Governor, State Representative Joyce Beatty, State Representative Candidate Tracy Heard, and welcome our special guest Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones
Time: 5:00 pm -- 7:00 pm
Location: Living Faith Apostolic Church 2177 Mock Rd Columbus, OH 43219
Cost: Free
Invitation: Click here

Monday, November 6
Phone Banking
Time: 11:00 am -- 9:00 pm
Meeting Location: Franklin County Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: Yael Fischer at (614) 221-6563

Tuesday, November 7
Phone Banking, Canvassing, Driving, and other Election Day Activities
Time: 6:00 am -- 10:00 am, 10:00 am -- 3:00 pm, and 3:00 pm -- 7:00 pm
RSVP: Click here
Election Night Gathering
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Hyatt on Capitol Square 75 E. State St Columbus, OH 43215

Volunteer for Victory

2006-11-02T16:42:00.000-05:00

We need your help to get out the vote for Sherrod Brown and Democratic candidates.

Democrats are working together like never before to bring change to Ohio in 2006.

Phone banks, door-to-door canvasses, and voter protection efforts are happening now in all 88 counties.

Click here to find volunteer opportunities in your area.

So much is at stake in this election. You can make the difference between more of the same or a new direction for Ohio.

Democrats have a unique opportunity this year to change the political landscape of Ohio.

We cannot leave the outcome of this election to chance.

Help us persuade voters, increase Democratic turnout, and make sure every vote is counted.

Click here to volunteer for victory.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Friends of Sherrod Brown

PS: Click here if you have questions about casting your vote.

Edwards, Strickland, & Katz to Address Minimum Wage Saturday

2006-11-02T15:47:00.001-05:00

Who: John Edwards, Ted Strickland, and Lew Katz
Why: Minimum Wage Rally
Where: Antioch Baptist Church, 8869 Cedar Ave., Cleveland
When: Saturday, November 4

Doors open 3:15 p.m. & the event begins at 3:45 p.m.

Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage Events

2006-11-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage Canvass Kickoff
When: Saturday, November 4, at 9:30 a.m.
Where: America Votes Staging Area (3631 Perkins Ave., Cleveland)
Who: Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage Volunteers and Supporters

Get-Out-The-Vote and Raise the Wage Rally with John Edwards
When: Saturday, November 4, at 3:30 p.m.
Where: Antioch Baptist Church (8869 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland)
Who: Hosted by the Ohio Democratic Party

ELECTION DAY!
For information on GOTV and canvassing efforts on Election Day, please contact:
Keary McCarthy, Communications Director for Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage;
(614) 425-9163 or keary@vp-cd.com.

ELECTION NIGHT!
Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage will be gathering at the:
Doubletree Suites Hotel, Room 1008, 50 South Front Street, Columbus, Ohio.
The campaign co-chairs will be available for interview between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. Please join us, or if you’d like to reach the campaign, please call Keary, (614) 425-9163.

Minimum Wage Campaign Rallies Support in Final Days

2006-11-02T15:30:00.011-05:00

Columbus, Ohio -- As the campaign to raise Ohio’s minimum wage reaches its final days, several groups, organizations, and individuals will be rallying support among voters all across Ohio. The scheduled events are open to the public and the press.

Rally for Values Voters to Support Issue 2
When: TONIGHT, November 2, at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Broad Street Presbyterian Church (760 E. Broad St., Columbus)
Who: Hosted by Let Justice Roll, Sojourners Call to Renewal, We Believe Ohio, and others.

Victory Realized for Voters: Simplified Identification Requirements

2006-11-02T15:30:00.010-05:00

Columbus, OH -- Attorneys for groups representing voters who would be harmed by the new voter ID requirements achieved a significant victory late yesterday. In the third federal challenge to House Bill -- 3 (HB-3), this time on voter identification requirements, Judge Algenon L. Marbley, of the U.S. District Court in Columbus, issued a consent decree easing some of the restrictions that would have hindered some voters from having their votes counted.

One of the challengers’ lead witnesses, Pamela Denton, is a member of the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. She is a graduate of Spellman College who grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and now lives in Cleveland. Her cousin was one of the girls killed in the infamous bombing outside a Birmingham Church. Having felt the blast that killed her cousin, voting became a right she held dear, and she has voted almost every year since she turned 18. For Pamela, it is a critical part of carrying on the legacy of her parents and Dr. Martin Luther King.

Ms. Denton is homeless, and she has only her social security number for identification. It is difficult for her receive an absentee ballot at a homeless shelter. To vote in person at the board of elections before Election Day, the board was requiring her to show an ID, which she did not have. In Franklin County, her social security number would have sufficed. Secretary of State Ken Blackwell had made little or no attempt as the state’s chief election officer to clarify the law for boards, and varying interpretations on identification abounded.

Ms. Denton wanted her vote to count. If she waited until Election Day to vote, she would have had to vote a provisional ballot that was not certain to be counted. Now, because of the court’s decision, she can vote in person at the board of elections before Election Day, and she knows here vote will be counted.

This marks the third challenge to H.B. 3 in nearly two months. A federal judge in Cleveland struck down provisions relating to additional requirements for naturalized citizens to vote, and another Cleveland federal judge struck down voter registration rules that would have subjected voter registrars to felony penalties.

“While there is more that will need to be done to protect people’s rights to vote, this is an important first step in ensuring every eligible voter who wants to vote can vote without hindrance,” said Jennifer Brunner, Ohio’s Democratic candidate for Secretary of State. “The consent decree will allow the boards of elections to proceed with a settled interpretation of the new law in time to instruct poll workers so that everyone operates with the same rules statewide,” continued Brunner.

As noted in The Cincinnati Enquirer in an October 31 endorsement of Jennifer Brunner, “Ohio has already seen lawsuits challenging its changes to the elections process and should expect more.”

“Brunner’s experience as a special prosecutor on election fraud and her years as special counsel to the secretary of state will make her especially effective in dealing with these challenges,” continued The Enquirer.

Wednesday’s federal court decision will have a huge impact with the general election just days away.

Jennifer Brunner, a former Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge, is uniquely qualified and credentialed to become Ohio ‘ s next Secretary of State. With her service as Legislative Counsel for the Secretary of State ‘ s Office, 13 years of election law private practice experience; including serving as a special prosecutor for election fraud, and making tough decisions as a Judge, she has clearly demonstrated her ability and desire to be Ohio ‘ s top elections official. Brunner has been endorsed b every major newspaper in Ohio, including her opponent’s hometown paper, The Cincinnati Enquirer.

AG Debate Details

2006-11-02T15:30:00.009-05:00

Event: Debate and Press availability
Date: Friday, November 2, 2006
Time: 12:30 pm
Location: Cleveland City Club
850 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH

Details: Marc Dann, Candidate for Attorney General, will debate Betty Montgomery before the Cleveland City Club. If you are unable to attend the debate in Cleveland, you may view the debate online at: www.cityclub.org . It will also air live on the following radio stations WCLV (104.9 FM) and WCPN (90.3 FM) and will be aired on PBS-WVIZ on Sunday at 10:00 am.

Following the debate Senator Dann will also be available for press interviews.

Jennifer Brunner: Take 5

2006-11-02T15:30:00.008-05:00

Dear Friends:

This is it. We are down to the final 5 days. The time for action is now. We need your help with 5 essential actions.

Please take 5 minutes now to visit our action center and sign up to help Jennifer. We need you to:

1. Contribute $5.00 now. Every dollar will help us keep Jennifer on TV these last 5 days.

2. Phonebank. You can phonebank for Jennifer from anywhere using our virtual phonebanking system. Sign up now: www.jenniferbrunner.com/phonebank

3. Email 5 friends. Forward this email now to 5 people. Tell them why you support Jennifer Brunner and ask them to send this to 5 people too.

4. Canvass. Take a walk around the block. Tell your neighbors about Jennifer and why you support her.

5. Vote for Jennifer! Election day is just around the corner, but you can still vote early. Visit avoidtheline.org to learn more.

That’s it -- it’s just that simple! Please take 5 minutes now and sign up to help Jennifer become Ohio’s next Secretary of State.

With your help, we can win. With your help, Jennifer Brunner will restore trust to Ohio’s elections and end the culture of corruption. And together, we can turn around Ohio.

Sincerely,

The Jennifer Brunner Committee
545 East Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215

P.S. The time for change and action is now. You don’t want to wake up on November 8th wishing you could have done more. Help Jennifer end the culture of corruption and change the way Ken Blackwell and Bob Taft have run elections in this state.

Sign up to help Jennifer today!

U.S. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO CAMPAIGN WITH SHERROD BROWN

2006-11-02T15:30:00.007-05:00

WHAT: Rally with Senator Barack Obama, Sherrod Brown and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: The Civic, 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights
WHEN: Saturday November 4th

Program starts at 8:00 PM

Dann continues to ask Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for more information on alleged premium price fixing

2006-11-02T15:30:00.006-05:00

Columbus -- State Senator Marc Dann, the Democratic nominee for Ohio Attorney General, sent another public records request to the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). The latest request comes following the partial release of an ongoing internal audit on allegations that manual reductions of some employer’s BWC rates and assessments were done after complaining to their state legislators about the high premiums they were paying. Senator Dann, also sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney requesting an investigation to begin looking into these allegations.

“The audit released yesterday raises more questions, than it answers,” said Senator Dann. “I have given the BWC another public records request, which is narrower in focus, and I have asked the documents be released to my office today. After reviewing the audit, I also think it is crucial to have an outside investigation from the U.S. Attorney to determine if political influence was used to help lower some employers rates, while other businesses were forced to pay higher premiums.”

Robin Weirauch for Congress: National Attention!

2006-11-02T15:30:00.005-05:00

This is from the Washington Post’s political blog yesterday:

"Things are so bad, according to reports from the state, that Paul Gillmor, a nine-term incumbent whose northwest district is strongly Republican and who isn’t considered the least bit vulnerable, has begun running attack ads against his opponent."

The 5th District race, mentioned by a national newspaper! We must be doing something right! Although the race isn’t considered to be a contest by Washington standard, we know our district is ready for change.

But, with 5 days to go, we can’t let up. We still need volunteers to help us knock on doors and make sure our supporters get out to vote on election day!

Here’s the schedule for the last days:

Get out the Vote Shifts:
Saturday 10:00 am -- 2:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm -- 5 pm

Sunday 11:00 am -- 3:00 pm
Sunday 3:00 pm -- 8:00 pm

Monday 9:00 am -- 1:00 pm
Monday 1:00 pm -- 5:00 pm
Monday 5:00 pm -- 9:00 pm

Tuesday A.M Lit Drop 5 am -- 8 am
Tuesday 8 am -- 12:00 noon
Tuesday 12:00 -- 4:00 pm
Tuesday 4:00 pm -- 7:30 pm

Volunteer a few hours of your time to show Gillmor and the nation that we want change!

Or, if you’d like to help with a contribution, click here.

Thanks again for all you do, we’re almost there!

The Robin Weirauch for Congress team

Candidate Zack Space to Campaign with Gubernatorial Candidate Ted Strickland Tomorrow

2006-11-02T15:30:00.004-05:00

NEW PHILADELPHIA - Congressional Candidate Zack Space and Gubernatorial Candidate Ted Strickland will meet with voters on Friday, November 3, 2006 in Holmes, Coshocton, Tuscarawas, Carroll and Harrison counties.

Who: Zack Space - Congressional Candidate -- (OH-18) and Rep. Ted Strickland -- Ohio Gubernatorial Candidate
When: Friday, November 3, 2006
Where: Holmes County -- 11:30 a.m.
Westfork Community and Senior Center
191 Parkview Drive.
Millersburg, OH 44654

Coshocton County -- 1 p.m.
Civic Hall
331 Main Street
Coshocton, OH 43812

Tuscarawas County - 3 p.m.
VFW
West 4th Street
Dover, Ohio 44622

Carroll County - 4:15 p.m.
Courthouse Square
119 S Lisbon Street
Carrollton, OH 44615

Harrison County -- 5:30 p.m.
Harrison County Courthouse
100 West Market Street
Cadiz, OH 43907

MANSFIELD, BOWLING GREEN NEWSPAPERS BACK CORDRAY

2006-11-02T15:30:00.003-05:00

Columbus -- Noting that Franklin County Treasurer Richard Cordray “has the chops the get it done,” the Mansfield News-Journal endorsed Cordray for state treasurer earlier this week.

The editorial stated that Cordray’s record as Franklin County treasurer clinched their endorsement: “record-breaking tax collection, a public portfolio that outpaced the market by half, education programs that teach citizens how to manage money, foreclosure prevention and intervention that helps connect individuals in danger of losing homes with resources that can improve their lives, and a county land bank program that resolves tax and title issues on properties and makes blighted property available for redevelopment.

“Cordray has put his liberal education, logical analysis and drive to make a difference to the task of solving problems, protecting the public purse and exhancing the common good.

“In short, he grasps a state treasurer can do much more to serve taxpayers than invest safely. That’s the kind of candidate we are eager to get behind.”

The Bowling Green Daily Sentinel-Tribune also recently endorsed Cordray, writing that he is the logical choice for state treasurer.

“Richard Cordray has distinguished himself as treasurer of the rapidly-growing Franklin County, leading that county to achieving the highest bond rating in the state while collecting more than $55 million in delinquent taxes in four years.

“His office’s investment portfolio outperformed the market by 154 percent. And he created a program to help low-income elderly residents remain in their homes.”

Read the full endorsements.

One down, one to go: Support Robin Weirauch for Congress!

2006-11-02T15:30:00.002-05:00

One down, one to go.

Thanks to your hard work, Mary Jo Kilroy has Republican leader Deborah Pryce on the run.

Well, we have another Republican leader in Ohio and we need your help to go after him, too.

Deputy Majority Whip Paul Gillmor is a 30-year career politician. Paul Gillmor is so out of touch that he doesn’t even live in the Fifth District in Northwest Ohio - he lives in a $500,000 mansion in the Columbus suburb of Dublin, a part of Deborah Pryce’s district!

Robin Weirauch is the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Fifth District. Robin has dedicated her life to serving the communities of the Fifth District. She’s worked as an economic development director, founded the Humane Society of Henry County, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Ohio.

Based on a recent poll, Robin is just 8 points behind Gillmor and independents are breaking Robin’s way. With your help, we can close the gap and take out another Republican Congressional leader from Ohio.

Please help Robin take out another Republican Congressional leader from Ohio.

Paul Gillmor is a big part of what’s wrong in Washington. The Toledo Blade said Gillmor was “largely an absentee congressman...(we see) no leadership from a congressman who after nine terms in Washington ought to be showing some.”

From working with Mark Foley on sex offender legislation to voting against troop bonuses and military healthcare, he’s just out of touch with Ohio’s values.

Robin Weirauch will truly represent the citizens of Ohio’s 5th district. The Toledo Blade wrote, “She is working hard on her campaign, and she vows to be a much more visible congressman than Mr. Gillmor. We believe she would be an effective member of Congress for the 5th congressional district.”

Please donate $100, $75, $50, or whatever you can afford to help Robin today!

Thank you for your support,
Todd Hoffman
Online Communications Director
The Ohio Democratic Party

VETERANS’ LEADER ENDORSES CORDRAY

2006-11-02T15:30:00.001-05:00

Columbus -- Max Cleland, former head of the Veterans’ Administration, a U.S. Senator, and a captain in the U.S. Army, today endorsed Richard Cordray for Ohio Treasurer.

The 64-year-old Georgia native, who is traveling this week with Democratic Gubernatorial nominee Ted Strickland, said candidates like Cordray are one of the reasons Democrats will have a strong showing in Ohio this fall.

“Richard Cordray has demonstrated his integrity and professionalism as a local officeholder,” Cleland said. “His leadership style is pragmatic and idealistic. He has shown a willingness to sit down and figure out the aspects of government that strike some people as too complicated or tedious.

“What Rich Cordray understands is, at the bottom of every boring bureaucratic problem are real people who are struggling. I am impressed with his determination to make government relevant and useful to the everyday lives of our citizens.”

Cordray said: “If anyone understands service to his fellow citizen, it is Max Cleland. Like so many others, I have long looked to his leadership as an example. Today, I am greatly honored to have his support.”

Cleland also served as a State Senator and Secretary of State in Georgia.

Petro condemns attack ads against Attorneys

2006-11-02T11:15:00.003-05:00

Columbus -- Today during a press gaggle, Attorney General Jim Petro condemned candidates who use attack ads in which attorneys are cast in a bad light for clients they have represented. Petro joins the Ohio State Bar Association, Republican Judge R. Scott Krichbaum and others in condemning candidates who use these negative attacks on attorneys.

When asked about the negative ads being used, Petro said, “I think the Bar Association properly points out that lawyers don’t always get to choose their client. I mean, there are times in my career- 33 years now as of...but there are times when the courts basically said to me ‘look, we want you to defend this guy. He’s a bad guy, but somebody needs to defend him’. What a lawyer does in defense of a client should not become a negative issue in a political campaign.”

SPACE: VETERANS MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY IN CONGRESS

2006-11-02T11:15:00.002-05:00

Longtime Veterans Advocate Steny Hoyer and Iraq War Veteran John Boccieri Join Space in Town Hall Meeting at Zanesville VFW

ZANESVILLE -- In an effort to share with local veterans how critical next Tuesday’s elections are for the future of veterans legislation, Congressional Candidate Zack Space, long-time veterans advocate Congressman Steny Hoyer, and State Representative and Iraq War veteran John Boccieri met with local veterans at the Zanesville VFW today.

State Representative and Air Force Reserve C-130 pilot John Boccieri said, “Ohio ranks 48th in terms of money that comes back to our veterans -- especially those that are disabled. Zack Space will be a strong voice in Congress who will work to ensure that that those who have served and who are currently serving have all the resources they need from a very a grateful country.”

Space said that making veterans health care affordable and accessible would be a top priority. He also told veterans that, if elected, he would join congressional efforts to make veterans health care mandatory and index veterans health care to the cost-of-living index. Currently, veterans health care funding is discretionary and is therefore subject to potential budget cuts.

“Our veterans built the foundation of America’s freedom -- they have been willing to sacrifice so much to preserve our values and our way of life. Without question, we have a moral obligation to make sure they receive the health care and benefits they earned while serving our country,” said Zack Space.

“Zack Space has a long history of serving his community and he will continue to do so in Washington. Veterans of the 18th district need leadership like Zack Space in Congress because he will be a strong advocate for Veterans and their families,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer.

Space also promised to join efforts to eliminate the unfair veterans tax. Currently, for every dollar given in tax-free VA compensation for disability or injury that was combat-related or service connected, a dollar in retirement pay is deducted.

Faith Community Joins Hearts & Hands to Support Raising Ohio’s Minimum Wage

2006-11-02T11:15:00.001-05:00

Columbus, Ohio -- A coalition of faith-based organizations will be holding a “spirit-filled gathering” for values voters on Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. The event will include those supporting State Issue 2, an amendment to raise the minimum wage and lift many hard-working Ohioans out of poverty.

What: A Spirit-Filled Gathering for Value Voters
When: Thursday, November 1, 2006, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio

The event is being hosted by Sojourners/Call to Renewal, Let Justice Roll, We Believe Ohio, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. Speakers will include the National Coordinator of Let Justice Roll, Rev. Paul Sherry of Cleveland, Ohio; Rev. Charles Lockett of Columbus, who will address the importance of State Issue 2 and raising Ohio’s minimum wage; and Jim Wallis of Sojourners/Call to Renewal; and Rich Nathan of Vineyard Church.

For more information, please contact:
Katy Heins, Let Justice Roll
513.314.0074 or letjusticerollohio@yahoo.com

Keary McCarthy, Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage
614.425.9163 or keary@vp-cd.com

Let Justice Roll, a fast-growing nonpartisan partnership of more than 80 faith and community groups, played a leading role in getting the proposal to increase the minimum in Ohio on the ballot this year. In addition to Ohio, Let Justice Roll is currently working to pass minimum wage ballot measures in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, and Montana.

Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage is a coalition of faith-based, civil rights, labor and community organizations formed to pass State Issue 2, the Ohio Fair Minimum Wage Amendment. The Campaign is Co-Chaired by State Senator CJ Prentiss, Tim Burga of the Ohio AFL-CIO, and Katy Gall of the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now.

U.S. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO CAMPAIGN WITH SHERROD BROWN

2006-11-02T11:15:00.000-05:00

WHAT: Rally with Senator Barack Obama, Sherrod Brown and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: The Civic, 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights
WHEN: 8:00 PM, Saturday November 4th

Voter Education and Outreach

2006-11-02T11:08:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Please join me on Sunday November 5th for the annual Voter Education & Outreach Rally. We will be joined by Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones and the statewide ticket.

Stand with us on November 5th as we support our candidates and proclaim that no one will take away our votes or our voices.

Voter Education & Outreach Rally
Sunday, November 5th 2006
5:00pm -7:00pm
Living Faith Apostolic Church
2177 Mock Road ~ Columbus, Ohio 43219

Click here to RSVP.

Sincerely,
Representative Joyce Beatty
Ohio House Minority Leader

Bush Stands by His Man

2006-11-02T11:08:00.003-05:00

If you Like the Bush Record of Lost Jobs and the Iraq War, You’ll Love Mike DeWine

AMHERST -- In a recent interview with WTVO9 News in Steubenville, Ohio, President George W. Bush again indicated that a vote for incumbent Republican Senator Mike DeWine is a vote to support the administration’s failed record of massive job losses and a war in Iraq with no end in sight.

“It’s no surprise that George Bush is campaigning for Senator DeWine, since he needs him to keep rubberstamping the same policies that have led to massive job losses in Ohio, a war in Iraq with no end in sight, and massive giveaways to oil and drug companies while costs for families skyrocket.” said Brown Communications Director Joanna Kuebler. “Unfortunately for him, Ohioans who want a change of direction in Iraq and policies that will help create jobs here at home will be voting for Sherrod Brown on Tuesday.”

“I think DeWine would be the right man for the U.S. Senate, that’s for sure,” Bush said in the interview.

See it for yourself.

Judge White Denies Election Directives to County Boards of Elections

2006-11-02T11:08:00.002-05:00

Columbus -- Judge Angela P. White of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas ended her 7 week hiatus and issued an order that denied the efforts of the Ohio Democratic Party to force Blackwell to do his job and issue critical election directives. Her action leaves all 88 county boards of elections with no standards for three critical areas of election administration.

“I am disappointed that it took so long for Judge White to issue her order on this case. When we filed the case, we urged her to expedite the handling of the matter and apparently a two month delay is her idea of expedition. Her procrastination leaves us with no hope to achieve any relief before the election,” said Chris Redfern, Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party.

“It is disgraceful that Judge White has sat on these important issues for so long. If she can’t rule on this crucial case in a timely manner, what makes voters in Franklin County believe that she is fit to stand for election as judge this year?”

The lawsuit, filed on September 6, asked the court to order Secretary of State Blackwell to issue directives to county boards of elections to:

-- Set a consistent policy on election machine security, before, during and after Election Day;
-- Issue directives and protocols on the handling of voting machines when they break down; and
-- Issue directives on how to handle long lines at polling locations

“To help eliminate confusion and avoid long lines, voters should take advantage of early voting at their county Board of Elections. Their votes will count just the same as if they vote on Election Day,” said Redfern.

Redfern noted that it is particularly important for voters to cast their ballots for Jennifer Brunner for Secretary of State. “Brunner’s election will ensure that Ohio’s boards of elections will have the kind of control and direction they need to guarantee that voting is done fairly, freely and accurately.”

Elections Commission Finds Probable Cause in Complaint that Taylor Lied

2006-11-02T11:08:00.001-05:00

COLUMBUS -- A panel of the Ohio Elections Commission today unanimously found probable cause that Mary Taylor, Republican candidate for state auditor, made false statements to voters about owning a construction firm, Welty Building Company. Her Hearing in front of the full Commission is on Monday.

Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern filed the complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission after Welty’s lawyer claimed that Mary Taylor “owns no interest in her husband’s business, and has not since December 31, 2004.” The letter from Welty’s lawyer was surprising given that Mary Taylor claimed on her website that “Taylor and her husband Don own and operate a construction management firm in the Akron area.” An additional press release quotes her as saying she is a “small business owner.” (4/6/06)

In response to this and the many other ethical lapses by Mary Taylor, the Ohio Democratic Party launched a website, http://www.somethingaboutmarytaylor.com/ exposing her misdeeds.

The statement of ownership, and then Welty Building Company’s disavowal of her ownership in the company, leads to larger questions of her honesty on the campaign trail and as state representative.

“Mary Taylor just can’t be trusted. Her loose ethical conduct is not something that Ohioans want in a state auditor and she should be ashamed by her campaign tactics,” said Redfern.

The complaint comes as Mary Taylor has struggled to explain her role in Letter-gate. She wrote and distributed a letter on official House stationary to Republican lawmakers, and cc’d to donors, noting that ‘several of the Ohio Republican Party’s biggest supporters’ supported restoring funding to University of Akron’s Global Business Program. It was later revealed that Welty Building Company was in line to receive a $331,000 contract to manage the construction of the Global Business Institute building.

Questions still need to be answered about whether or not Mary Taylor has violated Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.42, a fourth degree felony.

§ 2921.42. Having an unlawful interest in a public contract

(A) No public official shall knowingly do any of the following:

(1) Authorize, or employ the authority or influence of his office to secure authorization of any public contract in which he, a member of his family, or any of his business associates has an interest.

Montgomery ad named one of the worst by Dispatch columnist

2006-11-02T11:08:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- Today Columbus Dispatch columnist Ann Fisher named Betty Montgomery’s attack ad on Attorney General candidate Marc Dann one of the “worst of the worst ads from print, radio and television.”

Today’s article entitled the “5 worst ads reach new low in politics,” highlights an attack ad in which Montgomery calls Dann a hypocrite for representing a client. Fisher reminds readers that Montgomery once called these types of ads the “worst type of gutter politics.” Fisher goes on to say that in 1994 Montgomery complained about an ad, which “hammered Montgomery the challenger, because, as Wood County prosecutor, she had negotiated pleas with more than 30 rapists and child molesters.”

Along with columnist Fisher, Republican Judge R. Scott Krichbaum, the presiding judge during the case called into question by Montgomery’s attack ad, told the Youngstown Vindicator, “Attack ads on people who represent criminal defendants are done in poor taste and misrepresent what the justice system is all about.” In the article, Judge Krichbaum went on to say, “When a campaign tries to degenerate an attorney for a duty performed, it should be frowned upon. It’s not what the system is about. Criminal defense attorneys stand up for the constitutional rights of individuals.”

Also this week, the Ohio State Bar Association, according to the Columbus Dispatch, “called on political candidates to refrain from attacking lawyers for taking on unpopular cases or clients. The association noted that the American judicial system guarantees legal representation.”

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR SHERROD BROWN

2006-11-02T11:03:00.009-05:00

Additional events may be added.

Saturday November 4
WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland, other democratic candidates and prosecutors.
WHERE: AFL-CIO Hall, 4127 E. 2nd Street, Dayton
WHEN: 11:45AM

WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown
WHERE: Auglaize County HQ, 9 Perry St., Wapakoneta
WHEN: 2:05PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown is keynote speaker at the Toledo Area AFL-CIO Central Labor Council 37th Annual Dinner
WHERE: Seagate Convention Centre, 410 Jefferson Avenue, Toledo
WHEN: 6:15PM

WHAT: Rally with Senator Barack Obama, Sherrod Brown and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: The Civic, 3130 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights
WHEN: Saturday November 4th

Lewis Katz Commits to Make Schedule Available Online: Steve LaTourette Refuses

2006-11-02T11:03:00.008-05:00

With nothing to hide, Lewis Katz agrees to put official daily schedule on website

Lewis Katz is earning praise today for agreeing to place his official schedule on the Internet as a member of the next Congress.

Grassroots activists in the district have asked Lewis Katz to sign an agreement to make his schedule in Congress available to the public on the Internet, as part of the Punch Clock Campaign. The Punch Clock Campaign is sponsored by the Sunlight Network, a Washington-based group dedicated to more open government.

“Lewis Katz is a national leader in openness and accountability,” said Zephyr Teachout, National Director for the Sunlight Network. “By opening his schedule to the public, Lewis Katz is showing that he is willing to use transparency to strengthen democracy. More importantly, Lewis Katz recognizes that when the public knows what their representative does all day, they can hold their representative accountable to them.”

Steve LaTourette has ignored offers to sign the same agreement.

The agreement Lewis Katz agreed to sign reads: I believe citizens have a right to know what their Member of Congress does every day. Starting with the next Congress, I promise to publish my daily official work schedule on the Internet, within 24 hours of the end of every work day. I will include all matters relating to my role as a Member of Congress. I will include all meetings with constituents, other Members, and lobbyists, listed by name. (In rare cases I will withhold the names of constituents whose privacy must be protected.) I will also include all fundraising events. Events will be listed whether Congress is in session or not, and whether I am in Washington, traveling, or in my district.

Sunlight is asking Members of Congress and FEC qualified challengers to sign an agreement to post their Congressional schedules. Sunlight is offering a good will bounty to anyone who gets a Member of Congress or a challenger to sign the agreement -- $1,000 for the signature obtained by each Member of Congress’ signature, and $250 for all other FEC qualified candidates. All those who are interested in joining the Sunlight Network’s efforts should visit www.punchclockcampaign.org and download a copy of the agreement to present to those running for Congress in their districts.

So far, over fifty candidates for Congress, nationwide, have signed the agreement, and have committed to making their official schedules available to the public on their websites as members of the next Congress.

The Sunlight Network, a 501 c(4), was founded in 2006 to foster a more positive relationship between lawmakers and their constituents, using technology, transparency, and local communities.

SHERROD BROWN CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW AD

2006-11-02T11:03:00.007-05:00

AMHERST -- Once again proving that his campaign is about the issues that matter to middle class Ohio families, U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today released a television ad titled “Where I Stand” that explains his stance on issues like the minimum wage, trade policy, stem cell research, immigration, and balancing the budget.

“This campaign has always been about fighting for middle class families and talking honestly about the issues that matter to people in Ohio,” said Brown Communications Director Joanna Kuebler. “Sherrod Brown understands that voters need to know where he stands on the issues that matter to middle class families before he can earn their votes, and that they deserve better than the frustrating and misleading attack ads flooding the airways each night.”

Click here to see the script for “Where I Stand.”

Frances Strickland: Thank You For All That You Do

2006-11-02T11:03:00.006-05:00

This has been a wonderful campaign -- everywhere we go, we’re met by great supporters who are working day in and day out to see Ted become the next governor of Ohio.

I’ve recorded a short message just so I could personally thank you.

What you have done so far has been nothing short of amazing…and what you will do in the next six days will be crucial to our campaign. Ted and I thank you, our staff thanks you, and on November 7th, we will make sure that Ted Strickland is Ohio’s next governor!

Yours truly,

Frances Strickland

Mark Dansack Stands for Change in Ohio, Mark Wagoner protects the status quo.

2006-11-02T11:03:00.005-05:00

Beginning October 31, Mark Dansack will be recapping the reasons why residents of District 46 will be better served by electing him as a voice for positive change in Ohio rather than his opponent, who embraces the present “pay to play” dynamics now running rampant in Columbus.

Reason #2, Taxes

This one is easy. Taxes. Mark Wagoner supported House Bill 66, signed into law by our ever popular governor, Bob Taft, which actually increased the level of taxation on middle class taxpayers in Ohio. In fact, depending on which statistics are utilized, Ohioans now bear either the second or third highest tax burden in our nation after 16 years of Republican Party (read: one-party) rule.

As part of this act, the state sales tax was permanently increased from 5.0 % to 5.5 % and a new tax was created on businesses in Ohio, the Commercial Activities Tax (CAT). This measure represents a tax on the gross receipts of a business, including your local grocer.

The net effect of this CAT is that Ohioans are paying a tax on their groceries for the first time since the Great Depression. This tax (which you won’t see on the price tags) , along with the permanent increase in the sales tax, represents a regressive tax that hits lower and middle income taxpayers the hardest as they spend a greater percentage of their take home pay on these consumer goods than do the very wealthy. How’s that for progress from these so-called fiscal conservatives who have been running our state (into the ground)?

“I am on record for looking for ways to reduce property taxes in Ohio with regard to funding of our public schools in Ohio. I also advocate better oversight of state agencies to eliminate what I call the “corruption tax” we have seen in Ohio. By eliminating the waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars such as we have seen in the Bureau of Workers Compensation and eliminating expensive corporate tax breaks, we can free up funds to funnel towards pre-K, primary, secondary, and higher education in Ohio and make education the priority which it hasn’t been under the past few administrations. I also advocate the repeal of the CAT in Ohio as its provisions unnecessarily hamper business in Ohio, particularly small businesses which are the job incubators of the future”.

“My opponent: Satisfied with the “business as usual approach” in state government, lacking the leadership to propose solutions or alternatives for fear of losing a vote or two”.

“My opponent has been very vocal about taxes in this election, but he simply hasn’t been telling the truth. His tax relief helps the very wealthy at the expense of the middle class and I’ll lead the fight for ordinary hard working men and women in District 46 who are sick of special interest groups reaping the rewards of a corrupt, ineffective state government”.

Michael J Fox Stumps for Brown

2006-11-02T11:03:00.004-05:00

One of the clearest differences between Mike DeWine and Sherrod Brown is on the issue of stem cell research.

Sherrod Brown is on the side of doctors, patients, and families who believe we must lift federal restrictions on potentially life-saving stem cell research.

Mike DeWine is on the side of a small minority of right-wing conservatives, who would deny a possible cure to millions of Americans who suffer major medical conditions.

Actor and medical research advocate Michael J. Fox joined patients, doctors, and supporters in Columbus on Monday to call for federal funding of stem cell research and to show their support for Sherrod’s campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Click here to watch video highlights from Monday’s event.

There’s less than one week until Election Day. Please consider making a final contribution before November 7.

The stakes in this race are high as evidenced by Michael J. Fox’s appearance.

Your support can still make a difference as we sprint towards the finish line.

Click here to support progress.

Thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Friends of Sherrod Brown

GOTV: Paint Ohio Blue!

2006-11-02T11:03:00.003-05:00

Dear Friend,

With seven days left, the Ohio Democratic Party’s GOTV (Get Out The Vote) program is in full swing. As you know, the polling numbers look fantastic, our base is energized and we have the momentum. But success brings with it a new set of challenges and if we don’t finish strong, we will lose everything we’ve worked so hard for.

In the past week, voters across Ohio have embraced our Democratic candidates, even in unlikely places like the 2nd Congressional District. Ohioans are tired of “Mean” Jean Schmidt and have embraced our Democratic Candidate, Dr. Vic Wulsin. The same situation is playing out in the First Congressional District with our own John Cranley running even or ahead of Congressman Steve Chabot. In fact, the Cincinnati Enquirer just endorsed John Cranley. Vic and John have run fantastic races and have positioned themselves to win.

As the Coordinated Campaign Director for the Ohio Democratic Party, it’s my job to make sure we get as many people to polls to vote for these great candidates as we can. With Vic and John poised to win, the Ohio Democratic Party needs to find an additional $20,000 to fund an expanded GOTV program in the 1st and 2nd Congressional districts. If we win these two traditionally Republican Congressional seats, we can change the face of Ohio and the nation. That’s why I need your help to fund an expanded GOTV program in Cincinnati. Will you make a contribution of $100, $50, $25 or whatever you can afford today?

Click here to contribute.

To build a lasting Democratic majority in Congress, we need to support great candidates like Vic Wulsin and John Cranley. It’s really the perfect storm. With amazing candidates, a growing call for change, and a disillusioned Republican base, we can win these seats if we have the financial resources to combat Karl Rove’s election-day plan.

Can you stomach a Republican controlled Congress for two more years? Are you ready for more out of control spending, hate filled legislation and corrupt politicians? Or do you want honest and effective government? It’s time we sent Democrats to Washington who will stand up to George W. Bush and Donald Rumsfeld.

With just seven days left, I am finalizing my election-day plans and I need your support to make sure I give our congressional candidates every opportunity to win. Will you help send Dr. Vic Wulsin and John Cranley to Congress by making a contribution of $100, $50, $25 or whatever you can afford today?

Click here to contribute to our GOTV efforts.

Thanks for all that you do for Democrats.

Regards,

Wiley Pearson

Coordinated Campaign Director

Ohio Democratic Party

P.S. Please click here to sign up to volunteer on election day, we need your time and financial support!!!

Marian Harris for 19th HD

2006-11-02T11:03:00.002-05:00

I can’t afford tv but this is the next best thing! Please forward to everyone you know in the 19th HD. That’s Westerville, New Albany, Jefferson Township, Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, Groveport, Madison Township, Obetz and parts of Columbus bordering these communities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17gX2sFeWcM

WULSIN AND CRANLEY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP

2006-11-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

Chabot-Schmidt proposals would fast-track nuclear dump in Ohio

Cincinnati, OH -- At an 11:00 AM press conference today at the Hamilton County Democratic Party Headquarters, Democratic congressional candidates John Cranley and Dr. Victoria Wulsin will challenge proposals offered by Republicans Steve Chabot and Jean Schmidt that threaten Ohio neighborhoods. The Republican initiatives when paired together, would give energy companies unprecedented leverage to ship radioactive materials on Ohio highways and locate nuclear waste facilities in the towns and communities of southern Ohio.

WHO: Democratic Congressional Candidates John Cranley and Dr. Vic Wulsin
WHAT: Press conference to Challenge Chabot-Schmidt Initiatives that Threaten Ohio Communties
WHEN: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 1
WHERE: Hamilton County Democratic Party Headquarters
6109 Webbland Place, Cincinnati

Chabot introduced legislation recently that would take power away from local elected officials and zoning boards to make decisions about how their communities are developed, and put it in the hands of the federal courts. This sweet-heart deal for wealthy developers encourages lawsuits against local communities and discourages valuable community protections.

The potential dangers of this type of radical legislation were crystallized on Monday when the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Schmidt is supporting an effort to store nuclear waste shipments from around the world at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant in southern Ohio. Such a plan would not only bring nuclear waste to Portsmouth, but would put the radioactive material on roads, bridges and highways across Ohio threatening the health and safety of communities. With the broad leverage given by the Chabot bill to developers, this kind of radioactive dump could be put on the fast and easy track for placement in any town in Ohio.

GLENN SPOT FOR CORDRAY AIRING STATEWIDE

2006-11-02T11:03:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- Campaign ads featuring former U.S. Senator John Glenn encouraging voters to support Richard Cordray for state treasurer began airing statewide today.

The ads are expected to run through November 7.

To view the spot, go to the “Cordray for Treasurer Channel” on YouTube.

Support Keeps Pouring In

2006-10-30T17:04:00.000-05:00

In addition to the overwhelming support Ted has drawn from every corner of the state, his plan to Turnaround Ohio has also been drawing rave reviews from editorial boards across the state. Some examples below:

Akron Beacon Journal, 10/22:

“The Strickland candidacy represents much more than an overdue break from the faltering Republican rule. He appears eager to tackle large problems... he understands what the state must do to move forward.”

Athens Messenger, 10/22:

“We find Democratic candidate Ted Strickland’s candor and integrity to be the perfect medicine following two terms of Bob Taft’s inept and unethical administration... Ted is our choice for Ohio governor.”

Canton Repository, 10/15:

“This is a time when Ohioans need to be invited toward a moderate middle place where the extremes don’t dominate debate and serious people of good will can solve the state’s education, economic and social problems. Strickland is the leader for this effort.”

Chillicothe Gazette, 10/29:

“Ultimately, Strickland better understands the needs of all Ohioans. He’s been involved in many issues -- from the Piketon uranium enrichment plant to the state’s school funding woes to health care ... Ohioans -- particularly those in the Scioto Valley -- will be best served with Strickland as their next governor.”

Cincinnati Post, 10/25:

“The governor’s race is the most important one on the Nov. 7 ballot in Ohio... It should be about experience, qualifications and vision. On this basis, we believe, Strickland is the better choice.”

Cleveland Plain Dealer, 10/8:

“The question before Ohioans is, which candidate for Governor is best equipped to carry the state forward without dropping it. The only answer, then, is Ted Strickland.”

Columbus Dispatch, 10/8:

“Ohio’s future will be built one brick at a time and will require all hands. Strickland is best equipped to lead the state forward.”

Dayton Daily News, 10/29:

“Democrat Ted Strickland deserves to be governor not just because he’s been the better gentleman, but also because he’s right about what that job needs to be.”

Dover-New Philadlephia Times-Reporter, 10/15:

“We believe Strickland also offers the best hope for a cure for a dysfunctional statehouse that has been awash in partisanship. He offers a new beginning for a discouraged Ohio. And Lord knows we need a new beginning.”

Elyria Chronicle Telegram, 10/22:

“[Strickland] seems to have a firm grasp on Ohio’s big issues, namely the economy, education and health care, and is sincere in his desire to lead the state somewhere better.”

Fremont News-Messenger, 10/19:

“Strickland speaks with the most passion about [school funding], reconnecting with his rural roots to talk about the stark disparities between suburban and rural districts. He convincingly pledged to work until a solution can be achieved -- going so far as to say that if elected, that his tenure would be a failure if this perplexing issue hasn’t been settled by the end of a first term. That is a far cry from the Republicans, who squandered countless chances to make a difference.”

Lorain Morning Journal, 10/22:

“Strickland may be a minister, a psychologist and a nice guy, but he’s no pushover like Bob Taft. Strickland will push back, hard, if needed[.]”

Newark Advocate, 10/8:

“We need a governor who judges issues on their own merits, not his own political agenda. We need a leader who can work with both parties and all political perspectives. There’s only one man who meets those tests. We endorse Strickland.”

Toledo Blade, 10/8:

“Ohio deserves better, and we believe, with great respect for the wisdom of the electorate, that our state is ready to make a change, and that it has a worthy governor-in-waiting in Ted Strickland.”

Vinton County Courier, 10/25:

“We’re ready for a leader who isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and work side-by-side with us to restore the Buckeye State to a place of innovation and prosperity. We believe that leader is Ted Strickland.”

Ted Strickland will soon begin the hard work of turning Ohio around, but without your support, dedication and hard work, none of this would have been possible. Thank you for all that you’ve done, and all that you continue to do.

Zack Space Tells Radio Listeners: “It’s Time for Change”

2006-10-30T17:02:00.000-05:00

NEW PHILADELPHIA -- In a WJER town meeting, questions were raised about why Padgett’s own union, the Ohio Education Association failed to endorse her; Space again challenges Padgett to sign his ethics pledge.

Today, Congressional Candidate Zack Space reasserted to the voters that he would be the agent of change in the 18th Congressional Race dedicated to restoring a people-focused agenda in Congress if he is elected on November 7th. During the hour-long debate on WJER-AM, Space told listeners, “Washington is broken and in need of new leadership.”

According to Space, “I have two kids, and I’m worried about their future because our country is headed in the wrong direction. Our government doesn’t seem inclined to work for us anymore, and we need to change the way business is done in Washington.”

“I believe our government should do the same thing we expect from our own families. This means balance our checkbook, establish pay-as-you-go standards that require us not to spend more money than we have coming in, and bring transparency to the earmarking process to eliminate wasteful spending. Our government must be more concerned with fiscal responsibility,” he said.

The forum, which featured calls from listeners, raised questions about why Padgett -- a 20-year educator, the current chair of the Ohio Senate Education committee, and member of the teachers’ union -- would fail to receive the endorsement of the Ohio Education Association and the National Education Association.

Space called Padgett’s casual dismissal of the endorsement an “afront to all those thousands competent hardworking teachers in the state of Ohio, and nationally who support this campaign because they understand that I get it when it comes to the need to prioritize educational funding.”

Space during the discussion, challenged Padgett to sign his ethics pledge to not accept gifts, trips, and meals from lobbyists and to put the people rather than special interests first in Congress. Padgett, again refused to sign the pledge.

During the forum, Space answered questions about how he would attract companies and jobs to the district, his plans to restore the ethical credibility of the Congress, and how he would ensure that the needs of the people of the 18th Congressional District are not undermined by the influence of congressional lobbyists.

According to Space, special interests have had too much interest in policymaking, “In the face of so much scandal, we need representation we can be proud of. I’m committed to bringing new priorities for working families to Congress.”

Ohio Democratic Party Files Election Complaint Alleging Taylor Lied on Campaign Trail

2006-10-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

COLUMBUS-Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission today alleging that Mary Taylor, Republican candidate for state auditor, purposely made false statement to voters about owning a construction business -- Welty Building Company. The Hearing in front of the Commission will be on Wednesday at 11:30 AM.

Seventeen press releases on Mary Taylor’s campaign website claim that “Taylor and her husband Don own and operate a construction management firm in the Akron area.” An additional press release quotes her as saying she is a “small business owner.” (4/6/06)

In a letter sent to the Ohio Democratic Party, Welty’s lawyer claimed that Mary Taylor ‘owns no interest in her husband’s business, and has not since December 31, 2004’.

The statement of ownership, and then Welty Building Company’s disavowal of her role in the company, leads to larger questions of her honesty on the campaign trail and as state representative.

“Mary Taylor is intentionally misleading voters about her qualifications and just can’t be trusted. Ohioans do not want more scandal and deceit and she should be ashamed by her campaign tactics,” said Redfern.

The complaint comes as Mary Taylor has struggled to explain her role in Letter-gate. She wrote and distributed a letter on official House stationary noting that ‘several of the Ohio Republican Party’s biggest supporters’ supported restoring funding to University of Akron’s Global Business Institute. It was later revealed that Welty Building Company was supposed to receive a $331,000 contract to build the Global Business Institute building.

The Ohio Democratic Party launched a website, somethingaboutmarytaylor.com detailing Taylor’s many ethical lapses.

Questions still need to be answered about whether or not Mary Taylor has violated the Ohio Revised Code Section 2921.42, a fourth degree felony.

§ 2921.42. Having an unlawful interest in a public contract
(A) No public official shall knowingly do any of the following:
(1) Authorize, or employ the authority or influence of his office to secure authorization of any public contract in which he, a member of his family, or any of his business associates has an interest;

Marian Harris: Countdown to Election Day!

2006-10-30T17:00:00.000-05:00

A week from tomorrow! WOW! I want to share a radio interview I did for Sunny 95 -- it aired at 6:15 in the morning on Saturday so I doubt very many of you heard it.

But check it out and let me know what you think.

Most of my time is spent walking and talking -- thank you to the folks who have been and are continuing to do lit drops, phoning and mailings for me.

VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
Phone callers -- from your own home -- GOTV -- call folks and encourage them to get out and vote for Marian Harris and the whole Democratic ticket

Canvassers -- the same as above but walking and talking door to door.

Election Day -- hand out lit outside of polling places.

I know many of you are involved in other campaigns. I know the massive GOTV campaign that is being organized by the Coordinated Campaiagn. Unfortunately, there are not that many precincts in my District that are targeted by the Coordinated Campaign so we’re pretty much on our own. SO, PLEASE consider helping me -- we can pass other campaign lit along with mine.

Sign up with Misha at misha@marianforohio.com or with me marian@marianforohio.com and THANK YOU for all you’ve done and all you will do to restore balance to our Legislature.

ATTENTION VETERANS

2006-10-30T16:59:00.000-05:00

Do you feel like Congress isn’t listening? It’s time to RAISE your VOICES and your CONCERNS

Veterans for Zack Space Forum

Zack Space, Congressional Candidate for Ohio’s 18th District and Representative Steny Hoyer, House Minority Whip will be meeting with local Veterans to discuss issues that are important to Veterans and their families.

BE HEARD
Who: Zack Space -- Congressional Candidate (OH-18)
Rep. Steny Hoyer -- House Minority Whip (D-MD)
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Place: VFW Post 1058
1318 Putnam Avenue
Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Kilroy to Attend Halloween "Trick or Treat" Event

2006-10-30T15:22:00.000-05:00

WHO:
Mary Jo Kilroy, Franklin County Commissioner and Democratic Candidate for Ohio's 15th Congressional District,

House Democratic Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD),

Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage

Alliance for Retired Americans

WHAT:
Kilroy and Hoyer will talk to Ohio voters about the economic challenges facing working and retired Americans. They will expose Deborah Pryce's "tricks" in Congress and discuss some of the "treats" Kilroy will bring to Central Ohio when elected to Congress this November.

WHEN:
Tuesday, October 31st, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

WHERE:
United Steelworkers of America Local 2173
1135 Cleveland Avenue
Columbus, Ohio

Only Rape Crisis Center in 14th District to Close; LaTourette Ignores Letter Pleading for Help

2006-10-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

Willoughby -- Former prosecutor and now Congressman, Steve LaTourette and the "do nothing Congress" failed the people of Ohio. They have yet to fund the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA); therefore, the only rape crisis center in the 14th District is closing Wednesday, November 1.

In the Ashtabula Star Beacon, Heather McGinnis the executive director of Homesafe Rape Crisis Center reported that a total of nine rape crisis centers in Ohio are closing because they lost their grants. This eliminates the full-time employee who provides support to victims at a hospital emergency room. Also, the center provides a safe shelter and support system for victims of domestic violence.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) provides grants to these centers, but decided to shift the focus to rape prevention. As a result, the centers lost their grants and rape victims will suffer. LaTourette and Senator George Voinovich were sent letters regarding these cuts.

"The switch to prevention education must not come at the expense of helping people who are already victims," stated Lew Katz, Democratic candidate for the 14th Congressional District. "We must make certain that the rape crisis center serving the 14th District receives the necessary funding so that they can continue the essential services they provide to victims."

Cindy Vanallen, Director of the Victims of Crimes Assistance office, stated "it's a sad day for our victims of assault or rape…. My question is about the whole shift in funding. How do you tell an 80-year-old woman who has been raped, she should have taken prevention measures."

"As I promised the people of Astabula on Sunday, I will work to make sure that the funding is available," stated Katz.

Ohioans Endorse Sherrod Brown

2006-10-30T14:24:00.000-05:00

The Sherrod Brown for Senate campaign announced the endorsement of voters across Ohio who are calling for new leadership in Congress. A new web feature at sherrodbrown.com allows average Ohioans to record messages outlining their reasons for supporting Sherrod Brown. On the site, farmers, veterans, parents, and others discuss Brown's support for middle class families, his plans to return jobs to Ohio, and his call for a winning exit strategy from Iraq.

The endorsements can be heard here.

Ohioans are encouraged to record their own endorsements here.

Excerpts from some of the audio endorsements are below:

Jack Underwood, Elyria OH (Lorain) "I feel absolutely indebted to Sherrod Brown and I feel that Sherrod Brown is the best person for the job because Sherrod Brown helps people. Without his help my son would have never received the funding that made his quality of life that much better. That's why I know that Sherrod Brown is the best candidate for Senator."

Nancy Barton, Loveland OH (Clermont) "I like Sherrod Brown and I'll be voting for Sherrod Brown because he's a strong advocate for the young people of Ohio in education and in helping make higher education a reality for our young people."

Jeff Leis, Springboro OH (Warren) "My feelings about Sherrod is that I consider him to be an honest individual who takes the time to study every piece of legislation before he makes a decision on how he's going to vote. I find that to be highly respectful and unusual in today's political environment."

Find Your Ten For Ted Today!

2006-10-30T13:22:00.000-05:00

There are only eight days left until perhaps the most important election in Ohio's history.

We’ll be working on every front to get out the vote, from canvassing to phone banking. But there’s something you can do right now as you read this e-mail to get the word out about Ted Strickland – find your Ten for Ted.

All you have to do is click here, and you’ll be able to invite up to ten of your friends and family to find out about Ohio’s next governor, Ted Strickland.

Find your Ten for Ted today!

After you find ten people to vote for Ted, sign up to help get out the vote on Election Day!

Get out the vote November 7th!

In only eight days, Ohioans will choose new leadership for our great state. With your invaluable help, we can ensure that new leader will be Ted Strickland.

Judge Phelps-White Needs to Rule on “Blackwell Hasn’t Done His Job” Case

2006-10-30T13:20:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- The Ohio Democratic Party calls on Judge Angela Phelps-White to end her procrastination and firmly rule against Ken Blackwell in a lawsuit claiming he neglected his duties as Secretary of State. Although pending for 7 weeks, Judge Angela Phelps-White has not ruled on a lawsuit that would force the Secretary of State’s office to issue critical election directives to all 88 county boards of elections on three critical areas of election administration.

The lawsuit, filed on September 6, asks the court to order Secretary of State Blackwell to issue directives to county boards of elections to:
-- Set a consistent policy on election machine security, before, during and after Election Day
-- Issue directives and protocols on the handling of voting machines when they break down
-- Issue directives on how to handle long lines at polling locations

“It is disgraceful that Judge Phelps-White has sat on these important issues for seven weeks. If she can’t rule on this crucial case in a timely manner, what makes Ohioans believe that she is fit to stand for election as judge this year?” said Chris Redfern, Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party.

On October 16, Judge Phelps-White ordered both sides to submit their final briefs by Friday, October 20, so that she could make a final ruling. Unfortunately, she still has yet to rule on the case and her inaction is causing confusion at county boards of elections as well as putting her credibility on the line.

According to the Columbus Dispatch on September 30, Judge Phelps-White stated that “time is of the essence" and also said she thinks it is "extremely possible" to decide the case before the election. The tardiness of her decision is especially galling considering the Voter ID case has moved on such an expedited schedule -- filed last Tuesday, trial court ruling last Thursday, and an appeals court ruling on Sunday.

SHERROD BROWN, MICHAEL J. FOX, RALLY FOR CURE

2006-10-30T13:15:00.000-05:00

Cite the life-saving potential of embryonic stem cell research for millions

COLUMBUS, OH -- Sherrod Brown and famed actor Michael J. Fox today were joined by doctors, advocates, and affected patients for a rally calling for expanded federal funding of stem cell research. Brown, who was endorsed by the Doctors Organized for Health Care Solutions on Thursday, has worked to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research and the National Institutes of Health as the lead Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. DeWine has taken an extreme position against embryonic stem cell research, and according to his website, “Senator DeWine will oppose any bill that would expand existing policy by allowing the government to pay for studies on embryos in frozen storage at fertility clinics, even if the couples who conceive them certify that they would otherwise discard them.”

“Stem cell research may lead to the most significant medical breakthroughs made possible by science today,” said U.S. Representative Brown. “We must empower scientists to pursue cures that could save millions of Americans without ever letting politics get in the way. Senator DeWine is out-of-the mainstream on stem cell research, opposing members of his own party like Senate Majority Leader Frist and First Lady Reagan.”

Michael J. Fox became a nationally recognized spokesman for expanded stem cell research when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. According to doctors, stem cell research has the promise to cure and treat Parkinson’s, diabetes, paralysis and down the road, diseases like Alzheimer’s. The scientific community recognizes stem cell research as having a unique potential to cure disease:

“Throughout my lifelong pursuit of better health for my patients, there has never been a more promising breakthrough than that of early stem cell research. While this technology is relatively new, the early results hold tremendous promise for relieving human suffering and finding cures for hundreds of thousands of our citizens who are afflicted by debilitating diseases for which we currently have no good answers.”
-- E. Grey Diamond, M.D., Provost, Health Sciences, Emeritus, University of Missouri and former president of the American College of Cardiology.

“We must not let ideology trump science,” added Brown. “We owe it to the families here today to give scientists every dollar they need to discover tomorrow’s cures.”

Voter Protection Hotline -- Help on Election Day!

2006-10-30T13:14:00.000-05:00

Still waiting for the perfect job on Election Day?

Wait no more: You can help with the Voter Protection Hotline!

If you are a reliable worker who enjoys trouble shooting and has patience, we need you NOW.

The Ohio Democratic Party has set up a 1-888-DEM-VOTE hotline on Election Day November 7th to field calls from poll observers and the general public.

Volunteers are needed to work at the call center in 3 to 4 hour shifts throughout the day (6:00 am to 7:30 pm). Volunteers will field calls from all over Ohio and questions will cover everything from routine inquiries (where’s my voting location) to more sophisticated legal questions. We’ll provide training, reference materials, computer resources and legal experts to assist you. Currently, we expect the call center will be set up at the Seafarer’s Union Hall located at 2800 S. High Street in Columbus (just south of Route 104).

Training will be provided for all volunteers and will cover topics such as likely inquiries and how to route calls If you are willing and able to volunteer at the call center, please contact one of us using the information below. Thank you for your help with this effort. We look forward to working together to make this year’s election fair and efficient!!

Please forward this message to all your Democratic Friends.

Sincerely,

Mellissia Fuhrmann
fmellissia@hotmail.com
614-578-8978

Ed Leonard
ejleonard1@msn.com
614-397-6303

PRYCE IS WRONG: ON THE WAR IN IRAQ

2006-10-30T13:13:00.001-05:00

KILROY CALLS FOR RUMSFELD’S RESIGNATION, CHALLENGES PRYCE TO DO THE SAME

COLUMBUS, OH -- Today, Mary Jo Kilroy, Franklin County commissioner and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, challenged Deborah Pryce to call for Donald Rumsfeld’s resignation after 100 American troops have died in combat in Iraq this month.

“Rumsfeld should be removed from his post as Secretary of Defense. He has failed to provide adequate leadership in the Administration, failed to provide and execute a plan to end the war, and failed to provide a realistic assessment of what is going on in Iraq,” Kilroy said. “If Deborah Pryce truly feels the war was not well planned and it is not going well she should demand a change in course and a change in leadership. She should join me in calling for Rumsfeld’s resignation.”

Pryce admitted to the Wall Street Journal that she has never questioned the Bush Administration’s handling of the war, and thinks Rumsfeld is doing a good job.

“On Iraq, for example, Ms. Pryce says: ‘People know there’s no real answer. They don’t really ask about it unless they want to complain about it.’ On the future of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld she says: ‘He knows the intricacies of this war, it’s his war, why put somebody else in there to finish it up?’...About conversations with the White House, she says, ‘If I did see something glaringly wrong, I would not hesitate to bring it up.’ Yet when pressed, she admits: ‘I can’t say I have called them out on how they are conducting the war. No I haven’t.’” [ Wall Street Journal, “Ohio House Race is Brutal Test,” 8/31/06]

“If there is a difficult question to be asked in Washington, you can rest assured Deborah Pryce will not be asking it,” Kilroy said. “Pryce can not offer a realistic assessment of the war in Iraq, nor can she provide the leadership to hold the Bush Administration accountable for a plan to end the war in Iraq. If Pryce thinks the war was not well planned nor going well, but continues to support Rumsfeld and never asks the Bush Administration questions about how they planned and executed the war, she should not be in Congress.”

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR SHERROD BROWN

2006-10-30T13:13:00.000-05:00

OCTOBER 31
WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: Lawrence County Courthouse Steps, 1 Veteran’s Square, Ironton
WHEN: 9:15AM

WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: Gallia County Courthouse Steps, 17 Locust Street, Gallipolis
WHEN: 10:45AM

WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: Democratic Headquarters, E. Main Street and Broadway Street, Jackson
WHEN: 12:15PM

WHAT: Rally with Sherrod Brown, Ted Strickland and other democratic candidates.
WHERE: Ross County Courthouse, S. Paint and E. Main Streets, Chillicothe
WHEN: 1:45PM

The finish line is so close!

2006-10-30T13:12:00.000-05:00

...But we need your help to get there!!

Let’s Get Out the Vote for ROBIN!

It is literally going to take help from every single supporter. If you’ve wanted to help Robin WIN , here’s your chance!

Next Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday (November 4, 5, 6, and 7th), we need volunteers to call folks, drop Robin’s literature, and go door-to-door. Sign up for a shift today!

Get out the Vote Shifts:
Saturday 10:00 am -- 2:00 pm
Saturday 1:00 pm -- 5 pm
Sunday 11:00 am -- 3:00 pm
Sunday 3:00 pm -- 8:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am -- 1:00 pm
Monday 1:00 pm -- 5:00 pm
Monday 5:00 pm -- 9:00 pm
Tuesday A.M Lit Drop 5 am -- 8 am
Tuesday 8 am -- 12:00 noon
Tuesday 12:00 -- 4:00 pm
Tuesday 4:00 pm -- 7:30 pm

MAILINGS
Thank you to all that helped last week with the mailer. We have a few mailers to go! So, we’re asking for in-kind contributions of $0.29 and $0.39 stamps! Just drop rolls of stamps by the headquarters (134 E Court St in Bowling Green) or call the office (419-842-4338) for more information.

Together, we can turn the 5th District BLUE!

Thanks for all you do,

--The Robin Weirauch for Congress Team

ID Controversy Highlights Need for Senator Dann’s Voter Integrity Division

2006-10-30T13:10:00.000-05:00

State Senator Marc Dann, the Democratic nominee for Ohio Attorney General, said the controversy swirling around the new voter identification rules for absentee ballots highlights the need for the Voter Integrity Division he will create within the AG’s office when he is elected.

According to Senator Dann, he will form the new division in order to use the authority the General Assembly gave the attorney general under House Bill Three to independently investigate and prosecute violations of the state’s election laws.

The Election Integrity Division will:
-- Vigorously enforce existing laws and ensure that they are applied consistently and fairly across the state
-- Maintain a toll-free Voter Integrity Hotline and website to which violations of the law and other incidents may be reported
-- Monitor the conduct of elections throughout the state, including having attorneys on the ground in each of Ohio’s 88 counties during gubernatorial and presidential election years
-- Investigate all credible reports of violations, including intimidation and other suppression tactics,
-- Aggressively prosecute all violations
-- Provide training and support to local boards of elections and community groups
-- Draft legal opinions relative to proposed voting or registration-related legislation
-- Develop legislation and administrative rules that promote registration and voting

“Thousands of Ohioans may be disenfranchised because the Republican secretary of state and the Republican attorney general are once again playing politics with the right to vote,” Senator Dann said. “If we are going to have voter ID requirements, they should be enforced equally and equitably in every county. No one should lose their right to vote simply because they happen to live in a county where the rules are not being applied as they should be, as the evidence in this case suggests.”

Senator Dann said he is not focusing his criticism on the state’s 88 county boards of elections, but on the statewide officeholders, particularly Ken Blackwell and Jim Petro, who have repeatedly issued conflicting rulings and opinions and arbitrarily ordered procedural changes that breed confusion and jeopardize the integrity of the electoral process.

“House Bill Three, which created the voter ID requirements, was, with the exception of empowering the AG, a bad bill,” Senator Dann said. “But by failing to work with the local boards to ensure that it’s provisions were applied and enforced consistently and fairly whether a voter lives in Ashtabula or Cincinnati, Toledo or Marietta and everywhere in between, Blackwell and Petro have made it worse -- and they’ve done it for partisan reasons.”

Senator Dann said that the application of the new voter ID requirements is not the only serious issue that threatens to mar the impending election. “Today, thousands of absentee ballots are sitting in bags in the post office in Akron because they don’t have sufficient postage and one member of the BOE, Republican powerbroker Alex Arshincoff, won’t agree to hold a meeting so the Board can vote to pay the postage due, even though the County Execute has already authorized the expenditure,” Senator Dann said.

“Yet, in Cuyahoga and other counties, the boards are already paying the postage and accepting the ballots. That means thousands of voters in the Akron area may have their votes erased simply because they didn’t put enough postage on an envelope. That violates the intent of both the Voting Rights Act and the Help America Vote Act, but Alex Arshincoff, Ken Blackwell, and Jim Petro don’t care. They are willing to see those votes tossed in the trash because they believe doing so will help them hold on to power.

“I am putting Alex Arshincoff, Karl Rove, and anyone else who thinks they can violate the voting rights of the people of this state on notice: I will catch you and I will prosecute you.”

Senator Dann said that other provisions of H.B. 3 have already been changed or ruled illegal, including sections dealing with petition gathering, voter registration, and voter ID of naturalized citizens. “Ken Blackwell has a long record of attempting to interfere with and obstruct democracy even though his job is to do the exact opposite. From playing a leading role for George Bush in the 2000 Florida debacle, to, in the words of a federal judge, attempting to ‘accomplish the same result in Ohio in 2004 that occurred in Florida in 2000,’ to entertaining the ridiculous complaint regarding Ted Strickland’s residency, he has failed to uphold his responsibility to the people of this state.

“Thankfully, his time as our chief election officer is coming to an end. I’m confident that the new Election Integrity Division I will form when I become AG will ensure that the questions raised about the electoral process in Ohio in 2004 and 2006 will not arise when our state once again plays a key role in electing the next president in 2008.”

Senator Dann said the attorneys and staff assigned to his Election Integrity Division will work with the local BOEs and the secretary of state to ensure that laws and regulations related to voting are applied equitably and consistently across Ohio, to provide ongoing training and support, and to investigate and, when warranted, prosecutre election law violations. “My goal is to work with the secretary of state and local boards to ensure that Ohio has elections that are a model of democracy, not the subject of ridicule.”

Wulsin Radio Ad Featuring Ben ‘Cooter’ Jones

2006-10-30T13:09:00.000-05:00

Wulsin takes on Schmidt in rural counties with new ad campaign

CINCINNATI, OH -- A new country music radio ad from the Wulsin campaign appeals directly to voters in Jean Schmidt’s traditional rural-voter base.

“No More ‘Boss Hogg’ Politics” features former Georgia Congressman and popular Nashville icon Ben Jones, also known as ‘Cooter’ from the television show, “The Dukes of Hazzard”.

Jones tells voters not to listen to Schmidt’s attacks. “Consider the source,” he says, defending his friend Congressman Jack Murtha and standing up for Victoria Wulsin, “Victoria ain’t about to raise your taxes and take your guns”.

“Victoria Wulsin would be a better representative than Jean Schmidt for all the voters in the 2nd District” says campaign manager Mary Huttlinger. “Victoria has worked in the very rural health programs that this Congress wants to cut, and she knows what’s important to this community.”

This is the first of two new ads reaching out to voters who may have doubts about Jean Schmidt, but have yet to seriously consider Victoria Wulsin.

“We’re asking all voters in the District to look beyond Jean Schmidt’s angry rhetoric and consider which candidate really stands for what’s important: good jobs with decent wages and keeping their families healthy and safe.”

Listen to the Ad: No More ‘Boss Hogg’ Politics

About Ben “Cooter” Jones
Actor and former two term Georgia Congressman Ben ‘Cooter’ Jones, best known for his role as Cooter Davenport, the mechanic on the “Dukes of Hazzard” and is very active in politics as a writer and commentator.

Ben Jones also runs “Cooter’s Place” -- “Dukes of Hazzard” museums in Nashville and Gatlinburg, TN and the “Dukes Music Fest”.

Cooter’s Place | Ben Jones Bio

WULSIN TO BARNSTORM WITH STRICKLAND MONDAY

2006-10-30T13:08:00.000-05:00

Wulsin and Strickland to discuss Piketon “A” Plant

SOUTHERN OHIO -- Victoria Wulsin will barnstorm Brown, Adams, Pike and Scioto counties on Monday with Ted Strickland. They will share their vision for a stronger southern Ohio -- one with good paying jobs, strong schools, and affordable health care.

In Waverly and Portsmouth, Wulsin and Strickland will talk about the future of the Piketon “A” Plant. Wulsin will lay out her support for federal support for a decontamination and decommission plan at the plant.

Turnaround Ohio Tour -- Ted Strickland and Victoria Wulsin

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30
2 PM: Georgetown, Brown County
Brown County Fairgrounds

3:30 PM: West Union, Adams County
Courthouse Square

5 PM: Waverly, Pike County
Old County Courthouse
100 E. 2nd St.

6:30 PM: Portsmouth, Scioto County
Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall
1236 Gallia St.

“PRYCE IS WRONG” ON THE ECONOMY

2006-10-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

COLUMBUS, OH -- Today, Mary Jo Kilroy, Franklin County commissioner and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from the 15th Congressional District, criticized her opponent for her unrealistic assessment of Ohio’s economy.

“Deborah Pryce continues to tout an economy that simply does not exist for the vast majority of Central Ohioans. That’s a disservice to this community. Ignoring the economic challenges we face in Ohio, Pryce truly demonstrates her disconnect from this district,” Kilroy said.

In June, Pryce told the LA Times, “‘What’s not to like about this economy? Virtually everywhere you look, you see good news.’” Additionally, Pryce continues to refer to central Ohio’s economy as “text book perfect.” She went so far as to say “story book economy” in the October 12th debate at the Fawcett Center. [ LA Times, 6/2/06]

One thing not to like about the economy in the 15th Congressional District is the spike in unemployment over the last five years. The Associated Press reported, “GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce’s suburban Columbus district is relatively affluent but suffered one of the worst jumps in unemployment in the country from 2000 to 2005 -- from 3.7 percent to 6.6 percent. ‘Incomes fell in Columbus and in Upper Arlington, a high-income suburb,’ said George Zeller, an economist who did an analysis for Cleveland’s Center for Community Research.” [Associated Press , 10/27/06]

Pryce lives in Upper Arlington.

“You can’t fix a problem if you refuse to acknowledge the problem, and Pryce is far too consumed with pushing the White House economic talking points than fixing the economic situations in our community,” Kilroy said. “Pryce and the Bush Congress created the largest deficit in American history, and that is a drag on our economy. The high cost of health care is a drain on large and small businesses, and too costly for Ohio families. Our economy needs middle class tax relief that includes tax benefits for people buying a new home and taking care of elderly parents and tax breaks for parents sending their children to college.

“Pryce is not a leader on economic development in Central Ohio, and she is too out of touch with our community and our economic needs,” Kilroy said. “We need new priorities and an independent voice fighting for our community in Congress. It’s time for change.”

Bombs Away

2006-10-30T11:53:00.000-05:00

Steve Chabot

Jean Schmidt

Deborah Pryce

Joy Padgett

Sandra O'Brien

Greg Hartmann

Betty Montgomery

Mike Turner

Mary Taylor

Mike DeWine

ENQUIRER ENDORSEMENT PRAISES WULSIN

2006-10-30T10:56:00.000-05:00

Schmidt’s name mistakenly placed in headline

Cincinnati, OH -- In a resounding affirmation of Dr. Victoria Wulsin’s candidacy for US Congress, the Cincinnati Enquirer released its endorsement for Ohio’s 2nd District today. The article began with an analysis of Schmidt’s history of embarrassments including her infamous “coward” speech and her recent brush with plagiarism. “Let’s face it,” read the article, “Schmidt has had a tendency to step in it.”

The article went on to criticize Schmidt’s policy experience, calling her opinions “distressingly simplistic on topics such as North Korea...she should develop a more nuanced, sophisticated approach on issues, especially international policy” and should “cut out the sloganeering nonsense.”

After noting that she was not a career politician and not a part of the wildly unpopular current Congress, the Enquirer’s endorsement praised Wulsin as “an esteemed expert in public health and epidemiology who has done noble work in the fight against AIDS.... She has considerable experience in the public sector on health issues, and can have an engaging personal style.” The endorsement noted that Wulsin would have major impact if elected: “She’s smart, hard-working and could aid the health-care debate in Washington,” it continued.

“We’re thrilled by the article,” said Wulsin campaign manager Mary Huttlinger. “The Enquirer’s endorsement speaks eloquently to Vic’s strengths and Jean Schmidt’s weaknesses.”

Inexplicably, the article’s headline read “Enquirer endorses Schmidt,” and several of the article’s passages seemed to imply that, despite Schmidt’s gaffs and Wulsin’s qualifications, the Enquirer’s editorial board supported the unpopular encumbent. “It is a very, very close call,” read the article. “We’d like to thank the Enquirer for all the nice things they’ve said about Vic,” said Wulsin.

URGENT! Election Day information from Marian Harris

2006-10-30T10:55:00.000-05:00

Dear folks concerned about potential Election Day chaos -

The lawyers managing the lawsuit challenging the Ohio Voter ID law -- Subodh Chandra, Caroline Gentry, & Ritchey Hollenbaugh -- are trying to quickly gather even more evidence that will help with the suit. We need this information as soon as possible. If you think you might have first-hand information about the different ways this law is being interpreted and applied across Ohio, we ask you to send an email to: VotingProblems@gmail.com. The information to be included in your email is set out below.

We are particularly looking for individuals who fit into any of the following categories:

1) On or after October 3, when you went to your local Board of Elections to vote:
a) you were not allowed to vote until you showed some sort of ID, or
b) you were permitted to vote after showing a military ID, or
c) even if you were ultimately allowed to vote, you were told that there was some kind of problem with an ID you wanted to use to vote. This might include an attempt to use a utility bill, paycheck, bank statement, government check, other government document, photo ID, or any other kind of identifying document you used or hoped to use

2) You sent in an absentee ballot through the mail and:
a) on the front of the envelope containing your ballot you checked the box in front of “My Ohio Drivers License number is:” and then filled in the blank with the number above your photo in the upper right hand corner of your license, or
b) you enclosed with your ballot some kind of identifying document rather than providing a Drivers License Number or Social Security Number on the front of the envelope containing your ballot.

3) You are planning to vote at your polling place on November 7, but you don’t have any of the following forms of identification with your name and address: a drivers license, photo ID, military ID, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document.

4) Your absentee ballot application was returned to you by your Board of Elections
If you fit any of the above categories, or you experienced any other problem concerning your effort to cast an early vote associated with the November 7 Ohio election, we’d like to hear from you. Please send an email to VotingProblems@gmail.com. In that email, please tell us:
a) Your name
b) A phone number where we can call you to talk about the problem you had (or if you’d prefer that we communicate with you by email, we’ll try to work that way)
c) Which of the categories above you fit in and/or a little bit of information about the problem you had

We may not be able to get back to everyone who sends us an email, but we thank you, in advance, for your help.

Mary Jo Kilroy: Agent for Change

2006-10-30T10:54:00.000-05:00

There are 10 days left in this election season and I am proud to say we are beating the 4th ranking member of the Bush Congress. Deborah Pryce knows she is losing so she has chosen to fight back with negative and misleading ads. The time is now to ensure we do not let this race slip away to fear and smear politics.

We have seen what 6 years of a Bush Congress has given us. They have repeatedly chosen the side of Big Oil, Pharmaceutical Companies, and special interests. That has left us with record deficits and a botched prescription drug plan for our seniors while their conies continue to report record profits.

We can do better. We must do better. A Democratic majority would mean fighting for issues that effect everyday Americans. Raising the minimum wage, enacting the recommendations of the bi-partisan 9/11 commission, a new health care plan, and a plan bring our troops home are what a Democrat Congress would bring.

Deborah Pryce thinks she can fill the airwaves with fear and distortions to win this election. I believe our message of change is what the voters want to hear. We are facing a critical deadline to buy our last TV spots. I need your help to keep us on air. Your contribution of $25, $50, $100 or whatever you feel comfortable giving will ensure we can stay on TV through Election Day.

Help keep my dogs and I on air. You can view our new positive message right here.

Together we can send a message to George Bush by help sending me to Congress!

Thank you for your continued support.

Candidates Space and Strickland Campaign in Ohio’s 18th District

2006-10-30T10:53:00.000-05:00

NEW PHILADELPHIA -- Today, Congressional candidate for Ohio’s 18th district Zack Space, and Gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland made campaign stops in Athens, Vinton and Hocking counties to meet with voters and discuss the need for change and new priorities that would benefit Ohio families.

The three campaign stops included The Nelsonville Dew House in Athens County, The Democratic Party Headquarters in Vinton County, and the Rockbridge Flea Market in Hocking County.

According to Space, “Ted and I believe that Ohio needs a change of direction and new leadership that is focused on Ohio’s hard working families who have been neglected for too long. When I go to Congress, I’m committed to putting the people, not powerful special interests first.”

Representative and Gubernatorial candidate Strickland replied, “As long as I’ve known Zack, I’ve known him to be a man of hometown values, committed to helping the people of his community. We need new leadership like Zack Space in Congress to move our country in the right direction. It time to turnaround Ohio and bring desperately needed change to the people of Ohio’s 18th district.”

NEW PRYCE AD DISTORTS FACTS, KILROY’S RECORD IN NEW NEGATIVE ATTACK

2006-10-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

COLUMBUS, OH -- Today, Mary Jo Kilroy, Franklin County commissioner and Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress from Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, blasted the Pryce campaign for their most recent manipulative, negative campaign advertisement.

“As a former judge and current member of Congress, Deborah Pryce should know that law enforcement agents can conduct warrantless surveillance as long as they seek a warrant within 72 hours through the court system established by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. That is the current law on the books, and that is the position I have supported throughout this campaign,” Kilroy said. “Pryce’s fear-and-smear tactics are dishonest and display a lack of Pryce’s knowledge of the law.”

In her latest attack ad, Pryce cites an August 11, 2006 Washington Post article that said “Plot to Bomb U.S. -- Bound Jets Is Foiled,” which is a story about the foiled London bombing plot. In that investigation, FISA warrants, the warrant process Kilroy supports, were used successfully. Ironically, Pryce is using that situation to attack Kilroy.

“Deborah Pryce and the Republicans in Congress continue to distort my record, and this is just another example of how desperate they are in the waning days of this campaign,” Kilroy said. “As a member of Congress I will work to implement all the recommendations of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission and increase security at our ports. The Bush Congress has failed our nation on homeland security and failed to hold the Bush Administration accountable for the conduct of a war that has made our nation less secure. It’s time to reject negative campaign commercials, it’s time for new priorities to set the agenda in Washington and it’s time for a change in the leadership of Congress.”

Esquire Endorsements: Bob Shamansky for Congress

2006-10-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Esquire Magazine endorses Bob ....

District 12
Pat Tiberi (R)
Bob Shamansky (D)

Respect your elders: Bob Shamansky, 79 and a former congressman, decided to get back into politics after suffering through the Bush Medicare reform. “You couldn’t have a more antimarket provision,” he said of the Bush plan’s abdication of price-bargaining rights. Sounds good, as does his intelligent criticism of the war -- especially against his forgettable opponent.

Esquire endorses: Shamansky

HuffPo: GOP’s Mike DeWine Voted to Support Hateful Apartheid Regime

2006-10-28T15:11:00.000-05:00

Mike DeWine has had tough week -- bad polls, RNC withdrawing support, his ads being pulled. Now, he’s being blasted for his vote in favor of the apartheid South African government when he was in the house.

GOP'S MIKE DEWINE VOTED TO SUPPORT HATEFUL APARTHEID REGIME...
Huffington Post | Posted October 27, 2006 02:12 PM

GOP Senate candidate Mike DeWine voted in 1986 to prevent important sanctions against the white apartheid regime in South Africa.

Dewine, along with then Congressman Dick Cheney, voted in the minority against removing the sanctions. DeWine lost in the successful 313-83 veto override, a veto sponsored by President Reagan that was labeled weak and in favor of the South Africa's disgraced President [Roll Call vote 390, HR 4868, September 28th, 1986, Passed 313-83, DeWine Voted Nay].

Even republicans Sen. McCain, Rep. Sensenbrenner, and Newt Gingrich voted to keep sanctions in place. DeWine was ridiculed in his party for his position. Reaction in South Africa was even harsher, sparking Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu to tell the Christian Science Monitor, "President Reagan will be judged harshly by history." (9/29/86)

Dann to receive internal audit conducted by Bureau of Workers’ Compensation next week

2006-10-28T15:10:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- Today State Senator Marc Dann, the Democratic nominee for Ohio Attorney General, announced that he would file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to receive an internal audit as part of a public records request.

Following this announcement, Director William Mabe, released a response letter to Senator Dann stating he would issue the audit findings next Wednesday. Senator Dann issued the following statement in response to the new developments:

“Today is a victory for Ohioans and our public records law,” said Senator Dann. “The BWC is doing the right thing by releasing the audit and I hope that we can get to the bottom of these serious allegations quickly. I will review the audit to make sure all of its findings are included and will continue to investigate these claims. Ohioans deserve to know if some employers were receiving special treatment on their rates and premiums.”

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT IN THE SENATE

2006-10-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

SAMPLE OF VOTES WHERE DEWINE WAS KEY VOTE SUPPORTING FAILED BUSH POLICIES OVER THE MIDDLE CLASS

DeWine Said He Saw Evidence of WMD, Then Was Deciding Vote Preventing Investigation of Flawed Intelligence

DeWine Claimed He Saw Classified Information That Proved Iraq Had WMD.
The Toledo Blade reported in July 2002 that, “[DeWine] repeated his insistence that Saddam Hussein has chemical and biological weapons and is trying to get nuclear weapons. He refused to be specific, saying, ‘A lot of this stuff is classified.’” [Toledo Blade, 7/10/02]

DeWine Admitted He Doesn’t Read the Intel Reports.
“A consensus of 16 intelligence agencies,” the report “says the Iraq war is breeding potential new terrorists”. Despite being a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, DeWine did not read the report until this week even though he had access to it in April. DeWine dismisses the central finding of the document as a “claim” that “has been made in the past.” He only read it “when it became a flash point this week.” [Plain Dealer, 9/28/06]

DeWine Was Key Vote AGAINST Child Tax Credits, College Tax Credits, Other Family Assistance

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against A Substitute to Bush Tax Bill; Included $765 Wage Credit, State Aid, Increased Child Tax Credit, Business Stimulus, Breaks For Employers of National Guardspersons.
DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against a substitute amendment by Landrieu to the 2003 Bush tax cut that would create a wage credit of up to $765 per worker or $1,530 per working couple while giving an equivalent tax credit to employers.

It would provide $52 billion in fiscal relief to states, accelerate reductions in the so-called marriage penalty, increase the child tax credit to $1,000 by 2006, allow businesses to write off $100,000 in investment for one year, create a 50 percent tax credit for small business health care expenses, create wage credits for employers in Renewal Communities, create a 50 percent tax credit for companies with employees in the National Guard and Reserves and extend unemployment benefits by 13 weeks.

It would be offset by restrictions on corporate use of off-shore tax shelters and an increase in customs user fees. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #162; The Advocate, 5/16/03]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Reducing Tax Cut on Top Tax Bracket And Increasing and Making Permanent Tax Deduction for College Tuition.
DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would have increased the amount families could deduct on their taxes for college tuition would have made that deduction permanent.

The tax deductibility was to expire in 2006 at $4,000. This amendment raised the amount to $8,000 for 2004, with the deduction eventually reaching $12,000. It also made the deduction permanent. The amendment would have reduced the reduced the top income rate by only 1 percent, as opposed to 3 percent proposed by President Bush. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #164; Congressional Record, 5/15/03]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Opposed $2.2 Billion for Higher Education, Including $1.7 Billion for Pell Grants.
DeWine, on September 9, 2003, cast one of the deciding votes against the Kennedy amendment to H.R.2660, which was an amendment to provide an additional $2.2 billion for higher education, including $1.7 billion for Pell Grants, $157 million for federal work study programs, and $115 million for supplemental education opportunity grants. [HR 2660, 9/9/03, #331]

DeWine Disagreed with the National Education Association.
“NEA supported a motion offered by Senator Kennedy (D-MA) to waive procedural budget rules and allow passage of his amendment to the Fiscal Year 2004 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill (H.R. 2660). The Kennedy amendment would have increased funding for higher education programs by $2.2 billion. Specifically, the Kennedy amendment would have raised the maximum Pell Grant award from $4,505 to $4,500, increased SEOG funding from $700 million to $875 million, increased College Work Study funding from $1 billion to $1.16 billion, and increased TRIO funding from $840 million to $1 billion. The Kennedy motion, which required 60 votes for passage, failed 49-46 on September 9, 2003. A ‘yes’ vote supported the NEA position.” [HR 2660, 9/9/03, #331; www.NEA.org]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Giving a Child Tax Credit to All Families Regardless of Income.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment to require that all recipients of a $400 child tax credit in Bush’s “Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003” receive the full payment regardless of their income. The amendment also accelerated Bush’s dividend tax cuts by one year. These provisions would be offset by eliminating the bill’s 10 percent increase in dividend income excluded from taxation from 2008 through 2012. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #151]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Increasing the Child Tax Credit to $1,000 Retroactively Back to 2002, and Delaying Reduction in Tax Cut For Top Incomes.
DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would have made the increases to the child tax credit in the 2003 Bush tax cut bill retroactive to Jan. 1, 2002. The bill already increased the child tax credit from $600 to $1,000 effective back at the beginning of 2003. The costs would have been offset by a delay of a year and a half in the reduction of the top income tax rate. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #166; Congressional Record, 5/15/03]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Accelerating Marriage Tax Cut For Lower Income Families, Offset By Reductions in Top Income Tax Rate.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would have accelerated relief of the so-called marriage penalty for married couples receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit. It would be offset by paring back the reduction in the top income tax rate. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #155]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Creating A $5,000 Tax Credit For Family Caregivers.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against creating a $5,000 tax credit per year for family caregivers. [S 1054, 5/15/03, #169]

DeWine Cast Deciding Votes Against First Responder Funding and Counterterrorism

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against $2.7 Billion in Additional Funding For Counterterrorism.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would increase spending for counterterrorism by $2.7 billion, including increases of $200 million for the Coast Guard, $366 million for the Customs Service and border protection, $1 billion for the Transportation Security Administration, $225 million for the FBI, and increased spending on the FBI and other agencies. [S 762, 4/3/03, #119]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against Firefighter Assistance Grants.
In September 2004, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would increase funding for firefighter assistance grants by $150 million. [HR 4567, 9/14/04, #175]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against Increasing Funding For Fire Fighters And First Responders By $3 Billion.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against increasing spending for fire fighters and other first responders, and offset the spending by reducing tax cuts. The vote was on an amendment that would increase spending for fire departments and other first responders by $3 billion and provide another $3 billion for deficit reduction. [S Con Res 23, 3/25/03, #88]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Opposed Increased Funding for Fire Department Personnel by $17.5 Billion.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment to increase funding for fire department personnel and equipment by $17.5 billion over 10 years, with the funding offset by a reduction in tax cuts in the resolution. [S Con Res 23, 3/25/03, #91]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against $2.33 Billion For First Responders In States And Localities.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would appropriate $2.33 billion for first responders in states and localities. [S 762, 4/3/03, #123]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Opposed Increasing Funding by $93.2 Million to Train Bio-Terrorism Workers.
In 2003, DeWine, cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment to increase funding by $93.2 million to train members of the bio-terrorism workforce, including funding “to double the number of outbreak specialists in the Epidemic Intelligence Service,” in accordance with the recommendation of the Center for Disease Control’s National Advisory Committee on Children and Terrorism. “These EIS specialists are dispatched to respond to epidemics and bio-terrorism.” [HR 2660, 9/5/03, #328; Hillary Clinton, Floor Statement, 9/5/03]

DeWine Cast Deciding Vote Against Increasing Defense Spending

DeWine Cast Deciding Vote Against Rolling Back Tax Cuts And Increasing Defense Spending.
In 2005, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would adjust the functional totals to deny $100 billion of the tax relief that the Domenici amendment would provide (the amendment, as introduced, would have returned $1.6 trillion of the $5.6 trillion in excess taxes that the Federal Government is conservatively expected to collect over the next 10 years) and to increase defense spending by the same amount (about $10 billion more would be provided for each year). The amendment was rejected, 47-52. [H Con Res 83, 4/4/01, #71]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote Against Increasing Spending On Military Health Care By $21 Billion And Reduce Tax Cuts.
On March 25, 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against increasing spending on military health care, and offset the spending by reducing tax cuts. The vote was on the Lincoln, D-Ark., amendment that would increase spending on the TRICARE program by $21 billion over 10 years to give members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families greater access to the health care program. The increase would be offset by a reduction in tax cuts. More than 20 percent of those in the National Guard and Reserves do not have health insurance. [S Con Res 23, 3/25/03, #81; Blanche Lincoln, Floor Statement, 3/25/03]

DeWine Cast Deciding Votes Protecting Halliburton, Other Donors’ No-Bid Contracts In Iraq

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote for No-Bid Contracts.
In June 2002, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would allow private and public agencies to compete for new Defense Department contracts based on current department standards. It also would codify a contracting prohibition on work currently performed in the public sector unless the agency can show a savings of at least 10 percent. [S 2514, 6/25/02, #162]

DeWine Cast Deciding Votes Against Education

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against $6 Billion in Education Funding.
DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against $6 billion for provisions of the 2001 education overhaul law. The vote was on the Kennedy, D-Mass. amendment to the Fiscal 2003 Omnibus Appropriations bill. [HJ Res 2, 1/16/03, #5]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against Increasing Education Funding.
On March 19, 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against reducing President Bush’s tax cut by $18 billion and splitting it evenly between education and deficit reduction. The amendment, which was sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), would have fully funded the “No Child Left Behind Act” and reduced tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers. The vote was on a motion to table the amendment, which was killed by a vote of 50-48. The NAACP supported the Murray amendment. [S Con Res 23, 3/19/03, #60; Associated Press, 3/19/03; NAACP Legislative Report Card, 2003-04]

NEA: DeWine Opposed Full Funding of Education Programs at the Level Authorized in No Child Left Behind.
NEA opposed a motion offered by Senator Gregg (R-NH) to “table” (reject) an amendment by Senator Murray (D-WA) to the Fiscal Year 2004 Budget Resolution (S. Con Res. 23). The Murray amendment would have provided an additional $8 billion to allow for full funding of Elementary and Secondary Education Act programs at the $32 billion level authorized in No Child Left Behind. The Gregg motion passed 50-48 on March 19, 2003. A “no” vote supported the NEA position. [S Con Res 23, 3/19/03, #60; www.NEA.org]

DeWine Cast Deciding Votes Against Increased Health Insurance Coverage

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Opposed An Amendment That Would Expand Health Insurance Spending.
In 2000, DeWine voted against an amendment that would scale down tax cuts in the budget resolution, and use the difference to increase spending for the Children’s Health Insurance Program to cover adults as well as children. The motion to table failed, 49-49. [SCR 101, 4/7/00, #77; Senate RPC, 4/7/00]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against An Amendment To Deny Tax Cuts And Expand Health Insurance Coverage.
In 2000, DeWine voted against an amendment that would adjust the functional totals to deny $11.2 billion over 5 years of the $150 billion in tax cuts that would be provided by the resolution. It would also adjust the functional totals in order to increase total Federal spending by that amount, with the intention that the extra spending would be used to expand the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to cover adults as well as children. The amendment was rejected, 49-49. [SCR 101, 4/7/00, #78; S. Amdt. 2962, Senate RPC, 4/7/00]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against Reducing Insurance Premiums.
In May 2001, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against an amendment that would provide a deduction for eligible long-term care insurance premiums that would be offset by eliminating the first reduction scheduled in the 39.6 percent tax rate. [HR 1836, 5/23/01, #162]

DeWine Cast Key Vote Against REAL Prescription Drug Plan

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Opposed A Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Alternative.
In 2002, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against the Graham amendment to S.812, which was the Democratic Medicare prescription drug plan. This plan, which is estimated to cost $594 billion over eight years, is a plan to provide uniform, universal prescription drug coverage to all senior citizens through Medicare, not private insurers. Under this proposal, “a Medicare beneficiary would pay premiums of $25 a month and co-payments of $10 for each generic drug and $40 for each brand name drug on a list of approved medicines. There would be no deductible. The beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs would be limited to $4,000 a year.” [S 812, 7/23/02, #186; New York Times, 7/24/02]

AFL-CIO Supported Democratic Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
“Skyrocketing costs for prescription drugs have forced millions of seniors to choose whether to buy needed medicine, pay their rent or mortgage or buy groceries. Others have been forced to travel to Canada where the same drugs are much less expensive or to cut their prescribed doses in an effort to stretch their medicines. During debate on drug patent legislation (S. 812), Sen. Robert Graham (D-Fla.) offered an amendment to establish a new voluntary prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries (S. 2625). For a monthly premium of $25, beneficiaries could purchase generic drugs for $10 and brand name drugs for $40. Out-of-pocket expenses would be capped at $4,000, at which point Medicare would pay 100 percent of drug costs. The benefit would be provided through Medicare. The amendment also called for financial relief to employers that continue their retiree coverage for Medicare beneficiaries.” [www.afl-cio.org]

DeWine Cast Crucial Vote; Voted Against A Prescription Drug Benefit For All Medicare Beneficiaries.
In 2003, DeWine cast one of the deciding votes against requiring that any Medicare prescription drug benefit to be available to all beneficiaries on an equal basis, including those who choose to remain in the fee-for-service program. [S Con Res 23, 3/25/03, #82]

DeWine Thinks Senate Is No Place To Make Mistakes?

2006-10-28T14:56:00.000-05:00

HYPOCRISY

"The U.S. Senate is not a place for people who make a mistake," Senator Mike DeWine [Plain Dealer 10/25/06]

DEWINE’S MISTAKES

DeWine Thinks It’s OK For Rumsfeld to Bungle Two Wars?
SEN. DeWINE: “I’ve already said, Tim, I don’t have confidence in Rumsfeld. He’s made major mistakes in this war. There’s absolutely no doubt about it.” [Meet the Press, 10/1/06]

In his interview with Salon’s Walter Shapiro, DeWine stated that “Rumsfeld has made some very serious mistakes....Very serious mistakes. I think history will judge him very harshly.” He followed that with, “[c]learly not enough troops going in [to Iraq]. That was the biggest mistake. And a lot of mistakes would be covered under that.” [Salon, 4/24/06]

Did DeWine Mistakenly Sleep Through Iran-Contra Hearings?
“One member of the troupe who perhaps should not have appeared so noticeable is Rep. Michael DeWine (R., Ohio), who on several occasions clearly could be seen dozing off, much to the delight of photographers.” [Chicago Tribune 6/22/87]

“...spotters at the hearings noted that what looked really bad wasn’t all that smoking, but the way Rep. Michael DeWine (R.,Ohio) kept nodding off during even the most riveting testimony.” [Chicago Tribune 7/16/87]

“‘Dozer DeWine’ The Washington Post called him. The Chicago Tribune noted that he even slept during the most compelling testimony. A Dayton Daily News editorial quipped that DeWine managed to stand out among his publicity-seeking peers ‘without lifting a finger, or for that matter, his head.’” [Dayton Daily News 10/9/94]

DeWine Himself Claimed He Made “Mistakes”
“The 30-second ad features an earnest-looking DeWine seated on his front porch in Cedarville. He is wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt. He concedes that he’s ‘made some mistakes,’ but calls Hyatt’s commercials ‘precisely the old-style politics he claims to be against.’ “So when you hear the negatives,” DeWine says, “remember -- they say a lot more about Joel Hyatt than about Mike DeWine.”
Dayton Daily News (Ohio) October 12, 1994

Was Bouncing 31 Checks to the House Bank a Mistake?
“Remember the House banking scandal, when House members were writing overdrafts with impunity? Try that with your bank sometime. Actually, don’t. Anyway, DeWine was in the House then. If you can count to 31, you can count his number of overdrafts, on checks totaling more than $13,000, according to press accounts at the time.” [Plain Dealer 10/19/06]

DeWine Wrote 31 Bad Checks.
“Former Rep. Mike DeWine, R, says he had 31 overdrafts on checks totaling $13,195 in his eight years as a representative.” [AP, 4/15/1992]

DeWine Didn’t Disclose His Bounced Checks Until He Ran Against Glenn; Disclosure Was Imminent.
“And, in a preview of the impact the House Bank controversy is likely to have during the coming political season, ex-Rep. Michael DeWine, R-Ohio -- who served for eight years in the House before becoming Ohio’s lieutenant governor -- Friday disclosed that he had bounced 14 checks at the House Bank totaling $4,800 between 1987 and 1990.” At the time, negotiations were ongoing for full disclosure of the check-bouncers; April they were released by the Ethics Committee. [National Journal’s CongressDaily, 3/9/92]

Candidate’s property transfer attracts federal attention

2006-10-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

Friday, October 27, 2006
David Hammer
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- A federal bankruptcy trustee is investigating whether a congressional candidate gave property to her family last year to keep it from her creditors.

Court files show that state Sen. Joy Padgett transferred her one-third share of her family farm less than a month before she and her husband sought bankruptcy protection for their office-supply company.

"I am looking into it within the office," John Kennedy, lawyer for U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee Frank Pees, said yesterday.

Click Here to view this article on the Columbus Dispatch website.

Robin Weirauch for Congress: Exciting news!!

2006-10-28T14:54:00.001-05:00

With a little over a week until the election, things are getting exciting! Here's a little update:

We released a poll this week and the numbers are looking good for Robin. As of right now, Gillmor has about 50% of the vote and Robin has about 42%, with 8% undecided -- and leaning overwhelmingly for Robin. This means that we have ten days to reach all those undecided voters and let them know why they should vote for Robin! To see the full poll results, click here .

But, we need YOU to help us. We have four radio spots and different television commercials currently produced and ready to hit the air.

A donation of $100 can air the television ad on cable stations in your area up to 20 times. Donate today to keep the momentum going!

Gillmor is spending more in this race than he ever has before; while Robin's been actually traveling the district almost non-stop for the past 3 years.

Donate today to keep the momentum going and beat Paul Gillmor on November 7th!

Thank you for all you do,
The Robin Weirauch for Congress campaign team
P.S. We're still looking for help to canvass and drop literature in neighborhoods throughout the 5 th District and need your help for that too!

Sunday All-Campaign Canvass

2006-10-28T14:54:00.000-05:00

We would like to encourage you to support all our Democratic Campaigns this Sunday, October 29 by participating in the All-Campaign Canvass. Canvassers should meet at the Ohio Democratic Party Headquarters (271 E. State St) and there will be two canvass sessions. The first will take place at 12:00 pm and the second will take place at 3:00 pm.

Hope to see you there!

What: All Campaign Canvass
Where: Ohio Democratic Party Headquarters, 271 E. State St, Columbus, OH 43215
When: Sunday, October 29th at 12:00 pm and/or 3:00 pm

Letter from Mark Dansack

2006-10-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

Mark Wagoner: Fiscal conservative or reckless spender?

Citizens of District 46
“The pre-general campaign finance reports are due today and I think they are worth a comment or two. Do we want or need to have all this money influencing our election campaigns? Should we look toward some sort of campaign finance reform to stop the madness which our elections have become? I think we need to seriously consider changing a system which is tilted so severely toward incumbent office-holders and leaves them in debt to their huge corporate contributors at the expense of ordinary hard working citizens in our state.”

Mark Wagoner’s reports
Mark Dansack’s reports

“It’s quite ironic that the self-described fiscal conservative, Mr. Wagoner, lists expenditures of $146,022.15 in his pre-general finance report campaigning for a seat that pays somewhere around $50,000 trying with all his might to dispatch a political newcomer such as myself, considering my report shows expenditures of $6,320.43 over the same period.”

“I’m not sure District 46 residents will benefit from such a reckless spending pattern should Mr. Wagoner return to Columbus for an additional two years. I encourage residents of District 46 to investigate this link to Mark Wagoner’s contributions and take a look at mine as well to determine for yourself whether you want a state representative who is indebted to huge contributors and lobbyists for the next two years or a state representative whose only concern is to be a representative for the people of District 46.”

“Take a look and compare. The choice is simple. You can choose a candidate who accepts large donations from numerous special interest groups, and lobbyists representing huge banking, health care, energy, and manufacturing entities; or you can choose a citizen candidate whose only concern will be to help clean up the mess down in Columbus, turn our state government back to the people of Ohio, and get to work on some of the problems that have been ignored over the past decade.”

“Citizens of District 46 should ask Mr. Wagoner how he can accept $500 from RJ Reynolds PAC when he “supports” issue 5. Consider his statements that he is a watchdog for energy prices in Northwest Ohio and contrast that with the $3,000 contribution he accepted from the First Energy PAC.”

“We deserve to know who our representatives will be working for in the next two years. Let’s take it back for all Ohioans. They’ve had their turn, now it’s our turn. Send the power brokers in Columbus a message that our state cannot be bought and paid for.”

Mr. Dansack is married to Heather and they live in Monclova Township with their daughters Caitlin and Sophia. Dansack is a legal aide with Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer in their Workers Compensation Department. He previously spent 18 years working with General Mills, Inc. in Toledo.

BWC refuses to release internal audit; Dann to file suit

2006-10-28T14:49:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- Today State Senator Marc Dann, the Democratic nominee for Ohio Attorney General, announced that Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Director William Mabe will not release an internal audit requested by Dann as part of a public records request.

The audit, which was not released, allegedly shows that some employer’s BWC rates and assessments were reduced after complaining to their state legislators about the high premiums they were paying.

Senator Dann, who first asked for this audit to be released at the beginning of October, spoke directly to Director Mabe earlier this week and again asked for the release of the audit.

At a press conference held in Columbus, Senator Dann announced he would file suit against the BWC for the audit under the Ohio public records law: “The audit I requested holds key information into serious allegations at the BWC and is a public record,” said Senator Dann. “I am disappointed that Director Mabe decided to withhold the audit and now I will move forward with a public records lawsuit. Ohioans deserve to know if some employers were receiving special treatment on their rates and premiums.”

On October 4, 2006 Senator Dann requested by letter all the documents related to the audit on premium rates and assessments paid by public and private employers as part of Ohio’s public records law. Keith Elliot reportedly completed the internal audit requested by Dann. Elliot, an internal Auditor within the BWC, recently testified in the Noe ‘Coingate’ trial as a witness for the prosecution and is credited for raising questions within the BWC about their investment in rare coins.

“As a State Senator I have fought to make public records open and accessible in this state,” Senator Dann said. “As Attorney General I will work to make state agencies open and accountable for their public records. No citizen should have to sue the Governor or the BWC to get information that is part of a public record. Today I will continue my effort to uncover the truth.”

SHERROD BROWN READY TO SERVE OHIO AS NEXT SENATOR

2006-10-28T14:48:00.001-05:00

DeWine dismisses economy, Iraq, levels Blackwell-style attacks that are beneath Ohioans

CLEVELAND, OH -- Incumbent Republican Senator Mike DeWine abandoned the critical issues facing Ohio in the final debate of the campaign and instead leveled Blackwell-style attacks that were base, false, and beneath Ohio voters. Sherrod Brown proved to Ohioans he is ready to lead the state in a new direction, outlining clear plans to create good-paying jobs, reduce costs for middle class families, and to work with military leaders to develop a winning exit strategy from Iraq.

“Senator DeWine owes Ohioans an explanation about why under his watch the state lost 200,000 jobs and costs skyrocketed for middle class families while special interests got billions, but he offered none in today’s debate,” said Ben LaBolt, spokesman for Brown. “Senator DeWine’s Blackwell-style attacks were baseless and beneath Ohioans, and they will only further encourage voters to abandon the Republican Party and vote for change on November 7.”

The more Ohioans have gotten to know Sherrod Brown during this campaign, the more their support for him has increased. Seven in ten Ohioans believe it is time for a new direction in the state.

Today, Brown offered a vision to bring jobs back to Ohio by renegotiating job-killing trade agreements, making Ohio the Silicon Valley of alternative energy, and creating incentives for patriot corporations to create jobs here in Ohio. He called for U.S. military leaders to develop a winning exit strategy that would redeploy troops from Iraq within two years, working with the Iraqis to provide their own security.

“Sherrod Brown proved he is ready to take on the challenges facing Ohio’s next Senator and will lead the state in a new direction that puts middle class families first,” added LaBolt. “Not only did Senator DeWine abandon the issues today, he also sold out his integrity by launching desperate personal attacks created by national Republican operatives to boost his sinking campaign. DeWine embodies what is wrong with our leadership in Washington today.”

Ohioans abandoned DeWine because of his record of supporting special interests instead of middle class families. He accepted millions in contributions from drug and oil companies and corporations that outsourced American jobs, and voted their way in Congress. As DeWine slipped in the polls, he stopped discussing the challenges facing the state and has used smears, distortions, and outright lies to hide his record.

DeWine has a history of using such false attacks. He accused Senator John Glenn, one of Ohio’s heroes who served honorably in Korea, of being a Communist sympathizer. He has been forced to remove two television advertisements from the airwaves this campaign because he distorted footage of the burning Twin Towers, and then lied to Ohio voters so blatantly that 14 stations across the state removed an ad making the same false claim. No wonder the Dayton Daily News called him “Mud-loving Mike DeWine.”

CORDRAY ASKS BLACKWELL TO MAKE SURE ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE COUNTED

2006-10-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Columbus -- The Ohio Secretary of State’s office should immediately direct county election boards to make sure that no absentee ballots are languishing in local postmasters because of incorrect postage, Ohio Treasurer Candidate Richard Cordray said today.

In a letter to the Secretary of State, Cordray asked Ken Blackwell to direct election boards to do two things: “First, coordinate with their local post offices to ensure that all mail ballots are delivered to the boards of election without delay regardless of correct postage. Second, to immediately make clear to local post offices that postage shortfalls will be paid by the election board or the secretary of state to ensure the timely and complete processing of all absentee ballots for this election.”

Cordray noted four examples of the problem: Franklin County provides that sixty-three cents postage is required to return an absentee ballot; in Fairfield County the amount is $1.11; in Lucas County, no postage is required because the Board of Elections assumes the cost; and in Butler County, voters were told postage would be 63 cents when it was actually 87 cents.

“With early voting reaching levels never seen before in Ohio history, the complete and accurate processing of all mail ballots is essential to a fair election,” Cordray said. “If voters place the wrong postage on their absentee ballots, it is possible their ballots may not be delivered and would not be counted.

“The last thing I want is for the post office to unintentionally become a repository of absentee ballots,” he added. “If the election board made errors calculating postage due, citizens should not have to pay for that mistake with their votes. Election boards should be working closely with their local post offices to make absolutely sure that every single absentee ballot is delivered and counted.”

DEWINE LIES AGAIN, FOLLOWS TAFT PLAYBOOK AND REPEATS FALSE ATTACK

2006-10-28T14:47:00.000-05:00

Brown launched investigation, newspapers discredited tabloid allegations against him

DESPERATE DEWINE’S FLAILING RHETORIC:
Sherrod Brown’s Secretary of State’s Office was plagued in scandal.

THE FACTS:
FACT: Major Ohio Newspapers Discredited The Allegations Against Sherrod Brown.
-- Allegations Called “Junk”, “Trumped-Up”, and “Officially Discredited”. The Dayton Daily News called the allegations against Sherrod Brown “junk,” “smut,” “sleazy,” “trumped-up charges,” and “officially discredited” [Dayton Daily News, 10/18/90; 11/9/90]
-- Akron Beacon Journal: “No Proof of Impropriety Found in Drug Inquiry in Brown’s Office.” The Akron Beacon Journal said that there was “no evidence of impropriety” for the charges against Brown. [Akron Beacon Journal, 9/2/90]
-- Dayton Daily News: Allegations Against Brown “Full of Baloney”. The Dayton Daily News rebuked the Columbus Dispatch. “The Columbus Dispatch happens to have been full of baloney” [Dayton Daily News, 11/4/90]

FACT: Sherrod Brown Cooperated with Investigators.
Dayton Daily News: Brown “First to Notify” Authorities. “Patrol records do indicate that Brown was the first to notify law-enforcement officials of possible drug use in his office.” [Dayton Daily News, 8/21/90]

FACT: Major Ohio Newspapers Reported that Investigation was not Handled Properly.
Highway Patrol Accepted Fault for Withholding Information. “The patrol has accepted fault for not telling prosecutors about a mid-August 1985 drug buy” [Akron Beacon Journal, 9/2/90]

Wulsin: I Won’t Hide From C-SPAN

2006-10-28T14:46:00.000-05:00

Cincinnati, OH -- Demoralized by You Deserve Better, the new Wulsin ad that starkly reminds voters how Jean Schmidt embarrassed them on the floor of the US House, the Jean Schmidt campaign yesterday released a letter urging Victoria Wulsin to take her ad down.

In her letter, Schmidt said, “The use of footage from official proceedings of the House of Representatives is forbidden in political ads. I was disappointed to see that you decided to flout the rules.”

In fact, House rules only apply to sitting Members of Congress and this one was created to prevent Representatives from grandstanding and staging campaign commercials on the House floor. The assumption was that Members of Congress would want their speeches to get more play. Jean Schmidt violated House rules when she attacked Congressman Murtha by name and called him a coward. House rules also prohibit pots from calling porcelain teakettles black.

Stunned that a Member of Congress would want to prevent coverage of herself on the floor from being re-aired, Wulsin said, “If the voters of the 2nd District send me to Congress, I will never hide from C-SPAN. I will speak respectfully and forcefully on behalf of my constituents and would be honored whenever anyone chooses to replay my floor speeches. Jean’s fear of her own footage should be a serious concern for Ohioans who want to be represented by someone who makes them proud.”

In her letter, Jean Schmidt also told Wulsin that said “I am saddened by these recent developments and your unwillingness to make this campaign about issues rather than personal attacks, name calling, and blatant cheap shots.”

Victoria Wulsin challenged Jean Schmidt to seven debates -- one in each of the district’s counties -- but Schmidt would not make time to discuss the issues, accepting only one 22-minute debate. Unable to point to a single accomplishment during her year in office, Schmidt’s first campaign advertisement was a cartoonish assault on Wulsin that did not mention the incumbent.

On a related note, in a press release issued yesterday, the Schmidt campaign wrote that “Dr. Vicky either doesn’t realize that she’s broken a promise, or is intentionally misleading voters.”

In fact, on April 27 of this year, the Ohio Elections Commission voted 7-0 to reprimand Jean Schmidt for “reckless disregard of the truth.” Ahem.

Join us for Breakfast with Ohio’s Next Governor

2006-10-28T14:45:00.001-05:00

The Ruppert for Representative Campaign is proud to announce that it will be hosting the next Governor of Ohio, Congressman Ted Strickland, for a morning breakfast / wake-up rally on Monday, October 30, 2006. Congressman Strickland is also expected to be joined by State Treasurer Candidate Richard Cordray and Secretary of State Candidate Jennifer Brunner.

Bring friends and family to meet and cheer on Ted as he fights all the way to November 7th. Join Ted’s local supporters as we “carbo-load” for the final week’s effort.

Why just read or talk about politics over your morning coffee, when you can see history being made with complimentary pancakes and coffee? Here’s you chance.

WHEN: Monday, October 30, 2006
TIME: 9:15 am
WHERE: Franklin Golf Club, 180 North Main Street (also known as Riley Blvd and St.Rt. 25) in Franklin.
WHAT: Complimentary Breakfast provided by Ruppert for Representative.

QUESTIONS? Please call the Ruppert for Representative Campaign 937-746-2237 or e-mail us at jruppert@ohiobluedog.com

RICK SIFERD WILL BE SPEAKING ON THE ECONOMY AND IRAQ

2006-10-28T14:45:00.000-05:00

Friday, October 27th at 1:30 p.m.
Lochaven
1640 Allentown Road
Lima, OH

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR SHERROD BROWN

2006-10-28T14:44:00.000-05:00

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28th
WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold rally in Wadsworth
WHERE: The Masonic Temple, 660 High St. (Rt. 94), Wadsworth 44281
WHEN: 10:00 AM (rally starts at 9am)

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold Canvass Kickoff in Akron
WHERE: 438 Grant Street, Akron
WHEN: 11:45 AM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold rally in Tiffin
WHERE: Rickly Chapel, Heidelberg College, 310 E. Market St., Tiffin
(Seneca)
WHEN: 2:45 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to keynote Allen County Fall Dinner
WHERE: 1440 Bellefontaine Avenue, Lima (Allen)
WHEN: 5:45 PM

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29th
WHAT: Sherrod Brown and local democratic candidates to hold rally
in Ashtabula.
WHERE: 2211 Lake Avenue, Ashtabula
WHEN: 12:00 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown, Rich Cordray and local democratic candidates
to hold rally in Geauga County.
WHERE: 12428 Kinsman, Newbury
WHEN: 2:00 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold meeting with Lorain County Veterans
WHERE: 32901 Redwood Boulevard, Avon Lake
WHEN: 4:30 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Lt. Gov. Candidate
Lee Fisher, and Auditor Candidate Barbara Sykes to hold a rally in
Cleveland
WHERE: Tri-C Metro Campus Auditorium, 2900 Community College Ave,
Cleveland 44115
WHEN: 6:15 PM

Why Has LaTourette Not Returned Money from Ney and Volz?

2006-10-26T15:39:00.000-05:00

Willoughby, Ohio -- After Tom DeLay pleaded guilty, Steve LaTourette returned DeLay's $13,000 in contributions in the form of a donation to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. Why has he not returned donations from other convicted felons such as Bob Ney and Neil Volz and both of the donations made by Abramoff's well-known client, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians?

In the 2004 election cycle, LaTourette received $10,000 from Ney's PAC and $1,000 from Volz.

LaTourette also received two donations from the Choctaw Indians, $500 on October 19, 2003 and $1,000 on October 29, 2005. LaTourette only returned the latter with the statement, "I didn't ask for the money and said to send it back."

"That's great that he returned the second $1,000," stated Lew Katz, Democratic candidate in the 14th District. "But, why did he keep the first donation of $500? Did he ask for that one? That was the donation given a month or so after he wrote the infamous letter on behalf of Jack Abramoff that coincides with the other $500 donations by the Ratner, Salzberg, and Miller families.

"More importantly, why has the press not demanded that LaTourette give Ney's and Volz's money back and not pushed for him to do what's right? This is dirty money, and he must give it back," states Katz.

MICHAEL J. FOX AND SHERROD BROWN TO HOLD RALLY FOR CURE

2006-10-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

WHAT:
Actor Michael J. Fox will join Rep. Sherrod Brown in Columbus, the town where Fox’s hit sitcom “Family Ties” took place, to discuss the need to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research could hold life-saving cures for millions of Americans, for diseases like Parkinson’s, but Senator DeWine and President Bush have cut off funding for expanding this research that is supported a wide majority of Americans and by many in their own party.

Brown and Fox will be joined by doctors, stem cell research advocates, and Ohioans suffering from diseases dependent on stem cell research for cures.

WHERE:
OSU Law School Auditorium
55 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus

WHEN:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 30

Newsweek on Ohio Senate Race: Mike DeWine Down, On His Way Out

2006-10-26T13:44:00.000-05:00

CLEVELAND -- The latest issue of Newsweek Magazine explains with one arrow what folks in Ohio have known for months -- Mike DeWine is going down.

"After years of siding with special interests in Washington while health care costs, unemployment rates, and casualties in Iraq have all gone up, it's hardly a surprise to see Newsweek predict that Mike DeWine is going down," said Brown Press Secretary Ben LaBolt. "Newsweek confirmed what Ohio families have long known -- that Mike DeWine is a Bush rubber stamp who will always side with the special interests over the middle-class families of this state. That's why Sherrod Brown will win this November and lead Ohio in the right direction."

In its October 30th issue, Newsweek wrote: "Ohio sen. one of many Bushie GOPs now claiming to be independent thinkers. Not gonna wash." Each week, Newsweek publishes a "Conventional Wisdom" section that reflects the views of today's leading political experts.

Sherrod on the Situation Room, NBC Nightly News

2006-10-26T13:38:00.000-05:00

With less than two weeks left til Election Day, all eyes are on the Ohio Senate race.

The Associated Press reported last night, “National media still characterize it as a tough race that is essential if Democrats are to take the six seats they need to control the 100-member Senate. ‘NBC Nightly News’ aired a report on the race Wednesday as anchor Brian Williams broadcast from Columbus...”

Visit our website to see Wolf Blitzer interview Sherrod on CNN’s Situation Room and Brian William’s profile of the Ohio Senate race on the NBC Nightly News.

http://sherrodbrown.com/pages/national

12 Days Until A New Majority -- Bob Shamansky Needs Your Help!

2006-10-26T13:37:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

Just 12 days remain until Bob and other Democrats take back the people’s house, and make congress accountable to the American people -- not the special interests.

Bob is working to bring real change to central Ohio, and he needs your help.

We need volunteers to man daily phone banks and canvasses that are taking Bob’s message of change to the voters of Central Ohio. Please, just a couple hours of your time could make all the difference.

**Franklin County**
Phone Banking
Weekdays 5 PM -- 8PM
520 S. 5th St, Columbus, 43206
Directions

Canvassing
Weekdays 5 PM -- 7 PM, Weekends 10 AM -12 AM.
Call (614) 849-0260 for more information.

**Delaware County **
Phone Banking
Monday & Wednesday 7 PM -- 9 PM
Delaware County Democratic Headquarters
12 1/2 N Sandusky St. Delaware, 43015
Directions

Canvassing
Weekdays 5 PM -- 7 PM, Weekends 10 AM -12 AM.
Call (614) 849-0260 for more information.

**Licking County**
Phone Banking
Monday & Thursday 6 PM -- 9 PM, Wednesday 1 PM -- 4 PM
Licking County Democratic Party
20 Arcade Place, Newark OH 43055
Directions
Call (614) 849-0260 for more information.

**Election Day**
In order to Get Out The Vote, we’ll need plenty of help on Election Day, Tuesday November 7th. We need phone bankers, drivers, canvassers, clerical help, and just about any other kind of help you can imagine. Please consider taking Election Day off to help Bob win.

Call Brianna at (614) 849-0260 to find out how you can help get out the vote.

Weirauch Within Striking Distance of Gillmor: Polling on the Fifth District

2006-10-26T13:36:00.000-05:00

Bowling Green, OH -- In the first publicly-released poll for the Fifth Congressional District race, 9-term incumbent and 30-year career politician Paul Gillmor barely breaks 50% support. Congressional challenger Robin Weirauch garnered 42% of the vote. Approximately 8% of respondents were undecided just two weeks before the election.

The poll was conducted by re:organize, a respected Ohio-based political consulting firm. The phone poll of 400 likely voters was conducted October 19th-22nd and has a margin of error of +/-4.9%, with a 95% confidence level. The polling was conducted after weeks of negative ads and mailings from Paul Gillmor’s re-election campaign.

“This poll proves what I’ve said all along -- this race is going to be close and I’m going to win,” said Robin Weirauch, Democratic candidate for the Fifth Congressional District in Ohio.

Key findings from the poll are as follows:

-- Paul Gillmor leads the race with just 50.67% vs. 42.09% for Robin Weirauch -- dangerous territory for any incumbent, especially a 9-term legislator.
-- Of those who were truly undecided -- 7.24% of the respondents -- Weirauch leads Gillmor more than 2-to-1.
-- Democrats were 42.99% more enthusiastic about voting this year, versus 22.05% more enthusiasm among Republicans.
-- Perception of Paul Gillmor’s service in the district was mixed for a long-term incumbent. A full 20.32% of respondents could not rate his performance and 31.82% rated him as “out of touch.”

The polling report is available for download at robinforcongress.com.

Ken Miller Lectures with Tom Sawyer

2006-10-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

Akron, OH -- Brown University biology professor Ken Miller will give lectures in Kent and Akron tomorrow in support of Tom Sawyer’s candidacy for State Board of Education (District 7). Dr. Miller is the author of Finding Darwin’s God, which explores the common ground between faith and science.

In his lecture, entitled “Science, God, and Intelligent Design: Why All These Matter in Ohio’s School Board Elections,” Dr. Miller will apply the principles of Finding Darwin’s God to the upcoming state school board elections.

Former Congressman and Akron Mayor Tom Sawyer is running for the state school board to ensure strong scientific standards, lead the effort to solve the state’s school funding crisis, and demand that charter (community) schools be fully accountable. Mr. Sawyer will accompany Dr. Miller tomorrow and is available to the press.

Friday, October 27
Kent State University
What: Ken Miller lecture
Where: KSU Student Union, Room 310
Intersection of Summit Street and Campus Center Drive
When: 4 p.m.

The University of Akron
What: Ken Miller lecture
Where: Zook Hall, Room 110
Zook Hall is located just north of the new Student Union (the union is on Carroll Street)
When: 7 p.m.

SNP Papers Endorse Shamansky for Congress

2006-10-26T13:34:00.001-05:00

Central Ohio’s Suburban News Papers -- local weeklies that reach more than 185,000 households in the 12th district, have endorse Bob Shamansky for the 12th Congressional District.

If you think the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld administration has our nation on the right track in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Iran, in North Korea, in Darfur and the world’s other trouble spots, then by all means vote to send Pryce and Tiberi back to Washington. If you think Bush’s trilliondollar deficits and gargantuan appropriations bills are making our economy stronger, vote for Pryce and Tiberi. You’ll get two more years of the same.

If, on the other hand, you believe that it’s time for a change -- time for a Democratic majority in the House of Representatives to rein in the Bush administration’s excesses and check its wrong-headed policies -- then you should join Suburban News Publications in supporting challengers Mary Jo Kilroy in the 15th District and Bob Shamansky in the 12th District.

During the campaign, Kilroy and Shamansky have spoken out firmly and persuasively on the multiple failures of the Bush administration and the need for change.

[...]

Although this is Shamansky’s first run for public office in more than 20 years, he still shows a firm grasp of the challenges facing the nation. If Democrats win control of the House on Nov. 7, Shamansky will be a clear, strong voice for change, especially in the Bush administration’s disastrous foreign policies. And since he’s financing his campaign mostly with his own money -- to the tune of more than $1 million, he says -- Shamansky, who previously served one term in Congress in the 1980s, will go back to Washington owing nobody any favors. Because of the crucial issues facing this country today, at home and around the world, the choices in these two races couldn’t be more clear:

A vote for Pryce or Tiberi is a vote for George W. Bush and the status quo.

A vote for Kilroy or Shamansky is a vote for change.

SNP urges voters to support Mary Jo Kilroy in the 15th Congressional District and Bob Shamansky in the 12th Congressional District.

Sherrod Brown to Hold Rallies and Forums Across Ohio

2006-10-26T13:34:00.000-05:00

FRIDAY OCTOBER 27:
WHAT: Sherrod Brown and Senator Dewine will hold the final official debate of the campaign.
WHERE: Renaissance Hotel, 24 Public Square, Cleveland 44113
WHEN: 12:00 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold post-debate rally at the Laborers Union Local 310
WHERE: North Shore Federation of Labor, 3250 Euclid Avenue; Suite 250, Cleveland -- ENTER OFF OF PROSPECT RD
WHEN: 1:45 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown will attend a “Bring the Valley Together” rally with Steelworkers
WHERE: Enzo’s Hall, 2118 Elm Rd, Warren, OH
WHEN: 4:15 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to attend the Western Reserve Building Trades annual fish fry.
WHERE: Operating Engineer Hall located at the corner of Southern Boulevard and McClurg Rd. in Boardman
WHEN: 6:45 PM

SATURDAY OCTOBER 28th
WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold rally in Wadsworth
WHERE: The Masonic Temple, 660 High St. (Rt. 94), Wadsworth 44281
WHEN: 10:00 AM (rally starts at 9am)

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold Canvass Kickoff in Akron
WHERE: 438 Grant Street, Akron
WHEN: 11:45 AM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold rally in Tiffin
WHERE: Rickly Chapel, Heidelberg College, 310 E. Market St., Tiffin (Seneca)
WHEN: 2:45 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown to keynote Allen County Fall Dinner
WHERE: 1440 Bellefontaine Avenue, Lima (Allen)
WHEN: 5:45 PM

SUNDAY OCTOBER 29th
WHAT: Sherrod Brown to hold meeting with Lorain County Veterans
WHERE: 32901 Redwood Boulevard, Avon Lake
WHEN: 4:30 PM

WHAT: Sherrod Brown, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Lt. Gov. Candidate Lee Fisher, and Auditor Candidate Barbara Sykes to hold a rally in Cleveland
WHERE: Tri-C Metro Campus Auditorium, 2900 Community College Ave, Cleveland 44115
WHEN: 6:15 PM

OHIOANS ENDORSE SHERROD BROWN FOR SENATE

2006-10-26T13:32:00.001-05:00

Students, Parents, Seniors Express Support
AMHERST, OH -- The Sherrod Brown for Senate campaign today announced the endorsement of voters across Ohio who are calling for new leadership in Congress. A new web feature at sherrodbrown.com allows average Ohioans to record messages outlining their reasons for supporting Sherrod Brown. On the site, farmers, veterans, parents, and others discuss Brown’s support for middle class families, his plans to return jobs to Ohio, and his call for a winning exit strategy from Iraq.

The endorsements can be heard here: http://sherrodbrown.com/pages/audio_endorsements

Ohioans are encouraged to record their own endorsements. New endorsements can be recorded here: http://sherrodbrown.com/pages/evoca_recorder

Excerpts from some of the audio endorsements are below:

Jack Underwood, Elyria OH (Lorain) “I feel absolutely indebted to Sherrod Brown and I feel that Sherrod Brown is the best person for the job because Sherrod Brown helps people. Without his help my son would have never received the funding that made his quality of life that much better. That’s why I know that Sherrod Brown is the best candidate for Senator.”

Nancy Barton, Loveland OH (Clermont) “I like Sherrod Brown and I’ll be voting for Sherrod Brown because he’s a strong advocate for the young people of Ohio in education and in helping make higher education a reality for our young people.”

Jeff Leis, Springboro OH (Warren) “My feelings about Sherrod is that I consider him to be an honest individual who takes the time to study every piece of legislation before he makes a decision on how he’s going to vote. I find that to be highly respectful and unusual in today’s political environment.”

Letter from Marian Harris

2006-10-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

First, I want to thank Chas and Kari Wetherbee for a wonderful houseparty -- and delightful campaign interlude! The music by Carpe Diem was sublime, the food yummy, the guests interesting and interested... all in all a wonderful evening. Thank you Chas and Kari!

Newspaper endorsements are out and I’m proud to have received the endorsement of the Suburban News Publications (SNP). They are advocating, as I am, the need for CHANGE in the Statehouse. Here’s a link to their editorial page and all their endorsements: http://www.snponline.com/Bonus_Text/END2006/10-25_allstatehouseintro.html. It’s worth taking the time to read. They’ve also done a series of articles on various topics comparing my views with my opponents -- check out the media section of my web site.

While I did not receive the endorsement of the Columbus Dispatch they did say the following:.”.. Democratic opponent, Marian Harris, is a veteran worker on a number of political campaigns. She’s running because she’s tired of one-party rule in Ohio. She’s well-spoken and sincere but lacks Flower’s experience.” I guess working as a staff assistant for constituent affairs for Senator Metzenabuam, working as Chief of the Bureau of Family Support for the Dept. of MRDD and being involved with human service issues for over 30 years doesn’t count as experience whereas being a fire chief does! Oh well, I am fortunate to have an opponent who is a nice guy and who has promised to run a positive campaign as will I.

The last weeks have been candidate forums, lit drops -- and door to door. Door to door will be the focus over the remaining days. Please help out by talking to friends and neighbors in the 19th HD. We still have a few yard sisgns available and can always use help with lit drops -- and if you’re willing to go door to door and talk on my behalf, please let me know!

Thanks to all of you for your support, your involvement, your contributions and your faith in me.

Marian Harris

Brown, DeWine center of attention on national TV shows

2006-10-26T01:48:00.000-05:00

Brown, DeWine center of attention on national TV shows

DAVID HAMMER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Democrat Sherrod Brown said he isn’t celebrating too early in the wake of another poll showing him ahead of GOP Sen. Mike DeWine less than two weeks before the election.

“I’m not dancing in the end zone, I’m fighting for middle class Ohioans and we’ll see what happens,” Brown said in a nationally televised interview Wednesday on CNN.

Earlier in the day, a Los Angeles Times-Bloomberg poll showed Brown with 47 percent and the two-term incumbent DeWine with 39 percent. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The results prompted CNN’s conservative commentator Bay Buchanan to say of Brown, “He’s in a strong position right now.” Democratic strategist Paul Begala called DeWine “toast.”

But national media still characterize it as a tough race that is essential if Democrats are to take the six seats they need to control the 100-member Senate. “NBC Nightly News” aired a report on the race Wednesday as anchor Brian Williams broadcast from Columbus and Comedy Central’s Emmy-winning news satire “The Daily Show” will be based in the Ohio capital next week.

In a taped interview on CNN’s “The Situation Room” a few minutes before Brown appeared live, DeWine was generally on the defensive. He disagreed with President Bush’s assessment earlier in the day that the U.S. is winning the war in Iraq.

“I don’t know that you can say that,” DeWine said. “You know, this war has hit Ohio very hard. As I travel around the state, Ohioans want our troops home just as soon as they can, but they also want us to leave in the right way.”

He denied he was negligent as a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee for accepting what proved to be faulty intelligence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. He tried to go on the offense, accusing Brown of voting against intelligence funding and spy programs.

DeWine has used more of an attacking tone in his television advertising. He continued this week to hammer Brown on the congressman’s late payment of a 1992 unemployment tax bill.

DeWine was forced to change an ad last week when state documents showed it took Brown four months to pay the bill after the state made a claim, not 12 years as DeWine’s initial ad said. The latest DeWine ad says Brown is lying about not paying his taxes while showing a clip of a Brown ad stating the Democrat paid his taxes in full.

State records show Brown did pay the full bill of more than $1,700, including late fees, in April 1994. Brown’s ad says DeWine’s attacks are “so dishonest stations are pulling them off the air.” However, it was a separate Republican National Committee ad that stations refused to run.

ON THE NET
Latest DeWine ad: http://www.mikedewine.com/movies/lying.asx

Latest Brown ad: http://sherrodbrown.com/pages/dishonest

Sherrod on CNN Situation Room, NBC Nightly News

2006-10-26T01:47:00.000-05:00

Sherrod was interview by Wolf Blitzer on the Situation Room and Brian Williams ran a segment on the Ohio Senate race on the NBC Nightly News

SITUATION ROOM WITH WOLF BLITZER: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcUtegAmz2I

NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH BRIAN WILLIAMS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMEId5eMqxc

CINCINNATI UNITES BEHIND WULSIN

2006-10-26T01:45:00.001-05:00

At fundraiser tonight, Republicans, Independents, Democrats to declare their support for Wulsin

Cincinnati, OH -- At a fundraiser in Indian Hill this evening, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents will rally together in support of Dr. Victoria Wulsin. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez of California will join dozens of others at the home of Greg and Michele Young to support Wulsin’s campaign.

The fundraiser will be open to the press.

WHAT: Fundraiser to support Victoria Wulsin for Congress
WHERE: 8525 Given Road, Indian Hill
WHEN: 6:30 PM, today
WHO: Victoria Wulsin, Loretta Sanchez and supporters:
Stephen L. Black
Lisa M. Wharton
Noah Fleischmann
John & Pam Gibson
Dayna Foote
Matthew Kite
Michael J. Maloney
Kathleen Norris
Francie Pepper
William H. & Laurel Tipton
Betty Davis
Jonathan & Nancy Lippincott
Marlene Ostrow
Mike & Ann Kearney-Cooke
Harvey & Jane Cohen
Michele & Greg Young
Marilyn Hyland
Peter & Ann Williams
Robert & Helen Black
Larry D. Bourgeois
Chad and Treon Christine
Teddy & Cynthia Colebrook
Jodine Grundy
Stephen Lerner
King & Rosemary Harrison
Patrick B. McCollum
Amy & Sean McGrory
Bonnie Matsui
Luke Boswell
John Tew
H.D. Driehaus
Carter Randolph
Harry & Ann Santen
Gaby Downey
Tom & Cathy Crain
Blair Fleischmann

World Harvest Invterview online

2006-10-26T01:45:00.000-05:00

RE: the Oct 3 post about the ACLU event and Adam Leddy’s trip to World Harvest Church. Adam is a blogger at happyagenda.com and we interviewed him for a 14-minute podcast of his impressions after attending World Harvest Church service. It’s pretty powerful. You can see the post and get the mp3 link here:

http://www.happyagenda.com/2006/10/inside-world-harvest-church_25.html

Campaign update from Marilyn Brown

2006-10-26T01:43:00.000-05:00

Election Day is fast approaching… less than two weeks to go. We know that my race against the long-time incumbent is close and highly competitive. I have worked hard every day and throughout the county to reach voters and build support. We cannot let up now!

The effort we all make to Get Out The Vote will be critically important… for me and for all of our candidates. We need your help now and in the few remaining days to ensure that every voter gets out to vote.

Please forward this email message to everyone you know… to family, friends, co-workers, and to everyone in your addressbook… remind them of the importance of voting this year. Together, we can Turn Ohio Around!

Volunteer help remains essential to my campaign. Every day from now through Tuesday, November 7, we need volunteers to make phone calls and to canvass neighborhoods. We also need every volunteer we can get to help on Election Day. For information on how you can help, please contact Laura Stehle, my campaign manager at 614.224.1193 ext. 121 or by email to laura@votemarilynbrown.com.

Please consider contributing to my campaign today! We will be on television and radio soon. Print advertising has already started. These efforts cost money. I wish I could run this campaign without the need to ask for your contributions, but campaign funds are essential to win.

Please contribute online at www.votemarilynbrown.com, or send your non-corporate check to Friends of Marilyn Brown, 34 West Poplar Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

I encourage you to vote early. Contact your local board of elections for information. If you live in Franklin County, I respectfully request your vote. If you live out of the county, you may know people in the Columbus area. Please email or call them to ask them to support me. Please refer them to my website, www.votemarilynbrown.com, for more information about me.

I appreciate the support, friendship, and encouragement many of you have provided throughout the campaign. Thank you!

Marilyn Brown

For Franklin County Commissioner

www.votemarilynbrown.com

Phillips urges stations to take down Stewart’s false ad

2006-10-26T01:39:00.000-05:00

ATHENS, Ohio -- Debbie Phillips today urged Time Warner Communications to stop airing false advertising from Republican incumbent state Rep. Jimmy Stewart.

The ad falsely accuses Debbie Phillips, an Athens city councilwoman, of committing a crime by supporting a change in a city collective bargaining agreement. At most, Phillips said, the recent city council dispute amounted to a disagreement about the process to make the change.

“Jimmy Stewart is desperate,” Phillips said. “It’s obvious he will do or say anything to get re-elected -- including falsely accusing me of a crime. In addition to the ad, he has mailed at least three pieces of mail on this topic in the last week, calling the city employees a ‘special interest group.’”

“It’s easy to see why Jimmy Stewart doesn’t want to talk about the issues. Just look at his record. The Jimmy Stewart/Bob Taft track record is lost jobs, higher taxes and scandals that have given the Buckeye State a black eye,” Phillips said.

“Jimmy Stewart knows voters have had enough. He knows voters desperately want a state representative willing to work with Ted Strickland to turn around Ohio,” Phillips said. “Stewart knows Ted Strickland has endorsed my campaign, and that’s why he’s mudslinging right now. He doesn’t want voters to know the truth.”

A copy of the letter to Time Warner is attached.

Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006

Laura Lee
Time Warner Communications
Advertising Sales
580 North Fourth Street, Suite 350
Columbus OH 43215

Dear Ms. Lee:

I am contacting you to urge you to cease broadcasting false advertising purchased on your cable system by either the Jimmy Stewart for state representative campaign or the Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee.

The ad now airing on your cable system falsely claims that “Phillips also broke the law playing politics with a union contract.”

The words “also broke the law,” in the context of the full ad, leads your viewers to a single, unmistakable – and absolutely false – conclusion: That my recent work along with other Athens City Council members on a collective bargaining agreement somehow constituted illegal activity.

This is absolutely untrue. No one – not even the fiercest critics of the way city council handled our collective bargaining agreement with city employees – could remotely argue this is a criminal matter of any kind. At best, the matter the ad refers to was a healthy disagreement among elected officials about the proper way to go about revising a collective bargaining agreement. There is not even a civil action associated with this matter, nor even a suggestion of an investigation.

Your company needs to consider whether it is exposing itself legally by continuing to broadcast this absolutely false negative attack ad. You should know that I have retained legal counsel and I continue to weigh the options available to me.

Please let me know your decision in this matter. I can be reached at (740) 593-8301.

Sincerely,

Debbie Phillips
Candidate for state representative
92nd House District

Close the TV gap

2006-10-26T01:32:00.000-05:00

In these last days, our ability to communicate is crucial. Yesterday, my campaign launched a new TV commercial. In this ad, I laid out my positive agenda: the need to control spending with fiscal responsibility; ending our dependence on foreign oil by using renewable energy resources; creating a real plan and setting a new direction for Iraq; and passing middle class tax relief to make college more affordable.

Due to your past support, voters will get to see our ad 13 times in the week before the election. Unfortunately, those same voters will see Pryce’s ad 18 times. That’s 5 more opportunities for her to mislead voters and tear me down with negative ads.

To make sure each voter sees our ad 5 more times, we need the resources to counter Pryce. Each time the ad runs it costs $765 -or $25 a second. This is why I need your help.

Your contribution today of $25, $50, $100 or more will help make sure we continue to get our positive message of change to the voters of Ohio’s 15th.

This is a critical time for our campaign and our country. Sending me to Washington will help ensure that a new set of priorities takes hold, putting the issues that matter back on the national agenda.

Polls show we are winning. Now we have to close the deal.

We’ll do this the way we always have – together.

Thank you,

Mary Jo Kilroy

PS. Timing is critical. We must get our TV buy on the schedule now. Send your contribution today.

National Education Association Endorses Zack Space

2006-10-26T01:31:00.000-05:00

NEW PHILADELPHIA -- Zack Space, Democratic candidate for Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, recently received the endorsement from the National Education Association. The NEA is the nation’s largest professional employee organization dedicated to advancing public education.

“I am honored to be endorsed by the National Education Association. Education is the key to achieving the American dream and the teachers who work tirelessly to educate our children should be commended,” said Congressional Candidate Zack Space.

He continued, “Congress has carved out billions from education funding – this is wrong. If we fail to invest in our children, we fail to invest in our future. I will work to make education a priority in Congress.”

The NEA’s 3.2 million members work at every level of education. The Ohio Education Association Fund for Children and Public Education, which recommended Space’s candidacy, represents 130,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals in Ohio’s public schools, colleges and universities.

Buckeye State Blog Breaking

GEN. WESLEY CLARK TO RALLY FOR WULSIN SATURDAY

Voting Protecters Needed in OH-02

Schedule for Marc Dann, Candidate for Attorney General

An Important Message From Frances Strickland

Kilroy to Pryce: Denounce Boehner’s Negative Comments about U.S. Generals

Five Days and Counting. . . Help Bring Us to Victory

Volunteer for Victory

Edwards, Strickland, & Katz to Address Minimum Wage Saturday

Ohioans for a Fair Minimum Wage Events

Minimum Wage Campaign Rallies Support in Final Days

Victory Realized for Voters: Simplified Identification Requirements

AG Debate Details

Jennifer Brunner: Take 5

U.S. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO CAMPAIGN WITH SHERROD BROWN

Dann continues to ask Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for more information on alleged premium price fixing

Robin Weirauch for Congress: National Attention!

Candidate Zack Space to Campaign with Gubernatorial Candidate Ted Strickland Tomorrow

MANSFIELD, BOWLING GREEN NEWSPAPERS BACK CORDRAY

One down, one to go: Support Robin Weirauch for Congress!

VETERANS’ LEADER ENDORSES CORDRAY

Petro condemns attack ads against Attorneys

SPACE: VETERANS MUST BE A TOP PRIORITY IN CONGRESS

Faith Community Joins Hearts & Hands to Support Raising Ohio’s Minimum Wage

U.S. SENATOR BARACK OBAMA TO CAMPAIGN WITH SHERROD BROWN

Voter Education and Outreach

Bush Stands by His Man

Judge White Denies Election Directives to County Boards of Elections

Elections Commission Finds Probable Cause in Complaint that Taylor Lied

Montgomery ad named one of the worst by Dispatch columnist

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR SHERROD BROWN

Lewis Katz Commits to Make Schedule Available Online: Steve LaTourette Refuses

SHERROD BROWN CAMPAIGN RELEASES NEW AD

Frances Strickland: Thank You For All That You Do

Mark Dansack Stands for Change in Ohio, Mark Wagoner protects the status quo.

Michael J Fox Stumps for Brown

GOTV: Paint Ohio Blue!

Marian Harris for 19th HD

WULSIN AND CRANLEY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE DUMP

GLENN SPOT FOR CORDRAY AIRING STATEWIDE

Support Keeps Pouring In

Zack Space Tells Radio Listeners: “It’s Time for Change”

Ohio Democratic Party Files Election Complaint Alleging Taylor Lied on Campaign Trail

Marian Harris: Countdown to Election Day!

*ATTENTION VETERANS*

Kilroy to Attend Halloween "Trick or Treat" Event

Only Rape Crisis Center in 14th District to Close; LaTourette Ignores Letter Pleading for Help

Ohioans Endorse Sherrod Brown

Find Your Ten For Ted Today!

Judge Phelps-White Needs to Rule on “Blackwell Hasn’t Done His Job” Case

SHERROD BROWN, MICHAEL J. FOX, RALLY FOR CURE

Voter Protection Hotline -- Help on Election Day!

PRYCE IS WRONG: ON THE WAR IN IRAQ

PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR SHERROD BROWN

The finish line is so close!

ID Controversy Highlights Need for Senator Dann’s Voter Integrity Division

Wulsin Radio Ad Featuring Ben ‘Cooter’ Jones

WULSIN TO BARNSTORM WITH STRICKLAND MONDAY

“PRYCE IS WRONG” ON THE ECONOMY

Bombs Away

ENQUIRER ENDORSEMENT PRAISES WULSIN

URGENT! Election Day information from Marian Harris

Mary Jo Kilroy: Agent for Change

Candidates Space and Strickland Campaign in Ohio’s 18th District

NEW PRYCE AD DISTORTS FACTS, KILROY’S RECORD IN NEW NEGATIVE ATTACK

Esquire Endorsements: Bob Shamansky for Congress

HuffPo: GOP’s Mike DeWine Voted to Support Hateful Apartheid Regime

Dann to receive internal audit conducted by Bureau of Workers’ Compensation next week

ONE VOTE DOES COUNT IN THE SENATE

DeWine Thinks Senate Is No Place To Make Mistakes?

Candidate’s property transfer attracts federal attention

Robin Weirauch for Congress: Exciting news!!

Sunday All-Campaign Canvass

Letter from Mark Dansack

BWC refuses to release internal audit; Dann to file suit

SHERROD BROWN READY TO SERVE OHIO AS NEXT SENATOR

CORDRAY ASKS BLACKWELL TO MAKE SURE ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE COUNTED

DEWINE LIES AGAIN, FOLLOWS TAFT PLAYBOOK AND REPEATS FALSE ATTACK

Wulsin: I Won’t Hide From C-SPAN

Join us for Breakfast with Ohio’s Next Governor

ATTENTION VETERANS