tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-208896052024-03-07T00:58:37.896-05:00Ohio2006 BlogNews, analysis, and comments on Ohio elections.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.comBlogger970125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-30954201887953441712007-11-02T07:33:00.001-05:002007-11-02T07:34:14.154-05:00PLEASE GO TO OHIODAILYBLOG.COMMy blogging operations have been transferred to <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com122tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-70532267924873198172007-10-17T07:11:00.001-05:002007-10-17T07:17:19.926-05:00Take Ted Out To The BallgameMy Geauga County friends Terry and Janet Carson went to Tuesday night's Indians game with John Hazley and a special guest:<br /><p></p><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: center;" src="http://geaugadems.org/images/uploaded/IMG_1081_edited-3.jpg" width="400" /><br /><p></p><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: center;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FtKtHbfVhzmypUt5TaqxROI87Qts5l9AOkYS7Js07JyDXLQwDaI5_jbBvDzRaIkbd5U-CSdhcAWJj-3Tg32RZFnpVTfM2bDRW5s92O0Ug5M5IB4dQtaay5f5oZJ7TvJrRuTV/s320/IMG_1097.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5122277215428112706" width="400" />Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com68tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-58474599669012441152007-09-28T17:33:00.000-05:002007-09-29T06:58:59.605-05:00OH-5: Nine File for Special Primary ElectionsToday was the final day for filing election petitions in Wood County for the November 6th special primary elections in the 5th Ohio Congressional District. Subject to verification of petition signatures, the candidate list looks like this (h/t <a href="http://www.cqpolitics.com/2007/09/ohio_house_special_election_dr.html">CQ Politics</a>):<ul><br /><li>State Rep. <a href="http://www.lattaforcongress.com/">Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green)</a></li><br /><li>State Sen. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta)</li><br /><li>Retiree Michael J. Reynolds (R-Columbus Grove)</li><br /><li>Libertarian business consultant Mike Smitly (R-Van Wert)</li><br /><li>Teacher Mark Hollenbauh (R-Bowling Green)</li><br /><li>Fred Pieper (R)</li><br /><li>Former University Administrator <a href="http://www.robinforcongress.com/">Robin Weirauch (D-Napoleon)</a></li><br /><li>Dr. Earl Campbell (D-Perrysburg)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.georgemays.com/">George F. Mays (D-Norwalk)</a></li></ul>I received an email earlier today from a reliable source indicating that Sandusky County Commissioner Brad Smith (R-Fremont), who was widely regarded as a strong potential candidate from the eastern reaches of the district, decided against running at the eleventh hour. Smith was not convinced that he had a serious chance of success and is unwilling to play the spoiler or be a pawn. Reportedly he does have future political ambitions, and does not want to do anything to jeopardize his reputation as a sincere public servant.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">UPDATE:</span> There is an interview with new Democratic candidate Dr. Earl Campbell <a href="http://sentinel-tribune.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=11091&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1895&hn=sentinel-tribune&he=.com">here</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-38668428902161949782007-09-28T15:16:00.000-05:002007-09-28T15:17:44.790-05:00Calls for GOP Condemnation of Limbaugh "Phony Soldier" Remark GrowingI've been trying to keep track as <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/09/28/dems-seize-on-limbaughs-phony-soldier-comment/"></a>the number of Democrats calling on Republicans to condemn Rush Limbaugh's reprehensible remark on Wednesday that <a href="http://mediamatters.org/items/200709270010">U.S. military personnel returned from Iraq who criticize the war are "phony soldiers."</a> (Limbaugh also<a href="http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0907/General_Betray_Us.html"> called Vietnam veteran Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE) "Senator Betrayus" back in January</a>.) Here is a scorecard:<blockquote><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/09/28/dems-seize-on-limbaughs-phony-soldier-comment/">Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)</a>, Chair of the DCCC - "It minimizes the sacrifice our troops in Iraq and their families are making and has no place in the public discourse. Rush Limbaugh owes our military and their families an apology for his hurtful comments that minimize their service to our country."</blockquote><br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/calls-for-gop-condemnation-of-limbaugh.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-78713634354250831252007-09-28T14:43:00.001-05:002007-09-28T15:24:06.095-05:00New Fox Poll: Clinton & Obama Lead Three GOP CandidatesIn a <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/092707_2008_Bush_release_web.pdf">new poll just out from Fox News</a>, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) has a big (and growing) lead over three major GOP contenders in head-to-head matchups (parenthetical numbers are from July):<br /><br />46% (46%) Clinton (D)<br />39% (41%) Giuliani (R)<br /><br />48% (47%) Clinton (D)<br />35% (38%) Thompson (R)<br /><br />46% (45%) Clinton (D)<br />39% (42%) McCain (R)<br /><br />The poll didn't test Clinton against Romney, and it didn't include former senator John Edwards (D-NC). The poll shows Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) also leading against the three GOP contenders, although not by as much as Clinton (and his leads are shrinking):<br /><br />41% (45%) Obama (D)<br />40% (41%) Giuliani (R)<br /><br />45% (48%) Obama (D)<br />33% (30%) Thompson (R)<br /><br />40% (47%) Obama (D)<br />38% (37%) McCain (R)<br /><br />Among other findings, the poll puts approval of Bush at 34%, down from 37% right after the testimony of Gen. Petraeus before Congress. Approval of Democratic Party is at 50%, of the Republican Party is at 44%.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-78341669576374713392007-09-27T14:42:00.000-05:002007-09-27T14:44:18.742-05:00OH-14: O'Neill (D) Calls "Iraq Compact" Signed by LaTourette (R) a "Political Stunt"A few days ago Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township) joined a group of 24 House members in <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/09/latourette_seeks_end_to_capito.html">signing a "bipartisan compact on the Iraq debate</a>," which they call a pledge designed to reduce political infighting and promote a "bipartisan solution." Among other things, the document states that cutting funding for troops in Iraq would endanger service members, future military involvement in Iraq requires a "clearly defined and measurable mission," the Iraqi government must steer Iraq's future course, and U.S. troops must have adequate recuperation between deployments.<br /><br />Challenger Bill O'Neill (D-South Russell), the former appellate judge and candidate for Ohio Supreme Court, is calling it empty hypocrisy. O'Neill earned a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and his son served in Afghanistan and Iraq. O'Neill's press release states:<blockquote>"I agree that bipartisan efforts are the only way we are going to get our troops out of harm's way. But this compact appears to be nothing more than empty words in lieu of action - an attempt to put a happy face on what has become a foreign policy disaster.</blockquote><br /><br />Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/oh-14-oneill-d-calls-iraq-compact.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-88734834206963715192007-09-27T13:45:00.000-05:002007-09-27T13:47:09.514-05:00Brunner: Vote Law "Institutionalized" Vote CagingAn article published yesterday by McClatchy Newspapers' Washington Bureau says that <a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/election2008/story/19982.html">new voting laws in Ohio and Florida could dampen Democratic voting in 2008</a>, and the part about Ohio contains a hair-raising warning from Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner (D).<br /><br />The article starts with this description of the overall problem:<blockquote>Backers of the new laws say they're aimed at curbing vote fraud. But the statutes also could facilitate a controversial Republican tactic known as "vote caging," which the GOP tried in Ohio and Florida in 2004 before public disclosures foiled the efforts, said Joseph Rich, a former Justice Department voting rights chief in the Bush administration who's now with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights.<br /><br />Caging, used in the past to target poor minorities in heavily Democratic precincts, entails sending mass mailings to certain voters and then using the undelivered letters to compile lists of voters for eligibility challenges.</blockquote>Later it gets into the comments by Brunner:<blockquote>In Ohio, which swung the 2004 election to Bush, new Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner said in a phone interview that an election law passed last year and signed by former Republican Gov. Bob Taft effectively "institutionalized" vote caging.</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/brunner-vote-law-institutionalized-vote.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-40391346916727717072007-09-27T12:59:00.000-05:002007-09-27T13:01:45.255-05:00OH-13 & 18: Space (D) and Sutton (D) Promote Mortgage Crisis LegislationKudos to Rep. Zack Space (D-Dover) and Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Copley Township) for continuing to take the lead on legislation to address the continuing mortgage crisis.<br /><br />Yesterday the House Ways and Means Committee <a href="http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/oh18_space/waysandmeansforeclosuretax.html">passed legislative language introduced by Space that would severely cut the "foreclosure tax" that occurs when mortgage debt wiped out in bankruptcy is treated as taxable income to the now homeless and bankrupt borrower</a>. According to the press release, Committee Chairman Charles Rangel told Space that he "would like to applaud your leadership on this important issue, especially given that foreclosure rates in Ohio have risen 138% since August of 2006. Your state is just one example of the tremendous reach of the housing crisis, and its impact on working Americans."<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/oh-13-18-space-d-and-sutton-d-promote.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-15241483273070928252007-09-26T17:59:00.001-05:002007-09-26T17:59:47.589-05:00Real Struggle To End Iraq War Will Be Waged in Ohio and Florida, Not in CongressSalon's Washington Bureau Chief Walter Shapiro has an article out that <a href="http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/09/26/congress_v_iraq/">explains in straight-forward terms why Democrats in Congress can't end the war</a> -- they don't have enough votes to override a veto, and Republicans won't join them in opposing it. Here is the end of the article, the last paragraph of which really jumped out at me:<blockquote> With Congress slated to adjourn in mid-November, the clock is fast running out on legislative efforts to reshape the war. Symbolic gestures like "sense of the Senate" resolutions and toothless withdrawal plans -- even if they survive a filibuster -- are unlikely to cow the administration, especially next year when Bush has less than a year left in the Oval Office. Democrats in swing districts will be even more reluctant to engage in a scorched-earth battle with the administration over war funding as the congressional elections draw near.<br /><br />But the date that is most important to keep in mind is Feb. 6, the morning after the Super-Duper Party-Pooper orgy of primaries when both parties are likely to have de facto presidential nominees. The victorious Democrat in particular will want nothing to happen in Congress that could possibly jeopardize winning back the White House. And congressional leaders (along with most back-benchers) will be shrewd enough to understand that electing a Democratic president is the only surefire route to ending this debilitating war.<br /><br />That is why angry antiwar activists should realize that their targets are no longer skittish congressional Democrats and Beltway insiders who are their counselors in caution. This is not the moment for guerrilla theater and mau-mauing the moderates. For the true struggle on the home front to end the Iraq war is no longer going to be waged in the chambers of Congress. The coming battleground instead is the familiar terrain of Ohio and Florida -- and the hearts and minds of the swing voters who will decide the 2008 election.</blockquote>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-10676750661717152732007-09-26T16:21:00.001-05:002007-09-26T16:21:19.518-05:00OH-5: Grandillo (D) Out, Campbell (D) InA reader in Wood County informs me that Tiffin University administrator Mike Grandillo (D-Tiffin) has decided against running in the special primary election. However, petitions have been filed by Dr. Earl Campbell (D-Perrysburg), and there are reports that <a href="http://www.georgemays.com/">George F. Mays (D-Norwalk)</a> may also file, so it appears that there will be a Democratic primary.<br /><br />The other Democratic candidate, <a href="http://www.robinforcongress.com">Robin Weirauch (D-Napoleon)</a>, has sent out a press release indicating that she file petitions today with 150 signatures, the maximum allowed, from all across the district.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-8314104509100522282007-09-26T13:08:00.001-05:002007-09-26T13:08:34.117-05:00OH-5: Two New GOP Candidates DeclareThere have been four or five potential Republican candidates under discussion in the <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/oh-5-scorecard-scorecard-cant-tell.html">comment thread to this post</a>, but meanwhile the Toledo Blade has reported that on two new announced candidates, neither of them a familiar name. Michael J. Reynolds (R-Columbus Grove) is <a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070925/NEWS09/709250362">a retiree who misspelled the deceased Congressman's name as "Gilmore" in his campaign announcement</a>, and Mike Smitly (R-Van Wert) is <a href="http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070926/NEWS09/709260399">a business consultant who is actually a Libertarian</a>.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-57200845430310426082007-09-26T12:33:00.000-05:002007-09-26T12:35:01.301-05:00News and Notes: OhioWhat's going on today in the state whose width (220 miles) is the same as its height (220 miles):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ohio Farmers Support Strickland's Energy Plan</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assurances Regarding Production at Lordstown Included in UAW/GM Deal?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Senate Passes Bill to Delay Tamper-Proof Presciption Requirement</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ohio GOP Legislative Agenda Outlined</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Brunner to Rule Whether Summit County Independent Candidates Are GOP</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Read all about them at my new location, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/news-and-notes-ohio_26.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-3471078341916370482007-09-25T22:19:00.001-05:002007-09-25T22:19:47.417-05:00OH-10: Palmer Says Kucinich and Bush "Like Petulant Children"Democratic primary challenger <a href="http://www.rosemarypalmerforcongress.com">Rosemary Palmer (D-Cleveland)</a> lost no time in lambasting <a href="http://www.dennis4president.com">Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland)</a> for his mystifying vote against extension and expansion of SCHIP health insurance coverage for children:<blockquote>I was appalled by Congressman Kucinich’s vote against the State Children’s Health Insurance Program on the House floor tonight. This bill would have expanded an already successful program to provide health insurance to millions of children across the country. It takes some twisted logic for someone who claims to support health care coverage for all to oppose this necessary and overdue move in the right direction. <br /> <br />On one hand, President Bush vows to veto the bill, and on the other, Dennis Kucinich votes against it because he doesn’t think it is perfect. This is a perfect example of what is presently wrong with Washington decision-making. Polarizing positions work against functional compromise resulting in a government that cannot serve in the nation’s best interest. While fringe politicians like President Bush and Congressman Kucinich rant like petulant children, the nation remains stagnant and desperately needing effective leadership. Unfortunately, children in Northeast Ohio and around the country will pay the price for their obstinate actions. </blockquote>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-54938325673918000132007-09-25T22:14:00.001-05:002007-09-25T22:43:12.322-05:004 of 10 Ohio GOP House Members Vote for SCHIPThe House-Senate compromise bill to extend and expand SCHIP (<a href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/vote.xpd?vote=h2007-906">H.R. 976, House Vote #906</a>) passed tonight by a broad bipartisan majority of 265-159, with 45 Republicans voting "Yes" and 8 Democrats voting "No." Unfortunately, that is 24 votes short of the 2/3 majority needed to override the threatened presidential veto.<br /><br />A substantial <a href="http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070919/20070919006256.html?.v=1">majority of Americans, including a majority of Republican voters, support the bill</a>, as do <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14682003">a broad cross-section or trade organizations representing both the health care industry and insurance companies</a>. Nevertheless, touting exaggerated claims that consumers would be driven from private to government insurance, and patently false claims that the bill would allow illegal aliens to obtain government health benefits, the White House and GOP leaders were able to keep enough Republican House members in line to preserve the threat of a presidential veto.<br /><br />This vote against America's children will help define the 2008 election cycle. Those who opposed the bill will have much to explain to their constituents. In Ohio, the House members who voted "No" include four of the ten voting Republicans (Paul Gillmor being deceased and notyet replaced), and one Democrat -- none other than presidential aspirant Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland), who will no doubt say that the bill did not go far enough.<br /><br />Here is the GOP roll call:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">YES<br /></span>Mike Turner<br />Dave Hobson<br />Pat Tiberi<br />Steve LaTourette<br />Deborah Pryce<br />Ralph Regula<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">NO</span><br />Steve Chabot<br />Jean Schmidt<br />Jim Jordan<br />John Boehner<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-52493296000229878692007-09-25T14:05:00.000-05:002007-09-25T14:06:44.491-05:00News and Notes: OhioSome interesting news items from the state whose highest point is Campbell Hill, 1550 feet above sea level:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Space Hosts Conference Call on SCHIP</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dann Pressuring Facebook on Child Safety</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sutton Pans US-Peru FTA</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Oh, The Irony: Comparing Chabot and Schmidt Fund-Raising</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Read all about them at my new location, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/news-and-notes-ohio_25.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-31689431999770266332007-09-25T11:03:00.001-05:002007-09-25T11:03:21.029-05:00OH-14: Big Fund-Raiser for Bill O'Neill Saturday, With Ted & Lee<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/uploaded_images/woneill-759467.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/uploaded_images/woneill-759465.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />September 30th is a reporting deadline for campaign contributions, so Congressional challengers should be focusing their time and attention this week on raising as much early campaign cash as possible. A strong campaign fund-raising report now means enhanced credibility and momentum going forward, which translates into better fund-raising down the road. In other words, now is the time to collect critical seed money for the campaign ahead.<br /><br />Former state appellate judge <a href="http://www.oneill08.com/">Bill O'Neill (D-South Russell)</a>, taking on entrenched incumbent Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-Chagrin Falls) in the 14th Ohio Congressional District, understands this very well. He is having a major fund-raising event at Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio this Saturday, September 29th, from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Highlighting the event are special guests Gov. Ted Strickland (D) and Lt Gov. Lee Fisher (D). That will be an exciting campaign reunion, since O'Neill (then a candidate for Ohio Supreme Court) traveled the state with those two and the other statewide Democratic candidates during the wildy successful "Dream Team" bus tour in August, 2006.<br /><br />If you have an appetite for change on the political scene, this is an important race for you -- and now is definitely the time for you to help O'Neill out. The suggested donation for students and union members is $25, and for everyone else starts at $100 per guest (or $175 per couple). Higher levels are $150/$250 for "Patrons" and $300/$500 for "Friends." Event organizers Terry and Janet Carson ask that attendees start by making a contribution through <a href="http://www.actblue.com/page/oneill08">O'Neill's ActBlue page</a>, and they will then contact you before the event. Questions may be directed to Janet Carson at carsontrry-at-yahoo-dot-com.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-92201430648342100062007-09-24T14:56:00.000-05:002007-09-24T14:58:23.583-05:00News and Notes: OhioSome of what's happening today in the state that fought a boundary war with Michigan in 1835 over the "Toledo Strip":<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Space Announces Law to Improve VA Health Care</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Weirauch Declares Support for Striking GM Workers</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Board Certified Teachers Clustered in Wealthier Districts</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ABA Team Requests Death Penalty Moratorium; Strickland Will Think About It</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Strip Club Referendum is Over 100,000 Signatures Short</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read all about them at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/news-and-notes-ohio_24.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-80840034036778156622007-09-24T09:41:00.000-05:002007-09-24T09:43:02.443-05:00OH-7 & 16: More Buzz About Hobson (R) and Regula (R) RetiringIn a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/22/AR2007092201024.html">piece in the Washington Post by Chris Cillizza and Shailagh Murray yesterday</a>, the authors include Rep. Dave Hobson (R-Springfield) and Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) in a list of six GOP House members "who might bow out over the coming weeks and months." They also comment that "the sudden recent death of Rep. Paul Gillmor, a 20-year home-state colleague, could help tip the balance for" Hobson, and that Regula's "primary opponent invited Regula supporters to an upcoming fundraiser."<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/oh-7-16-more-buzz-about-hobson-r-and.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-35101444115608670012007-09-23T17:29:00.001-05:002007-09-23T17:31:48.041-05:00News and Notes: OhioIt's Sunday evening and I thought I'd clear out the feed reader - so here's a sampling of what's going on in the state whose name is derived from the Seneca word <span style="font-style: italic;">ohi:yo'</span>, meaning beautiful river:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">County GOP Seeks Expulsion of Kucinich</span> - As reported today in the Cleveland Plain Dealer blog <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/openers/2007/09/recalling_kucinich_another_lon.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Openers</span></a>, the Cuyahoga County Republican Party has created a <a href="http://www.recalldennis.om/">web site</a> to support its plan to petition the Ohio General Assembly to ask the U.S. House of Representatives to expel Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland). Echoing Kucinich's primary challenger <a href="http://www.rosemarypalmerforcongress.com/">Rosemary Palmer (D-Cleveland)</a>, local GOP officials contend that Kucinich is ignoring his constituents for the sake of his long-shot presidential campaign. Of course, the chances of such an expulsion occurring are infinitely more remote than of Kucinich becoming president. Meanwhile, Kucinich will take his presidential campaign to NBC's <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/">Tonight Show with Jay Leno</a></span> tomorrow evening. He will tout his soon-to-be-released autobiography, <span style="font-style: italic;">Courage to Survive</span>. (I am NOT making this up.)<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/news-and-notes-ohio_23.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-73723483477990180882007-09-21T16:36:00.001-05:002007-09-21T16:36:38.248-05:00OH-5: Damschroder (R) Out; New GOP Names MentionedI have received an email from a reader in the eastern part of the 5th Congressional District who confirms an anonymous commenter's report that former State Rep. Rex Damschroder (R-Fremont) has decided not to run. He goes on to say that because of that decision, and a local desire to have a candidate from the eastern portion of the district, there is a movement underway to get one of the following three people to jump into the race:<blockquote>* State Rep. Jeff Wagner (R-Sycamore), a farmer, who can only run one more time due to term limits;<br /><br />* Mayor Terry Overmyer (R-Fremont), a businessman who is the longest-serving mayor in Fremont's history; and, <br /><br />* Three-term Sandusky County Commissioner Brad Smith (R-Fremont), an attorney, who worked for the Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee under JoAnn Davidson and has served as a City Councilman and an prosecutor.</blockquote>Any of these candidates would have an uphill battle in the primary, but would carry a lot of votes in the eastern part of the district, and that could tilt the race from State Rep. Bob Latta (centrally located in Bowling Green) toward State Sen. Steve Buehrer (from the western town of Delta).<br /> <br />Clearly, there will be many more meetings held this weekend to figure this all out - but very interesting, not so much because any of these people have a realistic chance to win, but who they take votes away from, thus affecting the outcome.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-75071080702419485702007-09-21T16:21:00.000-05:002007-09-21T16:22:56.695-05:00Republican Defectors May Defeat Threatened Veto of S-CHIP ExtensionHouse and Senate leaders are negotiating a compromise bill to extend and expand the S-CHIP program, which allows children in certain low-to-middle income families to enroll in Medicaid. (The popular program will expire in ten days without Congressional renewal.) The compromise bill reportedly would permit states to extend the program to families with incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, sufficient to permit Ohio to go ahead with the plans reflected in the recently passed state budget.<br /><br />However, Bush <a href="http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/bush-renews-threat-to-veto-childrens-health-legislation-2007-09-21.html">reiterated the other day that he would veto the compromise bill</a>, and called on Congress to instead pass a law that essentially extends the program with very little increase. The Senate version of the extension passed with a veto-proof bipartisan majority (it got 68 votes), but the House version did not (225-204). Thus, the question becomes whether enough additional GOP legislators will defect in order to defeat a veto.<br /><br />Suddenly, the signs are looking good.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/republican-defectors-may-defeat.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-40291472915609514682007-09-21T15:40:00.000-05:002007-09-21T15:42:56.684-05:00Fave Comments on the MoveOn MolehillRep. Pete Stark (D-CA), quoted in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/taylor-marsh/the-democrats-should-have_b_65253.html">a piece by blogger Taylor Marsh</a>, says what I wish Democratic leaders would say:<blockquote>"I commend MoveOn for their ad and for speaking truth to power," said Stark. "Up is not down, the earth is not flat, and the surge is not working. General Petraeus betrayed his own reputation by standing with George Bush in opposition to the timely withdrawal of all of our brave men and women from Iraq. I thank MoveOn for their patriotic ad and call on Petraeus to help Bush end a war the President should have never started."</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/fave-comments-on-moveon-molehill.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-49550740090085704182007-09-21T15:22:00.000-05:002007-09-21T15:23:57.061-05:00OH Sen-22: Interview with Mike Todd (D)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://toddforohio.com/images/photos/MikeTodd.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 80px;" src="http://toddforohio.com/images/photos/MikeTodd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>A few weeks ago I spoke with Michael Todd (D-Medina Township) about his campaign for the 22nd Ohio Senate seat of term-limited Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster). Todd is an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Summit County and a Township Trustee for Medina Township. He is also a member of the Ohio Democratic Party State Central Committee. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He will face the winner of the GOP primary, for which State Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville) and State Rep. Jim Carmichael (R-Wooster) are declared candidates.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Listen to the audio and read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/oh-sen-22-interview-with-michael-todd-d.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-71662838462622607162007-09-21T10:33:00.001-05:002007-09-21T11:33:47.573-05:00OH-5: Karen Gillmor (R) and Wachtmann (R) Out - Plus GOP Poll ResultsThe Columbus Dispatch blog <span style="font-style:italic;">The Daily Briefing</span> reported yesterday that Karen Gillmor (R-Dublin), widow of Rep. Paul Gillmor (R), <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/dailybriefing/2007/09/karen_gillmor_wont_run_for_hus.shtml">will not run in the special election in the 5th Ohio Congressional District</a>. However, the same item reports that State Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) is circulating petitions, and Right Angle Blog posted an announcement from Wachtmann yesterday that he is making an announcement today in Henry County, <del>followed by stops in five other counties in the district, so Wachtmann appears to be in. (I'm waiting for a call back from Wachtmann's spokesperson to confirm.)</del> I was totally wrong, Matt at Right Angle Blog <a href="http://www.rightangleblog.com/2007/09/21/i-was-right-wachtmann-is-out-endorses-latta/">was right</a>. Wachtmann is not running, and instead is endorsing State Rep. Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green).<br /><br />A source in Wood County tells me that former State Rep. Rex Damschroder (R-Fremont) is also circulating petitions, so he is a good bet to enter as well. That makes the GOP field Latta, State Sen. Steve Buehrer (R-Delta), and probably Damschroder.<br /><br />The following poll was taken of 300 primary voters by the Latta campaign (reportedly available to sbuscribers at <a href="http://www.hotline.com">Hotline.com</a>):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Primary Election Matchups</span> <br />Latta 34% <br />Wachtmann 20% <br />Buehrer 17% <br /><br />Latta 30%<br />Wachtmann 18%<br />Buehrer 14%<br />Damschroder 12% <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Favorable/Unfavorable</span><br />Latta 47%/ 3%<br />Wachtmann 35%/ 5%<br />Buehrer 30%/ 3%<br />Damschroder 29%/ 5%<br /><br />Those are suprisingly good numbers for Wachtmann against Buehrer. I would have expected them to be tied, or for Buehrer to be ahead. The two of them have traded State Rep. and State Sen. seats due to term limits, much like Latta and State Sen. Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green) in the eastern part of the 5th Congressional District.Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20889605.post-55100703548588716132007-09-21T09:50:00.000-05:002007-09-21T09:52:16.950-05:00A Reader Expresses Disgust at Senate Condemnation of MoveOnI'm "turning over the mic" to a reader who sent me this message about yesterday's political stunt by the GOP:<blockquote>[T]he reason this has caused me to taste my own bile so bitterly this afternoon is it shows that <span style="font-style: italic;">this</span> is the kind of pathetic b*llsh*t that our Senate has time for--perhaps being of the view that we have no domestic or international policy problems that we should actually be worried about.</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Read the rest of this post at my new location, <a href="http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/2007/09/reader-expresses-disgust-at-senate.html">Ohio Daily Blog</a>.</span>Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15295114781890250083noreply@blogger.com3