Who paid for the gas?

John McCain has been traveling to every village and city in Ohio. However, McCain just can't get the big crowds to his rallies and has resorted to bringing in school children to his events. As an Ohio taxpayer, I'd like to know if the McCain campaign is paying for the gasoline for the school buses that are bringing the children to his events. Budgets are tight in Ohio and school budgets are even tighter. Some districts have had to do without field trips, camps, and even some teachers in efforts to trim their budgets. John McCain's campaign should have reimbursed these districts for providing audiences for him. I do not like the fact that McCain is using the children for his own political gain.

According to the L.A. Times....."For the second day, McCain's campaign padded his relatively small crowds with schoolchildren -- more than 1,000 in Hanoverton....."

Here is a similar story from the Washington Post about McCain rounding up school children for a rally in Defiance, Ohio: ....." Yesterday, the fire marshal estimated that 6,000 people had attended McCain's event in Defiance, Ohio. But then NBC News learned from a local school district official that 4,000 of those people were children bused in from area schools, including the entire 2,500-student Defiance School District......"

I sincerely hope that the people in these districts and others check to see if McCain paid for the bus gasoline.
Ohioans and their children do not deserve this kind of abuse.

___________

This evening our family enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory on Polaris Parkway. During dinner, we had a discussion about the presidential election. After dinner, I almost lost my entire dinner when I saw an entire family wearing "McCain-Palin" gear and name tags that read "Joe" for the McCain's pal, Joe the Plumber (not really named "Joe" and not a real plumber). Apparently these people had just left the McCain rally at Nationwide Arena. (I'm soooooo glad I missed it.) Reports say that the arena was less than half filled with supporters.

The original McCain rally was scheduled to begin at 5:00pm, but because of a major fire on the west side of Columbus, McCain and the entire city were involved in a major traffic jam. The rally started later and the lead story was not McCain, but the fire.

Why is McCain wasting his time and money in Ohio? Ohio's citizens have been devastated by Bush's economic policies. McCain promises a near carbon copy of Bush's failed policies. McCain will continue to give huge tax cuts to the rich and regular citizens will get just a small pittance.

It is time for change. Vote Obama. Vote Democratic.

DC Lobbyists Salivating for Stivers

The election isn't even over and already DC lobbyists are excited about the possibility of one of their own joining them. According to Roll Call, some DC lobbyists are coming to Ohio to help Republican candidate for Congress, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist:

......Republican lobbyist Sam Geduldig of Clark Lytle & Geduldig will camp out in Columbus, Ohio, doing all he can for his party’s White House nominee, Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), and for Congressional candidate Steve Stivers, who is vying to hold the 15th district for the GOP now that Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce is retiring.....

Geduldig, a financial services lobbyist, is trying to bring Stivers into the club.

The only thing stopping Stivers from hanging out with lobbyists in DC is your vote. Stop Stivers from joining them. Vote for Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy.

Still More Concerns About Jon Husted

Voters in Kettering, Ohio are concerned that Republican Jon Husted really doesn't live in their district, yet he is running for office to represent them. Several complaints have already been submitted to the Montgomery County Ohio Board of Elections. If you would like to make an inquiry or complaint about Jon Husted's residency status (He is living full time in Upper Arlington, Ohio), please contact the numbers below from the Montgomery Co. Board of Elections:

Address:
451 W. Third Street
P.O. Box 8705
Dayton, Ohio 45481-8705

Phone: (937) 225-5656
Fax: (937) 496-7798

E-mail: mcboe@mcohio.org

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

What about those Republicans?

> More trouble for Jon Husted???? The Dayton Daily News has this:
A registered Republican in House Speaker Jon Husted's district on Tuesday, Oct. 28, asked the Montgomery County Board of Elections to investigate whether Husted, R-Kettering, lives in his district. The call for an investigation by Regine Elliott of Kettering is in addition to one filed Monday by ProgressOhio.org asking that the board investigate whether Husted is properly registered to vote and a resident of his legislative district.....

How can Husted live in Upper Arlington, Ohio with his family and yet claim to be a resident of Montgomery County?

> Another Republican conviction? You betcha!!! Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska was convicted of 7 felony counts. The San Francisco Chronicle has more about Stevens. What is it with these Republicans? Do they have different ethics than the rest of us? Do you remember Bob Ney and Duke Cunningham?

> Someone within the McCain campaign called Sarah Palin a "whack job" according to a story at AOL News. Is Sarah Palin a little annoying for McCain?

Could Democrats Win Control of the Ohio Legislature?

> With the election just one week away, it is fair to ponder whether Democrats could win control of the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate. Term limits have stopped some powerful Republicans from running again. In some areas, Democrats have made some significant inroads in previously Republican strongholds. Also, the Obama-Biden campaign has a presence in all 88 counties and their work will definitely benefit other Democrats. For real change, vote Democratic.

> Swing State Project has the results of a new poll and it looks great for Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy, candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district:

SurveyUSA (10/25-26, likely voters, 9/19-21 in parens):

Mary Jo Kilroy (D): 47 (47)
Steve Stivers (R): 41 (42)
Don Eckhart (I): 6 (5)
Mark Noble (L): 2 (3)
(MoE: ±4%)

...A full 37% of likely voters say that they have already voted, and of that group, Kilroy leads by 54-38. That's an awful lot of ground for Stivers to make up on election day.


No matter what the polls are indicating now, get out there and vote!!!!

Where does Jon Husted really live?

I guess if you are a Republican, you can have multiple homes (Re: John McCain has 7 homes.) However, the Republican I am talking about this time is Ohio Speaker of the House Jon Husted. Husted represents the 37th district in the Ohio House but is now running for the Ohio Senate. The Dayton Daily News has raised questions about Husted's residency. If Husted really doesn't live in Kettering, how can he legally represent the district? I think that the people in Husted's current district should start asking questions. How can Husted claim to know about the concerns of the people of Kettering if he is sipping lattes in Upper Arlington?

I think that voters in the 6th district of the Ohio Senate, should start asking themselves why they should vote for Husted. John Doll, the Democratic candidate, actually lives in the district and promises to finish the term. Husted and the Ohio GOP have plans to have Husted run for Ohio Secretary of State. This is one of the reasons that Husted is spending so much time in Columbus and Upper Arlington.


If you happen to be in Upper Arlington, you just might see Jon Husted.

UPDATE: This is from the Columbus Dispatch---
.....Husted says Kettering is his legal residence, though he spends the majority of his time living in Upper Arlington with his family. He came under scrutiny after the Dayton Daily News reported that he and his wife are taking 2.5percent property-tax reductions at both homes. Ohio law only allows for it at one principal residence......
.....A state lawmaker must be a legal resident of the district he or she represents. Ohio election law says "the place where the family of a married person resides shall be considered to be the person's place of residence," unless the spouses have separated.....

The Ohio Election Board is rumored to decide today about Husted's residency. Husted has spread so much acrimony in his dealings with various people within the state government, it would be nice to see him lose this one.

Why You Should Vote Democratic

Over the last few years, we've had major gridlock in Washington. Even though the Democrats had a majority, the Republicans continued to use filibusters to block meaningful legislation. Yes, it is time for change.

I'm suggesting that people vote for all Democrats. With an ironclad majority in the House and Senate, a Democratic President would be able to get things done. If a Democratic majority doesn't exist in January, we'll continue to be held hostage to the whims and right wing ideology of people like Boehner, McConnell, Bachmann, Goode, and others.

In Ohio's 15th district, vote for Mary Jo Kilroy for Congress and every Democrat on the ballot. We need to fix things in Washington ASAP.

Even More Ohio Politics

>> Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy, has been getting lots of support from voters and the Democratic Congressional Committee. Recent polls have shown Kilroy slightly ahead of the Republican candidate. The Kilroy campaign has been hitting the Republican's strong ties to banks, given his many years as a bank lobbyist and contributions from BankPac. In these tough economic times, people don't need to send someone to Congress who wants to protect banks.

Kilroy also wants to end the war in Iraq. Her Republican opponent------ not so much. He likes Bush's Iraq war plan which is everlasting war.

> A story on a local TV station got my attention. A reporter was interviewing people and asked if they had made up their minds about their presidential pick. One man said that he had always voted Republican, but this year he can't afford it. He must have checked the Obama tax cut site where he saw how much he'd save with Obama's plan.

> Recent presidential polls have shown Barack Obama ahead in Ohio. As we've seen in the past, we can never underestimate the Republicans' attempts to steal this election. Be vigilant. If you haven't voted yet, make sure that you vote early on election day. Vote for Obama. Vote for change.

> Looks like Bush favorite, Republican Rep. Steve Chabot (OH-1st) is in an extremely tight race. Will Chabot's support of Bush's policies finally end his congressional career?

Battleground Ohio

With the election just a week and a half away, things are hot in Ohio:

In Ohio's 1st District Democrat Steve Driehaus debated Republican Rep. Steve Chabot last night. Here are some highlights from the Cincinnati Enquirer :

"We need to change Washington and in order to do that we need to elect new representatives," Driehaus said...

...On health care: Chabot said he would act to make it easier for small businesses to offer health care to employees: Driehaus called for reform in which people don't rely on emergency rooms for primary care.

"The congressman has been in office for 14 years, have your health-care costs come down?" Driehaus asked. "We need change in Washington, rather than just talking about problems over and over."

Chabot voted against SCHIP (the health care plan for children) and was rewarded with President Bush attending his fundraiser. YouTube has this:

>>> The presidential polls for Ohio have some different results (see below) but in the end, Ohioans are looking for change.

Ohio.com (Akron Beacon Journal):

....Quinnipiac University poll, presidential race in Ohio (20 electoral votes) among likely voters.

THE NUMBERS: Barack Obama 52 percent, John McCain 38 percent...

***** A new smear campaign ad from extreme right wing group, Let Freedom Ring, is attacking Sen. Barack Obama over Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. However, it doesn't mention John McCain's campaign employees who've worked as lobbyists for Freddie and Fannie. Why not? (see Wash. Post article)

>>>>> Ohioans are not impressed by the Republicans spending over $150,000 to dress up Sarah Palin. Is it legal to spend campaign money to dress a candidate and her entire family????????

I think Ohioans respect this type of fiscal conservative----- Barack Obama (Daily Kos) who has resoled his shoes:

Barack Obama doesn't need $400 shoes like McCain. Ohioans like Obama because he is ready, willing, and able to handle our economy. Unfortunately, McCain still doesn't understand the economy.

This is from the Washington Monthly:

On the October 15 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, Bob Grant said: "[W]hat is that flag that Obama's been standing in front of that looks like an American flag, but instead of having the field of 50 stars representing the 50 states, there's a circle?" He then said: "Is the circle the 'O' for Obama? Is that what it is?" Grant later said: "[D]id you notice Obama is not content with just having several American flags, plain old American flags with the 50 states represented by 50 stars? He has the 'O' flag. And that's what that 'O' is. That's what that 'O' is."

John Cole also noted a Townhall commenter who was outraged that Obama would "change" the American flag: "I don't want to hear any looney left comments that they are only decoration. They ARE a modification of the American flag."

Seriously, why are some right wingers so ignorant? Right: Obama in front of the "O" flag, which is actually the Ohio flag and has been since 1902.

Ohio's 15th Still Hot

With election day just around the corner, things are hopping in Ohio's 15th district. Democratic candidate Mary Jo Kilroy is enjoying very positive and enthusiastic support from voters. Her opponent, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is worried about losing support because of two other independent conservative candidates for the congressional seat. In these tough economic times, voters are a little wary of someone like Stivers who has a long history of being a bank lobbyist and his support for predatory lenders. Seriously, if banks are having difficulty, why would a voter support a former bank lobbyist to send to Congress?

Time Magazine had this to say about the election in Ohio's 15th district:

...A key reason for Kilroy's strong showing is a little thing called the global financial crisis. Stivers spent seven years advocating looser bank regulation as a lobbyist for the former Bank One, a longtime corporate powerhouse in Columbus that is now part of banking giant JPMorgan Chase. As recently as last year, that would have been an asset in white-collar Columbus.

But almost as soon as Stivers announced his campaign last November, Kilroy started blasting him for his connections to predatory lenders and the mortgage meltdown. "Kilroy has been coming at him like a ton of bricks for months over this bank lobbyist thing," said James Nash, who covers the race for the Columbus Dispatch.....

***** BIG NEWS!

The Ohio State University is still the largest campus in the U.S.

Dayton Business Journal:

....University data puts enrollment at Ohio State’s main campus in Columbus at 53,715 students this year, up 2 percent from 52,568 a year ago. That surpassed Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, which has 52,734 students, and the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus, which has 51,413 students.

OSU’s Columbus campus has been ranked the nation’s largest for three consecutive years. Arizona State took the top spot in 2005.

The university also said enrollment at all six of its campuses set a record at 61,568 students – nearly 1,000 more than enrollment in fall 1991, which was the school’s high-water mark for nearly two decades....

Wow!

(The Republicans are worried that a majority of those 53,715 students will vote Democratic.)

Show Women Some Respect

There have been a slew of attacks on women by Republicans. It appears that Republican men, especially those running for office or in the media, find it necessary to insult women. Here are some examples:

1. Media Matters has the story information a right wing radio host (KSFO):

On the October 17 broadcast of San Francisco radio station KSFO's The Lee Rodgers Show, Rodgers said: "[Y]ou look at many -- perhaps most -- but many of the women who are professed leaders of the feminist movement in this country, and they're a bunch of hags." He added: "They couldn't get laid in a men's prison, let's be honest about it."

There's more on Rodgers but I'm resisting posting it because I'm trying to keep my blood pressure down.

2. Over at Escahton, Atrios has a video in which McCain says that Palin is ".... a direct counterpoint to the liberal feminist agenda...."





We know what that "liberal feminist agenda" is. McCain and Palin are against equal pay for equal work for women. McCain and Palin believe that even though a woman in a similar job might be more qualified than a man, women should get paid less. For those women out there that are supporting their families, McCain and Palin have just given you a slap in the face. McCain and Palin are also against women being able to decide their own reproductive freedom. They want to come between you and you doctor.

3. Do you remember when Republican candidate for Congress Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, said this about his Democratic opponent, Mary Jo Kilroy? The Columbus Dispatch (8/3/2008):

As he savored a cheeseburger with everything, state Sen. Steve Stivers was asked, "What is Mary Jo Kilroy's Achilles' heel?"

He didn't swallow the answer: "Have you ever met her?"

And then, "Voters want to vote for someone they like."

I've met Kilroy and she is intelligent, friendly, and knowledgeable about the issues. She knows the people of the 15th district and she understands how we've suffered under the miserable failures of the Bush administration. People must like Kilroy and her work because she has been elected to public office many times. Stivers, on the other hand, sounds like an arrogant fool.

(Campaign Silo reminds us of Stivers behavior:

From The Canton Repository:

The state champion girls volleyball team of Mercy High School in Cincinnati was in the Senate chamber recently to receive a resolution recognizing their accomplishment.

They had gathered around State Sen. Eric Kearney, D-Cincinnati, causing fellow Sen. Steve Stivers, R-Columbus, to comment that Kearney “attracts all the attractive women.”

Reminded that he had just returned from his honeymoon after marrying the former Karen Tabor two weeks earlier, Stivers backpedaled.

“I’m allowed to window shop, just not buy,” he said...

To all the Republicans who have insulted female candidates and all women, remember......

'Never underestimate the power of a woman.' Women are working harder than ever to protect and support their families and communities. Show us some respect.

McCain's People and Tax Plan

John McCain doesn't really care about the middle class. With his entire campaign being orchestrated by lobbyists, McCain offers up cardboard figures to the voters. McCain routinely talks about "Joe the Plumber" at his rallies. "Joe the Plumber" is actually Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher from Holland, Ohio. "Joe" is not a licensed plumber, according to the local plumbers union. "Joe" apparently does not like all the publicity he is getting. The Caucus at The New York Times:

....According to public records, Mr. Wurzelbacher has been subject to two liens, each over $1,000, one of which — a personal tax lien — is still outstanding....

"Joe" isn't what he seems. McCain's tax package is not what he claims. It won't take care of the middle class, but he won't tell you that.

If McCain gets elected, his lobbyist campaign staff will be overjoyed. Of course, there would be lots of celebrating at the big oil companies, banks, etc. They will be rolling in the cash with the McCain tax breaks.

It is time to get serious about our country's future. Vote Obama-Biden and support every Democrat running for office. We need change.

Nothing to Offer

It has gotten down right disgusting. The Republican Party has absolutely nothing to offer the American people and so they are left to smears and lies. Now Ohio's Republican U.S. Senator George Voinovich has added to the mess. As if on cue, Voinovich called Sen. Barack Obama a "socialist." We will remember Voinovich's words when he is up for re-election. In the mean time, I'd suggest people call Voinovich's office and tell him how disgusted they are with him.

The Republicans have sold their souls. They have nothing--- no money, no diversity, no vision, no plan for economic recovery. The only thing the GOP can offer is the same old trickle down economics and smears.
Shame on the Republicans.

Stivers Still Supports Bush Economic Policy

An article in this morning's Columbus Dispatch lets voters know that Republican candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, still is hanging onto the Bush economic and tax policies. In a debate on WOSU, Stivers wants to continue the Bush tax cuts which tend to favor the rich. Stivers, who once said that he wanted to bring change in Washington, obviously is still embracing the failed economic policies of the Bush administration. Stivers and his lobbyist friends associated with the banking and oil companies, are anxious to get Stivers elected in order to protect their industries. Can we really afford to send Stivers to Washington, DC given that our state is in such need of economic help?

In my humble opinion, the only real change we can bring is electing Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy for Ohio's 15th congressional district. Kilroy has worked hard for veterans and regular people. Kilroy would be an asset in Washington because she could help get things done if Barack Obama is elected President.

A vote for Stivers is a vote for the same Bush trickle down economics policies which have been disasters for working people. Kilroy represents real change and hope for us.

Pelosi and the Clintons

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was in Columbus to support the candidacy of the Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy.
Ohio.com:
...A group of Ohio women told Pelosi about the challenges they faced in the global economy, as well as their struggles to get affordable health care for themselves and their families.

Pelosi told them Kilroy would fight for priorities such as expanding children's health care and stem cell research and improving college affordability. She said Kilroy's election was crucial because the concerns of the district mirror the concerns of the nation.

"When Mary Jo speaks for this district, she speaks for the concerns of most of the people in America," Pelosi said. "There's no place in America that does not share the concerns that we've heard around this table today."

>>> Big news! President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton will be in central Ohio to support Barack Obama and Democratic candidates, according to the Akron Beacon Journal:

President Clinton ".....will then head to Columbus for a Democratic fundraiser at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel downtown.

Hillary Clinton will have rallies in Youngstown and Delaware on Friday. The first will be at the Beeghly Center at Youngstown State University, One University Plaza in Youngstown. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

The second will be in the gymnasium of Buckeye Valley Local High School, 901 Coover Road in Delaware. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the program starting at 3 p.m.....

Call the Ohio Democratic Party (614-221-6563 or 1-877-OHIO-DEM or FAX 614-221-0721) or visit http://www.ohiodems.org/Clinton for additional information.

Just remember--- we cannot afford the failed Republican policies of trickle down economics. It is time for change in Ohio. Vote Democratic!

More on Ohio Politics

- A recent ad by Republican Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, claims that Democratic candidate Mary Jo Kilroy has been wrong for years. Mary Jo Kilroy, the Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, has been elected time and time again as Franklin County Commissioner and in the past, to the Columbus School Board. Apparently, Stivers must not be dealing with reality. If voters continue to elect Kilroy to office, they must have a lot of confidence in her work and ethics.

Stivers is relatively new to the political scene. Even though he is new to public office, he has been able to garner big support and PAC money from oil PACs and bank PACs. If elected, how much allegiance will Stivers owe to those oil and bank PAC contributors????? Something tells me, Stivers would be an oil and bank puppet. With his continued strong ties to banks, how could we expect anything less?

Kilroy, on the other hand, has received money from working people. If elected, Kilroy would have to answer to the working people that voted for her.

________________

- Republican candidate for Ohio's 12th district, Rep. Pat Tiberi, has voted against veterans, homeowners, energy independence, and senior citizens. Let me elaborate:

1.> Tiberi voted NO on health care benefits for National Guardsmen, Reservists, and their families
(2005: H.R. 1815, Roll No. 221).
2.> Tiberi voted NO on the Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (2008: H.R. 3221, Roll No. 301, 302, & 303).
3.> Tiberi voted NO to Production of Renewable Engergies (2008: H.R. 2776) and the raising of Vehicle Mileage Standard (2001: H.R. 4, Roll No. 311).
4.> Tiberi voted NO on Affordable Medicare Benefits by voting against negotiating lower drug costs
(2007: H.R. 4).

Isn't it time for change in Ohio's 12th district? Democrat David Robinson is the best candidate for Ohio's 12th congressional district.

Obama- Vote for Hope

I just received an e-mail about this new YouTube video. Watch it and pass it to friends and family.





Awesome.

Ohio's Hot Congressional Races

* In the current issue of the Columbus Monthly, an article called 'The Obama Effect,' has pollsters predicting many Democratic candidates will win election because of the type of voters Obama is attracting. It is true that the typical Obama voter is enthusiastic and anxious for change. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

* A debate between candidates for Ohio's 7th district was very lively. Democrat Sharen Neuhardt and Republican Steve Austria had much to say especially about immigration and the Iraq war. According to the Dispatch, Neuhardt supports a careful withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Austria, on the other hand, appears to support continuing the war in Iraq. In my opinion, Austria seems to support Bush and McCain unending war in Iraq.

* President Bill Clinton will be a guest at a fundraiser for the Ohio Democratic Party. Call the ODP for more information at (614) 270-3715.

* Mary Jo Kilroy, Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, has a lot to offer voters. Kilroy would offer a fresh perspective in Washington DC. Mary Jo doesn't have to answer to oil lobbyists or banks (like someone else we know who has received campaign contributions from bank and oil PACs.)

* Ohio's 1st congressional district has a hot race with Democrat Steve Driehaus and Republican Rep. Steve Chabot. I guess if people really want change in Washington, they'll vote for Driehaus. Voters in the first district should be reminded that Chabot was a big supporter of Bush's privatizing social security plan. Imagine what would have happened to the elderly if Bush and Chabot would have won on that issue. What would senior citizens be doing now if their social security had been invested in the stock market? Chabot has been in lock step with President Bush. If citizens in the 1st district really want to break from the Bush agenda and his failed policies, they need to elect Driehaus for Congress.

Central Ohio Notes

> Word has it that Ohio Republicans are extremely worried about losing votes in Ohio's 15th congressional district. An article in the Columbus Dispatch indicates that one particular independent candidate could cut into the vote totals for Ohio 15th congressional race. Don Eckhart, an independent, has secured endorsements from anti-reproductive freedom groups. Eckhart's right wing beliefs could pull votes away from former bank lobbyist and Republican, Steve Stivers.

In the last election, Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy lost by just over 1,000 votes. If Stivers loses votes to Eckhart and another Libertarian candidate, Kilroy could win this district.

Call Steve Stivers' office (614) 358-0800 and tell him to stop the smears and lies against Kilroy.

> In my discussion with neighbors and friends, I've noticed that those supporting Obama are highly motivated voters. Many have volunteered, voted early or by absentee ballot, and attended Obama rallies. There is a real enthusiasm for Obama and change.

Why is the GOP attacking ACORN?

> Several years ago when I was a college student, ACORN helped us deal with an unscrupulous landlord. Now ACORN is under attack by the Republicans for what they call "fraudulent voter registration" forms. The fact of the matter is the people that ACORN have been registering are the working poor, the elderly, and young voters. Most of these people would vote Democratic. That is why the Republicans are attacking ACORN. Republicans want to prevent Democratic voters from voting. If you've noticed the loud, obnoxious, talking points coming from the Republicans and Faux News about ACORN, it might make you believe that the GOP has organized a smear campaign against the group. Once again the Republicans are doing their part to disenfranchise voters.

Call your local Republican Party office and tell them to lay off ACORN and Barack Obama. We want free and fair elections.

Obama in Columbus Today!!!

Just a reminder:
Sen. Barack Obama will be in Columbus today at a rally at Genoa Park,
303 W. Broad Street (across from Vets Memorial). Doors open at 11AM and the program starts at 1:30PM.

* It is getting dirty here in Ohio's 15th district. The Republican sleaze machine has been attacking Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th district, Mary Jo Kilroy. The Republicans have nothing new to offer except more of the same pro-oil company and pro-bank agenda. The Republican candidate, Steve Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, supports the Bush economic strategy (trickle down economics) and continuing the war in Iraq. Do people in central Ohio want more of the same? I don't think so.

Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy has picked up some support from a "Green Crusader." Dispatch: A Washington congressman who likens energy independence to the space-exploration effort of the 1960s came to Columbus today to stump for fellow Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy, saying she's best positioned to champion green energy in central Ohio.....

If we really want to help a President Obama get legislation for jobs and health care, we need to elect as many Democrats as possible for the House and the Senate!

See you at the Obama rally!!!!

Obama in Columbus on Friday, October 10th

Sen. Barack Obama will be in Columbus tomorrow at a rally at Genoa Park, 303 W. Broad Street (across from Vets Memorial). Doors open at 11AM and the program starts at 1:30PM.

I heard on NPR that the McCain campaign hasn't given up in Iowa, despite Obama's sizable lead in Iowa. McCain never really had the organization in Iowa. McCain only has 16 campaign offices in Iowa. The Obama-Biden organization has 42 offices in the state.

McCain Hasn't Helped Our Vets

Cindy McCain said Barack Obama voted against the troops and her son. Obama voted against a measure that did not have a timeline for withdrawal. McCain voted against a similar measure that had a timeline for withdrawal.

Here are some facts about McCain and his abysmal support of our veterans and troops:

*From BrooWaha :

...The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) rates each member of the U.S. Congress from 0 - 100 on supporting "the interests of American veterans." Before the 2006 congressional elections, DAV published a list of how members of the U.S. Congress voted on American veterans’ legislation.

2004: the Retired Enlisted Association rated John McCain at 0.
2005: John McCain's score from DAV was 25 out of 100.
2006: McCain’s score was worse: DAV rated McCain got a 20 out of 100.

2006: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America graded McCain a D on an A-F scale.

* From Media Matters:
....on March 29, 2007, McCain himself voted against H.R. 1591, an emergency spending bill that would have funded the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and would have provided more than $1 billion in additional funds to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Senate passed H.R. 1591 by a margin of 51-47. Once the bill's conference report was agreed to by the House, the Senate again passed the measure on April 26, 2007, by a vote of 51-46. McCain did not vote on that version of the bill. By contrast, Obama voted for it on both occasions. President Bush vetoed the bill, citing its provision for a timetable for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

Moreover, McCain has voted against other legislation funding care for veterans. On April 26, 2006, McCain voted against an amendment by Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) that would have "provide[d] an additional $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans." In addition, on March 14, 2006, McCain voted against "increas[ing] Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in FY 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes." On March 10, 2004, McCain also voted against "creat[ing] a reserve fund to allow for an increase in Veterans' medical care by $1.8 billion by eliminating tax loopholes." Obama voted for the first two measures; he had not yet entered the Senate when the third vote was cast....

*** Veterans for Common Sense has an extensive list of McCain's lack of support of the troops:

....In mid 2007, Senator Reid noted that McCain missed 10 of the past 14 votes on Iraq. However, here is a summary of a dozen votes (two that he missed and ten that he voted against) with respect to Iraq, funding for veterans or for troops, including equipment and armor. I have also included other snippets related to the time period when the vote occurred.

September 2007: McCain voted against the Webb amendment calling for adequate troop rest between deployments. At the time, nearly 65% of people polled in a CNN poll indicted that "things are going either moderately badly or very badly in Iraq.

July 2007: McCain voted against a plan to drawdown troop levels in Iraq. At the time, an ABC poll found that 63% thought the invasion was not worth it, and a CBS News poll found that 72% of respondents wanted troops out within 2 years.

March 2007: McCain was too busy to vote on a bill that would require the start of a drawdown in troop levels within 120 days with a goal of withdrawing nearly all combat troops within one year. Around this time, an NBC News poll found that 55% of respondents indicated that the US goal of achieving victory in Iraq is not possible. This number has not moved significantly since then.

February 2007: For such a strong supporter of the escalation, McCain didn’t even bother to show up and vote against a resolution condemning it. However, at the time a CNN poll found that only 16% of respondents wanted to send more troops to Iraq (that number has since declined to around 10%), while 60% said that some or all should be withdrawn. This number has since gone up to around 70%.

June 2006: McCain voted against a resolution that Bush start withdrawing troops but with no timeline to do so.

May 2006: McCain voted against an amendment that would provide $20 million to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for health care facilities.

April 2006: McCain was one of only 13 Senators to vote against $430,000,000 for the Department of Veteran Affairs for Medical Services for outpatient care and treatment for veterans.

March 2006: McCain voted against increasing Veterans medical services funding by $1.5 billion in FY 2007 to be paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes.

March 2004: McCain once again voted for abusive tax loopholes over veterans when he voted against creating a reserve fund to allow for an increase in Veterans' medical care by $1.8 billion by eliminating abusive tax loopholes. Jeez, McCain really loves those tax loopholes for corporations, since he voted for them over our veterans' needs.

October 2003: McCain voted to table an amendment by Senator Dodd that called for an additional $322,000,000 for safety equipment for United States forces in Iraq and to reduce the amount provided for reconstruction in Iraq by $322,000,000.

April 2003: McCain urged other Senate members to table a vote (which never passed) to provide more than $1 billion for National Guard and Reserve equipment in Iraq related to a shortage of helmets, tents, bullet-proof inserts, and tactical vests.

August 2001: McCain voted against increasing the amount available for medical care for veterans by $650,000,000. To his credit, he also voted against the 2001 Bush tax cuts, which he now supports making permanent, despite the dire financial condition this country is in, and despite the fact that he indicated in 2001 that these tax cuts unfairly benefited the very wealthy at the expense of the middle class.

So there it is. John McCain is yet another republican former military veteran who likes to talk a big game when it comes to having the support of the military. Yet, time and time again, he has gone out of his way to vote against the needs of those who are serving in our military. If he can’t even see his way to actually doing what the troops want, or what the veterans need, and he doesn’t have the support of veterans, then how can he be a credible commander in chief?

Incredible. John McCain should be ashamed of himself for his lack of support for our men and women in uniform.

The C-SPAN Video Tells All

After the debate, John McCain and his wife said their good-byes and then left. However, Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, continued to talk to the "undecided voters" that were on the stage. According to something I read, the Obamas were still talking to the undecided voters 20 minutes after this video ends. Which candidate seems genuinely concerned and interested in these voters? See C-SPAN for the video ---- C-SPAN
(Click on the red button on the right to watch the video.)


If you haven't heard, Senator Obama will be in Columbus on Friday morning.

After the Debate.....

* In my humble opinion, I think that Sen. Barack Obama did a phenomenal job in this evening's debate. He was calm, cool, and knowledgeable about the economy, health care, and foreign policy. He acted presidential. McCain, on the other hand, seemed out of touch, cranky, and disrespectful toward Obama.

Senator Obama is very concerned about the middle class. McCain--- not so much.
Here is an excerpt from the Philadelphia Inquirer about Obama:

...Obama said he would work for what he called a middle-class rescue package that would include tax cuts for most Americans plus efforts to work toward energy independence and reduce the cost of health care.

"I am confident about the American economy," Obama said, but "most important, we're going to have to help ordinary families stay in their homes, make sure they can pay their bills."

* The Ohio Democratic Party has a new radio ad up. Here is part of it:

....Ohio has been devastated by Washington Republicans and their failed economic policies. Since George Bush took office, Ohio and its families have suffered.
1,087 factories and companies have shut down or endured mass layoffs. 1,087! Nearly three companies each week…for eight straight years.
Not just numbers. Real people. Our families, neighbors…hurting.
Ohio deserves better. Democrats will bring the change Ohio needs. Democrats share your values, and will stand up for jobs that support our families, our churches, and our communities. This year, Vote Democratic.

* McCain and Palin are doing nothing to help their cause. They are repeating lies and inciting hatred at their political rallies. McCain and Palin have absolutely nothing to offer Americans except the same old Bush policies and continued war in Iraq. Don't we deserve a better future than what McCain-Palin are offering?

* Here is Sen. Obama's closing statement from tonight's debate (CNN):

...And the question in this election is: are we going to pass on that same American dream to the next generation? Over the last eight years, we've seen that dream diminish.

Wages and incomes have gone down. People have lost their health care or are going bankrupt because they get sick. We've got young people who have got the grades and the will and the drive to go to college, but they just don't have the money.

And we can't expect that if we do the same things that we've been doing over the last eight years, that somehow we are going to have a different outcome.

We need fundamental change. That's what's at stake in this election. That's the reason I decided to run for president, and I'm hopeful that all of you are prepared to continue this extraordinary journey that we call America.

But we're going to have to have the courage and the sacrifice, the nerve to move in a new direction....

Which candidate will work for us?

The DOW today was down 500 points. Will we ever be able to retire?

Which candidate can we trust to protect us? Which candidate can we trust to make changes in Congress? The only candidate in Ohio's 15th district that would put people first is Democrat, Mary Jo Kilroy. Her opponent, Stivers, is a former bank lobbyist. After watching the congressional hearings with the bank CEO's and listening to their stories about their salaries, bonuses, and "golden parachutes," I think we need to make sure that the person we send to Washington DC will represent us -- not banks, not financial institutions, not oil companies, not large corporations. The person we need to elect is Mary Jo Kilroy, not a former bank lobbyist.

Despite All the Financial Disasters, McCain Still Favors Deregulation

John McCain's ties to the Keating scandal (You Tube):




Yet he still wants more deregulation.

Worth Sharing

This morning, the Chicago Tribune's political blog, The Swamp, is quoting the New Yorker's presidential endorsement:

...We cannot expect one man to heal every wound, to solve every major crisis of policy. So much of the Presidency, as they say, is a matter of waking up in the morning and trying to drink from a fire hydrant. In the quiet of the Oval Office, the noise of immediate demands can be deafening. And yet Obama has precisely the temperament to shut out the noise when necessary and concentrate on the essential. The election of Obama--a man of mixed ethnicity, at once comfortable in the world and utterly representative of twenty-first-century America--would, at a stroke, reverse our country's image abroad and refresh its spirit at home. His ascendance to the Presidency would be a symbolic culmination of the civil- and voting-rights acts of the nineteen-sixties and the century-long struggles for equality that preceded them. It could not help but say something encouraging, even exhilarating, about the country, about its dedication to tolerance and inclusiveness, about its fidelity, after all, to the values it proclaims in its textbooks. At a moment of economic calamity, international perplexity, political failure, and battered morale, America needs both uplift and realism, both change and steadiness. It needs a leader temperamentally, intellectually, and emotionally attuned to the complexities of our troubled globe. That leader's name is Barack Obama.


I suggest that you print out the quote, save it, or forward it to those "undecided voters" that you know. The New Yorker has very neatly summed up why we need Obama for President.

A Fine October Day in Ohio

This afternoon, Bruce Springsteen appeared on the Oval at Ohio State to support the candidacy of Barack Obama for President. Springsteen sang seven songs and encouraged the large crowd to work to get our country back. Also appearing with "The Boss" were Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy, and David Robinson, Democrat for Ohio 12th district. Springsteen was introduced by a real American hero, John Glenn.
(According to the Dispatch, there were 10,000 people at the Oval to see Springsteen. The NY Times indicates that there were 50,000 at the Obama supported Springsteen concert in Philadelphia.)

The Obama campaign volunteers were out in force--- gathering names, recruiting more volunteers, and encouraging everyone to vote for Obama. It was phenomenal. I've worked on several campaigns over the years, and I've never seen anyone as well organized as the Obama campaign.

Check out the College Democrats at Ohio State at their website, http://www.osuteamobama.com/ or stop in at 1902 N. High Street, to see how you can help the Obama campaign.

The Politics of Distraction

Here we go again! John McCain doesn't know how to solve the country's economic problems other than his pathetic trickle down economic plan (give big tax breaks to wealthy). Rather than talk about job losses, why food prices are high, the collapse of manufacturing in the U.S., healthcare, funding for education, McCain and Palin are starting to smear Barack Obama. Any dignity and honor McCain once had has been thrown out the window. McCain will do or say anything, even if it is a lie, just to win.

Today, Sarah Palin said that Barack Obama is hanging out with terrorists (NY Times). Give me a friggin break. Sarah Pallin, who is hiding from the press, obviously has not read Obama's response to the last time the McCain/Rove campaign brought up these lies earlier. Palin and McCain have nothing to offer the American people and therefore, they have to resort to lies, lies, lies.

By the way, according to an AP story, President George W. Bush has decided to cancel some high level diplomatic meetings with Iran so that he can help out the McCain campaign. Looks like Bush and McCain are not putting the country first.

Vote Obama.

Friday Night News!!!!

Starting at 10am on Saturday (10/4), there will be an Early Vote concert for Barack Obama, at 303 W. Broad St. in downtown Columbus. Feat: Russell Simmons, Jimmy Hoffa & Saving Jane. Register and vote in one stop! Awesome!

>>Don't forget Bruce Springsteen will be on the Oval at Ohio State on Sunday afternoon. Gates open at 3pm and Springsteen will the program will start about 4:30pm. Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuce!

*****The University of Wisconsin marching band won't be performing at the Wisconsin vs. Ohio State football game on Saturday night. Newsday:

The University of Wisconsin marching band has been suspended while allegations of hazing, alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct are investigated.
The band won't play Saturday during a nationally televised football game between the No. 18 Badgers and No. 14 Ohio State at Camp Randall Stadium......

* Bad News for McCain in Florida? You betcha!!!!
Seattle PI:

......Florida is a must-win state for McCain. Without its 27 electoral votes, he is all but certain to lose in November.
Until very recently, most polls put him narrowly ahead in the state, but his lead has been shrinking fast. Several polls have now put him behind and by Oct. 2 the much-followed average compiled by RealClearPolitics had Obama three points ahead.
This is truly dreadful news for the Republican. One reason may be that Obama has enthused legions of new voters. There are 250,000 more registered Florida Democrats now than in January, but the Republicans have gained only 80,000, out of an electorate of nearly 11 million. If previously apathetic young people and blacks turn out in droves, Obama could easily win....

McCain has pulled out of Michigan. (Sarah Palin just learned about it today.) There are rumors he'll be pulling out of Pennsylvania. Is the McCain campaign going down the tubes? We'll wait and see.

* In the debate last night, Sarah Palin failed to answer the question about what was her achilles heel. Didn't she understand? Doesn't she know what an "achilles heel" is?

Job Losses

ABC News:

Employers slashed payrolls by 159,000 in September, the most in more than five years, a worrisome sign that the economy is hurtling toward a deep recession.....
.....It marked the ninth straight month that the economy has lost jobs. The drop underscores fallout from a long slump in the housing market and a dangerous credit crunch that intensified last month throwing Wall Street — and the economy — into chaos.

So far this year, 760,000 jobs have disappeared....

And John McCain has promised more of the same. How awful. McCain = Bush = McCain

=> The Ohio Republicans are probably taking lots of antacids. Ohioans are are showing up for early voting and filling out absentee ballots in big numbers. I'm sure the Republicans are trying to work on a plan to steal the election.

When you get any pro-Republican mailers, write "REFUSED" and "RETURN TO SENDER" on the front. I'd like to see the Republican offices flooded with returned mail because we're not interested in their baloney.

* I cannot believe that there are people who are in dire straits, but they still support the failed policies of Bush-McCain. If you vote for McCain, you are increasing your own taxes. If you make under $250,000 per year, under the Obama tax plan, you'll get a bigger tax savings. McCain will continue the war in Iraq for several more years. Obama will end the war.

Vote Obama.

Hot Topics in Ohio

Democratic candidate for Ohio's 15th congressional district, Mary Jo Kilroy, is calling attention to Steve Stivers' voting record. Stivers, a former bank lobbyist, is the Republican candidate for the 15th. In his many years as a bank lobbyist, Stivers worked on state senators and state representatives to go easy on the poor little banks. Lobbyists try to schmooze lawmakers to protect their employers. Stivers has continued his allegiance to banks and lenders (even payday lenders) while making things more difficult for the regular people.

istockanalyst.com:
.....Mary Jo Kilroy, sees a negative where Stivers sees a positive. Her campaign has been drilling into Stivers' seven years as a top lobbyist for the former Banc One Ohio Corp., where Stivers often championed looser regulation of the banking industry.

Stivers and Kilroy are locked in a tight race for Congress in western Franklin County and Madison and Union counties. Kilroy frequently labels Stivers a "career banking lobbyist," while Stivers counters that he promoted economic growth in the state.

The Kilroy campaign says Stivers was an advocate of the kind of lax governmental oversight that it blames for the meltdown of some of the country's largest financial institutions......

The article cites examples of some of Stivers' pro-banking votes when he went to the Ohio Senate.

With so much avarice and mismanagement in the financial industry, can we really afford a former bank lobbyist as our member of Congress? Would he really work for us? Would he work to protect us?

*** Early voting started in Ohio yesterday. Now until October 6th, Ohioans can register and vote early in one stop. Register today. Vote today. Vote Obama.

> > > The Toledo Blade has a story about everyone's favorite Ohio Republican, Tom Noe:

Lucas County prosecutors asked Ohio's 6th District Court of Appeals yesterday to affirm Tom Noe's theft and money laundering convictions, rejecting his contention that he didn't receive a fair trial because of publicity and trial errors.

In a 50-page brief filed in the appellate court, prosecutors countered Noe's arguments one by one, saying his attorneys "failed to show that the trial court erred or that any error committed by the trial court rendered his convictions unfair." The brief also said the "evidence presented at trial was more than sufficient to satisfy the state's burden of proof regarding the corrupt activity, theft, money laundering, tampering with records, and forgery convictions..."

Every single time Tom Noe's name appears in the news, Ohio Republicans get stomach aches.

************ Bruce Springsteen will perform on Sunday, October 5th, at Ohio State University on the Oval. Springsteen is here to support Barack Obama for President. According to the Dispatch, gates open at 3pm with Springsteen to perform at 4:30pm.