Thursday, March 06, 2008
SurveyUSA Has Clinton and Obama Both Beating McCain
Josh Marshall over at Talking Points Memo posted the following two images from SurveyUSA, which has done pretty good polling in the primaries so far. Note that both Obama and Clinton are beating McCain. Obama carries more states, but Clinton carries bigger states.
Medina County Dem Book Recommendation
U.S. Political History Book – “Electing FDR”
– The New Deal Campaign of 1932, authored by Senate Associate Historian Donald Ritchie.
Don Ritchie recently appeared on C-Span2’s BookTV to discuss his new book, which can now be viewed as a podcast. The events of this historic campaign have relevance to what is happening, and may happen in the current 2008 campaign. Why should one want to hear this history? Consider the Will Rogers quotation, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes”. There are some rhymes that are in play in 2008. For example, in 1932 the Democratic and Republican campaigns each had a message that could be characterized by a four letter word. Are those words being used in 2008?
Before listening to the podcast, a short review of the conditions in the U.S. in 1932 can be found at: http://www.infoplease.com:80/year/1932.html
Secondly, see a review of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s biography at: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0760616.html
Now enjoy an enlightening talk by Don Ritchie at:
http://www.booktv.org/program.aspx?ProgramId=9075&SectionName=History&PlayMedia=Yes
Submitted by:
Bob Simmons
Wadsworth, Ohio
– The New Deal Campaign of 1932, authored by Senate Associate Historian Donald Ritchie.
Don Ritchie recently appeared on C-Span2’s BookTV to discuss his new book, which can now be viewed as a podcast. The events of this historic campaign have relevance to what is happening, and may happen in the current 2008 campaign. Why should one want to hear this history? Consider the Will Rogers quotation, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes”. There are some rhymes that are in play in 2008. For example, in 1932 the Democratic and Republican campaigns each had a message that could be characterized by a four letter word. Are those words being used in 2008?
Before listening to the podcast, a short review of the conditions in the U.S. in 1932 can be found at: http://www.infoplease.com:80/year/1932.html
Secondly, see a review of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s biography at: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0760616.html
Now enjoy an enlightening talk by Don Ritchie at:
http://www.booktv.org/program.aspx?ProgramId=9075&SectionName=History&PlayMedia=Yes
Submitted by:
Bob Simmons
Wadsworth, Ohio
Medina County Democratic Party Won/Loss Record in County Campaigns 1970-2007
Below is information concerning the won/loss record of the Medina County Democratic Party in elections since 1970. Although Medina County is viewed as a Republican strong-hold, it is possible for local Democratic candidates to win elections and successfully defend those offices in re-election campaigns. Indeed, since 1970 only two Democrats have been defeated in re-election bids and one of those, Ferris Brown, had been re-elected twice as county auditor before becoming county commissioner. So while Medina County is seen as a pro-Republican county, it might be more accurate to describe it as a pro-incumbent county.
As the information below shows, the 1980s were the most successful decade for the Medina County Democratic Party since 1970. From 1980 to 1990, the Medina County Democratic Party picked up four county offices and elected three judges.
In the 1990s, however, the Democratic Party lost re-election campaigns involving both seats on the Board of County Commissioners and also lost the Sheriff's office. During the 1990s, the Medina County Democratic Party only picked up one office held by a Republican, a Common Pleas Judgeship won by Judge Kimbler following Judge Baird's retirement. That win, however, was offset by the loss of the Common Pleas Court held by Judge Cross when she retired in 1998.
In 2000, Judge Mary Kovack picked up the Medina County Domestic Relations Judgeship, defeating an appointed Republican incumbent. Since 2000, no Democrat has lost re-election to a county office or as judge, but the Medina County Democratic Party has not defeated an elected Republican incumbent since 1992.
Democrats who defeated elected Republican incumbents have had a harder time holding the office they won than Democrats who defeated appointed Republican incumbents. Former Sheriff Neil Gray defeated an elected incumbent Republican in 1976, but resigned from office in 1979. Former Greg Happ defeated an elected incumbent Republican in 1980, but was then defeated in 1984. Ferris Brown, who had defeated an elected Republican incumbent for Commissioner, after winning two re-election campaigns for Auditor, was then defeated in 1996, although by a very narrow margin. The only Medina County Democrat who has defeated an elected Republican incumbent and then won re-election is County Prosecutor Dean Holman, who has been re-elected four times, twice without opposition.
Democrats who defeated appointed Republican incumbents, however, have been much more successful at retaining office. Such Democrats are John Happ, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election twice; Ferris Brown, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election as County Auditor twice; and Judge Kovack, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election in 2006.
From all of this, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Democrats who are elected to either a county-wide office or as judge in Medina County can, and usually do, win re-election.
2. Democrats who defeat appointed Republican incumbents have an easier time winning re-election than Democrats who defeat elected Republican incumbents.
3. The hardest offices to retain for Democrats have been County Commissioner and, prior to Dean Holman's election in 1980, County Prosecutor.
4. The easiest office to retain have been judicial offices. Since 1987, no incumbent Democratic judge has been defeated for re-election and one such judge, Judge James Kimbler, has changed courts, going from the Wadsworth Municipal Court to the Medina County Common Pleas Court in 1996.
Democratic Victories for County Offices 1970-1980
County Commissioner-John Oberholtzer in 1970 and re-elected in 1974
County Sheriff-Neil Gray in 1976, but resigned in 1979.
Democratic Controlled County Offices & Courts in 1980
Sheriff-John Ribar who was appointed in 1979 when Neil Gray resigned.
Democratic Victories in County and Judicial Offices 1980-1994
Sheriff-John Ribar in 1980, 1984, 1998, and 1992.
Commissioner-John Happ in 1980, 1984, and 1988.
Commissioner-Ferris Brown in 1992.
Prosecutor-Greg Happ in 1980.
Prosecutor-Dean Holman in 1988 and 1992.
Auditor-Ferris Brown in 1982, 1986, and 1990.
Auditor-Mike Kovack in 1994 and 1998.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge-Judith Cross in 1986 and 1992.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge-James Kimbler in 1987 and 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge-Dale Chase in 1987 and 1993.
Democratic Controlled Offices Lost 1980-1993
Prosecutor in 1984.
County Commissioner in 1992.
Democratic Controlled Offices Successfully Defended 1980-1993
Medina County Commissioner in 1984 and 1988.
Medina County Sheriff in 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992.
Medina County Auditor in 1986 and 1990.
Medina County Prosecutor in 1988.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge in 1992.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge in 1987 and 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge in 1993.
Democratic Controlled County Offices & Courts in 1993
Commissioner Ferris Brown
Prosecutor Dean Holman
General Division Judge Judith Cross
Auditor Mike Kovack
Sheriff John Ribar
Coroner Neil Grabenstetter
Wadsworth Judge James Kimbler
Medina Judge Dale Chase
Democratic Controlled Offices & Courts in 2007
Prosecutor
Auditor
Coroner
General Division Judge
Domestic Relations Judge
Medina Judge
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Won 1992-2007
Commissioner-1992
DR Court Judge-2000
Common Pleas Court, General Division-1996
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Lost 1992-2007
Commissioner 1992
Commissioner 1996
Sheriff 1996
Wadsworth Judge 1997
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Successfully Defended 1992-2007
Auditor
Prosecutor
Common Pleas General Division Judge
Domestic Relations Judge
Medina Judge
Democratic Elected Officials Who Won Re-Election 1974 to 2008
Medina County Commissioner John Oberholtzer in 1974
Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman-re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Medina County Sheriff John Ribar in 1984, 1988, and 1992.
Medina County Coroner Neil Grabenstetter in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. (Dr. Grabenstetter in running unopposed in 2008.)
Medina County Commissioner John Happ in 1984 and 1988.
Medina County Auditor Ferris Brown in 1986 and 1990.
Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack in 1998, 2002, and 2006.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge Judy Cross in 1992.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge James Kimbler in 2002 and 2008. (Judge Kimbler is unopposed in the 2008 election.)
Medina County Domestic Relations Judge Mary Kovack in 2006.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge James Kimbler in 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge Dale Chase in 1993, 1999, and 2005.
Number of times that Democratic officials have been re-elected to county offices and courts: 28.
Democratic County Officials Who Defeated Republican Incumbents in Elections for County Offices & Judicial Offices from 1976 to 2007
Neil Gray-elected Sheriff in 1976.
John Happ-elected Commissioner in 1980.
Greg Happ-elected Prosecutor in 1980.
Ferris Brown-elected Auditor in 1982.
Dean Holman-elected Prosecutor in 1988.
Ferris Brown-elected Commissioner in 1992.
Mary Kovack-elected Domestic Relations Judge in 2000.
As the information below shows, the 1980s were the most successful decade for the Medina County Democratic Party since 1970. From 1980 to 1990, the Medina County Democratic Party picked up four county offices and elected three judges.
In the 1990s, however, the Democratic Party lost re-election campaigns involving both seats on the Board of County Commissioners and also lost the Sheriff's office. During the 1990s, the Medina County Democratic Party only picked up one office held by a Republican, a Common Pleas Judgeship won by Judge Kimbler following Judge Baird's retirement. That win, however, was offset by the loss of the Common Pleas Court held by Judge Cross when she retired in 1998.
In 2000, Judge Mary Kovack picked up the Medina County Domestic Relations Judgeship, defeating an appointed Republican incumbent. Since 2000, no Democrat has lost re-election to a county office or as judge, but the Medina County Democratic Party has not defeated an elected Republican incumbent since 1992.
Democrats who defeated elected Republican incumbents have had a harder time holding the office they won than Democrats who defeated appointed Republican incumbents. Former Sheriff Neil Gray defeated an elected incumbent Republican in 1976, but resigned from office in 1979. Former Greg Happ defeated an elected incumbent Republican in 1980, but was then defeated in 1984. Ferris Brown, who had defeated an elected Republican incumbent for Commissioner, after winning two re-election campaigns for Auditor, was then defeated in 1996, although by a very narrow margin. The only Medina County Democrat who has defeated an elected Republican incumbent and then won re-election is County Prosecutor Dean Holman, who has been re-elected four times, twice without opposition.
Democrats who defeated appointed Republican incumbents, however, have been much more successful at retaining office. Such Democrats are John Happ, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election twice; Ferris Brown, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election as County Auditor twice; and Judge Kovack, who defeated an appointed Republican incumbent and then won re-election in 2006.
From all of this, the following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Democrats who are elected to either a county-wide office or as judge in Medina County can, and usually do, win re-election.
2. Democrats who defeat appointed Republican incumbents have an easier time winning re-election than Democrats who defeat elected Republican incumbents.
3. The hardest offices to retain for Democrats have been County Commissioner and, prior to Dean Holman's election in 1980, County Prosecutor.
4. The easiest office to retain have been judicial offices. Since 1987, no incumbent Democratic judge has been defeated for re-election and one such judge, Judge James Kimbler, has changed courts, going from the Wadsworth Municipal Court to the Medina County Common Pleas Court in 1996.
Democratic Victories for County Offices 1970-1980
County Commissioner-John Oberholtzer in 1970 and re-elected in 1974
County Sheriff-Neil Gray in 1976, but resigned in 1979.
Democratic Controlled County Offices & Courts in 1980
Sheriff-John Ribar who was appointed in 1979 when Neil Gray resigned.
Democratic Victories in County and Judicial Offices 1980-1994
Sheriff-John Ribar in 1980, 1984, 1998, and 1992.
Commissioner-John Happ in 1980, 1984, and 1988.
Commissioner-Ferris Brown in 1992.
Prosecutor-Greg Happ in 1980.
Prosecutor-Dean Holman in 1988 and 1992.
Auditor-Ferris Brown in 1982, 1986, and 1990.
Auditor-Mike Kovack in 1994 and 1998.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge-Judith Cross in 1986 and 1992.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge-James Kimbler in 1987 and 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge-Dale Chase in 1987 and 1993.
Democratic Controlled Offices Lost 1980-1993
Prosecutor in 1984.
County Commissioner in 1992.
Democratic Controlled Offices Successfully Defended 1980-1993
Medina County Commissioner in 1984 and 1988.
Medina County Sheriff in 1980, 1984, 1988, and 1992.
Medina County Auditor in 1986 and 1990.
Medina County Prosecutor in 1988.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge in 1992.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge in 1987 and 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge in 1993.
Democratic Controlled County Offices & Courts in 1993
Commissioner Ferris Brown
Prosecutor Dean Holman
General Division Judge Judith Cross
Auditor Mike Kovack
Sheriff John Ribar
Coroner Neil Grabenstetter
Wadsworth Judge James Kimbler
Medina Judge Dale Chase
Democratic Controlled Offices & Courts in 2007
Prosecutor
Auditor
Coroner
General Division Judge
Domestic Relations Judge
Medina Judge
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Won 1992-2007
Commissioner-1992
DR Court Judge-2000
Common Pleas Court, General Division-1996
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Lost 1992-2007
Commissioner 1992
Commissioner 1996
Sheriff 1996
Wadsworth Judge 1997
Democratic Controlled Offices & Judicial Offices Successfully Defended 1992-2007
Auditor
Prosecutor
Common Pleas General Division Judge
Domestic Relations Judge
Medina Judge
Democratic Elected Officials Who Won Re-Election 1974 to 2008
Medina County Commissioner John Oberholtzer in 1974
Medina County Prosecutor Dean Holman-re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Medina County Sheriff John Ribar in 1984, 1988, and 1992.
Medina County Coroner Neil Grabenstetter in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. (Dr. Grabenstetter in running unopposed in 2008.)
Medina County Commissioner John Happ in 1984 and 1988.
Medina County Auditor Ferris Brown in 1986 and 1990.
Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack in 1998, 2002, and 2006.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge Judy Cross in 1992.
Medina County Common Pleas Judge James Kimbler in 2002 and 2008. (Judge Kimbler is unopposed in the 2008 election.)
Medina County Domestic Relations Judge Mary Kovack in 2006.
Wadsworth Municipal Court Judge James Kimbler in 1993.
Medina Municipal Court Judge Dale Chase in 1993, 1999, and 2005.
Number of times that Democratic officials have been re-elected to county offices and courts: 28.
Democratic County Officials Who Defeated Republican Incumbents in Elections for County Offices & Judicial Offices from 1976 to 2007
Neil Gray-elected Sheriff in 1976.
John Happ-elected Commissioner in 1980.
Greg Happ-elected Prosecutor in 1980.
Ferris Brown-elected Auditor in 1982.
Dean Holman-elected Prosecutor in 1988.
Ferris Brown-elected Commissioner in 1992.
Mary Kovack-elected Domestic Relations Judge in 2000.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Sutton Co-Sponsors Mental Health Parity Act
On Wednesday, March 5, 2008, Congresswoman Betty Sutton voted in favor of H.R. 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. The bill prohibits insurers and group health plans from imposing treatment or financial limitations when they offer mental health benefits that are more restrictive from those applied to medical and surgical services. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 268-148.
“Health care plans for Members of Congress and 8.5 million other federal employees have included parity coverage for mental health care for the past 8 years, and it is about time this coverage was extended to those who have non-federal group health care plans,” Sutton said. “I am proud that the House was able to pass a responsible piece of legislation that not only tackles the mental health parity issue, but also but also increases the rebates that drug companies must pay to State Medicaid programs, and addresses the problem of physician self-referral to hospitals in which they have an ownership interest.”
“Health care plans for Members of Congress and 8.5 million other federal employees have included parity coverage for mental health care for the past 8 years, and it is about time this coverage was extended to those who have non-federal group health care plans,” Sutton said. “I am proud that the House was able to pass a responsible piece of legislation that not only tackles the mental health parity issue, but also but also increases the rebates that drug companies must pay to State Medicaid programs, and addresses the problem of physician self-referral to hospitals in which they have an ownership interest.”
Judge Kimbler Leads Medina County Dems and Republicans in County Voting
Medina County Common Pleas Court Judge James L. Kimbler led all Medina County Democrats and Republicans in number of votes received in the March 4th, 2008 primary. The results for those Democrats who ran in the entire county are listed below. The results for Medina County Republicans can be found at http://www.boe.co.medina.oh.us:2000/results-1.htm by scrolling down the page.
Candidate/ Office/ Vote
James Kimbler/ Common Pleas Judge/ 23140
Neil Grabenstetter/ Coroner/ 21656
Dean Holman/ Prosecutor/ 21575
Joseph Russo/ Ohio Supreme Court/ 20874
Hillary Clinton/ President/ 19845
Michael Todd/ Treasurer/ 19608
Larry Courtney/ Recorder/ 19294
Eve Belfance/ Court of Appeals/ 19145
Peter Sikora/ Ohio Supreme Court/ 18999
Pat Hanek/ State Central Committee/18551
Michael Todd/ State Central Committee/18439
John Sharkey II/ Commissioner/ 17455
Brian Feron/ Commissioner/ 17302
Barack Obama/ President/ 12319
Candidate/ Office/ Vote
James Kimbler/ Common Pleas Judge/ 23140
Neil Grabenstetter/ Coroner/ 21656
Dean Holman/ Prosecutor/ 21575
Joseph Russo/ Ohio Supreme Court/ 20874
Hillary Clinton/ President/ 19845
Michael Todd/ Treasurer/ 19608
Larry Courtney/ Recorder/ 19294
Eve Belfance/ Court of Appeals/ 19145
Peter Sikora/ Ohio Supreme Court/ 18999
Pat Hanek/ State Central Committee/18551
Michael Todd/ State Central Committee/18439
John Sharkey II/ Commissioner/ 17455
Brian Feron/ Commissioner/ 17302
Barack Obama/ President/ 12319
The MCDAC Record
The Medina County Democratic Action Committee was formed in 2003 by Joyce Kimbler, Steve Bailey, and Ferris Brown. All three had been candidates in Medina County. All three believed there was a need for an organization that would serve as a communication vehicle to deliver the Democratic message to the grassroots.
Since 2003 MCDAC has published 11 issues of Common Sense, Medina County's first and only Democratic newspaper. Publishing Common Sense involves raising the money for publication, overseeing the writing and editing of stories, and arranging for the distribution of the newspaper. The number of copies that came out each year were three in 2004; three in 2005; four in 2006; and one in 2007.
Since 2003 MCDAC has distributed weekly email newsletters to Democrats in Medina County and beyond. This email newsletter serves as a way for Democratic candidates and organizations to let interested Democrats know what they are doing and how they can get involved in Democratic campaigns.
Since 2003 MCDAC has allowed its account with Campaigner, the email marketing company that it uses for the newsletter, to be used by the Medina County Democratic Party, allied organizations, and Democratic candidates to email announcements of events and fundraisers to Medina County Democrats.
MCDAC established two blogs to help communicate with Democrats in Medina County and beyond. These blogs are this MCDAC blog and Dem TV, which used video clips posted on You Tube to promote Democratic candidates in 2006 and which will be available for use by Democratic candidates in 2008.
None of this would have been possible without the work of dedicated Democrats. Common Sense, for example, is now produced by a committee made up of approximately 30 Medina County residents and chaired by Julie Batey. In 2006, when MCDAC targeted Common Sense distribution in selected precincts, over 90 volunteers assisted in this effort.
It also wouldn't have been possible without the support of our donors. As mentioned above, the Medina County Democratic Party has supported MCDAC in the past by giving between $1000.00 and $1500.00 for each issue of Common Sense. While this money has been important, such donations don't even equal half the cost of producing each issue of Common Sense. The rest of the money has come from Medina County Democrats.
We are looking for volunteers to help MCDAC take the Democratic message to the grassroots in this important election year of 2008. If you are interested in helping MCDAC, go to www.mcdac.org and fill out the form. We will then contact you and put you on our email newsletter distribution list.
Since 2003 MCDAC has published 11 issues of Common Sense, Medina County's first and only Democratic newspaper. Publishing Common Sense involves raising the money for publication, overseeing the writing and editing of stories, and arranging for the distribution of the newspaper. The number of copies that came out each year were three in 2004; three in 2005; four in 2006; and one in 2007.
Since 2003 MCDAC has distributed weekly email newsletters to Democrats in Medina County and beyond. This email newsletter serves as a way for Democratic candidates and organizations to let interested Democrats know what they are doing and how they can get involved in Democratic campaigns.
Since 2003 MCDAC has allowed its account with Campaigner, the email marketing company that it uses for the newsletter, to be used by the Medina County Democratic Party, allied organizations, and Democratic candidates to email announcements of events and fundraisers to Medina County Democrats.
MCDAC established two blogs to help communicate with Democrats in Medina County and beyond. These blogs are this MCDAC blog and Dem TV, which used video clips posted on You Tube to promote Democratic candidates in 2006 and which will be available for use by Democratic candidates in 2008.
None of this would have been possible without the work of dedicated Democrats. Common Sense, for example, is now produced by a committee made up of approximately 30 Medina County residents and chaired by Julie Batey. In 2006, when MCDAC targeted Common Sense distribution in selected precincts, over 90 volunteers assisted in this effort.
It also wouldn't have been possible without the support of our donors. As mentioned above, the Medina County Democratic Party has supported MCDAC in the past by giving between $1000.00 and $1500.00 for each issue of Common Sense. While this money has been important, such donations don't even equal half the cost of producing each issue of Common Sense. The rest of the money has come from Medina County Democrats.
We are looking for volunteers to help MCDAC take the Democratic message to the grassroots in this important election year of 2008. If you are interested in helping MCDAC, go to www.mcdac.org and fill out the form. We will then contact you and put you on our email newsletter distribution list.
John Boccieri Easily Wins Medina County
State Senator John Boccieri easily won Medina County in his contested race for the Democratic nomination for Representative from the 16th Congressional District. Boccieri carried Medina County by a margin of 10,692 votes to 5,921 votes. This vote translated into a margin of 64.36% to 35.64%. When looking at the State Senator's results, it should be kept in mind that the not all of Medina County is in the 16th Congressional District. The county is split between two Congressional Districts, the 13th and the 16th.
State Senator Boccieri has been working hard in Medina County ever since he announced that he was running for the seat. His primary opponent, Mary M. Cirelli, on the other hand, to our knowledge never appeared in the county.
MCDAC congratulates State Senator Boccieri on his impressive Medina County showing!
State Senator Boccieri has been working hard in Medina County ever since he announced that he was running for the seat. His primary opponent, Mary M. Cirelli, on the other hand, to our knowledge never appeared in the county.
MCDAC congratulates State Senator Boccieri on his impressive Medina County showing!
Medina County Dems Elect More Precinct Committeepersons Than GOP
Last night Medina County Democrats elected 62 precinct committeepersons while Medina County Republicans elected 51 such officials. Under Ohio law, any political party that has status as a "major political party" must have an elected precinct committeeperson in each precinct. These officials are supposed to be the building blocks of political parties. Their jobs are to help campaign for nominees of their parties in their respective precincts.
While Medina County Democrats elected more such officials, both parties didn't elect such officials in a majority of Medina County precincts. There are 151 precincts in Medina County. This means that Medina County Democrats had candidates for precinct committeepersons running in 41.05% of the precincts while Republicans had candidates running for precinct committeepersons in 33.77% of the precincts.
In Ohio precinct committeepersons serve either four year or two year terms. The local parties could to decide what the terms will be. In Medina County Democratic precinct committeepersons serve a four year term while Republican precinct committeepersons serve a two year term.
Sometime after the official results of the March primary are certified, each party will have an organizational meeting. At that meeting, the precinct committeepersons who are present will elect county party officials. It is our understanding that the Medina County Democratic Executive Committee has tenatively selected April 5, 2008, as the date for the organizational meeting.
Although there can be contested elections for precinct committeepersons, neither Medina County party had any contested elections for precinct committeepersons.
While Medina County Democrats elected more such officials, both parties didn't elect such officials in a majority of Medina County precincts. There are 151 precincts in Medina County. This means that Medina County Democrats had candidates for precinct committeepersons running in 41.05% of the precincts while Republicans had candidates running for precinct committeepersons in 33.77% of the precincts.
In Ohio precinct committeepersons serve either four year or two year terms. The local parties could to decide what the terms will be. In Medina County Democratic precinct committeepersons serve a four year term while Republican precinct committeepersons serve a two year term.
Sometime after the official results of the March primary are certified, each party will have an organizational meeting. At that meeting, the precinct committeepersons who are present will elect county party officials. It is our understanding that the Medina County Democratic Executive Committee has tenatively selected April 5, 2008, as the date for the organizational meeting.
Although there can be contested elections for precinct committeepersons, neither Medina County party had any contested elections for precinct committeepersons.
Clinton Wins Medina County in Primary
Hillary Clinton took Medina County last night, winning the country by a margin of 19845 to 12319. In percentage terms, as between Obama and Clinton, Clinton won the county by a margin of 61.6% to 38.4%.
Medina County is in two Congressional districts, the 13th and the 16th. The 13th district part of Medina County is composed of Hinckley, Brunswick, Brunswick Hills Township, and Liverpool Township. Clinton won that part of the county by a vote of 64.61% to 33.95%. She won the 16th district part of the county by a margin of 58.59% to 39.72%. (The Medina County Board of Elections counted votes for John Edwards in both parts of the county.)
This is a pretty impressive win for Clinton in Medina County considering that in two presidential campaigns her husband never carried Medina County.
Medina County is in two Congressional districts, the 13th and the 16th. The 13th district part of Medina County is composed of Hinckley, Brunswick, Brunswick Hills Township, and Liverpool Township. Clinton won that part of the county by a vote of 64.61% to 33.95%. She won the 16th district part of the county by a margin of 58.59% to 39.72%. (The Medina County Board of Elections counted votes for John Edwards in both parts of the county.)
This is a pretty impressive win for Clinton in Medina County considering that in two presidential campaigns her husband never carried Medina County.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Medina County Dem Vote for President Way Ahead of GOP Vote
The results are in for the Medina County Democratic and Republican primaries. The results are not good for the GOP.
In the Democratic primary for President the total number of Democrats voting was 32,687. The vote in the Republican primary for President was 18764. This means that almost 14,000 more voters took Democratic ballots than took Republican ballots.
Another way to look at it is that of the 44,809 voters who voted in either the Democratic or Republican primaries, almost 64% of them voted in the Democratic primary. This bodes well for the Democratic nominee in November.
In the Democratic primary for President the total number of Democrats voting was 32,687. The vote in the Republican primary for President was 18764. This means that almost 14,000 more voters took Democratic ballots than took Republican ballots.
Another way to look at it is that of the 44,809 voters who voted in either the Democratic or Republican primaries, almost 64% of them voted in the Democratic primary. This bodes well for the Democratic nominee in November.
Is Bush Administration Planning to Bring a Lot of Troops Home Right Before Election?
One of the interesting things going on is the fact that the Bush Administration is most likely going to stop bringing troops home this summer, but then bring more home in the fall. Here is a quote from a Newsweek article:
Fallon's cautious optimism could help lay the groundwork for a halt in troop reductions in Iraq this summer. Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, is expected to ask President Bush to wait until as late as September to decide whether to bring home more troops than already scheduled.
Gee, why do you suppose that could be? Could it be that the probable Republican nominee is a big supporter of the surge and the Bushies want to help him out by showing tangible evidence of the surge's supposed "success" right before the election?
Fallon's cautious optimism could help lay the groundwork for a halt in troop reductions in Iraq this summer. Gen. David Petraeus, the top commander in Iraq, is expected to ask President Bush to wait until as late as September to decide whether to bring home more troops than already scheduled.
Gee, why do you suppose that could be? Could it be that the probable Republican nominee is a big supporter of the surge and the Bushies want to help him out by showing tangible evidence of the surge's supposed "success" right before the election?
Different Media Treatment of Hagee/McCain Compared to Obama/Farrakhan
If you go to Google.com's news section and put in the search words "McCain Hagee" you will get 483 hits as of 4:00 am on 3.4.2008. If you put in the words "Obama Farrakhan" you will get 1869 hits as of the same time. Now, of course, the McCain-Hagee story has not been around as long, but the fact that the story is not getting the play that the other story is getting is interesting.
There are a lot of reasons, but one reason may be that the media is scared to point out the extremism of some "Christian" ministers because of backlash from the right-wing noise machine. After all, such ministers support the neo-con's idea of a war with Iran; they have often come out in favor of extending Bush's tax cuts; and they are help stoke up the base on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. Consequently, attacks on nut-jobs like Hagee for his anti-Catholic remarks and bigotry carry more risk of backlash from readers and viewers as the noise machine revs up in support of such characters.
Attacking Farrakhan, however, doesn't carry the same risk. There is no one on the left that is going to defend Louis Farrakhan and his attacks on the Jewish faith, or at least, not very many. Thus, no one is going to be out there telling readers and viewers that media stories on Farrakhan are somehow unfair.
The book The Way to Win talks about the "Freak Show." The Freak Show is the way the media covers politics and how it favors the right. The Freak Show helped elect George Bush and almost brought down the Clinton Presidency. The Freak Show focuses on personality, not policy, and magnifies every supposed "character" flaw of Democrats while ignoring such "character" flaws of Republicans.
The difference in coverage so far of the Hagee endorsement of McCain, which McCain sought out, compared to the endorsement of Obama by Farrakhan, which he Obama didn't seek out and didn't want, is an example of the Freak Show in action.
There are a lot of reasons, but one reason may be that the media is scared to point out the extremism of some "Christian" ministers because of backlash from the right-wing noise machine. After all, such ministers support the neo-con's idea of a war with Iran; they have often come out in favor of extending Bush's tax cuts; and they are help stoke up the base on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. Consequently, attacks on nut-jobs like Hagee for his anti-Catholic remarks and bigotry carry more risk of backlash from readers and viewers as the noise machine revs up in support of such characters.
Attacking Farrakhan, however, doesn't carry the same risk. There is no one on the left that is going to defend Louis Farrakhan and his attacks on the Jewish faith, or at least, not very many. Thus, no one is going to be out there telling readers and viewers that media stories on Farrakhan are somehow unfair.
The book The Way to Win talks about the "Freak Show." The Freak Show is the way the media covers politics and how it favors the right. The Freak Show helped elect George Bush and almost brought down the Clinton Presidency. The Freak Show focuses on personality, not policy, and magnifies every supposed "character" flaw of Democrats while ignoring such "character" flaws of Republicans.
The difference in coverage so far of the Hagee endorsement of McCain, which McCain sought out, compared to the endorsement of Obama by Farrakhan, which he Obama didn't seek out and didn't want, is an example of the Freak Show in action.
McCain Supports Bush's Plans for Social Security
Bush's proposal to privatize Social Security is back. McCain told the Wall Street Journal that he favors Bubble-Boy's approach to "fixing" Social Security. This approach calls for privatizing Social Security and was so unpopular with the public that the Republican-controlled Congress wouldn't even have the legislation introduced.
This is from the Wall Street Journal article:
On Social Security, the Arizona senator says he still backs a system of private retirement accounts that President Bush pushed unsuccessfully, and disowned details of a Social Security proposal on his campaign Web site.
He also came out in favor of extending BB's reckless tax cuts to the rich and lowering the corporate tax rate. This means, of course, that the United States would face even more deficit spending. This is also from the WSJ article:
Behind the scenes, his campaign is searching for ways to pay for Sen. McCain's tax proposals. In addition to extending the Bush tax cuts, the 71-year-old candidate would slash the corporate income-tax rate from 35% to 25% at a cost to the Treasury of $100 billion a year, estimates Mr. Holtz-Eakin.
In all, his tax-cutting proposals could cost about $400 billion a year, according to estimates of the impact of different tax cuts by CBO and the McCain campaign. The cost will make it difficult for him to achieve his goal of balancing the budget by the end of his first term.
So let's see what the McCain record is:
1. Doesn't care if the U.S. is in Iraq for a 100 years;
2. Makes jokes about bombing Iran;
3. Has flip-flopped on Bubble-Boy's tax cuts, being against them in 2001 and now for them in 2008;
4. Wants to privatize Social Security; and
5. Wants to cut taxes for corporations.
This is from the Wall Street Journal article:
On Social Security, the Arizona senator says he still backs a system of private retirement accounts that President Bush pushed unsuccessfully, and disowned details of a Social Security proposal on his campaign Web site.
He also came out in favor of extending BB's reckless tax cuts to the rich and lowering the corporate tax rate. This means, of course, that the United States would face even more deficit spending. This is also from the WSJ article:
Behind the scenes, his campaign is searching for ways to pay for Sen. McCain's tax proposals. In addition to extending the Bush tax cuts, the 71-year-old candidate would slash the corporate income-tax rate from 35% to 25% at a cost to the Treasury of $100 billion a year, estimates Mr. Holtz-Eakin.
In all, his tax-cutting proposals could cost about $400 billion a year, according to estimates of the impact of different tax cuts by CBO and the McCain campaign. The cost will make it difficult for him to achieve his goal of balancing the budget by the end of his first term.
So let's see what the McCain record is:
1. Doesn't care if the U.S. is in Iraq for a 100 years;
2. Makes jokes about bombing Iran;
3. Has flip-flopped on Bubble-Boy's tax cuts, being against them in 2001 and now for them in 2008;
4. Wants to privatize Social Security; and
5. Wants to cut taxes for corporations.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Medina Dem Explains Why He Supports Hillary Clinton
It is now 12 hours until the polls open in Ohio , and have I made up my mind who I will vote for in the primary? Finally, yes. Also, I am grateful that at long last the people of Ohio will play a role in choosing the nominees for a change!
I will take a Democratic ballot for President, and this choice is easy. Either Dem will end the war in Iraq : how fast is an unknown, but, McCain would keep us there “100 years, if necessary.” Now, this is to be taken seriously, as we now will begin the 6th year of occupation in a foreign land. While one can find good qualities about John Mc, I am further upset in the matter of his whoring (as a classmate on the east coast describes his behavior of the past 4+ years) for the Bush adm. for more than that period. I believe they bought him off without $$ to keep him out of the race in ’04. Further, the fact that he spent a long 6+ years as a POW does NOT qualify him, nor aid him, in this quest for the presidency.
I am ignoring Huckleberry, who doesn’t appear to even believe in gravity. Ron Paul? I agree with his Iraq policy, and other military policies which, simply stated, (as Paul simply states everything) involved uninvolving ourselves militarily in near every other foreign country, some of his finance positions, and some of his positions on making the federal government smaller, but most of his positions are so simplistic that he must be dismissed out-of-hand.
Positions of Obama and Clinton are similar, other than the fact that Obama has promised everyone a little bit of everything, and he cannot deliver all that he has stated even if Congress gave him the green light, which they will not. Little bears arguing about in that matter, so it will come down to a difference of experience or a fresh approach: Does a new face such as Obama overcome his lack of experience? Does ‘same old’ politics make for a “same old” policy? There have been many “fresh faces” in DC, if you mean outside the beltway, which Obama is only part way out there. He will have the people behind him, clamoring for change. And Clinton ’s partisanship, pettiness couple with anger, stubbornness and lack of compromise could derail anything good should she be elected.
Obama has the momentum, as I write this. And, we know that momentum and timing can be everything in politics. And, as the campaign goes on, he becomes more and more knowledgeable about the world at large, not to mention the good old USA . But, as I age more, I know in my heart that experience is the deciding factor. And, believe me, there will be change.
I will cast my ballot for Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Bryan Adams
I will take a Democratic ballot for President, and this choice is easy. Either Dem will end the war in Iraq : how fast is an unknown, but, McCain would keep us there “100 years, if necessary.” Now, this is to be taken seriously, as we now will begin the 6th year of occupation in a foreign land. While one can find good qualities about John Mc, I am further upset in the matter of his whoring (as a classmate on the east coast describes his behavior of the past 4+ years) for the Bush adm. for more than that period. I believe they bought him off without $$ to keep him out of the race in ’04. Further, the fact that he spent a long 6+ years as a POW does NOT qualify him, nor aid him, in this quest for the presidency.
I am ignoring Huckleberry, who doesn’t appear to even believe in gravity. Ron Paul? I agree with his Iraq policy, and other military policies which, simply stated, (as Paul simply states everything) involved uninvolving ourselves militarily in near every other foreign country, some of his finance positions, and some of his positions on making the federal government smaller, but most of his positions are so simplistic that he must be dismissed out-of-hand.
Positions of Obama and Clinton are similar, other than the fact that Obama has promised everyone a little bit of everything, and he cannot deliver all that he has stated even if Congress gave him the green light, which they will not. Little bears arguing about in that matter, so it will come down to a difference of experience or a fresh approach: Does a new face such as Obama overcome his lack of experience? Does ‘same old’ politics make for a “same old” policy? There have been many “fresh faces” in DC, if you mean outside the beltway, which Obama is only part way out there. He will have the people behind him, clamoring for change. And Clinton ’s partisanship, pettiness couple with anger, stubbornness and lack of compromise could derail anything good should she be elected.
Obama has the momentum, as I write this. And, we know that momentum and timing can be everything in politics. And, as the campaign goes on, he becomes more and more knowledgeable about the world at large, not to mention the good old USA . But, as I age more, I know in my heart that experience is the deciding factor. And, believe me, there will be change.
I will cast my ballot for Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Bryan Adams
MCDAC Blog Sets Record in February
Our blog had over 4,000 visitors in February, which was a record. We realize that our traffic is small compared to blogs like Talking Points Memo and Daily Kos, but we are happy that more and more visitors are coming here to read about Democratic politics. Our thanks to those people who visit our blog and we hope to see you in the future.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Jack Nicholson Ad for Hillary Clinton
Here is a video ad that Jack Nicholson appears in on behalf of Hillary Clinton:
Question for Bubble-Boy and His Supporters: If the Surge is Going so Well, Why Will There be More Troops in Iraq After it is Over than Before
Bubble-Boy had a statement to the press and that was that he won't promise that more troops will be coming home from Iraq this summer. This means that there will probably be around 8,000 more American troops in Iraq at the end of the "surge" than there were when the surge started. How, in any context, can this be called a success?
Maybe we are just being picky here, but wouldn't a success mean that more American troops could leave Iraq? What is success? Is success being measured by Iraqi standards or by American standards? That is, is the surge a success if it prevents Iraqi deaths or leads to American troops being withdrawn?
Maybe it is just us, but we believe that American troops should be dying for American interests, not Iraqi interests, not oil company interests, not neo-con interests, but American interests. You know, the interests of the American people as a whole.
If you look at the surge from that standpoint, then can you say it is a "success"?
Maybe we are just being picky here, but wouldn't a success mean that more American troops could leave Iraq? What is success? Is success being measured by Iraqi standards or by American standards? That is, is the surge a success if it prevents Iraqi deaths or leads to American troops being withdrawn?
Maybe it is just us, but we believe that American troops should be dying for American interests, not Iraqi interests, not oil company interests, not neo-con interests, but American interests. You know, the interests of the American people as a whole.
If you look at the surge from that standpoint, then can you say it is a "success"?
Does Tim Russert Treat Black Politicans Different Than White Politicians?
Media Matters has a very interesting piece by Jamison Foser up comparing Tim Russert's questioning of Barack Obama about Louis Farrakhan's support of his candidacy to his questioning of white, Republican politicians of support for their candidacies by people like Pat Robertson.
This is from Foser's article:
The double standard couldn't be clearer. The only question is, what it is about Barack Obama and Rudy Giuliani that makes Tim Russert treat them so differently?
Why does Tim Russert think Barack Obama and Colin Powell are uniquely required and qualified to talk about Harry Belafonte? Why does Tim Russert think Barack Obama has to explain praise from Louis Farrakhan that he did not accept, but Rudy Giuliani doesn't have to explain an endorsement from Pat Robertson that he did accept?
Foser doesn't answer the question he poses, but we will: Obama is a black, Democratic politician and Guiliani is a white, Republican politician. Now, maybe we are doing Russert a disservice. Maybe he would answer that Robertson is not as inflammatory as Farrakhan.
Well, here is a simple test for Russert. John McCain sought and got the support of John Hagee, a white, evangelical preacher from Texas. Now Hagee says some very interesting things about the Roman Catholic church. This is from a CBS News story about Hagee:
He has also denounced the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore of Babylon" and "a cult." He blames it for the Holocaust and predicts its imminent demise.
"This is the apostate church," Hagee said. " … this false religious system is going to be totally devoured by the anti-Christ."
So when Russert has McCain on Meet the Press in the near future, will he pressure McCain to renounce and reject Hagee, or, once again, will he treat a white, Republican politican different than he treats Barack Obama?
This is from Foser's article:
The double standard couldn't be clearer. The only question is, what it is about Barack Obama and Rudy Giuliani that makes Tim Russert treat them so differently?
Why does Tim Russert think Barack Obama and Colin Powell are uniquely required and qualified to talk about Harry Belafonte? Why does Tim Russert think Barack Obama has to explain praise from Louis Farrakhan that he did not accept, but Rudy Giuliani doesn't have to explain an endorsement from Pat Robertson that he did accept?
Foser doesn't answer the question he poses, but we will: Obama is a black, Democratic politician and Guiliani is a white, Republican politician. Now, maybe we are doing Russert a disservice. Maybe he would answer that Robertson is not as inflammatory as Farrakhan.
Well, here is a simple test for Russert. John McCain sought and got the support of John Hagee, a white, evangelical preacher from Texas. Now Hagee says some very interesting things about the Roman Catholic church. This is from a CBS News story about Hagee:
He has also denounced the Roman Catholic Church as "the great whore of Babylon" and "a cult." He blames it for the Holocaust and predicts its imminent demise.
"This is the apostate church," Hagee said. " … this false religious system is going to be totally devoured by the anti-Christ."
So when Russert has McCain on Meet the Press in the near future, will he pressure McCain to renounce and reject Hagee, or, once again, will he treat a white, Republican politican different than he treats Barack Obama?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Sutton Testifies Before U.S. House of Representatives Budget Committee
Testimony of Representative Betty Sutton, (D-OH13), on February 28, 2008:
“Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I am very proud to have served on this Committee last year, and I’m pleased to join you once again to speak on budget issues of importance to Ohio ’s 13th District. The budget is a moral document. It is a statement of the values of our nation. It is the clearest way to see where a government’s true priorities lie.”
“That’s why I’m very concerned about the message that the President’s Budget sends to the American people. It does not invest in the most important long-term priorities in the country… it instead places a premium on investment in the short-term interests of a few.”
“At a time when working families are facing skyrocketing energy, health care, and education costs, the President’s Budget would cut critical programs that can help Americans through these tough economic times. Today I would like to discuss a few of these programs, which are vital to the people I represent in Ohio .”
Infrastructure
“The state of the nation’s crumbling infrastructure was demonstrated in the most dramatic fashion possible, when the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River last August. In the face of overwhelming evidence of the need for increased investment in our infrastructure, the Bush Administration continues to pursue an open-ended policy in Iraq , while badly shortchanging infrastructure investments at home.”
“Tackling the repair of our nation’s infrastructure is not a glamorous task, but it is absolutely essential for our nation’s long-term success. The Minnesota bridge collapse and Hurricane Katrina are vivid reminders that these considerations are not theoretical. Investments in infrastructure are not just critical for public safety, but they also bring a significant boost to local economies and provide more Americans with good paying jobs.”
“The President’s proposed funding levels are fully $1 billion below the levels guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU. The Budget Committee should reject this funding level and renew our commitment to improving our national infrastructure.”
First Responders
“I would also urge the Budget Committee to reject the cuts the President has made to grants to local law enforcement and fire departments. Although the President has repeatedly stressed the importance of homeland security, he has left our first responders without funds that are critically important to the work they do in our communities every single day.”
“Firefighters in my district depend on Assistance to Firefighter Grants, which are used for equipment, training, and other projects to ensure they have everything they need to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. The President’s proposed funding levels would eliminate over $24 million in Fire Grants for the state of Ohio , which could result in 267 fewer grants awarded. He also eliminated formula funding for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, which would result in 122 fewer police officers funded in Ohio .”
“Our first responders are out in our communities every day and have made a commitment to protecting our communities from harm. We in Congress must also make a commitment to our first responders, to ensure they have the resources they need to continue their critical work.”
Research and Development
“In order for the United States to continue at the forefront of innovation and technology, we must continue to support research and development. That these investments generate significant returns is abundantly clear, and not only will they result in advances in our scientific understanding, they will generate new jobs and help fuel our local economies.”
“The University of Akron , for example, is a world leader in polymer research, and the effect this research center has had on the Akron economy has been profound. I would encourage the committee to include robust funding for research and development in this year’s budget.”
Green Jobs
“In addition, this year, we have the opportunity to fund a newly authorized program that will help reinvest in American manufacturing, such as at the Avon Lake Ford Plant in my district, and help create Green jobs. This past December, we authorized the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, which will be administered by the Department of Energy. This program will provide low-cost loans to automobile manufacturers to make substantial investments in their factories here in the United States . By funding this program, auto companies will have low-interest loans available to invest in engineering, component production and the retooling of existing factories to manufacture new, advanced technology vehicles such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, advanced diesel and fuel cell cars.”
Veterans
“We must always remember that the full measure of what we owe our veterans does not end after they leave the battlefield… our responsibility extends to what we provide for our soldiers once they return home. The President’s Budget does not provide adequately for the care of our veterans, providing $20 billion less than what is necessary to merely maintain its current purchasing power. It is unacceptable for the President to attempt to impose new fees on our veterans even though they have been overwhelmingly rejected many times before.”
“I am proud to say that I served on this Committee when we passed the largest increase in VA funding in American history. I urge the Budget Committee to continue its commitment to helping those who have fought so bravely and sacrificed in ways that many of us can never fully appreciate.”
Community Development Block Grant
“Finally, I would strongly urge the Budget Committee to reject the proposed cuts to the Community Development Block Grant. I cannot overemphasize the positive impact that CDBG funds have made on my district. With the foreclosure crisis driving many of my constituents out of their homes, and with so many Ohioans losing their jobs in recent years, CDBG provides funds to state and local organizations to address these difficulties.
It has created tens of thousands of jobs across the country, assisted families in finding affordable housing, and has been a catalyst for economic development.”
“A loss of nearly $30 million of these funds would deprive my district of funds that are critical for helping us move forward. It would be irresponsible to cut these programs that are intended to assist families who currently have the greatest need. When the Bush Budget arrived in Congress earlier this month, it was characterized as “dead on arrival.” And that’s because we have all recognized that President Bush is not listening to the American people. He has demonstrated a callous indifference to the needs of working class Americans that we must reject.”
“As one who has served on this esteemed Committee, I know that it is difficult to balance the many competing priorities before you. However, I urge you to keep the needs of working families in mind as you make your decisions. We cannot afford to turn our backs on them during these difficult economic times. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.”
“Thank you for the opportunity to testify before you today. I am very proud to have served on this Committee last year, and I’m pleased to join you once again to speak on budget issues of importance to Ohio ’s 13th District. The budget is a moral document. It is a statement of the values of our nation. It is the clearest way to see where a government’s true priorities lie.”
“That’s why I’m very concerned about the message that the President’s Budget sends to the American people. It does not invest in the most important long-term priorities in the country… it instead places a premium on investment in the short-term interests of a few.”
“At a time when working families are facing skyrocketing energy, health care, and education costs, the President’s Budget would cut critical programs that can help Americans through these tough economic times. Today I would like to discuss a few of these programs, which are vital to the people I represent in Ohio .”
Infrastructure
“The state of the nation’s crumbling infrastructure was demonstrated in the most dramatic fashion possible, when the I-35 bridge in Minneapolis collapsed into the Mississippi River last August. In the face of overwhelming evidence of the need for increased investment in our infrastructure, the Bush Administration continues to pursue an open-ended policy in Iraq , while badly shortchanging infrastructure investments at home.”
“Tackling the repair of our nation’s infrastructure is not a glamorous task, but it is absolutely essential for our nation’s long-term success. The Minnesota bridge collapse and Hurricane Katrina are vivid reminders that these considerations are not theoretical. Investments in infrastructure are not just critical for public safety, but they also bring a significant boost to local economies and provide more Americans with good paying jobs.”
“The President’s proposed funding levels are fully $1 billion below the levels guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU. The Budget Committee should reject this funding level and renew our commitment to improving our national infrastructure.”
First Responders
“I would also urge the Budget Committee to reject the cuts the President has made to grants to local law enforcement and fire departments. Although the President has repeatedly stressed the importance of homeland security, he has left our first responders without funds that are critically important to the work they do in our communities every single day.”
“Firefighters in my district depend on Assistance to Firefighter Grants, which are used for equipment, training, and other projects to ensure they have everything they need to keep our families and neighborhoods safe. The President’s proposed funding levels would eliminate over $24 million in Fire Grants for the state of Ohio , which could result in 267 fewer grants awarded. He also eliminated formula funding for the Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, which would result in 122 fewer police officers funded in Ohio .”
“Our first responders are out in our communities every day and have made a commitment to protecting our communities from harm. We in Congress must also make a commitment to our first responders, to ensure they have the resources they need to continue their critical work.”
Research and Development
“In order for the United States to continue at the forefront of innovation and technology, we must continue to support research and development. That these investments generate significant returns is abundantly clear, and not only will they result in advances in our scientific understanding, they will generate new jobs and help fuel our local economies.”
“The University of Akron , for example, is a world leader in polymer research, and the effect this research center has had on the Akron economy has been profound. I would encourage the committee to include robust funding for research and development in this year’s budget.”
Green Jobs
“In addition, this year, we have the opportunity to fund a newly authorized program that will help reinvest in American manufacturing, such as at the Avon Lake Ford Plant in my district, and help create Green jobs. This past December, we authorized the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program, which will be administered by the Department of Energy. This program will provide low-cost loans to automobile manufacturers to make substantial investments in their factories here in the United States . By funding this program, auto companies will have low-interest loans available to invest in engineering, component production and the retooling of existing factories to manufacture new, advanced technology vehicles such as hybrids, plug-in hybrids, advanced diesel and fuel cell cars.”
Veterans
“We must always remember that the full measure of what we owe our veterans does not end after they leave the battlefield… our responsibility extends to what we provide for our soldiers once they return home. The President’s Budget does not provide adequately for the care of our veterans, providing $20 billion less than what is necessary to merely maintain its current purchasing power. It is unacceptable for the President to attempt to impose new fees on our veterans even though they have been overwhelmingly rejected many times before.”
“I am proud to say that I served on this Committee when we passed the largest increase in VA funding in American history. I urge the Budget Committee to continue its commitment to helping those who have fought so bravely and sacrificed in ways that many of us can never fully appreciate.”
Community Development Block Grant
“Finally, I would strongly urge the Budget Committee to reject the proposed cuts to the Community Development Block Grant. I cannot overemphasize the positive impact that CDBG funds have made on my district. With the foreclosure crisis driving many of my constituents out of their homes, and with so many Ohioans losing their jobs in recent years, CDBG provides funds to state and local organizations to address these difficulties.
It has created tens of thousands of jobs across the country, assisted families in finding affordable housing, and has been a catalyst for economic development.”
“A loss of nearly $30 million of these funds would deprive my district of funds that are critical for helping us move forward. It would be irresponsible to cut these programs that are intended to assist families who currently have the greatest need. When the Bush Budget arrived in Congress earlier this month, it was characterized as “dead on arrival.” And that’s because we have all recognized that President Bush is not listening to the American people. He has demonstrated a callous indifference to the needs of working class Americans that we must reject.”
“As one who has served on this esteemed Committee, I know that it is difficult to balance the many competing priorities before you. However, I urge you to keep the needs of working families in mind as you make your decisions. We cannot afford to turn our backs on them during these difficult economic times. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.”
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