BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- A South Florida congressman who was one of six GOP U.S. House members voting last year against the border fence with Mexico has sent a $1,000 check to Bob Latta's OH-05 congressional campaign. U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart is a Cuban-American who has generally supported President George Bush's immigration reform policies. The House approved the fence by a wide margin in September 2006. Bush's reform proposals have been rejected in Congress because they were seen as offering amnesty to about 12 to 14 million illegal immigrants -- most from Central America and Mexico -- believed to reside in the U.S.
Latta has portrayed himself an immigration hardliner. He has called illegal immigrants "a slap in the face" to resident aliens living in the United States with proper documents allowing entry. Latta says he favors the fence along the Mexican border. It is not clear why he would accept financial support for his campaign from someone who opposes the fence along the Mexican border.
U.S. Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio and the House minority leader, has described the bill that Diaz-Balart voted against last year as critical to securing U.S. borders.
"With more border patrol agents, additional fencing and border infrastructure, and more state-of-the-art surveillance, this bill will make a real difference in securing America's borders."
Showing posts with label OH-05. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OH-05. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2007
Ohio's Bizzyblog: Bob Latta Backed Tax Increases 'Hurt The State Of Ohio'
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Bizzyblog's Tom Blumer is in full attack mode against Democrat Robin Weirauch, whom he paints as an untrustworthy liberal in a lengthy series of posts on the eve of Dec. 11's OH-05 congressional special election. But it looks a lot like smoke and mirrors. Just 20 months ago, Bizzyblog denounced the tax increases supported by State Rep. Bob Latta, Bob Taft, Jean Schmidt and other Ohio Republicans as actions that "so hurt the state of Ohio and its economy."
Weirauch's campaign against Latta has largely been based upon the idea that Ohio's economy is down and needs to be pushed forward by jobs and growth. Bizzyblog seems to be supporting Latta, who approved the tax policies that Bizzyblog says cost Ohio jobs and growth. Again, Bizzyblog says the Taft-era tax policies -- which Latta supported -- hurt the state's economy.
In fact, in April 2006 Bizzyblog said U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Republican who holds the OH-02 House seat in southern Ohio, had been receiving warranted and relentless criticism for supporting Bob Taft-era tax increases while serving in the state legislature. Latta, of course, voted the same way Schmidt voted. Here's a pertinent excerpt from Bizzyblog:
"Jean Schmidt has been relentlessly criticized, and with more than a little justification, for supporting the Taft-era tax increases that have so hurt the State of Ohio and its economy during her time as a state representative."
Please note what Bizzyblog reported: "the Taft-era tax increases that have so hurt the State of Ohio and its economy. . ."
The complete text is available by poring through this Bizzyblog item. It is difficult to comprehend why Bizzyblog would defend Latta, who cast votes for Taft-era tax increases that he believes have damaged the state and harmed its economy.
Weirauch's campaign against Latta has largely been based upon the idea that Ohio's economy is down and needs to be pushed forward by jobs and growth. Bizzyblog seems to be supporting Latta, who approved the tax policies that Bizzyblog says cost Ohio jobs and growth. Again, Bizzyblog says the Taft-era tax policies -- which Latta supported -- hurt the state's economy.
In fact, in April 2006 Bizzyblog said U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, a Republican who holds the OH-02 House seat in southern Ohio, had been receiving warranted and relentless criticism for supporting Bob Taft-era tax increases while serving in the state legislature. Latta, of course, voted the same way Schmidt voted. Here's a pertinent excerpt from Bizzyblog:
"Jean Schmidt has been relentlessly criticized, and with more than a little justification, for supporting the Taft-era tax increases that have so hurt the State of Ohio and its economy during her time as a state representative."
Please note what Bizzyblog reported: "the Taft-era tax increases that have so hurt the State of Ohio and its economy. . ."
The complete text is available by poring through this Bizzyblog item. It is difficult to comprehend why Bizzyblog would defend Latta, who cast votes for Taft-era tax increases that he believes have damaged the state and harmed its economy.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
OH-O5 GOP Bob Latta: MIA On Bill That Says Illegals Can't Have Ohio Licenses
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Republican congressional candidate Bob Latta is portraying himself as an immigration hardliner who would bar illegals from receiving taxpayer-funded health care and education benefits. But the state legislator from Bowling Green hasn't signed on to support a bipartisan measure in the Ohio House that would take the actions he is now promising. The House immigration crackdown bill Latta has turned his back on also includes a prohibition against Ohio driver licenses and ID cards to immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally.
For the past three months, Latta has been missing in action from the sponsor's list on H.B. 308, a measure that would place restrictions on hiring and sheltering illegal immigrants in Ohio. The measure was introduced last September and restricts "the employment, transport, post-secondary education benefits, driver's licenses and identification cards, and receipt of public benefits of persons who are not legal residents of the United States."
Legislative officials say they are unaware of any steps taken by Latta to sign on as a co-sponsor.
"He's full of it, he's hasn't lifted a finger on this issue in the Statehouse. They sent out for co-sponsorships. If Latta wanted to do something, he could have jumped on it. You had Republicans like Bill Seitz and Courtney Combs who signed up, and Dale Mallory, a Democrat whose brother is the mayor of Cincinnati. Where's Latta? He's missing in action. He could have done something in Columbus. He only wants to do a commercial, not any lawmaking. He's totally full of it."
Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, moved to the Ohio Senate when Patty Clancy stepped down. Combs is a former Butler County Commissioner. Combs comes from a community where the sheriff and other local officials are making it clear that illegal immigrants are not welcome.
Latta is running against Democrat Robin Weirauch for the vacant U.S. House seat in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The special election is Dec. 11.
Latta says Weirauch favors extending federally financed health care benefits to illegal immigrants. Weirauch's campaign says Latta's charge is false. Latta held a news conference this week that was timed to coincide with the release of a campaign ad that proclaims "Washington Does Nothing" about illegal immigration. The National Republican Congressional Committee goes on to say that Latta is "ready to get tough on illegal immigration."
For the past three months, Latta has been missing in action from the sponsor's list on H.B. 308, a measure that would place restrictions on hiring and sheltering illegal immigrants in Ohio. The measure was introduced last September and restricts "the employment, transport, post-secondary education benefits, driver's licenses and identification cards, and receipt of public benefits of persons who are not legal residents of the United States."
Legislative officials say they are unaware of any steps taken by Latta to sign on as a co-sponsor.
"He's full of it, he's hasn't lifted a finger on this issue in the Statehouse. They sent out for co-sponsorships. If Latta wanted to do something, he could have jumped on it. You had Republicans like Bill Seitz and Courtney Combs who signed up, and Dale Mallory, a Democrat whose brother is the mayor of Cincinnati. Where's Latta? He's missing in action. He could have done something in Columbus. He only wants to do a commercial, not any lawmaking. He's totally full of it."
Seitz, a Cincinnati Republican, moved to the Ohio Senate when Patty Clancy stepped down. Combs is a former Butler County Commissioner. Combs comes from a community where the sheriff and other local officials are making it clear that illegal immigrants are not welcome.
Latta is running against Democrat Robin Weirauch for the vacant U.S. House seat in Ohio's 5th Congressional District. The special election is Dec. 11.
Latta says Weirauch favors extending federally financed health care benefits to illegal immigrants. Weirauch's campaign says Latta's charge is false. Latta held a news conference this week that was timed to coincide with the release of a campaign ad that proclaims "Washington Does Nothing" about illegal immigration. The National Republican Congressional Committee goes on to say that Latta is "ready to get tough on illegal immigration."
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Open Letter To Robin Weirauch: Tell The DCCC To Pull Their Attack Ad
Dear Robin:
You have run a great campaign. You have spoken from your heart about the need for Ohio values in Washington, how somebody needs to speak out and stand against the mindset that puts the well-financed backers of lobbyists in tailored suits and alligator shoes over the homespun interests of hardworking people. Remember, you hope to represent a state where sweater vests never went out of style. You value honesty, respect for neighbors, church, the value of work. You have said repeatedly you won't be part of the Washington crowd.
[UPDATE 1 -- Jeff Coryell's Ohio Daily Blog has the district's demographics. It is rural, covers 16 counties and is filled with blue collar workers. The largest city has fewer than 30,000 resident.]
So prove it. Get rid of that attack ad. All it does is make you part and parcel with the crop of politicians from whom you've tried to set yourself apart. You were succeeding. You don't need to get down in the gutter. Your message was up. The ad is down. It has no class, and may actually undo all that you have accomplished this fall. Tell the DCCC to send you the video so you can bury it in a landfill.
If you take a stand on principle and ask the DCCC to pull the ad -- if you say thanks, but no thanks -- you will have proven that you really are a different kind of politician, someone who believes what she says, someone who stands behind what she says. You have pledged no dirt, no attacks, only the high road. Live up to that pledge. Speak up.
If you do, you will be seen as a square, and people will notice. The presses will stop, the radio talk shows will buzz, the blogs will light up. Why? Because somebody said: I have standards. When I say a clean campaign and no attacks, I mean exactly that. In fact, I mean everything I say. That I will fight for jobs and against unfair trade deals. That I will fight the corporate lobbyists. That I will fight for health care and the children's health insurance program. That I won't be a Bush-Cheney patsy. That I really mean it when I say that taxes on the middle class need to be lowered.
Robin, from one end of the U.S. to the other, people will notice if a candidate says enough is enough. Throwing mud is not your message; being dedicated and working hard is the message.
That DCCC attack ad doesn't help you. It only makes you look like just another pol who will say or do anything to get elected. Or let somebody say or do anything in your behalf. Sternly shake your finger at the DCCC and tell it to craft a better message, one that says a cop's wife from a small Ohio town called Napoleon can go to Washington and get things done. That somebody who started life working in a factory wants to make things better. That the days of the slicksters and sidesteppers and cheap shot artists are finished.
You have run a great campaign. You have spoken from your heart about the need for Ohio values in Washington, how somebody needs to speak out and stand against the mindset that puts the well-financed backers of lobbyists in tailored suits and alligator shoes over the homespun interests of hardworking people. Remember, you hope to represent a state where sweater vests never went out of style. You value honesty, respect for neighbors, church, the value of work. You have said repeatedly you won't be part of the Washington crowd.
[UPDATE 1 -- Jeff Coryell's Ohio Daily Blog has the district's demographics. It is rural, covers 16 counties and is filled with blue collar workers. The largest city has fewer than 30,000 resident.]
So prove it. Get rid of that attack ad. All it does is make you part and parcel with the crop of politicians from whom you've tried to set yourself apart. You were succeeding. You don't need to get down in the gutter. Your message was up. The ad is down. It has no class, and may actually undo all that you have accomplished this fall. Tell the DCCC to send you the video so you can bury it in a landfill.
If you take a stand on principle and ask the DCCC to pull the ad -- if you say thanks, but no thanks -- you will have proven that you really are a different kind of politician, someone who believes what she says, someone who stands behind what she says. You have pledged no dirt, no attacks, only the high road. Live up to that pledge. Speak up.
If you do, you will be seen as a square, and people will notice. The presses will stop, the radio talk shows will buzz, the blogs will light up. Why? Because somebody said: I have standards. When I say a clean campaign and no attacks, I mean exactly that. In fact, I mean everything I say. That I will fight for jobs and against unfair trade deals. That I will fight the corporate lobbyists. That I will fight for health care and the children's health insurance program. That I won't be a Bush-Cheney patsy. That I really mean it when I say that taxes on the middle class need to be lowered.
Robin, from one end of the U.S. to the other, people will notice if a candidate says enough is enough. Throwing mud is not your message; being dedicated and working hard is the message.
That DCCC attack ad doesn't help you. It only makes you look like just another pol who will say or do anything to get elected. Or let somebody say or do anything in your behalf. Sternly shake your finger at the DCCC and tell it to craft a better message, one that says a cop's wife from a small Ohio town called Napoleon can go to Washington and get things done. That somebody who started life working in a factory wants to make things better. That the days of the slicksters and sidesteppers and cheap shot artists are finished.
Monday, December 03, 2007
House Dems OH-05 Attack Ad: It Stinks And Ohio Deserves Better
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- This attack ad is now on YouTUBE, and it represents the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's foray into Ohio's 5th District to aid Robin Weirauch. She has been fresh, upbeat, pretty much tireless and perhaps on the road to an upset win against State Rep. Bob Latta. So what does she get from the House Dems in Washington? Warmed over material that rehashes everything you were bored to death hearing about Tom Noe, Bob Taft and Latta's troubles with the Ohio Elections Commission. Snore.
The ad is about as stimulating and watchable as a rerun of the Lawrence Welk Show on PBS. And equally as predictable. A-one, a-two, a-three. Maybe the House Dems' writers are on strike, too? At least Welk had a machine that blew soap bubbles at his audience while the band played on.
Weirauch is a candidate with a populist, positive message. She's talking about jobs moving offshore, about Ohio's factories being creamed by cheap labor in China, about people who can't afford health care, about being tuned into small towns and the area of the state where she grew up and wants to serve in the Capitol. She wants to cut taxes on the middle class. She's kept her pledge not to take potshots at her opponent. But she gets second-rate schlock from the DCCC, a script from 2006 about Noe and Taft.
The ad is called "Ohio Deserves Better." And it does.
Ohio Valley Politics has the ad, and also a link to the much more clever Ohio Democratic Party Web site launched today that actually makes some pretty good partisan points. Buckeye State Blog has the ad up, too, and proprietor Jerid Kurtz notes in a comment that it looks a lot like the stuff Latta tossed at State Sen. Steve Buehrer in the GOP primary during October and November. Jerid just adds to the sense this is tired material. It just may be that the homegrown Dems know more than the Washington Dems.
The ad is about as stimulating and watchable as a rerun of the Lawrence Welk Show on PBS. And equally as predictable. A-one, a-two, a-three. Maybe the House Dems' writers are on strike, too? At least Welk had a machine that blew soap bubbles at his audience while the band played on.
Weirauch is a candidate with a populist, positive message. She's talking about jobs moving offshore, about Ohio's factories being creamed by cheap labor in China, about people who can't afford health care, about being tuned into small towns and the area of the state where she grew up and wants to serve in the Capitol. She wants to cut taxes on the middle class. She's kept her pledge not to take potshots at her opponent. But she gets second-rate schlock from the DCCC, a script from 2006 about Noe and Taft.
The ad is called "Ohio Deserves Better." And it does.
Ohio Valley Politics has the ad, and also a link to the much more clever Ohio Democratic Party Web site launched today that actually makes some pretty good partisan points. Buckeye State Blog has the ad up, too, and proprietor Jerid Kurtz notes in a comment that it looks a lot like the stuff Latta tossed at State Sen. Steve Buehrer in the GOP primary during October and November. Jerid just adds to the sense this is tired material. It just may be that the homegrown Dems know more than the Washington Dems.
OH-05: NRCC Attacks Weirauch As Ally of Kucinich And Michael Moore
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- The National Republican Congressional Committee rips OH-05 Democratic candidate Robin Weirauch as an extreme liberal who "supports taxpayer-funded, government-run healthcare for illegal immigrants." The proof offered is a May 2006 press release issued by the theater and stage employees union, IATSE.
According to the NRCC -- the fundraising and electioneering arm of House Republicans -- Weirauch endorsed H.R. 676 in 2006 while the measure was pending in a previous Congress. The bill did not go anywhere and died in the GOP controlled House under former Speaker Dennis Hastert. Cleveland Democrat Dennis Kucinich and Toledo's Marcy Kaptur were cosponsors. The bill was a proposal to guarantee health care coverage to every America. Another version of the bill has been introduced this year and it has been endorsed Michael Moore, the movie director, author and political activist. The GOP says it is evidence that Weirauch holds "far-left positions."
According to the NRCC -- the fundraising and electioneering arm of House Republicans -- Weirauch endorsed H.R. 676 in 2006 while the measure was pending in a previous Congress. The bill did not go anywhere and died in the GOP controlled House under former Speaker Dennis Hastert. Cleveland Democrat Dennis Kucinich and Toledo's Marcy Kaptur were cosponsors. The bill was a proposal to guarantee health care coverage to every America. Another version of the bill has been introduced this year and it has been endorsed Michael Moore, the movie director, author and political activist. The GOP says it is evidence that Weirauch holds "far-left positions."
Saturday, December 01, 2007
OH-05 Dem Robin Weirauch: Sounding Tough Like Tancredo On Immigration
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- Democrat Robin Weirauch is strutting her blue collar roots -- she used to work beside her mother in a factory -- and has been heating up the anti-NAFTA rhetoric. Now she's pledging a crackdown against undocumented aliens and says she's in the camp that favors "absolutely no amnesty, no driver's licenses and no federal benefits for illegal immigrants."
[UPDATE: 12:20 PM est -- Weirauch is traveling around NW Ohio today and in speeches she is targeting what she has called the "Taft Tax," the sales tax increase sought by former GOP Gov. Bob Taft that was the biggest tax hike in the state's history. "To create a new direction for Ohio, we need new leaders with new priorities. We remember all too well what the politics of the past brought. Career politicians gave us the Taft Tax, which was the largest tax increase in Ohio history in order to pay for budgets that provided millions for the special interests. Worst of all, those same career politicians told middle class Ohioans to pay for it all." Jeff Coryell is on the road with Robin and Ohio Daily Blog is carrying his reports.]
Weirauch is running against Republican State Rep. Bob Latta for the vacant seat in Ohio's 5th Congressional District, which covers the conservative northwest corner of the state. The special election is Dec. 11. Latta voted for Taft's sales tax increase. The district covers a patch of political turf that has not been held by a Democrat since 1938. Weirauch has fashioned a message that looks to be in tune in a region filled with farms and small factories that are being squeezed by globalization, high energy costs and an economy that seems to have left much of the Midwest behind. On immigration, Weirauch -- who is campaigning today with Gov. Ted Strickland -- is running to the right of many who come from her party's Big City urban districts. She says family budgets in rural Ohio are being stretched beyond the breaking point as local economies wither.
"Unfortunately, the politicians in Washington have worked harder on behalf of the special interests than the working families of Northwest Ohio."
On her campaign blog Weirauch writes that she considers illegal immigrants a threat to Ohio's rural economy. She says they are part-and-parcel with what she calls foreign trade agreements fashioned by corporate lobbyists that don't have the interests of U.S. workers at their core. Weirauch writes:
"Making matters worse, Washington isn't enforcing our immigration laws, allowing big companies to hire illegal aliens without being penalized. That isn't right. Washington has failed to fix America's broken immigration system and hardworking Northwest Ohioans are paying the price. Washington needs to enforce our immigration laws and hold employers liable when they break them. We must secure our borders and make sure that illegal immigrants aren't rewarded for breaking the law . . .
"We've had enough of politicians who send our jobs overseas, support trade agreements that encourage illegal immigration, and fail to enforce immigrations laws."
[UPDATE: 12:20 PM est -- Weirauch is traveling around NW Ohio today and in speeches she is targeting what she has called the "Taft Tax," the sales tax increase sought by former GOP Gov. Bob Taft that was the biggest tax hike in the state's history. "To create a new direction for Ohio, we need new leaders with new priorities. We remember all too well what the politics of the past brought. Career politicians gave us the Taft Tax, which was the largest tax increase in Ohio history in order to pay for budgets that provided millions for the special interests. Worst of all, those same career politicians told middle class Ohioans to pay for it all." Jeff Coryell is on the road with Robin and Ohio Daily Blog is carrying his reports.]
Weirauch is running against Republican State Rep. Bob Latta for the vacant seat in Ohio's 5th Congressional District, which covers the conservative northwest corner of the state. The special election is Dec. 11. Latta voted for Taft's sales tax increase. The district covers a patch of political turf that has not been held by a Democrat since 1938. Weirauch has fashioned a message that looks to be in tune in a region filled with farms and small factories that are being squeezed by globalization, high energy costs and an economy that seems to have left much of the Midwest behind. On immigration, Weirauch -- who is campaigning today with Gov. Ted Strickland -- is running to the right of many who come from her party's Big City urban districts. She says family budgets in rural Ohio are being stretched beyond the breaking point as local economies wither.
"Unfortunately, the politicians in Washington have worked harder on behalf of the special interests than the working families of Northwest Ohio."
On her campaign blog Weirauch writes that she considers illegal immigrants a threat to Ohio's rural economy. She says they are part-and-parcel with what she calls foreign trade agreements fashioned by corporate lobbyists that don't have the interests of U.S. workers at their core. Weirauch writes:
"Making matters worse, Washington isn't enforcing our immigration laws, allowing big companies to hire illegal aliens without being penalized. That isn't right. Washington has failed to fix America's broken immigration system and hardworking Northwest Ohioans are paying the price. Washington needs to enforce our immigration laws and hold employers liable when they break them. We must secure our borders and make sure that illegal immigrants aren't rewarded for breaking the law . . .
"We've had enough of politicians who send our jobs overseas, support trade agreements that encourage illegal immigration, and fail to enforce immigrations laws."
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
OH-05 Dem Robin Weirauch: EMILY's List Puts Her On Its List
BOWLING GREEN (TDB) -- Jeff Coryell of Ohio Daily Blog checked and found Robin Weirauch made the list. The access to nationwide financial support puts the NW Ohio congressional contest on the map. It means the Democrat has a shot at claiming territory held by the GOP since the Depression years. Here's the text of Jeff's post today:
EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee and financial resource for women running for elective office, today announced its endorsement of Robin Weirauch in her bid for Ohio’s fifth congressional district.
“A passionate advocate for the community with deep roots in northwest Ohio, Robin Weirauch has been making a positive difference in the lives of Ohioans for more than two decades,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “From economic development to education and protecting children, Weirauch has tackled some of the toughest challenges facing this district and created effective solutions to improve people’s daily lives. In an environment rife with frustration with the status quo, Weirauch offers a real world perspective and on the ground experience that is the answer to her district’s desire for change.”
This is a huge boost for the Weirauch campaign. Founded in 1985 and 100,000 members strong, Emily's List is the country's largest PAC. In 22 years it has raised over $240 million and has elected 69 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House. The press release gives a nice biographical sketch:
Weirauch was born into a military family at the Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio. She grew up in Henry County, where she attended Liberty Center High School. After she graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1980, Weirauch began working at the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy, Napoleon, which was a residential facility for individuals with severe developmental disabilities. In the mid-80s, she volunteered as a state-certified emergency medical technician for the Napoleon Fire Department. She has also been a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio. In 1994, she was trained and sworn as a court-appointed special advocate in Henry County, representing the best interests of children involved in the legal system. Most recently she worked as the assistant director of the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University. The Center provides economic and community development research and assistance to communities in 27 counties across northern Ohio.
Weirauch said that she is honored to receive the support of Emily's List members and described the theme of her campaign this way:
Ohioans want a change in direction and leadership that will truly understand and focus on needs of these communities. In Congress, I'll fight to bring home the help we need to create jobs, invest in education, and strengthen public safety. I'll also fight to bring home our soldiers from Iraq.
EMILY's List, the nation's largest political action committee and financial resource for women running for elective office, today announced its endorsement of Robin Weirauch in her bid for Ohio’s fifth congressional district.
“A passionate advocate for the community with deep roots in northwest Ohio, Robin Weirauch has been making a positive difference in the lives of Ohioans for more than two decades,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “From economic development to education and protecting children, Weirauch has tackled some of the toughest challenges facing this district and created effective solutions to improve people’s daily lives. In an environment rife with frustration with the status quo, Weirauch offers a real world perspective and on the ground experience that is the answer to her district’s desire for change.”
This is a huge boost for the Weirauch campaign. Founded in 1985 and 100,000 members strong, Emily's List is the country's largest PAC. In 22 years it has raised over $240 million and has elected 69 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House. The press release gives a nice biographical sketch:
Weirauch was born into a military family at the Wright Patterson Air Force base in Dayton, Ohio. She grew up in Henry County, where she attended Liberty Center High School. After she graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1980, Weirauch began working at the Filling Memorial Home of Mercy, Napoleon, which was a residential facility for individuals with severe developmental disabilities. In the mid-80s, she volunteered as a state-certified emergency medical technician for the Napoleon Fire Department. She has also been a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio. In 1994, she was trained and sworn as a court-appointed special advocate in Henry County, representing the best interests of children involved in the legal system. Most recently she worked as the assistant director of the Center for Regional Development at Bowling Green State University. The Center provides economic and community development research and assistance to communities in 27 counties across northern Ohio.
Weirauch said that she is honored to receive the support of Emily's List members and described the theme of her campaign this way:
Ohioans want a change in direction and leadership that will truly understand and focus on needs of these communities. In Congress, I'll fight to bring home the help we need to create jobs, invest in education, and strengthen public safety. I'll also fight to bring home our soldiers from Iraq.
Friday, November 23, 2007
OH-05 Dem Weirauch: Flawed Trade Policies Allowed Toxic Toys
TOLEDO (TDB) -- Democratic congressional candidate Robin Weirauch chose a crowded shopping area near a Toys R Store to denounce trade policies that have delivered "a lethal bill of goods" to U.S. stores and consumers. Weirauch spoke on Black Friday, the first day of the Christmas shopping season, and said too many imports -- including toys from cheap-labor Asian factories -- are shoddy, dangerous and have been made with toxic substances like lead. She said officials in Washington have either ignored the problem or looked the other way.
Weirauch wants consumer products safety to become a major issue and also urges families to shop for American-made goods whenever possible.
"Our manufacturing jobs have been shipped to places like China and India, and what do we get in return? Shoddy, unsafe toys that pose life-threatening consequences for our children. In fact, 80 percent of the toys bought in the United States are imported from China, and the vast majority of these toys are never being inspected."
Weirauch is trying to capture a traditional GOP seat in a conservative district. She faces Republican Bob Latta in a Dec. 11 special election to fill Ohio's vacant 5th Congressional District seat. It was held by Paul Gillmor, an entrenched and popular GOP veteran who died in a household accident last September. She pulled 43% of the vote against him in 2006. Weirauch has begun hammering on the trade issue across the NW Ohio district. The criticism plays well in Ohio, where more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost this decade. She contends trade agreements such as NAFTA have undercut the state's economic base while flooding U.S. markets with toxic goods.
"I know one thing for sure, when these products were made in America, we didn't have to worry about toxic toys. When our toys were made right here in Ohio, our kids were safe. Washington is broken, and the way this crisis has been handled is all the proof we need. Like Ohioans, I was absolutely stunned to learn that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has only one person testing toys being shipped to the U.S. Washington put a single person in charge of making sure that toxic toys never made it to the shelves . . ."
Weirauch wants consumer products safety to become a major issue and also urges families to shop for American-made goods whenever possible.
"Our manufacturing jobs have been shipped to places like China and India, and what do we get in return? Shoddy, unsafe toys that pose life-threatening consequences for our children. In fact, 80 percent of the toys bought in the United States are imported from China, and the vast majority of these toys are never being inspected."
Weirauch is trying to capture a traditional GOP seat in a conservative district. She faces Republican Bob Latta in a Dec. 11 special election to fill Ohio's vacant 5th Congressional District seat. It was held by Paul Gillmor, an entrenched and popular GOP veteran who died in a household accident last September. She pulled 43% of the vote against him in 2006. Weirauch has begun hammering on the trade issue across the NW Ohio district. The criticism plays well in Ohio, where more than 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost this decade. She contends trade agreements such as NAFTA have undercut the state's economic base while flooding U.S. markets with toxic goods.
"I know one thing for sure, when these products were made in America, we didn't have to worry about toxic toys. When our toys were made right here in Ohio, our kids were safe. Washington is broken, and the way this crisis has been handled is all the proof we need. Like Ohioans, I was absolutely stunned to learn that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has only one person testing toys being shipped to the U.S. Washington put a single person in charge of making sure that toxic toys never made it to the shelves . . ."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Pro-Life PAC Endorses Schmidt And Latta in Ohio: Pledges Susan B. Anthony Dollars
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Republican Bob Latta's NW Ohio campaign to claim the vacant OH-05 congressional seat in a Dec. 11 special election has been endorsed by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List, which bundles political donations from across the nation for its approved slate. The 501c organization has been described as a conservative counter to EMILY's List, which backs Democrats. U.S. Rep Jean Schmidt also is being backed by the Susan B. Anthony List, a key endorsement that may help her raise money for the March GOP primary contest against challenger Phil Heimlich. She had the group's support in 2006 as well.
In July, the PAC had about $110,000 on hand to spend on the 2008 campaign. It claims about 140,000 members across the U.S. and bundles donations for candidates. The PAC's goal is to elect pro-life women to Congress, but it will support men if they are facing a Democratic candidate who supports a woman's right to choose an abortion. Marjorie Dannensfelser, who heads the group, called Latta and Schmidt pro-life "heroes" who need money immediately for their races in Ohio.
"Susan B. Anthony List members are eager to support pro-life heroes when they need it most -- right now. The consequences of disengagement are dire. The lives of women and their unborn babies are on the line, and the Susan B. Anthony List candidate fund is ready to defend them at the ballot box."
In July, the PAC had about $110,000 on hand to spend on the 2008 campaign. It claims about 140,000 members across the U.S. and bundles donations for candidates. The PAC's goal is to elect pro-life women to Congress, but it will support men if they are facing a Democratic candidate who supports a woman's right to choose an abortion. Marjorie Dannensfelser, who heads the group, called Latta and Schmidt pro-life "heroes" who need money immediately for their races in Ohio.
"Susan B. Anthony List members are eager to support pro-life heroes when they need it most -- right now. The consequences of disengagement are dire. The lives of women and their unborn babies are on the line, and the Susan B. Anthony List candidate fund is ready to defend them at the ballot box."
Friday, November 16, 2007
OH-05 Dem Robin Weirauch: Bad Trade Deals Have Bled This State
FREMONT, Ohio (TDB) -- Democratic Congressional candidate Robin Weirauch went to a closed TRW plant in NW Ohio and said the 270 workers who lost jobs are victims of national policies that tug against the interests of blue collar Americans. She wants a moratorium on "faulty trade deals" and worries the factory economy is being been sold piecemeal to China. Weirauch also said Congress needs to do more to help U.S. manufacturers that have stayed home.
[Image courtesy Wikipedia -- it is a generic shuttered factory from England, and not the Fremont plant Weirauch visisted.]
Weirauch is campaigning for a vacant seat in Ohio's 5th District across NW portions of the state. She faces Republican Bob Latta in a Dec. 11 special election required by the death of Paul Gillmor last September.
Weirauch hammered on trade agreements that critics -- foremost among them Democratic U.S. Sherrod Brown -- contend have shipped U.S. jobs overseas to cheap labor countries like China. Brown made the jobs issue a centerpiece of his successful campaign to defeat Mike DeWine last November. It is a topic that seems to resonate with Ohio voters in a state where the economy has lagged. Said Weirauch:
"How many of our neighbors have worked hard and played by the rules with a promise of economic security, a good pension and health care into their golden years. The fact is, Washington isn't listening to these stories. We are witnessing the legacy of failed trade policies which have crippled American manufacturing, moved our jobs overseas and have created stagnant wage growth for the past seven years.
"We need to change the way that Washington does business. And and that is why I am calling for an immediate moratorium on faulty trade deals. When I am in Congress, I am going to fight hard to ensure that we don't sell off our economy piece by piece to China or India, that is just bad business. I also pledge to go after companies that are more interested in sending jobs overseas than they are being good corporate citizens. But I don't want to just provide punitive solutions. This is about fostering a good climate that allows businesses that stay here to be competitive in the global market."
Weirauch hammered on trade agreements that critics -- foremost among them Democratic U.S. Sherrod Brown -- contend have shipped U.S. jobs overseas to cheap labor countries like China. Brown made the jobs issue a centerpiece of his successful campaign to defeat Mike DeWine last November. It is a topic that seems to resonate with Ohio voters in a state where the economy has lagged. Said Weirauch:
"How many of our neighbors have worked hard and played by the rules with a promise of economic security, a good pension and health care into their golden years. The fact is, Washington isn't listening to these stories. We are witnessing the legacy of failed trade policies which have crippled American manufacturing, moved our jobs overseas and have created stagnant wage growth for the past seven years.
"We need to change the way that Washington does business. And and that is why I am calling for an immediate moratorium on faulty trade deals. When I am in Congress, I am going to fight hard to ensure that we don't sell off our economy piece by piece to China or India, that is just bad business. I also pledge to go after companies that are more interested in sending jobs overseas than they are being good corporate citizens. But I don't want to just provide punitive solutions. This is about fostering a good climate that allows businesses that stay here to be competitive in the global market."
Thursday, November 08, 2007
OH-05 Dem Robin Weirauch: Some Capitol Hill Money Starts Flowing Her Way
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Financial support from some of Ohio's big name Democrats in Congress has started flowing to Robin Weirauch for a Dec. 11 special election. She was nominated Tuesday in Ohio's 5th District and is campaigning for an open House seat that had been in GOP hands since the 1930s. Sen. Sherrod Brown's leadership PAC, America Works, donated $5,000 this week. And two House Democrats -- U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones of Cleveland and Tim Ryan of Youngstown -- have each sent $2,000. Weirauch needs every dime she can get her hands on to compete against State Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, who is trying to regain the seat his father, Delbert Latta, held for a generation.
After Del Latta retired, Paul Gillmor had a long run in OH-05. He died September 5 after falling down the stairs in his suburban Washington apartment. The special election Dec. 11 is scheduled to fill the vacancy.
OH-05 in Northwest Ohio is a rural Republican bastion, but Weirauch has a shot. She polled 43% of the vote against the popular and entrenched Gillmor in 2006. Sen. Brown and Gov. Ted Strickland both carried OH-05 when they ran that fall.
Jerid Kurtz, the proprietor of Buckeye State Blog, says Democrats have a duty this year to dig deep for Weirauch, and he's a bit perturbed that some officeholders are sitting on large piles of cash while a House race is under way. He's says some of the money should be steered into OH-05 where there may not be another shot at an open seat for 20 years.
"The price of leadership in Ohio these days is not simply representing your district, and representing it well. Rather, Democrats need to make a concerted effort to look out for the future of Ohio. After all, as the Ohio Democratic Party started to slide into decline in the early 90's, an 'everyman for themself' attitude was part of the problem."
Kurtz, in particular, says U.S. Rep. Zack Space -- who now holds the House seat that convicted former GOP Congressman Bob Ney left during the Abramoff scandal -- should kick in $2,000 for Weirauch. Kurtz said she is running in the same kind of rural territory that Space represents, and that Space needs to give her a hand in an uphill battle.
"I think it's reasonable to ask Space to make a contribution to Robin Weirauch's campaign for Congress. With nearly $600,000 on hand 12 months out from re-election, he has the funds to occasionally support important causes to further our state and our party."
Without money, Weirauch has no chance. She can't be viable without cash. The race clearly is shaping up as a test to see if Ohio's Dems -- who are in power at the Statehouse for the first time in 16 years -- can make a fight of it in the kind of place they usually avoided. Others wonder if the national Dems -- in power at the Capitol for the first time since 1994 -- are willing to force the GOP to fight on its home turf, a district that has traditionally gone red.
OH-05 is the only game in town, the only House seat left in play this year. Inquiring minds want to know: Will the Dems hold 'em, fold 'em, or raise the bet? If Space writes a check, that would send a strong signal that the Democrats intend to fight for OH-05. It would show that a Democratic congressman from rural Ohio, a freshman in a traditional GOP seat, believes that Democrats can compete successfully in rural Ohio.
After Del Latta retired, Paul Gillmor had a long run in OH-05. He died September 5 after falling down the stairs in his suburban Washington apartment. The special election Dec. 11 is scheduled to fill the vacancy.
OH-05 in Northwest Ohio is a rural Republican bastion, but Weirauch has a shot. She polled 43% of the vote against the popular and entrenched Gillmor in 2006. Sen. Brown and Gov. Ted Strickland both carried OH-05 when they ran that fall.
Jerid Kurtz, the proprietor of Buckeye State Blog, says Democrats have a duty this year to dig deep for Weirauch, and he's a bit perturbed that some officeholders are sitting on large piles of cash while a House race is under way. He's says some of the money should be steered into OH-05 where there may not be another shot at an open seat for 20 years.
"The price of leadership in Ohio these days is not simply representing your district, and representing it well. Rather, Democrats need to make a concerted effort to look out for the future of Ohio. After all, as the Ohio Democratic Party started to slide into decline in the early 90's, an 'everyman for themself' attitude was part of the problem."
Kurtz, in particular, says U.S. Rep. Zack Space -- who now holds the House seat that convicted former GOP Congressman Bob Ney left during the Abramoff scandal -- should kick in $2,000 for Weirauch. Kurtz said she is running in the same kind of rural territory that Space represents, and that Space needs to give her a hand in an uphill battle.
"I think it's reasonable to ask Space to make a contribution to Robin Weirauch's campaign for Congress. With nearly $600,000 on hand 12 months out from re-election, he has the funds to occasionally support important causes to further our state and our party."
Without money, Weirauch has no chance. She can't be viable without cash. The race clearly is shaping up as a test to see if Ohio's Dems -- who are in power at the Statehouse for the first time in 16 years -- can make a fight of it in the kind of place they usually avoided. Others wonder if the national Dems -- in power at the Capitol for the first time since 1994 -- are willing to force the GOP to fight on its home turf, a district that has traditionally gone red.
OH-05 is the only game in town, the only House seat left in play this year. Inquiring minds want to know: Will the Dems hold 'em, fold 'em, or raise the bet? If Space writes a check, that would send a strong signal that the Democrats intend to fight for OH-05. It would show that a Democratic congressman from rural Ohio, a freshman in a traditional GOP seat, believes that Democrats can compete successfully in rural Ohio.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
More Ohio Voting Machine Problems: OH-05 Failures Widespread
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner obtained a court order keeping the polls open in Putnam County after reporting that electronic voting machines had widespread problems in a congressional primary. The complete text of her lawsuit says there are 40 machines and "most, if not all, have experienced failures at some point during the day."
Putnam County is in Ohio's 5th Congressional District, which covers 16 counties. There were Democratic and Republican primaries under way to fill the seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Rep. Paul Gillmor, who passed away in September. Brunner's office issued this press release about the problems in Putnam County and noted all of the machines were on loan from Franklin County. Putnam County's voting machines were destroyed by flooding last summer.
Brunner said only the congressional balloting was affected by "intermittent failures" and that voting for local races had proceeded smoothly. She said it was not known what caused the problems.
Putnam County is in Ohio's 5th Congressional District, which covers 16 counties. There were Democratic and Republican primaries under way to fill the seat left vacant by the death of U.S. Rep. Paul Gillmor, who passed away in September. Brunner's office issued this press release about the problems in Putnam County and noted all of the machines were on loan from Franklin County. Putnam County's voting machines were destroyed by flooding last summer.
Brunner said only the congressional balloting was affected by "intermittent failures" and that voting for local races had proceeded smoothly. She said it was not known what caused the problems.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Christian Right's Ohio Election Day Voter Guide: The Computer Ate It
[UPDATE: 11/05/07 -- The guide is now online and available here. One of the questions is about teaching evolution in Ohio's schools, and whether alternatives should be presented in classrooms.]
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- A statewide voter-guide that was supposed to help Ohio's evangelicals and values voters pick their candidates for the Nov. 6 election has not appeared yet because of computer problems. The guide is the handiwork of Ohio Election Central which is an offshoot of Citizens for Community Values, the Cincinnati-area Christian right organization headed by Phil Burress. Officials are reportedly hoping to get the guide out by Election Day, but the delay has no doubt undercut its usefulness as a tool to influence voters.
The guide is supposed to advise Ohioans on "where the candidates stand on the key issues that affect you, your family and Ohio" and it is compiled from a questionnaire developed from concerns important to groups ranging from the American Family Association to the Eagle Forum of Ohio. According to the Web site, the quite has been stalled by glitches that have made it impossible to tie candidates to their Zip Codes.
"We are experiencing difficulty which is preventing you from viewing an accurate sample ballot."
Often, the values voters guides work in favor of Republicans. But if it doesn't appear -- or shows up at the last minute -- the delay seems to be a break that boosts the prospects of Democrats, especially in Cincinnati where all nine City Council seats are on the ballot. Also, it may help in Columbus. And, perhaps, in OH-05 its non-appearance could hurt State Sen. Steve Buehrer. He has the backing of some evangelicals and Burress in a tough GOP primary against State Rep. Bob Latta. Clearly, not having the guide ready on the Sunday before the election means churches could not distribute downloads. Nor could they mention during Sunday services that the web guide was out and could be checked online.
Monday, October 29, 2007
OH-05 Buehrer: Oops, Club For Growth Ad Used Project Vote Smart Data
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Oh-05 Republican Steve Buehrer says it was "despicable" and unethical for Bob Latta to use Project Vote Smart candidate survey data in an attack ad. Yet the Club for Growth -- which has given Buehrer about $260,000 for his House campaign against Latta -- did the same thing in another political contest. It used Project Vote Smart data as a political weapon.
Jeff Coryell at Ohio Daily Blog had this piece on Oct. 18 about Project Vote Smart's complaint that Latta had used its material in an attack ad. The PVS presser noted it happened very rarely.
Still, Red SeaLLC made an attack ad with PVS as a source for the Buehrer-backing Club for Growth to use in an Idaho House race. It seems that what is wrong in the Midwest is proper in the Far West. Or maybe the Club for Growth and Buehrer figured nobody would notice.
Buehrer and Latta are arguing over a 2002 survey about school prayer and the Ten Commandments. Latta did a mailer to GOP voters earlier this month noting that the Project Vote Smart survery showed Buehrer was opposed to religion in schools and public buildings. Buehrer, however, said he didn't answer a question and indeed supports school prayer and the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, Project Vote Smart has complained Latta was not supposed to use the survey results in an attack ad, and Buehrer has been ballistic over the incident. He was quoted in the Toledo Blade:
"Project Vote Smart is categorically criticizing Mr. Latta for using something that is supposed to be a guide for voters as a political weapon. I think that is the most despicable sort of attack you can think of."
Apparently, the Club for Growth -- Buehrer's financial angel in the NW Ohio GOP primary contest -- had already delivered the "most despicable sort of attack you can think of." Doesn't seem like Latta is the only guy with muddy hand in the NW Ohio House contest.
The Blade story was by Joe Vardon and it captures nicely Buehrer's horror. Of course, it doesn't mention that Buehrer's backers had done the same thing in another state.
Jeff Coryell at Ohio Daily Blog had this piece on Oct. 18 about Project Vote Smart's complaint that Latta had used its material in an attack ad. The PVS presser noted it happened very rarely.
Still, Red SeaLLC made an attack ad with PVS as a source for the Buehrer-backing Club for Growth to use in an Idaho House race. It seems that what is wrong in the Midwest is proper in the Far West. Or maybe the Club for Growth and Buehrer figured nobody would notice.
Buehrer and Latta are arguing over a 2002 survey about school prayer and the Ten Commandments. Latta did a mailer to GOP voters earlier this month noting that the Project Vote Smart survery showed Buehrer was opposed to religion in schools and public buildings. Buehrer, however, said he didn't answer a question and indeed supports school prayer and the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, Project Vote Smart has complained Latta was not supposed to use the survey results in an attack ad, and Buehrer has been ballistic over the incident. He was quoted in the Toledo Blade:
"Project Vote Smart is categorically criticizing Mr. Latta for using something that is supposed to be a guide for voters as a political weapon. I think that is the most despicable sort of attack you can think of."
Apparently, the Club for Growth -- Buehrer's financial angel in the NW Ohio GOP primary contest -- had already delivered the "most despicable sort of attack you can think of." Doesn't seem like Latta is the only guy with muddy hand in the NW Ohio House contest.
The Blade story was by Joe Vardon and it captures nicely Buehrer's horror. Of course, it doesn't mention that Buehrer's backers had done the same thing in another state.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
OH-05 GOP: Bowling Green Paper Demands That Buehrer 'End The Lie'
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Sentinel-Tribune editor David C. Miller pens a harsh editorial that accuses State Sen. Steven Buehrer of allowing the out-of-state Club for Growth PAC to spread a lie about State Rep. Bob Latta. Buehrer and Latta are in a heated GOP primary for Ohio's vacant 5th Congressional district seat. The editor says Buehrer's ally, the Club for Growth, has falsely claimed that Latta voted to raise taxes in 1998. Miller said Republican voters in Northwest Ohio should reject Buehrer's candidacy because he hasn't been willing to denounce the Club for Growth's attack ad.
You can read the complete text of the editorial here and it uses blunt language from start to finish to slam Buehrer's refusal to distance himself from the Club for Growth.
"It is time for voters to send a clear message to candidates who distory their opponents' records as well as those who quietly allow others to distort it for them. The message is simple: If that's your ethics during the campaign, we don't want to risk that being your ethics once you're in elected office."
That's the first sentence. Here's the final sentence:
"Voters expect more ethical campaign tactics than spreading lies from the person who wants to represent them in the halls of Congress."
You can read the complete text of the editorial here and it uses blunt language from start to finish to slam Buehrer's refusal to distance himself from the Club for Growth.
"It is time for voters to send a clear message to candidates who distory their opponents' records as well as those who quietly allow others to distort it for them. The message is simple: If that's your ethics during the campaign, we don't want to risk that being your ethics once you're in elected office."
That's the first sentence. Here's the final sentence:
"Voters expect more ethical campaign tactics than spreading lies from the person who wants to represent them in the halls of Congress."
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
OH-05 Echo In Virginia? Club For Growth Files Complaint Against Democrat
CINCINNATI (TDB) -- In Ohio, Republican State Rep. Bob Latta has filed a formal complaint with the state elections commission claiming the Club for Growth has distorted his record about raising taxes. In Virginia, the Club for Growth filed a formal complaint the same day alleging "malicious falsification in political advertisements" against a Democratic legislative candidate and the state party.
What ignited that spat? A Democrat's contention the Club for Growth's goal of major tax reforms will eventually lead to a national sales tax of 34%, causing "higher taxes on everything."
Ohio's Latta is being attacked by the Club for Growth, which is backing State Sen. Steve Buehrer in the Nov. 6 GOP primary for the vacant 5th Congressional District, which covers the NW portion of the state. In Virginia, Democrat Chris Brown has recently mailed out two political fliers that contend the Club for Growth is backing an incumbent Republican, Jeff Frederick, who favors the 34% sales tax.
The state Democratic Party financed the mailings. It has the Club for Growth howling that it has been hit with a low blow.
Phillip Rodokanakis, president of the Virginia Club for Growth PAC, filed formal legal complaints Oct. 9 with Virginia's attorney general and the state board of elections, along with local prosecutors in two counties. The full-text of the complaints, plus the fliers that triggered the controversy, are available here. Rodokanakis says:
"Every person who is active in political or grassroots circles knows that the Virginia Club for Growth PAC only promotes and endorses candidates that have taken a pledge in support or lower taxes and smaller government. To suggest otherwise is such an exaggerated folly and no knowledgeable and reasonable person can take it seriously -- it's akin to suggesting that the Pope isn't Catholic.
"The fact that these political mailings were funded by the Democratic Party of Virginia is particularly injurious . . . In other words, this is the second attempt by the Democratic Party of Virginia to malign our PAC and falsify or misrepresent our espoused and well known positions, in an attempt to deceive the voters. This sort of fraudulent campaign activity cannot be permitted to continue if the sanctity of the voting process is to be maintained."
In Ohio, Latta says the Club for Growth is maligning and misrepresenting his well known positions. In Virginia, the Club for Growth says its a victim of the Democrats doing the same thing.
What ignited that spat? A Democrat's contention the Club for Growth's goal of major tax reforms will eventually lead to a national sales tax of 34%, causing "higher taxes on everything."
Ohio's Latta is being attacked by the Club for Growth, which is backing State Sen. Steve Buehrer in the Nov. 6 GOP primary for the vacant 5th Congressional District, which covers the NW portion of the state. In Virginia, Democrat Chris Brown has recently mailed out two political fliers that contend the Club for Growth is backing an incumbent Republican, Jeff Frederick, who favors the 34% sales tax.
The state Democratic Party financed the mailings. It has the Club for Growth howling that it has been hit with a low blow.
Phillip Rodokanakis, president of the Virginia Club for Growth PAC, filed formal legal complaints Oct. 9 with Virginia's attorney general and the state board of elections, along with local prosecutors in two counties. The full-text of the complaints, plus the fliers that triggered the controversy, are available here. Rodokanakis says:
"Every person who is active in political or grassroots circles knows that the Virginia Club for Growth PAC only promotes and endorses candidates that have taken a pledge in support or lower taxes and smaller government. To suggest otherwise is such an exaggerated folly and no knowledgeable and reasonable person can take it seriously -- it's akin to suggesting that the Pope isn't Catholic.
"The fact that these political mailings were funded by the Democratic Party of Virginia is particularly injurious . . . In other words, this is the second attempt by the Democratic Party of Virginia to malign our PAC and falsify or misrepresent our espoused and well known positions, in an attempt to deceive the voters. This sort of fraudulent campaign activity cannot be permitted to continue if the sanctity of the voting process is to be maintained."
In Ohio, Latta says the Club for Growth is maligning and misrepresenting his well known positions. In Virginia, the Club for Growth says its a victim of the Democrats doing the same thing.
Monday, October 08, 2007
OH-O5 GOP: Latta To File Charge That Buehrer Lied About Tax Vote
COLUMBUS (TDB) -- State Rep. Bob Latta plans to file a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission Tuesday that accuses his Republican primary opponent and the Club for Growth of making false statements about a 1998 sales tax vote. Latta's legal filing says he did not raise taxes, but voted only "to place an issue on the Ohio ballot to allow voters to decide whether or not to raise state sales taxes while lowering local property taxes." But both State Sen. Steve Buehrer and the Club for Growth have distributed materials saying Latta voted for a "$1 billion tax hike in 1998."
Latta faces Buehrer in an increasingly bitter primary for the GOP nomination in Ohio's 5th Congressional district, which covers a broad swath of NW Ohio. The seat became vacant after Paul Gillmor died suddenly last month. The Club for Growth, an ultra-conservative anti-tax group, has endorsed Buehrer and is pledging to spend up to $75,000 on ads in his behalf.
Latta's Ohio Election Commission complaint was prepared by Scott Pullins, a Mount Vernon lawyer and GOP activist who represents the campaign.
Matthew Parker, Latta's campaign manager, told The Daily Bellwether that it simply is not true that Latta voted to raise taxes in 1998.
"He didn't support a tax hike. He voted to put it before the voters in a referendum, where it failed by a huge margin. They are not telling the truth about Bob Latta's record. It's an effort to distort his record."
Parker said Latta received an award that year as "Watchdog of the Treasury" for opposing taxes, and also was voted outstanding freshman legislator by the United Conservatives of Ohio.
A draft of the complaint to be filed in the Ohio Elections Commission shows that the 1998 referendum has become a much-litigated issue. In April of that year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the measure did not levy any new taxes, but "merely authorizes the electorate to determine whether the proposed taxes should be levied."
And that same month, the Ohio Elections Commission found probable cause that a GOP candidate, Lisa Pfeifer, made a false statement in a campaign flier when she said her opponent had voted for a $1 billion tax increase. The wrangling in that case appears to be a replay of Latta's showdown with Buuehrer and the Club for Growth.
Pullins said he wants an expedited hearing on Latta's complaint. The primary is less than a month away.
Latta faces Buehrer in an increasingly bitter primary for the GOP nomination in Ohio's 5th Congressional district, which covers a broad swath of NW Ohio. The seat became vacant after Paul Gillmor died suddenly last month. The Club for Growth, an ultra-conservative anti-tax group, has endorsed Buehrer and is pledging to spend up to $75,000 on ads in his behalf.
Latta's Ohio Election Commission complaint was prepared by Scott Pullins, a Mount Vernon lawyer and GOP activist who represents the campaign.
Matthew Parker, Latta's campaign manager, told The Daily Bellwether that it simply is not true that Latta voted to raise taxes in 1998.
"He didn't support a tax hike. He voted to put it before the voters in a referendum, where it failed by a huge margin. They are not telling the truth about Bob Latta's record. It's an effort to distort his record."
Parker said Latta received an award that year as "Watchdog of the Treasury" for opposing taxes, and also was voted outstanding freshman legislator by the United Conservatives of Ohio.
A draft of the complaint to be filed in the Ohio Elections Commission shows that the 1998 referendum has become a much-litigated issue. In April of that year, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the measure did not levy any new taxes, but "merely authorizes the electorate to determine whether the proposed taxes should be levied."
And that same month, the Ohio Elections Commission found probable cause that a GOP candidate, Lisa Pfeifer, made a false statement in a campaign flier when she said her opponent had voted for a $1 billion tax increase. The wrangling in that case appears to be a replay of Latta's showdown with Buuehrer and the Club for Growth.
Pullins said he wants an expedited hearing on Latta's complaint. The primary is less than a month away.
OH-05 GOP Primary: Corrupt Fundraiser Tom Noe Donated $$$ To Buehrer
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Nearly $8,000 in campaign donations flowed from crooked GOP insider Tom Noe, who is now serving federal and state prison sentences, to Republican State Sen. Steve Buehrer, a candidate for a seat in the U.S. House.
Noe has come to symbolize the face of political corruption in Ohio. He has been convicted of stealing from Ohio's $50 million rare coin fund, and also for illegally laundering some $45,000 into President Bush's reelection campaign.
There is more about Noe's crooked activities in this Toledo Blade story from Nov. 20, 2006. Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Osowik said Noe "cooked the books" in a scheme to cheat the public.
Campaign finance records examined by The Daily Bellwether at the Ohio Secretary of State's office show Noe began writing checks to Buehrer's campaign fund during the 2000 election cycle. He donated $2,500 to Citizens for Buehrer that year. Six other check brought in another $5,479 between 2001-2004.
Records examined by The Bellwether indicate that State Rep. Bob Latta -- Buehrer's opponent in the OH-05 GOP primary -- received just one campaign contribution from Noe, a $750 check. (For some reason, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's Web site has been malfunction today. The links either fail or misdirect. There is a note saying the portal is undergoing maintenance. )
Latta and Buehrer are both conservatives, but Buehrer has been portraying himself as the stronger foe of any efforts to raise taxes, and contends his anti-abortion credentials are superior to Latta's. Buehrer also has backing from the Club for Growth, which is vehemently opposed to any new taxes.
But the Noe contributions may present an opening for Latta -- who might begin to make a case that Buehrer was silent, inactive, or inattentive during the scandals of the Taft years because Buehrer accepted campaign funds from a known crook. Political corruption is an issue that is high on the public's radar, and the eight checks totaling $7,979 from Noe to Buehrer's campaign fund are likely to become a way to dredge up the recent scandals and pin more sins on the jailed fundraiser.
Noe has come to symbolize the face of political corruption in Ohio. He has been convicted of stealing from Ohio's $50 million rare coin fund, and also for illegally laundering some $45,000 into President Bush's reelection campaign.
There is more about Noe's crooked activities in this Toledo Blade story from Nov. 20, 2006. Lucas County Common Pleas Judge Thomas Osowik said Noe "cooked the books" in a scheme to cheat the public.
Campaign finance records examined by The Daily Bellwether at the Ohio Secretary of State's office show Noe began writing checks to Buehrer's campaign fund during the 2000 election cycle. He donated $2,500 to Citizens for Buehrer that year. Six other check brought in another $5,479 between 2001-2004.
Records examined by The Bellwether indicate that State Rep. Bob Latta -- Buehrer's opponent in the OH-05 GOP primary -- received just one campaign contribution from Noe, a $750 check. (For some reason, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's Web site has been malfunction today. The links either fail or misdirect. There is a note saying the portal is undergoing maintenance. )
Latta and Buehrer are both conservatives, but Buehrer has been portraying himself as the stronger foe of any efforts to raise taxes, and contends his anti-abortion credentials are superior to Latta's. Buehrer also has backing from the Club for Growth, which is vehemently opposed to any new taxes.
But the Noe contributions may present an opening for Latta -- who might begin to make a case that Buehrer was silent, inactive, or inattentive during the scandals of the Taft years because Buehrer accepted campaign funds from a known crook. Political corruption is an issue that is high on the public's radar, and the eight checks totaling $7,979 from Noe to Buehrer's campaign fund are likely to become a way to dredge up the recent scandals and pin more sins on the jailed fundraiser.
Friday, October 05, 2007
OH-05 Robin Weirauch: Now Endorsed By 7 Dem County Parties
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (TDB) -- Seven county Democratic Parties in OH-05 have endorsed the U.S. House candidacy of Robin Weirauch, who is seeking renomination for the seat held by the late Paul Gillmor. Weirauch's campaign said today the governing bodies of the Crawford County Democratic Party, the Paulding County Democratic Party, the Williams County DemocraticParty, and the Wood County Democratic Party agreed to back her during meetings held this week.
The campaign said they joined local Democratic organizations in Defiance County, Fulton County, and Putnam County supporting for the Napoleon Democrat. The endorsements gave her a major boost.
"I'm proud that so many local parties have put their confidence in me . Their support in this special election couldn't be more important."
The campaign said they joined local Democratic organizations in Defiance County, Fulton County, and Putnam County supporting for the Napoleon Democrat. The endorsements gave her a major boost.
"I'm proud that so many local parties have put their confidence in me . Their support in this special election couldn't be more important."
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