The subject is roses
The Gardeners of the Bluffton/Pandora area will hold its February meeting on the topic of roses. The meeting is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the lower level of the Bluffton Public Library. Click for details.
By Fred Steiner | Thu, Sep 2, 2010
Submitted by Wendy Chappell-Dick
Why is it that on years when we don’t elect a president, voter turnout is so low? Voter understanding of state and local offices and candidates are often woefully inept. I say that because I hate my own ignorance when I stare at a list of people running for office and have no idea what I am voting for when I make that mark on the ballot.
This year I’ve decided to do some research in the hope that it could help people who just don’t have the time to wade through the candidates. I’ve spent a few days looking at websites, blogs and online articles so that I can make a few judgments and get to know the people I plan to support on November 4.
How does one find out who is running for state offices and their websites? Here’s one private, non-partisan source on the internet: http://www.politics1.com/oh.htm.
Our District 4 local candidates, not included on the above website, are:
for Ohio State Representative: Matt Huffman, Republican and Connie Miller, Democrat.
for Allen County Clerk of Courts (for the unexpired term): Margie J. Miller, Republican and David M. Winters, Democrat.
My Candidates of Choice:
Doug Litt, Democrat, US House of Representatives
He has no website. He has only 82 friends on facebook. He’ll never beat Jordan. but…
From Ohio Daily: “I don't expect voters of the 4th District to send Jordan home in 2010, but it would be nice if they could rein him in a bit. When a leader fights so passionately to deny people civil liberties, it's only a matter of time before he begins trying to criminalize thought and speech. Those aren't conservative values, and they certainly aren't liberal values. They're Stone Age Values and Jim Jordan is going "old, old, old school" in his efforts to push us there. Way to represent Ohio, Jim.”
Connie Miller, Democrat, Ohio State Representative
I met Connie Miller about a month ago when she was walking Bluffton door to door for her campaign. We got to speak for quite awhile and had a great conversation. Connie started the Community Garden project in Lima. She is a small business owner, a Bluffton University grad, and a progressive Democrat. Does she have a chance to beat Matt Huffman? Not really. I know Matt’s sister and she says he’s a really nice guy. But, his politics are straight up right wing Republican and he needs to know he is not unchallenged.
David Winters, Democrat, Allen County Clerk of Courts
Andy and I met David and his wife on Election Day 2008. Our impression of him was that he was a man of integrity, a down to earth, salt of the earth, progressive Dem. I spoke to him again at the Allen County Fair this year.
Some of you know the mess about Gina Staley-Burley who just “resigned” from Clerk of Courts. She was fired for not showing up to work, various kinds of fraud, etc. She was a Republican. David’s opponent is another Republican, Margie Murphy Miller, who has been in the office for a long time, and who David says is just bringing more of the same lackadaisical attitude.
From the Lima News: “Granted, it’s not a position the voting public tends to get fired up about, electing as we do here in Allen County whichever person, potted plant or other object with a name has an R behind his or her name. Most people probably can’t even say what the clerk of courts does.”
Let’s care and vote in a Dem for once. Says Winters: “I’ll show up every morning at 8 o’clock and get to 4:30. I’ll do the best job I can. I’m going to learn as much as I can about the job.”
Eric Brown, Democrat, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice
Appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to serve out the remainder of the term of Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer, who died in office on April 2, 2010. Not much to comment on.
Mary Jane Trapp, Democrat, Ohio Supreme Court Justice
If elected, Mary Jane would be only the second Democrat on the Ohio Supreme Court! She is a very pleasing candidate, with a history of supporting children at risk, small business, education and labor.
Kevin Boyce, Democrat, Treasurer
Here is a video of an eloquent speech by Boyce on the topic “why vote”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoTRcIgLmpw&feature=player_embedded
The Honorable Kevin L. Boyce was sworn in as the 47th Treasurer of the State of Ohio on January 7, 2009. Boyce was raised in Columbus by his mother and his grandmother. They taught him that hard work and responsibility create opportunities to succeed in life. These lessons are the foundation for Boyce’s social and political philosophy. His family helped him develop an understanding of the importance of community service and, even more importantly, the belief that each of us has a role in making tomorrow better than today.
Boyce sees his role as Ohio Treasurer of State as an opportunity to make a bigger impact than ever before—“Since being appointed Treasurer by Governor Strickland in 2009, I have worked tirelessly with people across Ohio to create and retain 60,000 jobs, cut Treasury costs by 10%, and invest hundreds of millions of dollars in Ohio's small businesses and family farms. I’ve even taken two voluntary pay cuts myself.
These are steps in the right direction, but there’s more to do as Ohioans face the aftermath of a global recession and 16 years of Republican mismanagement.”
My letter to Kevin: I've decided to vote for you and I'm working hard to influence the people in my life. I want you to know that the single most important issue for me is local economies. I want to help keep our small town alive and I am active in helping to support SMALL family farms. I believe small enterprise will help get us through the recession. Please continue to keep these things in the forefront of your campaign. Sincerely, Wendy Chappell
Lee Fisher, Democrat, US Senate
Of course I supported the wonderful Jennifer Bruner in the Democratic Primary. She did not have money. She was very progressive. She lost to Lee last spring. Here is an argument from a blogger that didn’t win me over to Lee Fisher:
“Polls show him in a tight race for retiring George Voinovich's (R) open U.S. Senate seat against Rob Portman (R). Besides being a former congressman from the Cincinnati area, Portman worked under the Bush Administration.
Although 2010 should be a good year for Republicans, Fisher has a chance of actually picking up a Republican Senate seat by beating Portman. Fisher will soon have to face Portman's deep pockets (an $8 million dollar war chest) but Fisher can still win this race. Here’s how. Win the progressive base that supported Jennifer Brunner (D) before Fisher beat her in the Senatorial primary.
This should not be too hard for Fisher even though Brunner said she will not endorse him. This should not impact Fisher strongly because there is not a large progressive base in Ohio. Many of the Democrats here are more liberal on issues like the economy but are not the environment liberals you find in California or the social liberals you find in New York City.
Columbus and Athens are two of the few areas where progressives are strong. Fisher is trying to appeal to the base by highlighting his work on civil rights.”
But reading more about Republican nominee Rob Portman made Fisher seem like a lamb.
Portman’s website issues included “Stronger Israel,” “Pro-life”(as if they are!). My Dem Friend Jen says, “He is in total agreement with the Birther movement (which is nuts) and he is fond of the tea party movement. We can't have him in there also shipping away more jobs overseas. I know Fisher might not be exciting to folks but he will vote along with Sherrod Brown (and Bruner pushed him to lean more to the left).”
David Pepper, Democrat, Ohio State Auditor
The Auditor serves as the taxpayers’ financial watchdog for government at all levels. As a Councilmember and Commissioner, he (Pepper) has been a proven, independent-minded reformer and leader—with a history of challenging government to do more with less, eliminating waste, and pushing for accountability and needed reform. He says: “To succeed, some basic building blocks are essential. First rate education generating a top-flight workforce. Modern infrastructure and transportation. The ability and agility to take advantage of the new economic opportunities of the 21st century. A competitive environment that stimulates private sector job growth. A quality of life that attracts and retains families and young people.”
The state has 3,800 local government jurisdictions, 250 cities, 695 villages, 1308 townships and 88 counties. Measured by percentage of per capita income, Ohioans face the 6th highest local tax burden in the United States. This fragmentation keeps the cost of government high, raises Ohio’s taxes unnecessarily high and hurts Ohio’s ability to compete for companies and jobs when we’re up against more unified communities.
Wendy’s Question: does this mean he wants to consolidate small town councils to save money? I’ll have to ask him about that. Less local control doesn’t seem good.
According to his opponent David Yost’s website it seems like this race comes down to labor. He says, “Unions alone have already dumped over $500,000 into David Pepper's campaign. Why? Because they desperately want the Auditor’s office so they can draw new legislative districts that will ensure their big-government sacred cows will be spared, and because they’re trying anything they can to keep their stranglehold on state government to maintain the policies that have us on the brink of bankruptcy.”
Also on Yost’s site is an ad that ridicules Pepper for voting for a “jock” tax on sporting events. Personally, I think that’s not a bad idea!
Richard Cordray, Democrat, Attorney General
Attorney General Richard Cordray's campaign announced Thursday that four more law enforcement organizations have declared their formal support and endorsement for Cordray's re-election this November. The four groups include the Toledo Police Patrolman's Association, Toledo Police Command Officers Association, Canton Police Patrolman's Association, and Troopers for a Safer Ohio.
Cordray has now earned the endorsement of every law enforcement group in the state.
In general I think that Law Enforcement endorsements mean a lot!
My Letter to Cordray: Hello Richard, I want you to know that you have my support in November. However, I have one concern. You say on your website that you want to reform death penalty jury selection. What does that mean to you? As a Mennonite I am strongly against the death penalty, and in Ohio we have plans to kill 10-11 more people next year! Can you assure me that you don't support this barbaric practice? Sincerely, Wendy Chappell
Yvette McGee Brown and Ted Strickland, Democrats, Governor and Lieutenant Governor (one vote for both)
Brown is very likable. She is a social worker, lawyer, child/family advocate who works for abuse protection. Unfortunately she also gets an A plus from the NRA along with Strickland. As Governor, Ted Strickland supported concealed carry as a common-sense extension of the 2nd Amendment rights of Ohioans. He is also standing by while record numbers of prisoners are being killed by the State.
But listen to this inspiring speech from Yvette Brown on why it matters for us to vote for them in November. It will make a difference. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbS0cCEwsj4&feature=player_embedded#!
Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, Democrat, Secretary of State
As Chair of the Public Service and Transportation Committee on the Columbus City Council, O'Shaughnessy worked to restore "Complete Streets" to the city's transportation grid, advocating comprehensive sidewalk policies, safe bikeways and better public transit options. As former chair of the Utilities Committee and chair of the Development Committee, she worked toward better, more sustainable growth policies, including the city's "21st Century Growth Strategy."
Maryellen is running for Secretary of State because she is passionate about our democracy and wants Ohio to continue to have free, open, and fair elections. As Ohio's next Secretary of State, she will advocate greater participation and more civic awareness. She will push to make it easy for Ohioans to register to vote by allowing applicants for driver's licenses and social services to be provided assured voter registration, unless they opt out, and promote changes to make it possible for citizens to securely register to vote on the Internet. She will also enhance programs targeted at increasing voter participation among Ohioans of all ages, particularly young people.
“We have an opportunity to continue to provide fair elections, and also jumpstart that business services section,” O’Shaughnessy said. “This is about making sure we draw the lines of districts [in an upcoming apportionment] in a fair way.” This is an absolutely essential statement! If the Democrats control 2 out of the three positions of Secretary of State, Governor and State Auditor they will be able to control the apportionment process for the first time in 20 years. If not, Republicans can gerrymander the precincts to cheat the poor and minorities out of their votes!
Ohio Secretary of State Candidate Maryellen O'Shaughnessy issued the following statement on Women's Equality Day: "On this 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we reflect on the great strides that women have made in this country. We have three women on the United States Supreme Court, a woman as Speaker of the House and as our nation's Secretary of State. The passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Act to ensure equal pay for equal work marked another great victory for the women of America.
The great strides and milestones achieved by women in this country only make us stronger and eager to reach for more. However, we have not yet finished our fight for equality. We need to encourage more women to run for office and help them to be leaders in breaking the glass ceiling in corporate America. On this day we recommit ourselves to continuing to work toward full equality."
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While I am in say the largest pool of voters, 18-25 yr olds, I feel that the government is becoming to strong and needs a large check on whats going on. That is the main reason why I vote, that and I believe you do not deserve the right to bitch about government unless you take the active approach and vote! However I am a strong supporter a pro-choice, and many other issues that these canidate dance around so not as to commit theirselves to a specific side. I can't trust people who have not stood up declared a side, have, logical arguments, and most importantly a plan of action. All these canidates are what I like to say all talk and no action. So thanks for running, but why don't you all sit down, re-evaluate, and come back to the plate with legitmate ideas on how to get the state of Ohio back where it needs to be! Hell the same can be said for our national government, America is in shambles and all of you politicians are the ones helping put us there in a major way! Its time for change, grow up, pick a side, and please get a plan for action, no more fake promises we want to see your not so great plans being implemented!!!!
Do you remember the Republican Courier? Well now Bluffton has the Icon Democrat!
Attention all registered voters! It is your responsibility to research the candidates.
Do not let anyone tell you who to vote for!
That is one of the numerous reasons why I do not put out political signs.
Look at the candidates and what they believe and stand for. Search inside your heart for what you truly believe.
AMEN--As I said in a previous post--narrow minded people vote a straight ticket!! That is why I am neither party--they are both crooks!
Nice reasearch--everyone is a Democrat. Explain this to me--Why should I have to work to pay the benefits of those who do not? My granparents and parents were considered poor and NEVER expected anyone else to pay our way. The Demoncrats are going to bankrupt this country, no matter how much they want to blame it on the Republicans. Good thing I am neither-I have my own mind and do not follow a party line. People with little thought tend to vote a straight ticket!
You asked? Why don't you or your kind ever debate the issues. You would find out that our entire welfare percentage is 1% of GDP.(that includes women and children) Corporate welfare for rich corporations i.e. Pork is much higher. The strategy that makes you hate your fellow human being is also the strategy that keeps you poor and the rich wealthier. The rich tell you constantly that it is the poor, the liberals that are making a mess. But the facts are the opposite. Take the eight miserably failed yrs of Cheney/Bush. Rich got richer .... you got poorer. You never hear about the welfare for the rich...because Faux news will never tell you. They are paid to create boogie men...to keep you off their trail. If their philosophy is right, how come it did not work for 8 yrs and crashed the Country? Who voted against sanctions for taking jobs overseas? Republicans! For giving tax benefits for keeping jobs here. Democrats.
Just make a list of what you have gotten from each party. It's a no brainer. Want the budget balanced?
When did that happen...under Democrats. Want to fight predatory Banks.....Democrats! Net jobs under Republicans over 20 yrs is net negative. Under Democrats net positive. Technology? New Industries with science?....Democrats. Lose ground to all other nations in education in science and good jobs....Republicans. If you needed a brain surgeon would you want Joe the plumber...or a Harvard Medical School Surgeon?
So why is it you think dumb people can lead better than educated ones? Our founding fathers were well educated men. They were fit to lead. Read real history, not Glenn Becks nonsense! If someone won't debate his statements in public....then he is a paid propagandist....out to sway you into voting against your best interests,like when he shills you to that Gold company that marks up 180%. We now have a profitable auto industry and averted losing 4 million more jobs. Doesn't that tell you Repubs were wrong? They cater to rich multi-national corporations....where they now get unlimited political money to buy American elections ...for the rich. This should make you fighting mad!
Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of the United States democratic system, said "I hope we shall crush ... in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country"
Wake up before it is too late! You have very little time before you will have to tell your children that instead of studying the situation, you blindly followed Judas Goats....paid to lead you to poverty!
Voting makes me tired. I don't really agree with any of these candidates. None of them represent me. The problem with voting is that if you do it you are responsible for what happens. The other problem with voting is that if you don't do it then you're still responsible for what happens. Democracy might have worked well for the Iroquois Nation, but I think our country is just too big for true democracy.
The only power we have comes down to money. Each time we spend money we are casting the most effective vote there is. Do you want our jobs to go to China? Buy something made there (and buy it cheap). Do you want our Main Streets to disappear? Shop at a big box store. Money. The only true democracy. Let's use it well.
Wendy ~ I don't understand. You submit an letter setting forth the candidates for which you are voting ~ and then post a comment on said letter stating, "I don't really agree with any of these candidates." Why bother? Why not sum up your opinions with the statement "Vote Democrat." Or perhaps, "Disregard qualifications and experience and forget about good government....and Vote Democrat." Allen County deserves better.
Why go through all that research if you are just going to check Democrat?
One more question from a previous post that got left unanswered--why believe in abortion, but not capital punishment? Makes no sense--so they are saying, " it is okay to KILL an unborn baby, but how dare we kill a CONVICTED FELON"
The only people who are Pro-Life are pacifists. And by definition I'd think most pacifists would be against abortion.
This comment makes no sense. "only pacifist are pro-life"? The definition out of the dictionary is: pacifist- a person who believes in pacifism or is opposed to war or to violence of any kind. I and many others I'm sure are not opposed to all war yet we are pro-life in regards to abortion.
Every legal US citizen has a duty to our nation to vote. many individuals have invested their youth and very life to provide this liberty of choice. Freedom is not free. God is in control and it is in God that this nation has it's trust. The laws, values and benifts of this great nation are first and fore most for the legal citizens of this nation. An open mind can be a good thing, but so is sound knowledge of where we have come from, what has and has not worked. History will repeat it's self. All that being said, will someone explain how one can support abortion and be against capital punishment at the same time? Why as a working person should I be overly taxed to support the free benifits of illegals in this country? These are just two of the values that the liberals belive in. Just some things to think about before you place you vote.
Wendy,
Thanks for all the research, and thank you for inspiring me to write a more detailed analysis including both of the major parties in the races. I understand your progressive desires, but you need to understand that many of us do not share your passion. We believe our constitution is just fine the way it is and we will work to preserve it. If you want to live in a more progressive society and sacrifice your liberty’s, there are countries all over the world that share your passion. Here we believe in individual freedom, Liberty to do what we want to do and the pursuit of happiness; not the guarantee of mediocrity.
US House of Representatives
Jim Jordan or Doug Litt
Jim has been one of the few voices of reason in congress the last four years of Democratic rule. He understands the fiscal responsibility that we want our country to observe and how important it is to live within our means; just as we do in our own family budgets. He understands that putting our country in hock to the rest of the world degrades our ability to bring freedom to all humanity and allows despots to continue to commit human atrocities to the people they rule over. He understands that our values are built on fundamental principals that allow society to survive from generation to generation. I will be proud to vote for Jim Jordan again this November.
Based on your comments it appears that his challenger, Doug Litt, is pretty closed minded on a single issue, and doesn’t base his decision making on our constitution or our values. He is not what I want to send to Washington to represent the great people of our district.
Ohio State Representative
Matt Huffman or Connie Miller
In a time where fiscal irresponsibility seams to run ramped across our great nation, Matt has been a consistent defender of this core American value. He has been a voice of reason when Governor Strickland proposes to spend Ohio into bankruptcy. His responsible agenda has kept Ohio from going overboard like a lot of other states have recently.
If Connie thinks Matt is “Straight up right wing republican”, then I’m guessing she is for a different agenda than I am for. Connie is not someone I want to send to Columbus.
Allen County Clerk of Courts
Margie Murphy Miller or David Winters
Margie is experienced in the operations of the “Clerk of Courts” She has the necessary experience to do the job. I cannot speak much about her views as there has not been much written or said about her. This is a good thing for this job.
David Winters wants to be a “Clerk of Courts”, but has not demonstrated that he even knows what the job is. He may be “down to earth”, but I want an elected official to do more than just show up to work. To throw the Republican out, just because her predecessor did not fulfill her responsibility to the job is a bit prejudice. To label David as a “Progressive Democrat” also raises concern as most “Progressive Democrats” make up the rules as they go. This is not something I would want in the Clerk of Courts Office.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice
Maureen O’Conner or Eric Brown
This election is filled with a lot of public controversy. I am not sure why Wendy took a pass at this one because this is an extremely important election in our state with a lot of misinformation running in circles around both of these candidates. At the end of the day, both have done nothing wrong, but it is interesting how the mud slinging has gone. The GOP launched a complaint that Eric Brown was soliciting campaign contributions, which is essential for being competitive for this very important job. The Democrats then launched a complaint that Maureen endorsed another candidate, but it was dismissed because she explicitly did not endorse another candidate in the words that the Democrats said she endorsed another candidate in. Maureen along with 4 other justices relaxed the rules that the GOP complaint was based on so that Eric Brown’s actions would be allowed. The reason they relaxed these rules is because the Federal Judiciary had struck down such rules in other states as being unconstitutional. Eric Brown has criticized Maureen for supporting this measure.
The only thing I can say about the two is that Maureen O’Conner is a very predictable constitutionalist while Eric Brown is making business owners very uneasy about hiring anyone based on his unpredictable record and legislative record.
Ohio Supreme Court Justice
Mary Jane Trapp or Judith Ann Lanzinger
Again, I am not sure why Wendy took a pass on this one either. Both candidates are very well qualified and have tallied up impressive records. Both come with a high integrity to their values and have demonstrated a strong commitment to civic duty. I found it very difficult to find any faults with either candidate. I am leaning toward Lanzinger because Trapp was endorsed by several Attorney groups because she “working within the legal profession to effect positive changes in her profession and the judicial system.” I’m not against positive procedural change, but I am against changing the judicial system. The Judicial System was created to interpret the law, not to change the law. Recently I have noticed that a majority of Attorney associations have been endorsing more judicial activists than constitutionalists. I would rather leave the legislating to the legislature and the interpreting to the judiciary as it was constituted. Lanzinger has a proven record to be a dependable constitutionalist. This is something that businesses can count on when considering adding more people to their pay roll.
Ohio State Treasurer
Kevin Boyce or Josh Mandel
This is probably the toughest race for me to make a determination on. Both candidates are hard workers and have a proven track record of making difficult and bold decisions. Kevin is the democratic incumbent and has determined that using private business is more efficient than using bureaucrats to get the states work done. Josh is a rising star in the Ohio Republican Party and made a decision to serve our country in Iraq when the Marines called rather than fulfilling his duties as a legislature. Kevin appears to be doing a good job and Josh’s arguments for the job are not strong enough to force a change.
US Senate
Lee Fisher or Rob Portman
This race is as simple as this: If you approve of the direction that congress and President Obama are taking us, you vote for Lee Fisher. If you are looking for someone who will stand up and stop what they are doing, you will vote for Rob Portman.
Lee Fisher has been Governor Strickland’s Jobs Czar for the last four years. Personally I am not satisfied with the job he is doing as Ohio’s unemployment has only gone up under his and Governor Strickland’s management. At the federal level, I see complete tone deafness and destruction of the values that created this country. Rob Portman may not be perfect, but he is a far cry from the Agenda that is tearing this country apart. You can blame Bush all you want, but our country was much better off 4 years ago before the democrats took over congress. This is the most important national candidate that will be elected this November. The question is, are you happy with progressively changing our constitution or do you believe in the conservative wisdom that our founders wrote many years ago.
Ohio State Auditor
David Pepper or Dave Yost
David comes from the Proctor & Gamble family and has a very impressive resume in international affairs. He has been very involved in the Cincinnati Area creating a competitive environment for businesses to excel in Hamilton County. If you read his 10 points, you would swear he was a conservative, but he is being endorsed and supported by union leaders and Progressives. He looks like a Trojan Horse to me. Dave Yost, currently a prosecutor in Delaware County and former county Auditor, also has a very impressive resume presiding over one of the most successful county’s in America as Auditor. The choice comes down to this, do you believe a democrat that promises transparency, fiscal responsibility that has international experience or do you want to put your faith into a successful auditor. Either way, our lives will be changed by one of these guys. With the 2010 Census, they will be very involved with inspecting the redrawing of district lines that could make serious changes to the political scene in 2012.
Attorney General
Richard Cordray or Mike DeWine
Richard is a strong advocate for the progressive movement and will fall in lock step with federal mandates whether they will hurt Ohioans or not. Mike DeWine is not the perfect candidate for the job, but he will stand up for Ohioans against the Federal Government that is constantly encroaching on our rights. Both Richard and Mike will do a fair job upholding the laws of the state and prosecuting the offenders within so the question comes to which one will stop the bullies in Washington.
Ohio Governor
Ted Strickland & Yvette McGee or John Kasich & Mary Taylor
This is the most important race concerning the Great State of Ohio and the direction Ohioans decide to take. Ted has had four years to prove that he is worthy of the job and recently, our local economy has suffered under his leadership. Granted, many states have suffered due to the global economic woes, but some states are still thriving. How are they doing it? They are being fiscally conservative with low taxes and responsible spending. Mary Taylor, Ted’s Opponent’s running mate, has had to pull Strickland back to earth a few times when he has made outrages claims about bogus cuts in government when trying to make himself look better than he is.
Government is a necessary evil, but it does not produce anything, they only establish the environment that we live in so we can pursue our endeavors safely. When government becomes too large, it becomes a drag on the economy and our freedom. We can no longer live the way we want to live or do the things we do when government takes too much control.
His Opponent, John Kasich, has led the national debate that became one of our greatest times of economic growth between 1994 and 2000. He understands the limits of government very well and has a realistic plan to manage Ohio back to prosperity. This choice is very clear: more of the same or a better future.
Secretary of State
Jon A. Husted or Maryellen O'Shaughnessy
The major difference that I see between Jon and Maryellen is one is ready to go to work while the other has a pedigree thinking she is entitled to the job. Jon as speaker of the house has constantly battled the damage that Governor Strickland has caused on our state. Maryellen is a life long bureaucrat that wants to expand her influence. Jon has a proven track record of results. Maryellen has a proven record of managing bureaucrats. When it comes to improving interstate commerce and redrawing election districts, who do you want working for you in Columbus?
This is great. I didn't do much but look at websites and a few blogs but this is much more detailed. People really need to learn about candidates but it takes so much time to find the info!
Margie Murphy-Miller discussed her candidacy at the Allen County fair with me at the Republican Booth. She seemed to be a very sweet lady but she told me that she had experience as Clerk of Courts and I asked her did she work in that office? She explained that no she was a bailiff for judge warren. She explained that she wanted to make changes and when I asked "what needed changed" she never answered and became very disinterested in speaking with me. I did go to the democratic booth and after I found out the guy who asked me if I would like a sucker was David Winters he explained the reason why he is running is simply he is tired of the corrupted courthouse.
It seems that one candidate is over stating her experience and the other is a frustrated person that has decided to run for office. The one reason why I am considering voting for David Winters I like the idea that he was a business man and he knows how to set a budget. With the over spending in government I like the idea that someone is running things that has real world budgeting skills.
I'm neither Democrat or Republican I vote for whom I feel is the best candidate and my ballot will be split this november.
I will vote for Huffman and then for Winters this November.
Wow, that was inspiring Wendy. Imagine that, you support all Democrats. Not a lot of thought going on there. Just look for the (D) next to their name and click. Typical.
Ted Strickland has left Ohio useless... one of the worst states for business in the nation. Get some sense regarding workers comp and taxation. Why do you think John Kasich is having such pull this year? He understands how business works and can fix Ohio's issues.
Ohio has been run by the right for 30_+ yrs. Does that not speak for itself. Republicans have gone to Washington to get themselves out of Ohio....into cushy jobs as lobbyists. The midwest only fights back when Democrats are elected. We now have a profitable auto industry. Repubs would have let all that die! Like our factories our Steele ....etc etc! Democrats are for rebuilding the plants making new modern day products, that we would all buy to get energy independence....you call that a bad idea? Ohio will remain in a slow downward spiral to poverty until progressive thinking people take over for 30 yrs...to undo what the ponyboys to the rich have done to us. DON'T BELIEVE ME? VOTE REPUBLICRAT AGAIN...AND SEE AGAIN...WHAT ALWAYS HAPPENS. STRICKLAND GAVE MY VETERAN SON A CHANCE FOR AN EDuCATION AT OHIO STATE...REPUBS GAVE HIM 1,000 a month for school and living expences??? After 5 yrs of service in the middle east.... I'm for Strickland!
Nice... Once again, someone who thinks about themselves, everyone else is on their own (typical Democrat). I work 40 hours per week, sometimes more, in the great town of Bluffton, Ohio, pay bills, taxes, etc., and what does the government give me to continue my education for my hard work day in and day out? Not a damn thing but some measly student loans... Don't get me wrong I think it is great that our military vets get money for a college education... Now that that has been said, have you not been around for the last 3-4 years? Ohio is worse off now than it was then... Get your head out of the sand and just because someone has a (D) or an (R) next to their name look into their political views a little closer...
I really enjoy how you said that Democrats are for rebuilding jobs, it really makes me laugh. Take, for example, back in 2001 (when Republicans were in control both in Congress and the White House) the unemployment rate was low, and I mean LOW, like in May of 2001 it was 3.7% in Ohio. And even in October of 2005 (when it was still Republics on both sides of the board in control) the unemployment rate was only 5.2%. Then come the Democrats who take control of EVERYTHING. In January 2008 when Obama took over as President and the Democrats had been the majority of Congress for about a year the unemployment rate was on a slight rise to 6.4% but then the preverbial crap hit the fan and in a years time the unemployment rate was at an all time high since the Great Depression. February 2010 unemployment was 11.8%!! Come on really? The Democrats are FOR jobs and "rebuilding." Give me a break, open your eyes, take a look at the big picture and learn from the past.
I am a Republican yes, however, I am not trying to push my views on anyone. I just wanted to point out some discrepencies in nickwolf's post.
I hope all of you do your homework for the upcoming election on November 2nd. It is your right to vote and that is exactly what you should do!
I do not even begin to understand your thought processes on this. Corrupt politicians and progressives seem to go together much more than Republicans and Corruption. But this election is about neither. This election is about the "Constitution Stupid". The economy is a wreck right now mostly because of corrupt politicians buying votes by stealing money from those that work and giving it to those that don't work. Hanging in the balance is our kids future. If listen to progressives, they will tell us conservative ideas,but then just continue to vote to destroy the constitution. If we re-elext corrupt politicians,they will do more of the same. We need to elect politicians that want to preserve what made this country great and get rid of those that want to change the this country. John Kasich has proven his ability to do this in the '90's. If you check Jim Jordan's record you will find he votes to preserve our countries greatness too.
You need to check your thinking and make sure you know what you are voting for.
Can I ask why you would even read about the candidates when you already know you are going to vote for all Democrats? I suppose you are also a fan of Obamacare?
The Icon should be renamed The Icon Democrat
Wow, clever. Keep in mind that this conversation has nothing to do with the Icon: it's a letter to the editor. Maybe if everyone who is complaining about this letter actually acted on their beliefs, there would be letters supporting other views in the pages as well.