For everything you've done this year, thank you
By Chris Redfern on 01/4/2012 @ 10:19 AM
2010 was a tough year for Democrats, but during 2011 we stood together and fought back against John Kasich's assault on the middle class.
We rallied against Senate Bill 5, at the Statehouse in the bitter cold, and collected more than a million signatures and spread the word to friends and neighbors.
On November 8, thanks to your incredible efforts, we made history and sent a clear message to Gov. Kasich that we won't stand for attacks on our middle class.
The victory would not have been possible without the energy, dedication and commitment of our volunteers. No amount of corporate, special interest money could possibly have overcome the grassroots organization that you helped build.
It was an amazing night for Democrats and an even bigger victory for families across the state.
But we didn’t stop there. We set our sights on the Republicans’ voter suppression law – which would have disenfranchised the most vulnerable Ohioans – and collected half a million signatures to put it on next year’s ballot. This November we’ll stop it for good.
And just last month, thanks to the pressure you put on Ohio Republicans to create a better, fairer congressional map, we reached a compromise on a new map that saved taxpayers at least $15 million.
The new map is not anything to be thrilled about. But it does make some districts a little more competitive, it does increase minority influence and it does hold together many communities that were sliced apart under the Republicans’ original plan. Were it not for your efforts, none of these changes would have been possible.
So in ringing in the New Year, I wish to offer you my sincerest thanks for your help in this effort and for all that you have done in the past year. Whether it was to save worker rights, to protect voting rights or to fight gerrymandering, supporters like you have done whatever we have asked and worked tirelessly to achieve one victory after another.
But while we celebrate our victories in 2011, you and I know that our work isn’t over. We need to carry forward the momentum from this past year to make sure we elect leaders up and down the ticket who will stand up for Ohio’s middle class.
Based on everything we’ve achieved together already, I know we can keep winning this fight. Thank you again for your support.
Chris Redfern
Chairman, Ohio Democratic Party
Important: Check Off Political Party Fund on Your State Taxes
By David Duffey on 10:19 AM
Supporters:
You have an opportunity to help our State and Local parties at no cost to you by checking the Ohio Political Party Fund box on your tax return.
Last year over 300,000 taxpayers designated one dollar of their state taxes to strengthen the two-party system. Making this donation does not increase the total amount of tax you owe nor reduce the refund you receive. It does help local and state parties pay for their administrative and operation costs allowing other fundraising to be used for more direct support of our candidates and campaigns.
Thank you in advance for supporting the Ohio Democratic Party by checking the Ohio Political Party Fund box on your Ohio tax return.
Something to remember
By Seth Bringman on 12/19/2011 @ 1:28 PM
The holidays are a time for celebration, but so often they are an unfortunate reminder about how families in this country are struggling. Too many Ohioans are unemployed, and even those who do have jobs are facing grave economic challenges.
That’s why President Obama is championing a $1,500 payroll tax cut to help working families and the middle class keep more of their hard-earned income. He has asked opponents of the payroll tax cut to not be a “Grinch” during the holidays.
Democrats understand that it’s not enough to give tax cuts to the rich and de-regulate Wall Street and somehow expect our economy and our families to recover.
Auto industry
Many families across Ohio, however, have new hope this holiday season because President Obama, Sen. Sherrod Brown and Rep. Tim Ryan worked to save the American automobile industry. As a nation, we had an obligation to rescue this vital industry that employs one million Americans — many in the Mahoning Valley.
As Democrats, we are also reminded this holiday season about how important it is that we protect safety nets like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and unemployment insurance. The most vulnerable among us — seniors, the underprivileged, the unemployed, the poor and the disabled — rely on these programs just to get by. Too often, such programs are labeled “entitlements” as if they are merely presents from the taxpayers.
A grandfather in Austintown isn’t getting rich from collecting Social Security, but he can celebrate the holidays with his grandchildren because he receives it. The single mother in Canfield isn’t looking for a free ride either, but she can put food on the dinner table because she has unemployment insurance. And a veteran in Youngstown didn’t fight in Afghanistan only to be denied the health care that he or she needs.Programs like these are more than numbers in a database somewhere in Washington. They help real people — people who could not get by without them. And we as Americans have a responsibility to protect these safety nets so we can we strengthen communities across Ohio and the nation.
While the government can play a role in helping the most vulnerable among us, it certainly can’t do everything, nor should it try to do everything. Our society relies on generous individuals, private charities, foundations and religious institutions to take care of those in need. And Americans who have been blessed financially have a responsibility to do their part by supporting charities and paying their fair share to help our nation during these difficult times.
Local charities
All Ohioans — be they Democrats, independents or Republicans — who are fortunate enough to be able to do so should make a financial contribution either through their place of worship or through local charities this season. And while not everyone can afford to give money, everyone can spend an afternoon at a local food bank or dig out old clothes to donate to a shelter.
We at the Ohio Democratic Party wish you a safe a joyous holiday season.
Thank you, again
By Chris Redfern on 11:00 AM
Two months ago, we set out with thousands of supporters to give Ohioans a voice in the redistricting process, because Republicans did not give them that voice.
Democrats could have simply sat idly by and accepted the Republicans’ unfair, gerrymandered map. But just as you have done all year, you fought back with us against their overreaching agenda.
And because dedicated volunteers stood out in the cold collecting signatures and talking to voters over the past six weeks, the debate over redistricting continued and Republicans were forced to defend the map they rushed through in just 48 hours after drawing it behind closed doors. Thanks to you, their tactics were exposed and thanks to you, we forced the Republicans to make changes to the map.
I wish to offer you my sincerest thanks for your help in this effort and for all that you have done in the past year. Whether it was to save worker rights, to protect voting rights or to fight gerrymandering, supporters like you have done whatever we have asked and worked tirelessly to achieve one victory after another. Yesterday is another victory for you.
The new map is not anything to be thrilled about. But it does make some districts a little more competitive, it does increase minority influence and it does hold together many communities that were sliced apart under the Republicans’ original plan. Were it not for your efforts, none of these changes would have been possible.
We know very well that Ohioans deserved a much fairer Congressional map than this. And the passage of this map in no way erases alarming concerns with the redistricting process, nor will it restore public trust. Democrats and others will continue to seek answers about the secretive and unethical process that was used to create the state legislative and Congressional maps.
Ohioans deserve to know that their votes matter. They deserve fair and competitive elections, the ability to hold politicians of all Parties accountable and the chance to elect good leaders who will serve the public interest by working together to create jobs.
The events of the last six months make clearer than ever that Democrats and Republicans need to come together to support a constitutional amendment to change the way we re-draw Congressional and state legislative districts. Voters deserve a redistricting process that is fair and open. We challenge Republicans to work with us to achieve that outcome by supporting a constitutional amendment on redistricting and putting that amendment before the voters.
Thank you again for your efforts. We hope you are enjoying the holiday season.
Click on the image below for an interactive map of the new Congressional districts.
UPDATE! Take Action: Stop the Heartbeat Bill
By Lauren Harmon on 12/14/2011 @ 9:30 AM
COLUMBUS — The so-called "Heartbeat Bill," HB 125, is on the move in the Ohio State Senate. If Republicans have their way, Ohio will soon be home to the most extreme anti-choice legislation in the entire country.
UPDATE! December 15, 2011 – Senate President Tom Niehaus has announced that the Heartbeat Bill is on hold for 2011! THANK YOU to everyone who made phone calls, sent emails, wrote letters to the editor, and attended committee hearings. They really knew we were watching! Let's take a deep breath, enjoy the holidays, and get ready to continue fighting in 2012!
Will you make a call TODAY to tell Republicans on the committee why you oppose the Heartbeat Bill?
Please be sure to call the committee chair and ALL the Republican members of the committee! You can also click the names to get information on emailing the committee members (scroll down to the bottom of the member's page).
- Scott Oelslager, Chair: (614) 466-0626
- Dave Burke, Vice Chair: (614) 466-8049
- Troy Balderson: (614) 466-8076
- Shannon Jones: (614) 466-9737
- Kris Jordan: (614) 466-8086
- Peggy Lehner: (614) 466-4538
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
Thanks for your help. We'll keep you posted on the progress of this dangerous bill.
VIDEO: Ohio Democratic Party Launches “I Want To Be Senator” As Josh Mandel Cements His Broken Promise To Ohio
By Seth Bringman on 12/7/2011 @ 1:15 PM
Ethically-Challenged, Absentee-“Treasurer” Files Petitions For Senate, Proves The Only Job In Ohio He Cares About Is His Next One
Mandel’s First Year As “Treasurer” Marked By Numerous Legal And Ethical Violations, A Refusal To Stand Up For Ohio’s Middle Class, And Dodging The Press While Spreading False, Misleading Claims
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Just weeks into his new job, Ohio’s ethically-challenged and absentee “Treasurer” had all but abandoned his new office to run for another. Reports of Josh Mandel’s filing of petitions for the U.S. Senate race makes his broken promise to serve a full four year term official. Josh Mandel has made it crystal clear that his top priority is enhancing his carefully-nurtured political career to secure the only job in Ohio that he cares about—his next one.
Whether it’s battling his numerous legal and ethical violations, attacking and refusing to fight for Ohio’s middle class, or hiding from the press while spreading “ridiculous” and false attacks against Sherrod Brown, Josh Mandel’s political ambition has spun wildly out of control.
It’s clear that from the moment Josh Mandel was sworn in as “Treasurer” his priority was looking for his next job.
**WATCH THE VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
** VISIT THE WEBSITE: http://www.iwanttobesenator.
“Less than one fourth of his way through a four year term he promised to serve, Josh Mandel has ignored the Treasurer’s office while attacking Ohio’s middle class and racking up legal and ethical violations thanks to an insultingly transparent effort to secure the only job in Ohio he cares about–his next one” said Ohio Democratic Party press secretary Justin Barasky. “While launching numerous false and misleading attacks, Josh Mandel has refused to stand up against job killing policies that hurt Ohio’s middle class, supported a plan to end Medicare as we know it, and hid from reporters looking for answers regarding his many legal and ethical lapses. Josh Mandel believes the rules don’t apply to him and can’t be counted on to keep his promises to Ohio.”
VIDEO: Chairman Redfern Announces Campaign to Stop HB 319
By Andrew Zucker on 11/1/2011 @ 2:30 PM
Today, Ohioans for Fair Districts launched a statewide petition effort to repeal House Bill 319, the Republicans’ unfair, gerrymandered congressional map that breaks apart communities of interest and makes Ohio elections uncompetitive.
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern made the announced Tuesday morning, denouncing Republicans for foregoing “public input, compromise or bipartisanship.”
“The map was crafted behind closed doors for the sole purpose of protecting incumbent members of Congress,” Redfern said. “The map is unacceptable to me and it is unacceptable to virtually everyone Ohioan who has taken a look at it, except those in the General Assembly who forced it on the people of Ohio.”
Watch Redfern’s opening remarks at Tuesday’s press conference, announcing the campaign to defeat House Bill 319 (h/t Ohio Capital Blog):
Cain Stands by Statement Telling Unemployed "Blame Yourself"
By Craig Gibson on 10/31/2011 @ 11:00 PM
In case you haven’t been keeping up with the ever entertaining and often jaw dropping republican presidential debates, just over a week ago the nomination process headed into the desert for a trip to sin city. The “game show”, as republican presidential hopeful Jon Huntsman put it, was hosted by CNN’s own Anderson Cooper, and in true Las Vegas nature nothing was off limits. Everything from the immigration status of Mitt Romney’s lawn care workers to Bachman’s embarrassing gaffe on Libya were put on the table as the candidates bet big. By the time the debate had ended, with my hands clenched, I prayed for a bit of Vegas luck myself that the new motto for the gambling mecca would be “Those who debate in Vegas, stay in Vegas.” I was told however, the residents of Nevada were all too happy to see this side show hit the road.
New polling released only hours before the nomination gave some insight into the race for the nomination here in Ohio. Rising star, Herman Cain himself, has shot to the front of the pack leading Mitt Romney by a whopping 15 points. Maybe that wide margin provided Cain with the confidence to make his big gamble that night, or maybe the glitz and glamour of the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino just got to his head. Either way Cain went gutsy by defending the following statement he made in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal.
When asked by host Cooper whether or not he stood by his remarks Cain responded, “I still stand by my statement.” Cue wild applause from the crowd…wait…what? Yes, it seems the most recent victim of the republican debate crowd (now a personality of their own) along with the un-insured, and a gay active duty soldier, is America’s unemployed. Not terribly surprising from the party that has made defending the ultra rich from taxes into a profession I suppose. None-the-less, I thought the crowd in Nevada, the state who ranks number one in unemployment, would be a bit more empathetic.
Here in Ohio we can relate, because when big banks and Wall Street played a risky game of roulette and lost, the burden fell on our backs. Everyday Ohioans saw their homes fall into foreclosure and watched their jobs disappear. Herman Cain may not realize the struggles this economy has left on the people of Nevada and Ohio, but as a former CEO how could he? It’s the very people in his position who rolled the dice with this economy well knowing their million dollar bonuses would shield them from any ill consequences.
Yet again Mr. Cain made it ever more apparent who the Republican Party is looking out for. Defending corporate greed and pinning fault on the very people who have suffered as a result of it. Take Herman’s word for it, “If you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself.”
Craig Gibson is senior at The Ohio State University majoring in political science, and interning in the Ohio Democratic Party’s Communications Department.
Romney Flips, Flops on Issues 2, 3 in Cincinnati
By Seth Bringman on 10/25/2011 @ 2:55 PM
When Mitt Romney announced his intentions to thank Republican volunteers at a GOP phone bank supporting Issues 2 and 3 on Tuesday, Republicans expected a ringing endorsement from the professional presidential candidate.
But after reading this morning’s Quinnipiac poll, which shows that Ohioans oppose Issue 2/SB 5 by a 57-32 margin – that’s 25 percentage points – Mitt Romney sang a different tune, refusing to take a position on either ballot issue.
Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern held a conference call today with state and national media denouncing Mitt’s "support" for Issue 2 and 3 and habitual flip-flopping. Click here an audio recording of the call.
(Transcript runs through 4:19 until Q-and-A begins.)
REDFERN: “Thanks everybody for taking the time on a beautiful, beautiful Tuesday afternoon in Ohio and calling in. I want to especially thank our folks from outside the Buckeye State for joining us. For any additional information or comments, feel free to always call us here at the Ohio Democratic Party. Our communications director is Seth Bringman and can be reached here at the Party at any time.”
REDFERN: “As all of you know, former Massachusetts governor and serial flip-flopper Mitt Romney visited Terrace Park in greater Cincinnati this morning to campaign for Issues 2 and 3. It shouldn’t surprise any of us that Mitt Romney is here campaigning for Issue 3. Campaigning in Ohio against a policy he championed in Massachusetts is just the latest example of years of hypocrisy of Mitt Romney when it comes to healthcare reform. We have to come to accept this kind of flip-flopping from the former governor of Massachusetts. And today’s event is just the latest example of Mitt changing his positions to appeal to the base of the Republican Party to win the nomination.
What is more peculiar is Romney’s decision to campaign for state Issue 2.
We learned earlier this month that Governor Romney asking for Governor Kasich’s advice. Governor Kasich told the Cleveland Plain Dealer: “I’ve talked to Romney lately. He called me wanting to know what I think about xyz.” After reaching out to Mr. Kasich, Mr. Romney is now taking a detour from early primary states to campaign for John Kasich’s signature issue: Senate Bill 5. There is not much other reason for Governor Romney to be in the state. The presidential primary in Ohio is not’ til mid-June of next year. In campaigning for Senate Bill 5, Governor Romney has joined Jon Kasich’s attack on middle class Ohioans. And he’s joining a losing cause.
The fact is, Mitt Romney is embracing a Governor who is one of the most unpopular in the nation. And right so for the things John Kasich has done – including taking away labor’s seat at the table. It’s worth noting that Romney is the only Republican presidential candidate to come to Ohio to campaign in support of Senate Bill 5.
And his presence at Terrace Park today speaks volumes. If Governor Romney becomes the Republican nominee, Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign for a bill that takes away workers right and makes our communities less safe. Ohioans won’t forget that he went out of his way to campaign against our police and firefighters, our teachers and our nurses. Ohioans won’t forget that he has once again turned his back on the middle class.
We’ve seen time and time again how out of touch Governor Romney is with mainstream Ohio. He opposed investing in America’s automobile industry – an investment that has helped saved and create jobs right here in the Buckeye State. To this day, Romney still says it was a bad investment.
Romney now opposes the $1500 payroll tax cut for American families, something he supported until President Obama urged Congress to pass it. Romney opposes the President’s American Jobs Act, which would create jobs right here in the state of Ohio – and more than half of which is made up of tax cuts for the middle class families and small businesses. And as our middle class families suffer, Governor Romney refuses to ask the wealthiest among us – wealthy Americans like himself – to pay their fair share.
Middle class families in Ohio and across America need a champion as President. Mitt Romney’s visit today is the latest example of why he fails that test. I welcome any questions you may have.
QUESTION: You have said that Mitt Romney sort of has turned his back on the middle-class there in Ohio. As this election cycle moves forward, where do you see are some of the things the Obama administration has done to assist the middle-class there given Romney’s failures?
REDFERN: Thanks, … I appreciate the question, and you need not look any further than Youngstown, Ohio or Toledo, Cleveland. You need not look anywhere than the city of Parma. Each of those communities anymore has had a huge involvement with the automobile industry as it has a huge footprint in those communities.
Take Toledo and the Jeep plant. Chrysler in its existence today is due in large part to the leadership of President Obama and Democrats in the Congress who understood that an American automobile industry would ensure that communities in Toledo, Youngstown, and Cleveland survive and thrive. Youngstown, Ohio over the last year continues to compete with every other region in the country because it has created more manufacturing jobs – because of the General Motors plant there and the innovation that’s occurred with the Chevy Cruise. I don’t think anyone could disagree with this statement that the American automobile industry as we know it today, and the supply chain network would not exist if it were not for President Obama and the Democrats in Congress who stood up for those middle class jobs. This is the perfect example of what the president has done over the course of the last three years. Additionally, the American Jobs Act, which the President has supported so strongly and many others across this country means police and fire fighters, teachers and nurses can stay on the job in communities like Cincinnati, where Mitt Romney just visited. Those are the facts. As states and communities continue to struggle, we can’t ignore the needs of investing in infrastructure; if we ignore it, we will find that those costs will only increase over time. Protecting the middle class today in Ohio will make our state even stronger.
Any other questions?
QUESTION: I was out there this morning obviously and he said nothing about Issue 2 or Issue 3 in his remarks to the group of volunteers. He wasn’t taking questions from the media, but I overheard him talking to your counterpart Kevin DeWine and he said very clearly that, “I am not taking a position on Issues 2 or Issues 3.” He was just being supportive of the Republican Party in Ohio. What’s wrong with that?
REDFERN: Nothing’s wrong with having an evolving position on everything from the weather to the strength of the Cincinnati Reds bullpen. What is wrong is assuming that no one will notice that evolution. In yesterday’s Cincinnati Enquirer, Mitt Romney’s visit was heralded as, quote – the headline read – “Mitt Romney coming to Cincinnati Tuesday, will be backing state issues 2 and 3”. I would assume that Mitt Romney’s press spokesperson has already called the Enquirer’s press shop and called for a retraction of that headline. I assume he’s reached out to the Associated Press already and said that their headline yesterday “Romney backs Ohio healthcare bargaining issues” was in fact false. No, he didn’t call and make those objections known because the Quinnipiac poll wasn’t published yesterday, it was published this morning. And Mitt Romney understands what most of us understand today, that this issue attacking Ohio’s middle class is a loser. It’s not just a loser from a policy standpoint and the implication it has for Ohio’s middle class, it’s a loser if you want to run statewide. Hell, it’s a loser if you want to run for dog catcher. And in the case of Mitt Romney, he supported yesterday what he’s now not taking a position on today. And if you didn’t know Mitt Romney’s background, you could give him a pass. But, we know all too well what Mitt Romney’s background is. He was against the American automobile industry before he was for it. He was against Ohio State Issue 2 and 3 before he was for it, or perhaps didn’t have a position at all. That is a more convenient position to take.
QUESTION: Hi, just, so you are saying that he decided this morning?
REDFERN: That is my allegation, yeah. I mean, he is a consummate evolving politician who won’t make a decision beyond the headline of the most recent newspaper he’s read. Why on earth would he be in Cincinnati, Ohio to visit a Republican call center that is focused on turning out the vote for Issue 2 and 3 if he doesn’t have a position – If he doesn’t have a position on Issues 2 and 3? Why would any serious presidential candidate allow his press shop to cultivate the notion yesterday that he was visiting Cincinnati to support Issue 2 and 3, allow the Associated Press and the Cincinnati Enquirer to frame the visit accordingly, and then in less than 24 hours walk away from that commitment? We need not look any further than the 25-point spread that Quinnipiac announced this morning.”
OPERATOR: At this time, Sir, there are no questions.
REDFERN: Okay, thanks so much everybody for taking the time. Have a great day and feel free to call for any follow up. Thanks to everybody.
END CALL.
For more information, please contact press@ohiodems.org
Behind the Scenes at ODP
By David Waks on 10/24/2011 @ 8:19 PM
We get asked all the time: who actually works at the Ohio Democratic Party?
And more importantly: why are we here?
For the first post in an ongoing series, we wanted to talk to our frontline — our field organizers. Those who inspire our volunteers, coordinate countless phone banks, and work relentlessly behind the scenes to ensure every voter across the state is informed and engaged.
We turned to Janee Bowman, a field organizer in Athens working with Coshocton, Muskingum and Guernsey counties, to tell us a bit about what motivated her to join the fight to defeat Issue 2. Like so many who work with us, she knew the potential consequences of enacting Senate Bill 5.
She’s an EMT. Her husband is a firefighter. And she only sleeps soundly at night because she knows that whether she’s in an emergency room or her husband’s at the fire station, strong employee protections ensure their safety. In her own words:
“I see firsthand the need for adequate supplies, equipment and staffing levels for our Emergency Responders. Sufficient staffing levels have made it so that he and I are able to do our jobs better. It takes 5 people to work an effective code, and usually just two EMT’s per truck. And when you work a call, you want to know you can depend on backup at the station.
“Most people don’t realize, but we rely on firefighters for more than just fighting fires: they help us move people who are sick, stabilize patients at the scenes of car accidents, and help educate the community. These things all take manpower; we depend on their help too much to not have crews in the station.
In her line of work, she’s afraid of SB5.
“Just the other day, while fighting a fire, my husband’s friend Brendan fell through the floor as a fire engulfed the ceiling. It was his safety equipment that saved him – their company only had it because a union in Columbus suggested that it was a good idea to have.”
Now, she works to defeat Issue 2. She’s moved from the back of the ambulance to an office in Athens, spending her day recruiting passionate volunteers to come in and help inform Ohioans. Her message is simple: “Every volunteer is incredibly crucial to our campaign. If everybody does a little bit, we’ll be okay. But if we do nothing, we won’t be okay.” And getting involved is easy.
“We have nineteen days,” she chirps breathlessly into the phone, “and while I know youre busy, we need your help because were trying to reach as many voters as possible to remind them to vote NO on Issue 2. Can you come for a canvass shift that starts today at 5 or one at on Saturday morning at 10?”
Everyone can play a role. Whether going door-to-door or helping on the phone — it all starts by contacting your local field office.
She depends on volunteers everyday. “There’s the young Democrats. They’ve organized students together, held voting marches, and lobbied Student Senate Meetings. I count on them.” And she counts on the families, activists, and union members who stream into her office to help. And even if you’ve never volunteered before, you’ll find it an easy, yet transformative, experience. “There’s so much energy here, it’s great.”
The inside perspective of emergency medicine changed Janee’s perspective. “By not being a patient, but being a care provider, you can see what would happened if you lost a union and what would happened. That’s why I’m fighting this bill.” And now she needs your help – will you respond to her call?
