OH-16: Boccieri Selects Trevena to Lead Congressional Office

I had to take some time off post-election; one never gets a true understanding of the physical, psychological, and emotional drain of a Congressional race until it comes to a close. John Boccieri is a true leader and to have campaigned with him gave me a first-hand perspective of the internal drive he has developed over his lifetime.

Ohio's Fighting 16th District can only thrive through John's internal energies and first-class connections he already holds in Washington, DC. Prior to the Thanksgiving break, Ian Walton, Campaign Manager for John Boccieri for U.S Congress, gave me an update on "The Transition Team".

Boccieri Selects Trevena to Lead Congressional Office

CANTON -- Congressman-Elect John Boccieri (D-Alliance) today released the following statement on naming Anthony Trevena as his chief of staff:

Boccieri said:

"I am pleased Anthony has agreed to serve as my chief of staff in the 111th Congress. This is a critical position, and I am confident Anthony's background and experience make him a perfect fit as chief of staff for the people of the 16th Congressional District."

Trevena has a Bachelor's degree in education and Master's degree in business administration. He previously served on Gov. Ted Strickland's Congressional staff and currently serves as the the Deputy Director of Administration for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Trevena will officially join Congressman-elect Boccieri's staff in early January.

Boccieri added:

"Anthony has been a trusted adviser to me for eight years and has served the people of Ohio at the state and federal level with integrity throughout his career. I know he understands the complex issues facing Ohio's families, and I am confident in the skills he brings to this position."

It is still unknown what the future holds for our blog, but believe me, whenever "Bo" calls for "Boots on the Ground!", Ohio's Fighting 16th will be ready to "Stand up!"

OH-16: Congressman Major John Boccieri - "Thank You!" Edition

Dear Ohio's Fighting 16th District,

This Tuesday night, all of the time you have put in knocking on doors, making phone calls, helping out with events and contributing what you can over the past year and a half finally paid off.

Together, we have brought a historic change to the 16th Congressional District. For the first time since 1948, the voters here have elected a Democrat to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I am honored to accept this awesome responsibility. But as I said over and over again on the campaign trail, this race has never been about me or my opponent - it's about you. It was your struggles and hopes for the future that motivated me, and it was your hard work that made the difference on Election Day. I can't thank you enough for all that you did.

Tuesday was a historic night. But now, the real history-making begins. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get about the work of the American people: creating new jobs, negotiating fairer trade deals, ensuring health care coverage for every American and bringing our troops home from Iraq safely, honorably, and soon.

I could not have gotten to this point without your support. Now, as your next Congressman, I need your help even more. I want you to hold me accountable every day that I'm in Washington, ensuring that I'm always putting your needs first and your interests ahead of special interests.

America is facing some of the biggest challenges we've seen in at least a generation, and only together can we overcome them and restore the hope and promise of our great nation.

Thank you once again for standing with me throughout this campaign. I will never forget your energy, dedication, and unwavering support.

Sincerely,
John Boccieri

As the Editor of OH-16: John Boccieri for U.S. Congress, it has been my great pleasure to follow Congressman Major John Boccieri across Ohio's Fighting 16th District. I only can echo John, "...it's about you. It was your struggles and hopes for the future that motivated me, and it was your hard work that made the difference on Election Day. I can't thank you enough for all that you did."

Everytime John called on us to "Stand up!", we delivered. We saw the GOP noise machines try to blur the issues of this race, but we stood up, unrelenting.

Now, we have come to see the pay-off. But, we must be clear on one important issue, the battle against the "Potomac Villagers" has only begun.

I can only imagine the tears of pride that will hit the corners of our cheeks as Congressman John Boccieri delivers to Ohio's Fighting 16th over and over, again.

I want to kick-off the 2010 election cycle with my favorite part of the 2008 cycle:

OH-16: John Boccieri - "All Hands On Deck!" Edition

We're almost there!

Only 7 days left until one of the biggest elections in our lifetimes. We need every last bit of help as we make the final push to elect John Boccieri and bring real change to the 16th Congressional District.

We are asking volunteers to sign up for at least one three-hour shift during the final four days of the campaign. You'll be helping us get out the vote by making phone calls, knocking on doors, or getting John Boccieri's name out around the district.

Here are the shift times. If you see a time that works for you, just click on it to sign up by email!

Saturday, Nov 1: 10am - 1pm, 1 - 4pm, 4 - 7pm
Sunday, Nov 2: 1 - 4pm, 4 - 7pm
Monday, Nov 3: 1 - 4pm, 4 - 7pm
Election Day (Tuesday, Nov 4): 10am - 1pm, 1 - 4pm, 4 - 7pm

You can also sign up over the phone by calling (330) 754-0534 and asking for Matt or Danielle.
John spoke at several candidates forums this past week, including ones in Ashland, Orrville, and on WCPN radio.

This week's "Volunteers of the Week" are Denny Miller and Phil Whaitley. Denny is a Wayne County native who comes to the Canton field office weekly to help with data entry, phone calls, and other activities. Phil is a Stark County local who volunteers at our Canton office on the days he has off from work. Phil has made more phone calls than just about anybody on the campaign. Thanks Denny and Phil for your hard work and commitment to getting John elected!

Here's what's coming up in the FINAL WEEK OF THIS CAMPAIGN...

What: Breakfast Reception with John & U.S. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer
Where: McKinley Grand Hotel, 320 Market Ave., Canton
When: Wednesday, October 29, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Notes: RSVP to Justin Palmer at 330-438-1632 or jpalmer@johnforcongress.com

What: Get Out The Vote (GOTV) Week
Where: Boccieri Campaign Headquarters, 601 Cleveland Ave., NW, Canton
When: Saturday, November 1 - Tuesday, November 4
Notes: Please call our main headquarters at (330) 754-0534 or email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com to sign up for GOTV activities

Boccieri Breaking News:

From the Ashland Times-Gazette...

Candidates Focus on Economy

"The campaign train stopped in Ashland County on Tuesday night...

State senators John Boccieri, D-Alliance, and Kirk Schuring, R-Canton, fielded questions about the federal economic bailout, increased government spending, health care and partisanship.

Boccieri said the election is not about him or Schuring, but is about Ohioans.

"It's about middle class families. It's not just about working together. It's about working together with the right priorities."

Read the full article...

And, yet...another endorsement comes in!

Medina Gazette: "Congress needs Boccieri’s fresh approach"

Medina, OH -The Medina Gazette has endorsed John Boccieri in the race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

"America cannot continue its current path," the editors wrote in their endorsement today. "Congress needs Boccieri's fresh approach on Nov. 4."

The Gazette cited Boccieri's plans for fixing America's broken health care system as a major factor in the endorsement decision. "There is no issue more critical than health care because of its impact on employers, family budgets and quality of life," the editorial stated. "We like Boccieri’s ideas for cutting costs and providing incentives to make care more affordable."

The Gazette also highlighted the importance of Boccieri's service overseas. "His experience as an Iraq veteran gives him a boots-on-the-ground perspective on U.S. foreign policy," the editors wrote.
Click here to read the full editorial.

If that isn't enough good news for one sitting, check out what Chris Callizza recently posted on The Fix's House Line:

9. Ohio's 16th district (R): State Sen. John Boccieri appears to have recovered from a bit of a rough spot as a candidate during the summer months and once again is the odds-on favorite to claim the seat being vacated by Rep. Ralph Regula (R). Boccieri has a cash edge over fellow state Sen. Kirk Schuring (R) and a Democratic poll released earlier this month showed him ahead comfortably. (Previous ranking: 12)

As always, we appreciate everything you've done in this campaign. Together, we are now just a few short days away from achieving victory and a better future for our community and our country. Please help out in whatever way you can in this final week!

OH-16: John Boccieri - "Change is Coming!"

Dear Friends,

With just eight days before the November 4 election, we're faced with a choice about the direction we want our community, our state and our country to go.

With so much at stake, I want you to know why I am running for Congress and how I plan to work for what matters most to you: a job that pays enough to raise a family, affordable health care that's there whenever you need it, and middle class tax cuts to help send your children to college or care for an aging relative.

Take a look at this new video to see the core reasons why I am running for Congress...

Like you, I believe in the promise of America: that if you work hard, play by the rules and give back to your community you can realize the American Dream. But for far too many Ohio families, that dream is slipping out of reach.

I am committed to changing that. As a father, a veteran and a state legislator who has represented this area for eight years, I know that we need to put middle class families first. In Congress, I want to wake up every day and make it my job to fight for your job.

With so much at stake, I hope I can count on your support. If you want to learn more, you can visit my website at www.johnforcongress.com/, or feel free to contact me with any questions or ideas at the email address below.

Sincerely,

John Boccieri

john@johnforcongress.com

OH-16: Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses John Boccieri

The Alliance for Retired Americans says John Boccieri is the best choice to succeed retiring Rep. Ralph Regula in the race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

The organization, which has nearly 271,000 members in Ohio and represents over 3.5 million seniors across America, wrote in their endorsement that Boccieri's "election to the House of Representatives will enhance the quality of life for older Americans."

The Alliance cited:

"Boccieri's leadership on issues such as fighting Social Security privatization and strengthening the Social Security and Medicare systems... In addition, our members can support your candidacy because of your belief in the need to provide more affordable health care for older Americans, to create a Medicare drug program that benefits seniors, not insurance and drug companies, as well as the need for stronger retirement and pension security, and quality long term and nursing home care."

Boccieri thanked the group for its endorsement and reiterated his commitment to standing up for seniors.

"If you've worked hard, played by the rules, and given back to your community your entire life, you deserve your pension benefits, affordable health care, and financial security in retirement. That's the dream that has made America strong, and that's the promise that I will fight for in Congress."

Boccieri has a strong record of supporting seniors in the state legislature and has committed to use his voice in Congress to address the plight of local retirees like those from Republic Technologies who have been denied much of their promised pension benefits.

In stark contrast, when Republic Technologies retirees invited State Sen. Kirk Schuring to an October 11 meeting about their pension struggles, Schuring never showed up. And this Tuesday, the editors of the Akron Beacon Journal noted that Schuring has expressed "willingness to consider privatizing a portion of Social Security" if elected to Congress.

In 2001, Schuring cast the only Ohio House vote against creating the Golden Buckeye discount prescription drug program ["Legislation Would Give Seniors Drug Discount," Dayton Daily News, 6/6/01], and more recently voted to raise the retirement age and strip half a billion dollars from state pension funds. [127 SB 148]

OH-16: Boccieri Stays Positive with Final TV Spot

Candidate for U.S. Congress John Boccieri has released a new television ad that will run across Ohio's 16th Congressional District in the final weeks of the campaign.

Like Boccieri's previous TV spot, the new spot is entirely positive and focused on the issues that matter to middle class families: job creation, health care coverage, affordable education and middle class tax relief. (The script is included below.)

Spot title: "Change"

VOICE OVER:

A voice for Ohio families - that's John Boccieri.

Raising his young family here, John Boccieri knows the challenges we face and will bring real change to Congress.

John Boccieri will make sure our children can see a doctor when they're sick, and seniors will have low-cost prescription drugs.

John Boccieri will work for middle class tax relief, affordable college tuition, and new jobs so our children can stay here.

John Boccieri: the change we need.

JOHN BOCCIERI:I'm John Boccieri and I approve this message.

Upcoming events...

What: Orrville at Wooster High School Football Game
Where: Wooster High School
When: Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Notes: It's the final week of regular season high school football. Come join us in Wooster or attend your local high school football. For details on distributing campaign materials, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: McKinley vs. Massillon Tailgate Parties
Where: Paul Brown Massillon Stadium
When: Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Notes: Show your support for John and your local football team (whoever it might be!) as we enjoy the tailgate festivities before the 2 p.m. kick off. For details, email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Ashland County Ox Roast Dinner Party
Where: Ashland
When: Saturday, October 25, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Notes: Join John for a fall cookout and and BBQ in Ashland County. For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

OH-16: John Boccieri Weekend Preview

John Boccieri Offers Events Across The District This Weekend

Going into this weekend, John Boccieri for U.S. Congress is hosting events that favor all flavors of fun!

Here's what we've got...

What: Backyard Economic Discussion
Where: Alliance
When:Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Notes: Come join John and campaign supporters as friends and families discuss the current economic crisis and other issues affecting the 16th Congressional District. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Orrville at Wooster High School Football Game
Where: Wooster High School
When: Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Notes: It's the final week of regular season high school football. Come join us in Wooster or attend your local high school football. For details on distributing campaign materials, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: McKinley vs. Massillon Tailgate Parties
Where: Paul Brown Massillon Stadium
When: Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Notes: Show your support for John and your local football team (whoever it might be!) as we enjoy the tailgate festivities before the 2 p.m. kick off. For details, email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Ashland County Ox Roast Dinner Party
Where: Ashland
When: Saturday, October 25, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Notes: Join John for a fall cookout and and BBQ in Ashland County. For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

I was just surfing the blogs and it appears Boccieri's opponent has received a very lack-luster endorsement from the Akron Beacon Journal:

To be sure, this editorial page disagrees sharply with Schuring, especially his willingness to consider privatizing a portion of Social Security and his devotion to the market as the route to repair the health-care system. He argues that drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would yield a significant benefit for the country. Schuring seems obsessed with Boccieri living in the district since the end of the school year, knowing that his opponent's Senate turf includes part of the U.S. House district and that there is no residency requirement.

Go read it! Is that a "non-endorsement" endorsement or what?

OH-16: (UPDATED)John Boccieri - Embracing America's Middle Class

We're "LIVE-BLOGGING" from John Boccieri for U.S. Congress HQ's in Downtown Canton, Ohio, today!

First things first...

Tue Oct 21, 2008 at 10:15:00 AM EDT - Progressive Blue Blog has put "us" on the Front Page in a special "candidates final push week". I'll be back and forth between these two blogs throughout most of the day. I'll be working to bring updates as quickly as I can them posted.

11:18:00 AM EDT
Boccieri Wins Endorsement from Ohio Federation of Teachers

October 20, 2008
The Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), representing 20,000 public education professionals, has endorsed John Boccieri in the race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

In the OFT's letter of endorsement, President Sue Taylor wrote that Boccieri was chosen for his

"support for public education, including higher education, and human services, and rights of public employees."

Taylor stated:

“We believe you can make a difference in funding for K-12 public education, holding charter schools accountable, stopping the spread of tax funded tuition vouchers, restoring higher education funding, and extending collective bargaining rights for part-time faculty and graduate employees.”

Boccieri thanked the OFT for its endorsement.

“As the son of two teachers, I am incredibly honored to have the support of Ohio’s public education professionals. High-quality education from pre-K to post-graduate is the key to keeping America's workforce competitive in the global economy. Education decisions should be driven by our local teachers and education professionals, and I will take their voices to Washington."

The OFT is one of the leading voices in the state for high-quality public education, representing public education employees, higher education faculty and support staff, and public employees across Ohio. The OFT is an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers.

11:41:00 AM EDT
What I heard on the radio - October 20, 2008

Tomorrow, we will be exactly two weeks away from the biggest election of our lifetime and this critical Congressional race here in Ohio's 16th District.

I couldn't be more proud of my husband for the stands he has taken in this campaign, and I am so thankful to each one of you for standing with him every step of the way.

Thanks to your support, we are about to change the direction of our community and our country. But my husband's opponent, desperate and down in the polls, has resorted to personal attacks to try and bring John down.

John is a tested Air Force pilot, and he knows how to fight back:
Listen to this radio ad John just released to respond to Kirk Schuring's negative attacks.

Many of you have already written checks and volunteered your time to help John's campaign. Our family is humbled by this outpouring of support, and it's difficult for me to ask you to give once more. However, we need your help to ensure that John has the resources to run this ad, set the record straight, and stay focused on the issues that really matter to middle class families like ours.

With people across the 16th District seeking change on the economy, health care, energy and Iraq, please consider making a contribution to John's campaign so that John can win on Election Day, take these priorities to Congress and put our interests first again.

Thank you so much for your support of John's campaign. We could have never come this far without you.

Sincerely,
Stacey Boccieri

1:50:00 PM EDT - Last Update

Saturday, October 18, 2008 9:00 AM
Team,

With only 17 days until the election, our momentum just keeps building. CNN reported this week that the 16th Congressional District is one of the 10 most likely House seats in the entire country to switch parties this year!

Your commitment to John's campaign has brought us to this point; now it's time to sprint for the finish. There are just 13 days until we start our Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts, and we need all hands on deck!

If every supporter commits just four hours in the last four days of this campaign, we can run the GOTV operation we need to win. To sign up now, email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com or call our headquarters at (330) 754-0534 and ask for Matt.

John had two more strong debate performances in Canton and Medina this week, and he was endorsed by the Medina Sun!

We also want to thank Randy and Julie Gonzalez for hosting over 150 people at their home for a Boccieri house party last Saturday.

This weekʼs ʽVolunteer of the Weekʼ is Alene Helling. A Stark County resident, Alene loves to travel all over the world, but she always manages to squeeze in some serious volunteer hours right before she goes on vacation. We wish her the best vacation of all on November 5!

With just two weeks to go, here's what's coming up this week...

What: GOTV Meeting with Chris Van Hollen, Democratic House Campaign Chair
Where: Canton
When: Wednesday, October 22nd, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Notes: For details and to RSVP, please contact Matt at 330-754-0534 or matt@johnforcongress.com

What: Backyard Economic Discussion
Where: Alliance
When:Wednesday, October 22, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Notes: Come join John and campaign supporters as friends and families discuss the current economic crisis and other issues affecting the 16th Congressional District. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Orrville at Wooster High School Football Game
Where: Wooster High School
When: Friday, October 24, 7:00 p.m.
Notes: It's the final week of regular season high school football. Come join us in Wooster or attend your local high school football. For details on distributing campaign materials, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: McKinley vs. Massillon Tailgate Parties
Where: Paul Brown Massillon Stadium
When: Saturday, October 25, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Notes: Show your support for John and your local football team (whoever it might be!) as we enjoy the tailgate festivities before the 2 p.m. kick off. For details, email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Ashland County Ox Roast Dinner Party
Where: Ashland
When: Saturday, October 25, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Notes: Join John for a fall cookout and and BBQ in Ashland County. For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

We appreciate all of your hard work and support. Please feel free to contact us about anything in this email or any other ideas you may have for the campaign.

Thanks,
Ian Walton
Campaign Manager, John Boccieri for Congress
ianrwalton@johnforcongress.com
(330) 754-0534

Thanks for hanging out with us today! Get your "Boots on the Ground!"

OH-16: Once Again, Grassroots Donors Break Records for Boccieri

Schuring rakes in another $8,000 from oil industry

Thousands of small contributions have helped position John Boccieri to drive home his message of change for the middle class in the final weeks of this hard-fought race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

Boccieri enters the last 20 days of the campaign with $464,474.66 on hand, having raised $415,738.74 in the third quarter. The majority of Boccieri's contributions, both for this quarter and the whole of the campaign, have come in amounts of $100 or less.

Boccieri said today:

"Middle class families who have been ignored by Washington for too long are uniting behind our campaign for change. Working people are out knocking on doors, talking to their neighbors, and contributing whatever they can afford because they want a Congressman who will put their interests first."

Boccieri holds a strong cash-on-hand advantage over his opponent, Kirk Schuring. While Boccieri enters the final quarter with over $464,000 in immediately-available financial resources, Schuring has only $127,000 on hand.

As Schuring's support dwindles, he has become even more dependent on corporate special interests to bankroll his campaign. Schuring brought in more than $8,000 from the oil industry this quarter alone, raising his total from this interest group to roughly $30,000.

The Political Action Committee of ConocoPhillips, one of the world's six largest oil companies, donated $3,000 to Schuring in the third quarter after combined "big six" profits this past summer rolled in at a rate of $400,000 per minute. [Bloomberg, 8/1/08] Meanwhile, Americans are still struggling to afford record high prices at the pump.

But, that's not all...

Medina Sun Endorses Boccieri

"...has more detailed and well-thought-out plans to help the district"

On the eve of a major debate at the University of Akron's Medina Campus, the Medina Sun has endorsed Democrat John Boccieri in the race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District."A state senator, Boccieri has the intelligence and the background to make a fine U. S. representative, " the Sun wrote in an editorial today. "With the dissatisfaction with GOP leadership in Washington, we think voters are looking to make a change."

According to the Sun, the deciding factor in the endorsement was Boccieri's clear vision for the future of the 16th District, Ohio, and the nation. The editorial praised Boccieri's focus on creating local jobs, fixing unfair trade agreements, concluding America's massive military and financial commitment to Iraq, and reforming education.

After a comparison of the two contenders for the 16th District seat, Boccieri "has more detailed and well-thought-out plans to help the district," the editorial concluded. (Click here to read the full editorial.)

And, it gets even better...

The Cook Political Report has announced a change in the status of Ohio's 16th Congressional race on Thursday. The Report has changed Ohio's 16th Congressional District from "Toss-up" to "Lean Democratic."

Remember, we still need volunteers to work through election day to finish this race strong! If you would like to give some time to John, contact Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com or call Camp Boccieri at (330) 754-0534.

OH-16: Kirk Schuring's Having Trouble...

As we approach Election Day, you may have noticed a strange phenomenon while driving around your community.

If you're not sure what we're talking about, Team Boccieri documented it on video. Take a look...

That just appears to be more litter to clean up in Downtown Canton!

The NRCC seems to be pulling the plug on Schuring's campaign!

PolitickerOH.com reports:

House Republicans have slashed advertising time in the hotly contested race for Ohio's 16th Congressional District, the National Republican Congressional Committee confirmed today.

The NRCC had reserved $820,000 to spend over two weeks in the race between state Sens. Kirk Schuring (R-Jackson Township) and John Boccieri (D-Alliance), but it has decided to eliminate its second week of advertising, which was worth about $320,000.

The NRCC claims:

"The NRCC doesn't comment on strategy."

Ryan Rudominer, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said:

"No amount of spin from out of touch Washington Republicans during these tough economic times can cover up the fact that middle class Ohioans are simply rejecting Kirk Schuring for raising the gas tax to .28 per gallon costing families $250 million a year, supporting the infamous Taft tax hike costing $2.5 billion--the largest tax increase in Ohio history, all the while Schuring selfishly failed to pay more than $18,000 of his own in taxes."

With just 20 days until Election Day, it's looking more likely that Kirk Schuring picked the wrong year to run. On a final note, we sure did have fun in Jackson Township on Saturday night!

OH-16: UPDATE - John Boccieri Saturday Live Blog Edition

We're live blogging from the John Boccieri for U.S. Congress Campaign Headquarters in Downtown Canton, Ohio. This edition will be updated throughout the day, because Team Boccieri has so much work to and a lot events happening in the field.

4:55PM - Final Update

Team Boccieri is heading out to our House Party, soon. This is your last chance to contact Chris!

What: 'Backyard Economic Discussion' and House Party
When: Saturday, October 11, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: Canton
Notes: Join campaign volunteers, local elected officials, and friends for a fall weekend discussion and party. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

It's been a busy day here at HQ and now it's time to put "The Boots On The Ground"!

We'll be back later with a Field Report for you.

3:15 - UPDATE
Check out this post over on BuckeyeStateBlog OH-16: Boccieri Getting A Boost From Hillary Clinton

I'm sure that will give the Schuring Camp some "whine time"!

More good news for John Boccieri ! The League of Conservative Voters has given their endorsement to John Boccieri:

"John Boccieri will champion energy and environmental issues in Congress just as he has done in the Ohio Legislature," LCV President Gene Karpinski said. "He recognizes the enormous importance of shaping sound legislation to ensure a sustainable future and will be a responsible steward of our natural resources."

"Since being elected to the Ohio legislature, John Boccieri has championed issues of wise land use and management of our natural resources," Ohio League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Don Hollister said. "His commitment to conservation and clean energy has served Ohio well, and as a Congressman, his leadership will be even more effective."

Boccieri said:

"Our energy should come from Midwest innovation, not Middle East Oil. Ohio can be a leader in the development of renewable technology which will produce clean, home-grown, and affordable energy while creating jobs and turning around the economy right here in the 16th District."

Davis Dewitt has the whole story over at PolitickerOH.com !


3:45 PMThat leads into a great story from Yesterday!

Boccieri Tours Canton's New Sustainable Refinery

Canton, OH - U.S. Congressional Candidate John Boccieri (OH-16) was joined yesterday by Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA) for a tour of the just-opened Hydrodec sustainable transformer oil refinery in Canton.

The Hydrodec facility is the first of its kind in America and the second in the world. It recycles the oil used in power transformers so that electric companies can re-use it instead of purchasing new oil and selling old, contaminated oil to be burned in dirty industries. Hydrodec estimates that, "at full capacity, the oil produced at the plant will reduce CO2 emissions by more than 150 million gallons per year."

“This is exactly the kind of cutting-edge green energy facility that can both help solve our energy crisis and create jobs right here in this community,” Boccieri said after touring the facility. "The 16th Congressional District can be a center for research and production of new technologies like this that will make our economy thrive.

"In addition to producing a clean, sustainable product, the Hydrodec refinery is built on an abandoned former industrial site, or “brownfield.” Boccieri has sponsored a bill in the Ohio Senate to support this type of cleanup and reuse of brownfields as alternative fuel refineries. [127 SB 32]

Rep. Jay Inslee of Washington State, who joined Boccieri on the tour, is a leader in Congress on energy issues. He sits on the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Select Committee on Global Warming, and is the author of “Apollo’s Fire,” a book about alternative energy opportunities in America. Hydrodec's North American headquarters are located in Seattle.

From inbox this morning:

If You Haven't Volunteered Yet...

Team,

We have a little over three weeks left to go! John is leading by double-digits in the polls, our early vote supporters are turning out strongly, and we continue to knock on over 15,000 doors each week.
But we can't let up until Election Day, and we need your help now more than ever. We only got this far because you've been with us every step of the way. Now we're sending canvassers out every day, making phone calls, and working on other special projects.
Stop by our office any time between 10:00am and 6:00pm Monday through Saturday or 11:00am to 6:00pm on Sundays. For specific questions about volunteering, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com or call (330)754-0534

We need volunteers right now!

Our biggest event this week was of course the debate in Wooster - the first event where John and his opponent squared off face-to-face! You can read all about it here. If you were at the debate, it would be great if you could send a letter to the editor to your local paper with your thoughts on the event.

If you need another reason to come in and volunteer with us, how about this: There are only three more opportunities to win Volunteer of the Week!
This week's volunteer is Brian George from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). Brian spends his Fridays volunteering at our main headquarters here in Canton. Brian helps with voter contact in the office. He has a great attitude and is always willing to do whatever needs to be done to help elect John Boccieri as our next Congressman.

Please remember to watch your mailboxes, TV's, the radio and newspapers for ads or campaign materials about both candidates in the race to represent the 16th Congressional District. If you find anything, please let us know immediately - and record the ad or transcribe the call if you can. The closer we get to Election Day, the more important this type of rapid response becomes.

Now here's what we've got lined up for Week Three:

What: 'Backyard Economic Discussion' and House Party
When: Saturday, October 11, 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Where: Canton
Notes: Join campaign volunteers, local elected officials, and friends for a fall weekend discussion and party. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

Time is short so contact Chris ASAP!

What: University of Akron Bliss Institute 16th Congressional District Debate
When: Thursday, October 16, 6:45PM-9PM
Where: 6300 Technology Lane, Medina, OH 44256
Notes: This will be one of the most important and exciting debates in this campaign for Congress! For ticket information, please email Pete at petezeigler@gmail.com

What: Your Local High School Football Game
When: Friday, October 17
Where: Your local high school in the 16th Congressional District
Notes: With only a few weeks left in high school football season, there are still a lot of big games. If you would like to pass out special football game oriented materials please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

We appreciate all of your hard work and support. As always, feel free to reply to this email with questions or ideas.

Thanks,

Ian Walton
Campaign Manager, John Boccieri for Congress
ianrwalton@johnforcongress.com
(330) 754-0534

It's almost 3PM and the Blogger needs something to eat and a re-charge. Stop back soon; we've got more coming your way!
BRB

OH-16: Schuring Sides with Social Security Privatizers

Canton, OH - Kirk Schuring is getting his Social Security policy guidance from one of the leading groups behind President Bush's failed attempt to privatize the program.

In a press release issued on October 6, Schuring's campaign cites http://www.socialsecurity.org/, the website of the "Project on Social Security Choice", and proudly notes that Schuring used the group's talking points in his appearance before the Greater Canton Veterans Council on October 4.

A 2004 Los Angeles Times article quotes the director of the Project on Social Security Choice as one of the major supporters of President Bush's plan to shift Social Security savings into Wall Street investment accounts. The New York Times reported that the group was actually called the "Project on Social Security Privatization" until the name was changed to make it more politically palatable.

16th District congressional candidate John Boccieri asked today:

"How out of touch can Kirk Schuring be that in the middle of a global financial meltdown, he's getting his Social Security policies from a group that advocates gambling away our retirement on the stock market?"

Boccieri added:

"This raises serious questions about his commitment to protecting Social Security, especially given his poor record on seniors' issues in the State Legislature."

In Columbus, Schuring has voted to strip half a billion dollars from state pension funds while raising the retirement age, and was the only State Representative to vote against creating the Golden Buckeye program that negotiates lower prescription drug prices for Ohio seniors. (Schuring refused to support the program after his amendment to released participant names to the public was rejected.)

Schuring has strained throughout the campaign to conceal his willingness to turn America's most successful social safety net over to Wall Street - but this is not the first time he has let his true feelings show. In a meeting with local reporters at the Alliance Review on August 14, Schuring said that "everything should be on the table" when it comes to Social Security.

Boccieri's Social Security facts, which the Schuring campaign attacked in their press release, come from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. The Akron Beacon Journal cited the same information as recently as August.

BACKGROUND:

"The Cato Institute, a libertarian research center, established a Project on Social Security Privatization in 1995, but in 2002 it was renamed the Project on Social Security Choice. ...'Republicans in Congress do not like the word 'privatization' because it does not poll well,' said Michael Tanner, director of the project." ["AARP Opposes Bush Plan to Replace Social Security With Private Accounts," New York Times, 11/12/2004]

"President Bush on Thursday set the stage for a monumental legislative battle by placing Social Security reform at the top of his second-term agenda... 'It’s going to be an enormously bloody fight,” predicted Michael Tanner, director of the Project on Social Security Choice at the libertarian Cato Institute. “But the political climate really has changed, and it is possible to do this now.' " ["Privatized Accounts Moved to ‘Fast Track’," Los Angeles Times, 11/5/04]

The website description for www.socialsecurity.org - apparently unchanged since 2004 - invites visitors to "Read about privatization and benefits of moving current Social Security systems capital into private pension funds." [Page source, http://www.socialsecurity.org, accessed 10/7/08]

In their October 6 press release, the Schuring campaign quotes the Project on Social Security Choice's claim that the Social Security Trust Fund "has no money in it and it never did." This is a resurrection of George W. Bush's widely-mocked claim in 2005 that Social Security was nothing but "I.O.U.s" inside a "filing cabinet." As the Akron Beacon Journal recently reported, "Bush's statements left many economists shaking their heads..." ["Social Security more solvent than most Americans realize," Akron Beacon Journal, 8/24/08]

In the state legislature last year, Schuring voted to strip half a billion dollars from state pension funds while raising the retirement age. [127 SB 148] He was the only State Representative to vote against creating the Golden Buckeye program that negotiates lower prescription drug prices for Ohio seniors. [124 HB 4] Schuring refused to support the discount drug program after an amendment he sponsored to release Golden Buckeye cardholder names to the public was rejected.

In an interview in Alliance on August 14, Schuring told reporters and editors from Dix Communications, "I think everything should be on the table" when it comes to Social Security reform. ["Kirk Schuring on Social Security/Medicare," Dix Communications, 9/5/08]

The 2006 Congressional Budget Office report cited by Boccieri at the Greater Canton Veterans Council forum projected that Social Security will remain solvent until 2046. ["Updated Long-Term Projections for Social Security," Congressional Budget Office, 6/06] A newly-released CBO report actually extends the program's projected solvency to 2049. ["Updated Long-Term Projections for Social Security," Congressional Budget Office, 8/08]

OH-16: John Boccieri Breaking Blue - Up Double Digits In Research 2000 Poll

UPDATE: This on The Front Page!

Over on The DailyKos, brownsox has a great post up!

Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 9/30-10/01. Likely voters. MoE 5%

Boccieri (D) 48
Schuring (R) 38

Wow. Boccieri leads among men and women, among all age brackets, and has a 13-point lead among independents to go with his comfortable edge among Democrats.

Boccieri far outstrips Obama's performance in OH-16 at the moment; Obama merits a three-point edge over McCain, 49% to 46%. Not that that's bad, not by a long shot; Bush won by nine points in 2000 and eight points in 2004.

Boccieri - a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, State Senator, and former semiprofessional baseball player - has proven to be a terrific candidate, and this lead appears to be for real; SurveyUSA has pegged the race as 49% for Boccieri, 41% for Schuring.

Jump over to Kos for the complete polling data!!!

OH-16: John Boccieri Events Across The District 28 Days Out

Maybe, you have Tuesday off? Well, John Boccieri has a busy Tuesday planned across Ohio's 16th Congressional District and your invited to join our "Campaign for Change".

We still need volunteers to knock on doors and make phone calls for early vote and more. Please stop by our main campaign headquarters between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We have less than four weeks left to ensure victory in the 16th Congressional District!

Be our eyes and ears!

Watch your mailboxes, TV's, the radio and newspapers for advertisements or electioneering materials about both candidates in the race to represent the 16th Congressional District. If you receive mail, phone calls, or see or hear a TV/radio ad, please let us know immediately - and if you can record the ad or transcribe the call. These efforts will help our "Rapid Response Team" by providing real-time information.

Looking for something a little more "heady"?

What: Health Care Reform Discussion
Where: Anywhere in the 16th Congressional District
When: Tuesday, October 7, 12:30 p.m.
Notes: Do you have a story to share about high health care costs, trouble getting coverage, or any other aspect of America's broken health care system? John's going to be focusing on health care next week, and we want your input. To participate, email bryan@johnforcongress.com

Do you want be active?

What: Working America Canvass Kick-Off
Where: 4125 Hills and Dales Dr., Suite 200, Canton
When: Tuesday, October 7, 3PM
Notes: For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

Maybe, you would like to meet John?

What: "Backyard Economic Discussion"
Where: Canal Fulton
When: Tuesday, October 7, 5:30PM-7:00PM
Notes: Come join John and local voters for a discussion about how to fix the struggling economy. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

We appreciate all of your hard work and support. Please feel free to contact us about anything in this email or any other ideas you may have for the campaign.

OH-16: FINAL DAY OF ONE-STOP EARLY VOTING

TODAY IS THE VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE
FINAL DAY OF ONE-STOP EARLY VOTING

Vote today in Stark County at:
Stark County Board Of Elections
201 3rd Street Northeast, Canton

Hours: From now through November 3, open Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday November 1 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Monday, October 6th, is the last day to register to vote in Ohio. It's also the last day to participate in One-Stop Early Voting, where you can register and cast your ballot in one stop.

Being a Stark County Democratic Party, Central Committee Member, from a Precinct in Canton, Ohio, not Butler County, I urge you to get to the Board of Elections and Vote for Change. This is your opportunity to take an unregistered friend or family member and show them how our election system is supposed to work!

John Boccieri for U.S. Congress has urged constituents across the district on his stump to vote:

FOR: Obama/Biden

We need an unprecedented Democratic turnout to send a clear message to Washington, DC, that Ohio's 16th Congressional District is ready for real change.

Make sure you vote:

FOR: John Boccieri, U.S. Representative, 16th District

A Distinguished Record Fighting for Ohio’s Families
First elected to public office in 2000, John served three terms as a state representative, where his peers elected him assistant minority whip. In 2006, John was elected to the state Senate. In the legislature, John has been a strong advocate for Ohio’s veterans, working families and the jobs and industries that have built the state.

He worked to lower property taxes for working families and sponsored a bill to help grandparents raising their grandchildren with housing grants. John has fought for Ohio’s steel industry jobs, helped give seniors access to donated prescription drugs, co-sponsored legislation to safeguard pension funds from corporate greed, and has been an avid supporter of conservation efforts in Ohio.

John has also championed and passed numerous bills to support Ohio’s veterans and military families. Most recently, John sponsored the "Military Injury Relief Fund" bill, a tax check-off program that gives Ohioans an opportunity to help our injured soldiers transition back into civilian life and assist with their medical expenses.

John’s record of standing up for Ohioans has earned accolades from groups throughout Ohio. He received the Merle Shoemaker award for integrity in office by Ohio Democrats and was recognized as the Legislator of the Year by the AMVETS and East Central Ohio Education Association in 2004. In addition, he received the 2006 Legislator of the Year award from the Ohio League of Sportsman for state conservation efforts.

John Boccieri At Canton's Golden Lodge #1123

30 SEPT 2008

There's your motivational speech, now...get out there! When you cast that ballot, ask yourself,"Is my economy better than it was eight years ago? Can I afford another four years of the same failed policies?"

To verify your early vote location or to make sure you're registered, visit VoteForChange.com. Then encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.

Team Boccieri thanks you for your unwavering support! Remember, this Campaign for Change does not end until ALL votes are counted on November 4th!

OH-16: VFW Post # 3747 Pre-Debate Photo Blog

This entry is dedicated to Team Boccieri and the Boccieri Backers that came out to the Walter S. Auer, VFW Post #3747, without tickets, but, with heart-felt support for John Boccieri, our candidate for Ohio's 16th Congressional District.



The best part of the event was knowing that we put the surprise on John!



A special "Thank You" to Chris for making it happen and giving a Blogger some fun.

OH-16: Four Weeks Left

Team,

“Magic Week” sure has been magical!

Thanks to you, we have already knocked on over 10,000 doors since same-day registration and early voting started this past Tuesday, September 30. John and other local elected officials helped kick of the week with an early vote rally and press conference in downtown Canton:

Please don’t forget that you can still register to vote up through Monday, October 6 and you can continue to early vote at your County Board of Elections until the November 4 Election.

We still need volunteers to knock on doors and make phone calls for early vote and more. Please stop by our main campaign headquarters between the hours of 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. We only have a little more than four weeks left to ensure victory in the 16th Congressional District!

A few quick announcements…

Be our eyes and ears!

Watch your mailboxes, TV's, the radio and newspapers for advertisements or electioneering materials about both candidates in the race to represent the 16th Congressional District. If you receive mail, phone calls, or see or hear a TV/radio ad, please let us know immediately - and if you can record the ad or transcribe the call. These efforts will help our ‘Rapid Response’ Team by providing real-time information.

Congratulations!

This week’s ‘Volunteer of the Week’ is Kathleen Turner. Kathleen is a resident of Canton and a local mail carrier. Kathleen has spent countless hours on her days off entering data and answering the phone. Kathleen originally committed 10 hours of volunteer time, but said she had such a positive experience that she has continued to come back and donate her time again and again!

Now, here's what's coming up…

What: Health Care Reform Discussion
Where: Anywhere in the 16th Congressional District
When: Tuesday, October 7, 12:30 p.m.
Notes: Do you have a story to share about high health care costs, trouble getting coverage, or any other aspect of America's broken health care system? John's going to be focusing on health care next week, and we want your input. To participate, email bryan@johnforcongress.com
What: Working America Canvass Kick-Off
Where: 4125 Hills and Dales Dr., Suite 200, Canton
When: Tuesday, October 7, 3PM
Notes: For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: ‘Backyard Economic Discussion’
Where: Canal Fulton
When: Tuesday, October 7, 5:30PM-7:00PM
Notes: Come join John and local voters for a discussion about how to fix the struggling economy. For details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

What: Your Local High School Football Game
Where: Your Hometown in the 16th District
When: Friday, October 10 and Beyond
Notes: We have football game oriented materials for you to take with you to your local football game. For details on participating, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

We appreciate all of your hard work and support. Please feel free to contact us about anything in this email or any other ideas you may have for the campaign.

Thanks,
Ian Walton
Campaign Manager, John Boccieri for Congress
ianrwalton@johnforcongress.com
(330) 754-0534

Boccieri Breaking News:

Boccieri, Schuring bank on experience as state legislators in replacing Regula

"Replacing a 36-year U.S. House member won't be easy, but John Boccieri and Kirk Schuring are banking on their experience as state legislators to strengthen their standing as potential freshman lawmakers. ...

Boccieri, a military veteran of 14 years serving in the United States Air Force Reserve, was elected to the Ohio House General Assembly in 2000. He said he has a history of reaching "across the aisle" to Democrats and Republicans to get business accomplished at the state level, including legislation targeting assistance for military veterans and their families. ...

If elected, he said, some of his top priorities will focus on health care reform, boosting the state and national economies and developing alternative energy sources."

Read the full article...

OH-16: Veterans Group Endorses John Boccieri

Veterans and Military Families for Progress Endorses John Boccieri

The organization Veterans and Military Families for Progress has endorsed John Boccieri's candidacy for Congress in Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

Veterans and Military Families for Progress wrote in their endorsement:

"We feel that veterans, active duty, military families, and in fact, all people of Ohio’s Sixteenth Congressional District will be well-served with John Boccieri as their representative by ensuring that America remains strong in national defense and in fighting terrorism."

"Boccieri’s service to our country cannot be questioned. He has served in the U.S. Air Force for fourteen years and shares the values of our military forces."

The group also praised Boccieri's support for veterans.

"Boccieri’s strong commitment to the issues that are critical to veterans, those serving now, and their families is unsurpassed. His public support for mandatory full funding of the Veterans Administration and his declared determination to provide for the establishment of a national veterans and military family policy give veterans and their families hope that at long last a Congressman will vote in such a way as to keep faith with those who have served and sacrificed."

Boccieri said he was honored to receive the endorsement and will fight for the needs of veterans in Congress.

"America's military men and women are serving honorably in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. When they come home, we need to stand up for them because they stood up for us."

Founded in 2005, Veterans and Military Families for Progress is dedicated to ensuring that the rights and needs of veterans, active-duty service members (including National Guard and Reservists), and their families are understood by the American public, endorsed by elected officials, and protected by legislation, regulation, and public policy initiatives.

VMFP is a 21st Century organization made up of members located throughout the country, and from across the breadth of rank and military services, who served, are serving, or are family members of those who have heeded the call to serve their country in the U.S. military.

This is great news on the eve of the first of five joint appearances scheduled between Ohio 16th District congressional candidates John Boccieri and Kirk Schuring.

The first is Saturday, October 4th, from 6:00 - 8:30 PM, sponsored by the Greater Canton Veterans Council. The organization is part of the Stark County Veterans Commission and represents some 46,000 veterans throughout the area. We talked with the event co-ordinator yesterday and were informed that the 400 tickets made available for the Town Hall event gone inside of two days.

If you are so lucky as to be holding an event pass, I truely envy you! This first debate will present each candidate with 7 questions sent in from 30 veterans groups across the district.

Contact Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com or (330) 754-0534 for additional heads-up information going into Saturday evening!

OH-16: Midnight Tonight!

An Important Message from John Boccieri

Dear Friend,

Our campaign for Congress has an important deadline at midnight tonight, and I need your help.

After the events of the last few weeks, it couldn't be more clear that we need new leaders in Washington who will put America's middle class first. Wall Street has enough support in Congress - I want to be a representative who makes it my job to fight for your job. We have to make our economy work for working families again, and restore the hope and promise of America.

You can read more about my position on yesterday's $700 billion bailout vote here. Now, with the final financial filing deadline before Election Day at midnight tonight, I need your help to bring change to Washington.

You may have seen the poll last week that showed our campaign leading 49 percent to 41 percent in this race to represent Ohio’s 16th Congressional District. Victory is within reach - will you help us get there?

This fight will get much tougher before Election Day. Our opposition is gearing up to spend nearly a million dollars on negative attack ads. You can fight back with a contribtion of any size - from $23 to $2,300. (The maximum contribution amount is $2,300 per person, or $4,600 per couple.)

Please help us in the final stretch by making a contribution of any amount you can afford today.
Contributions from people like you are the key to victory in this campaign, change in Washington, and a new direction for Ohio and America. Thank you for your unwavering support.
Sincerely,




John Boccieri
P.S. We have a financial filing deadline at midnight tonight. A contribution before midnight would be especially effective for our campaign. Thanks again for your support.

Contributions or gifts to John Boccieri for Congress are not tax deductible. We may accept contributions from an individual totaling up to $2,300 per election; $4,600 per election cycle. Federal law prohibits contributions to the campaign from corporations, labor organizations and national banks; from any person contributing another person’s funds; from foreign nationals who lack permanent resident status; from federal government contractors.Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in an election cycle.

Paid for by John Boccieri for Congress

OH-16: John Boccieri Responds to House Bailout Vote

Boccieri Responds to House Bailout Vote

U.S. congressional candidate John Boccieri (OH-16) responded today to the U.S. House of Representatives' vote against a proposed economic rescue plan for Wall Street:

"While a difficult vote, I believe the House’s decision today was the right one. The proposed bailout package did not do enough to address the housing crisis which, along with greed, is at the root of this meltdown. In my judgment, Washington was prepared to commit too much taxpayer money to Wall Street with too few safeguards to prevent this from happening again.

"Now it’s time for Congress to sit down and hammer out a bill that prioritizes immediate help for homeowners and reform on Wall Street. We need to act swiftly to keep people in their homes, limit excess and greed, put strong new safeguards in place on Wall Street, and find ways to provide short-term financial stability that don’t validate or bail out reckless lending behavior."

OH-16: Lunch With John Boccieri At Pileggi's

Today, more than 50 supporters from across the district descended on Pileggi's Italian Cafe just outside of Canton, Ohio, to have lunch with John Boccieri, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's 16th Congressional District,

The keynote speaker had been scheduled to be U.S. House Majority Whip James Clyburn, but we informed that he had been held up in Washington, D.C., awaiting the final vote count on Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Of 2008.

The guests weren't at all disappointed as they were treated to a "Boccieri-style" spread prepared by Sil Pileggio, Propriotor. The fare was a buffet of casual Italian food.

As we awaited John's entrance, friends new and old dined in Pileggi's warm atmosphere. Steven P. Okey, Alliance City Council At-large and Joe Carbenia, Canton City Council Ward 9 were among Boccieri's Endorsors on hand. I also encountered a couple that had travelled over from Massillon.


John enetered to a round of applause and mingled with supporters as they were finishing up lunch. As usual, he took his time, working his way around the room listening to voter's concerns and giving plenty of photo-ops to supporters who had not yet had the chance.


Thomas West, Canton City Council Ward 2, and strong Endorsor of John Boccieri gave the guests an introduction before Boccieri spoke. Below is short clip of what Tom had to say:



John started his stump with a few words about his opponent, stating:

"Quite frankly, Kirk Schuring is a nice guy, but the 16th District does not belong to Ralph Regula or Kirk Schuring. He's a nice guy, but this district doesn't need a nice guy...it needs a fighter! And every day I wake up in Washington I want to fight for your homes! I want to fight for your jobs! And, I want to fight for your families!"

He went on to tell a story about the "fallen and wounded" he had flown out of Bahgdad. Two soldiers, one had lost a leg and the other had a traumatic head injury, but was still able to stand. Boccieri was impressed with his valour:

"If he could stand up, it's time America for America to stand up! It's time for Ohio to stand up! Now is the time for Ohio's 16th Congressional District to stand up!"

I've heard John Boccieri on the stump many times, but today instead of shooting video, I chose to listen to my candidates promise of hope.

"If there ever was a place in the world, if there was ever a place in America, if there was ever a place in Ohio that needs change, it is right here in the 16th District! For the first time since 1948, the voters of this district have a chance to make that change!"

On a sad note, Congress capitulated on the bi-partisan Emergency Economic Stabilization Act Of 2008.

The legislation failed in the House by a vote of 228-205. Democrats voted 140 for and 95 against; Republicans voted 65 for and 133 against. That's 2:1 against America!

Stocks continued to plummet even as House members voted. The stock market fell 777 points on Monday, which exceeds the previous 721 point record set the day after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., said:

"60 percent of the Democrats voted yes, and 67 percent of the Republicans voted no. Do the math."

Clyburn said Republicans who opposed the bill "put political ideology ahead of the interests of our country."

There's still hope!

What: AFL-CIO Canvass Kickoff
When: Tuesday, September 30, 11:30PM
Where: Golden Lodge, 1234 Harrison Ave., SW
Notes: Help us spread John and the rest of the Democrats message and encourage voters to vote early. For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

...and, don't forget to vote!

OH-16: John Boccieri Joins 50 Farmers for Forum

Boccieri Joins More than 50 Farmers at Wayne County Forum

This Saturday, candidate for U.S. Congress John Boccieri OH-16) sat down with farmers, ranchers, veterinarians and milk haulers in the barn of John Anderson for an in-depth discussion of local agriculture issues.

Boccieri, who sits on the Agriculture Committee in the Ohio Senates said:

"In a state where agriculture is the top industry and one in seven jobs are tied to it, it's vital that we hear directly from our farmers about their priorities and concerns. The 16th District contains some of the most agriculturally productive regions in Ohio, and I'm going to go to Washington and fight to make sure our farmers succeed."

The Wayne County forum at Summerhill Farm focused on a wide range of issues, especially farmers' struggles with complicated state and federal regulations and their eagerness to explore agriculturally-based alternative energy technologies.

Attendees pointed out that the high number of dairy cows in Wayne County make it a perfect location for the testing of anaerobic digesters - technology that can extract methane gas from cow manure to be used for power generation, while the remaining solid product is highly concentrated fertilizer.

Many farmers present were also eager to pursue cultivation of next-generation biofuels like switchgrass on land that is unsuitable for other crops. They noted that the Ohio Agricultural and Research Development Center (OARDC) is currently researching cellulosic ethanol and anaerobic digester technology.

One participant said:

"The more locally you produce your energy, the more secure and sustainable you become."

Farmers at the forum also emphasized the need to attract more young people to their profession and ease taxes and regulations to encourage the transfer of farm property to the next generation.

Boccieri said following the forum:
"We have such a great opportunity to make our rural communities in this district the producers and exporters of cutting-edge alternative energy. I want to see to it that Washington helps our farmers develop those technologies, and that our agricultural programs and policies are structured to help farmers prosper."

Sen. Sherrod Brown was unable to attend the Farmers' Forum because he was working with other leaders in Washington on a solution to the nation's financial crisis. Several members of his staff attended the event in his place.

We'll be posting soon on "Lunch With John At Pileggio's" in the meantime, mark your calender!

What: AFL-CIO Canvass Kickoff
When: Tuesday, September 30, 11:30PM
Where: Golden Lodge, 1234 Harrison Ave., SW
Notes: Help us spread John and the rest of the Democrats message and encourage voters to vote early. For more details, please email Chris at cccupples@yahoo.com

...and, don't forget to vote!