Time to Mobilize - NOW!

Efforts are continuing to pick up in the 16th Congressional District to get the word out about Major John Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket.

Today, May 31st, neighborhood leaders and volunteers from across the 16th Congressional District will engage in a day of canvassing dedicated to talking directly with voters about the importance of electing Major Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket in this year's election.

The morning starts with a district wide conference call with instructions for the canvass and a campaign update. Major John Boccieri will be calling in to rally the troops. Please make the commitment to join us today-.Materials will be available at a location in each of the four counties (Stark, Medina,Wayne, Ashland).

Every door we knock on means that more of our neighbors will hear about Major Boccieri and his message to change direction in Congress.

We hope you will be able to join us in this important effort tomorrow. Here are the details:


When:

Saturday, May 31st, 10:15AM

Where:

Stark County, Boccieri for Congress HQ, The Metropolitan Center, 601 Cleveland Ave., N.W., Canton

Medina County, Panera Bread, Meeting Room, 4065 Pearl Road, Medina

Wayne County, Wayne County Democratic Party Headquarters, 101 North Market Street, Wooster
Ashland County, I. A. M. Union Hall, 930 Grove Avenue, Ashland

Conference Call Time: 10:30AM

Call in Number: (800) 394-7217 Pass Code: 614 207 1714

Organizer: Megan Joyce, ODP NE OH Field Rep., 330-285-8745; mailto: megan@ohiodems.org

I've done my share of canvassing over the years. My experience tells me that if you put your "Boots on the Ground", now, you still have time to make HQ and get matted-up! You may have missed the call but you can still Hit the Ground Running!

No Need to RSVP. Pick the location closest to you!

Senator John Boccieri Salutes Troops and Military Families in National Democratic Radio Address for Memorial Day

Senator John Boccieri salutes troops and military families in national Democratic radio address for Memorial Day


State Senator John Boccieri, a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve and C-130 aircraft pilot as well as a candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, will deliver the national Democratic radio address for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24 at approximately 11:05AM.


Boccieri has served in the Reserve for 13 years and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on four rotations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.


In his address, John reflects on the solemn holiday and the service and sacrifices made by our soldiers and military families. He also calls upon leaders in Washington to change direction on policies effecting our economy, jobs, veterans, health care, and Iraq to put America and our middle class families first again.


Visit http://www.johnforcongress.com/ for the audio. The complete transcript is attached below.



Transcript of Radio Address:

Good morning. My name is John Boccieri and I'm a state Senator from Ohio who's running for Congress in the 16th District. I'm also a Major, Aircraft Commander, and C-130 pilot in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. And, I've proudly served our nation while flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

During those four deployments, I airlifted wounded and fallen soldiers from Baghdad. I ask you to join me this Memorial Day as we salute our soldiers' duty, sacrifice and commitment for our country. Whether we agree with this war or not, we must thank the families of our soldiers' for their sacrifices here at home, and remember the great honor American soldiers bestow upon our country by placing themselves in harm's way.

While our brave soldiers honor America by standing up and fighting for us around the globe, we must honor them by standing up and fighting for them here at home. The best way to honor their service and sacrifice is to ensure they have the benefits they deserve and the resources they need to succeed when they come home.

If our veterans want to go to college, they should be able to do so the minute their boots hit the ground. I applaud leaders in Washington for passing the bipartisan 21st Century G.I. Bill to give today's new veterans the same educational benefits as our World War II veterans.

Sadly, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. Senator John McCain, who hopes to take his place, not only opposed it, but when given the opportunity to support his fellow veterans on the eve of Memorial Day weekend, didn't even show up to vote nor express his concerns. Our veterans need to know that leaders in Washington have their back, and vetoing this measure will send a clear message that politics has defeated patriotism.

And while our soldiers fight abroad, their friends and families are fighting for economic relief here at home. As we spend billions on the war, hardworking middle class Americans are losing their jobs, paying more for food and gas, and going without health care.American families are frustrated with unfair trade agreements that have cost Americans tens of thousands of good paying jobs. We need a change so that our troops can return to a robust and vibrant economy.

I am running for Congress to be a voice for change in Ohio and for our country. In the state legislature, I fought to create the Military Injury Relief Fund that helps injured soldiers transition back into civilian life and assists them with medical expenses. I've also fought hard to make sure National Guard and Reserve troops come home to their jobs when they return from battle.

I've witnessed first-hand the human costs of this war, and in 2005, I had the privilege of flying Senator McCain from Baghdad after visiting with the troops. We both saw the same situation on the ground; and I respectfully disagree with Senator McCain's approach to Iraq. I can't see how we can sustain a presence in Iraq for 100 years.

We need strong leaders in Washington who will bring our troops home from Iraq safely, honorably and soon. Neither President Bush nor John McCain has offered an exit strategy.

While the Iraq war is costing us greatly in human terms, the money American taxpayers are pouring into that country is staggering. We're spending more than $10 billion a month on the war while the quality of life for millions of Americans goes from bad to worse. We're building brand new roads and bridges, and schools in Iraq when we need the same things right here in Ohio and in communities across our country.

Millions in America live without adequate health care coverage yet our government has paid the bill to cover every Iraqi man, woman, and child. We can't afford four more years of the same failed policies.

It will take new leadership to bring real change to Washington.

We need a president and a Congress who will take care of our veterans and find a responsible way to leave Iraq so that we can invest in the American people and in American jobs.

We're proud of our troops fighting for us abroad. Let's make them proud of us by fighting for them here at home. They deserve nothing less.

I'm John Boccieri. I wish you and your family a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for listening.

OH-16: Sen. John Boccieri and Gov. Strickland Team-up on Vets Bill

A very Happy Memorial Day Weekend from State Senator Major John Boccieri and Governor Ted Strickland!!!

The word coming out of Columbus, Ohio, in the Tribune Chronicle for the passage of his vets bill "just in time for Memorial Day." Ian Walton, Campaign Manager, John Boccieri for US Congress has confirmed:

Huge News! The Veteran's Bill Sponsored by John has just been signed by the Governor.

According to the Tribune Chronicle:

Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend, the Ohio Senate approved a bill designed to streamline veterans programs and make sure reservists don’t lose their jobs when they are deployed overseas.The bill creates a Department of Veterans Services that consolidates existing programs under its director.

Last May, Gov. Ted Strickland formed a council to study what would be needed to create the new cabinet level post. At the time Strickland said his executive order:

...lays the foundation to ensure Ohio’s veterans and their families will always have a strong voice in state government.

State Senator Major John Boccieri, a member of the council that crafted the legislation said:

The group worked on it all summer to make sure we did this right for our veterans.

He was the sponsor of the provision to help protect reservists and National Guard members who come back to Ohio and find their old job is gone. Federal law already required employers to rehire the troops in their old jobs at the old pay rate.

Boccieri said 99 percent of employers do just that. But he said a growing number of soldiers are returning home from war to find their jobs are gone.The only recourse soldiers have now is through the federal courts, where it can take two to three years to resolve the dispute.

Often veterans walk away from the fight. What veteran can afford to fight for years for their job in federal court while needing to put bread on their family’s table?

The Major, who served four tours of duty as a C-130 Hercules Commander, said:

The bill is a first step in honoring veterans. SB 176 puts the job guarantee into state law, allows veterans to seek relief in state courts and it requires judges hear those cases first. The new law should resolve job disputes in a matter of months.

OH-16: John Boccieri Will Serve with the General - Vote Now!

Ohio State Senator John Boccieri has served and served well. Now, John wants you to bring General Wes Clark to work side-by-side in Ohio's 16th Congressional District. WesPAC was among the first to endorse the Major and unlike the "non-Endorsements" garnering national spot-light this one is real and standing!

Today, the WesPAC and Democrats Work communities are launching a contest to determine which Congressional District I am going to visit this summer.

This won't be an ordinary visit. I will travel to one Congressional District where a Democratic challenger is fighting to change the direction of our country to work side-by-side with area Democrats to make a positive impact through community service. We want you to tell us where we should put our values into action.

You can cast your vote here: http://democratswork.org/index.php?page=display&id=140

For 34 years, I was proud to serve my country in the United States Army. Service is a cornerstone upon which our country was built. It is central to what makes America great.

That's why I'm excited about joining Democrats Work on this project. We're ready to bring a service project to a community near you. But it can only be successful if we hear from you.

Vote to bring me to your district. Or vote to send me to a district where you want Democrats to roll up their sleeves at a community service project. We will invite the Democratic challenger for Congress and his or her supporters - and all of you who vote for the winning district - to join me at the service event. And we will show everyone how Democrats gets things done.

Cast your vote here:http://democratswork.org/index.php?page=display&id=140

Democrats Work has helped spread a new "politics of service" across the country, mobilizing thousands of Democrats at more than 80 service events - cleaning up neighborhoods and parks, supporting our troops, caring for veterans, working at food banks, planting trees. Many of you have helped make that happen.

Cast your vote today to bring that same spirit of service to a great part of our country. I'm looking forward to serving with you this summer.

Sincerely,

Wes Clark

P.S. The first round of voting will only last until Friday, May 30th, so get your vote in today. Only the top five vote getters will move on to the final round!

OH-16: John Boccieri Honors "America's Schoolmaster"

On Tuesday, Ohio State Senator John Boccieri along with co-sponsor Sen. Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, offered sponsor testimony to the Senate's Highways and Transportation Committee in a package of four bills "to honor local deceased".

Among those honored in the bill were William Holmes McGuffey, "America's Schoolmaster", of whom Boccieri said,

"...was the educator, lecturer and author whose work became the standardized text for school children in the 19th Century."

The bill would designate a section of Interstate 680 in Mahoning County as the William Holmes McGuffey Memorial Highway.

Boccieri also gave testimony on behalf of a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers who “suffered a deadly electric shock” while setting up concrete barriers on Interstate 76. The bill would designate the Lake Milton Bridge in Mahoning County the Peter J. DeLucia Memorial Bridge.

The other two honorees, not the least among them, I wish would be the last of which I would ever read or write, again.

The intersection of the intersection of U.S. Route 422 and state Route 82 as the Sgt. Marco Miller Memorial Interchange, in memory of the Warren native who re-enlisted in the National Guard following the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He died after being injured near Taji, Iraq, in December 2006.

Another bill would designate the intersection of state Routes 45 and 82 in Champion Township as the Sgt. Robert M. Carr Memorial Interchange. Carr enlisted in the Army after Sept. 11, 2001, while he was still a junior at Champion High School. He was killed after the vehicle he was driving rolled over an explosive device near Baghdad in March 2007.

How many more? How many more?

OH-16: An Interesting Take From "The Columbus Dispatch"

Living here in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, we don't always catch the quotes and headlines about the hustle and bustle at the Ohio General Assembly. An article came out yesterday that sheds some light onto the "road blockage" in Columbus, Ohio.

All what a voter has to do is read State Senator Major John Boccieri's biography notes and you get a very keen awareness of his advocacy for our American Veteran's. Ann Fisher of "The Columbus Dispatch" gives us a closer look in, "What's the holdup helping our veterans?"

Which do you prefer: jingoism or patriotism?

That's the choice Ohio lawmakers have between two bills pending in the Ohio Senate.

(H/T:Ian)

OH-16: Senator John Boccieri Thanks You!

Friends,

Thank you for supporting our campaign in Senator Russ Feingold's recent Pick a Progressive Patriot competition.

As you know, there were nine other candidates vying for a $5,000 donation from Senator Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots Fund. The competition was fierce, and the vote totals were overewhelming.

Although we may not have captured first place, your efforts were so convincing that the Progressive Patriots have agreed to send our campaign a $1,000 contribution!

This is great news and confirms that our campaign continues to gain momentum.

So we march on!

We need your help to continue spreading the word about our campaign to every corner of the 16th Congressional District. Please stop by our office at the Metropolitan Center at the corner of 6th and Cleveland Ave. NW in downtown Canton. We need your help with mailings, house parties, phone banking, canvassing and more! Or give us a call at 330-754-0534 anytime to get more information about upcoming campaign activities.

Thanks again for your support,






John Boccieri

John Boccieri for Congress
Campaign Headquarters

The Metropolitan Center
601 Cleveland Ave., NW
(corner of 6th & Cleveland)
Downtown Canton

Visit our website for more information on how you can help change direction in Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

-- Paid for by John Boccieri for Congress --

OH-16: Senator John Boccieri supports legislature's movements on Attorney General

UPDATE:

May 14, 2008
For immediate release
Contact: Ian Walton, 330-754-0534

Senator John Boccieri on Attorney General Dann's resignation

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement from his Senate office today:

"I support former Attorney General Marc Dann's decision to resign today. As I've publicly stated in previous discussions, I am outraged and disappointed by Marc Dann's behavior. Ohioans deserve and expect the highest level of honesty and integrity from their elected officials. "I am pleased that the Governor and leadership of this state moved swiftly to help resolve this matter over the last few days.

"I fully support the Inspector General's swift and thorough investigation to determine if any criminal lines have been crossed. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and our statewide elected officials as we move forward with the people's business. It is time to close this dark chapter in Ohio's history."

I say let that, be that! Thank you, Senator Boccieri.

In a post last week, OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri: AG Dann should resign immediately State Senator John Boccieri expressed his "outrage" over the the behavior of Attorney General Marc Dann. On May 6, 2008, Senator Boccieri stated:

"I am outraged that the Attorney General of the state of Ohio has neglected the duty and honor of public service," Senator Boccieri said. "The cronyism and lack of attentiveness to protocol and detail in Attorney General Dann's hiring practices has led us to this tragic moment in Ohio's history. I feel for his wife Alyssa and his children, who must endure the embarrassment he has caused to them, and the people of the state of Ohio.

"We support the ongoing investigation to determine whether any criminal lines have been crossed. However, after combing through the sordid details of the investigation transcripts, it is clear that ethical and moral lines have been disregarded. For this reason, I call upon Marc Dann to resign immediately."

I was proud of Senator Boccieri for being thorough, reading the transcripts, and getting the facts straight before jumping to any conclusions. After he was sure of the facts, he made his initial call for Dann to resign immediately. Over the course of the week, Dann has tried every play in the book to avoid resignation, even while knowing the "dirt" would continue to pile up on the entire office and staff. Boccieri was chided for being slow to jump on the "Dann Bandwagon", but was simply applying a reasonable fact checking methodology.

Today, May 13, 2008, just one week later, State Senator John Boccieri, candidate in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement from his Senate office today:

"I fully support the actions taken by both the Ohio House and Senate today. As I have said before, Marc Dann cannot continue as Attorney General of the State of Ohio. It was my hope last week that he would recognize that reality, resign the office, and bring this shameful ordeal to an end. Because that has not yet happened, members of the Ohio House today brought articles of impeachment against Marc Dann, an action with which I agree completely.

"Also today, a motion was introduced to initiate an Inspector General's investigation of the Attorney General's office. I support that move also, and I would urge the Inspector General's office to be swift and judicious in their work. A lengthy investigation will benefit no one - least of all the citizens of this state.

"As I have previously stated, I am outraged and disappointed by Marc Dann's behavior. I am dismayed that he has refused thus far to resign his office and accept the findings of an Inspector General's investigation. Marc Dann has again chosen to do the wrong thing and is attempting to negotiate the details of his departure. Marc Dann should be given absolutely no latitude to negotiate a more favorable exit from office on the heels of his admitted wrongdoing.

"It is my sincere hope that either through resignation or impeachment, this sordid episode will be concluded quickly, allowing us to move forward with the important business of the state. There is too much work to be done in Ohio for us to be distracted by such scandals. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and our statewide elected officials as we move forward with the people's business."

At every turn, State Senator John Boccieri has shown the deliberate pragmatism of true leadership through thorough examination of the available facts and his strong desire to do the bidding of his constituency even in the face of adversity. State Senator John Boccieri shows the thoughtful leadership skills the electorate of Ohio's 16th Congressional District deserve to have represent them in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Our District is fortunate to have State Senator Major John Boccieri offer his service at the next higher level of representation.

One More Day to Vote!

Friends and Supporters,

We've had a great response from our friends and supporters so far, but tomorrow is the last to vote in Senator Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriots Fund's "Pick A Patriot"!

Major Boccieri is one of only ten Congressional candidates selected for the Pick a Patriot competition.

Remember, winning this competition means that John's campaign could receive a $5,000 contribution from The Progressive Patriots Fund.

So, please, if you haven't already, take a minute to vote for John on the Progressive Patriots Fund's "Pick a Progressive Patriot" site. If you voted earlier this week, send a note to your friends and family - ask them to cast their vote too.

The Progressive Patriots Fund is the leadership committee set-up by Senator Russ Feingold to promote a progressive reform agenda, and to support Democratic candidates across the country.
Thanks again for supporting Major Boccieri in the Progressive Patriot competition.

Ian Walton, Campaign Manager
Boccieri for Congress

These are the latest RESULTS!

I want to thank Butch, Brian, and Diane for all pulling together on my Birthday Wish for Bo! C'mon OH-16 get "The Boots on the Ground"!

We've Got Work To Do!

When, "we" have needed State Senator John Boccieri in the Ohio Senate...he has been there!

When, The United States of America needed the, IMHO, "Best Darn Pilot in the World"...Major John Boccieri strapped into a C-130 Hercules Cargo-Ship!

Iraq...four times! Afghanistan...two times! Common Sense...God Knows!

"Boots on the Ground"...for you!

Need a "Man Ready for the Job?

Call Ohio State Senator John Boccieri! But, "we" owe John Boccieri more than "we" can ever pay him back. He has offered himself up in a way that few can truly understand!

Here's the plan:

I blogged about, "The Progressive Patriots Fund", That's $5000...just over the legal limit for "a couple" all in for The General Election. Today, I went over to Act Blue and got us a brand "Thermometer". You ask, "Why $4600?" That is THE legal limit for "a couple" to go all-in for the General Election in November of 2008!

Think! Think about what "Bo" has given to the 16th Congressional District of Ohio. Is it so hard to click a link, pick a radio-button, and submit a vote for John Boccieri - Progressive Patriot? Will it ruin your day and "break" your piggy-bank to come back and donate $1 to his Congressional Campaign Fund? I'm in...anybody else "got Bo's back"?

"Pick A Patriot Online"

Ohio State Senator Major John Boccieri To Be Included In Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriot Fund's: "Pick A Patriot Online Contest"!

The mission of Senator Feingold's leadership committee, the Progressive Patriots Fund, is to promote a progressive reform agenda and to support Democratic candidates for office across the country. In the spirit of that mission we will be conducting an online voting event starting Thursday, May 8th, and ending on Wednesday, May
14th.

Our goal for this event is to highlight ten of the many strong Democratic challengers running for Congress in 2008. The candidate receiving the most votes will receive a $5,000 contribution from Senator Feingold's leadership PAC. In addition, the winner will be prominently featured on our website. We normally also make smaller contributions to those candidates receiving significant votes.

Ok, now for the bad news...you are all late, I registered my vote at 6:16 AM EDT. Don't let that get you down, though, I cheated. Ian Walton, Campaign Manager for John Boccieri for Congress, slipped me an e-mail last night as to clue me into the upcoming event. OUR time is NOW!

Here's the scoop! All you have to do is go over to "Pick A Patriot Online", do a short registration(the standard e-mail for confirmation), pick the radio dot next to the picture of Ohio State Senator Major John Boccieri for Congress, and click submit. That's as easy as it gets and I don't have any doubts that Russ Feingold's Progressive Patriot for 2008 will be OH-16's John Boccieri!

Get over there and vote! I've got to put the word out on "The Street", but don't be afraid to help us out and share the story with all of your friends!

Welcome to The Kicker!: MCDAC Newsletter Readers Back Dann Resignation

Welcome to The Kicker!: MCDAC Newsletter Readers Back Dann Resignation

OH-16: John Boccieri - FUNdraising Day!

All right , "stolen base fans"! Here is the plan.

(John does not condone theft and he put every single base back where he found it.)

I don't do this very often, that's why it's FUNdraising Day. Our Act Blue Account for the "OH's Fighting 16th!" has been stuck a $255.00 for sometime and I am deeply concerned that OH-16 doesn't understand that we're in THE #5 Congressional Race according to WaPo's, The Fix!

Today is May 7th, 2008! Can you afford not to drop $5.07 into "OH's Fighting 16th Act Blue"? John is gonna need us to help take on his opponent. You say, "All is quiet." That's lackadaisical and it will be trouble when this race really starts heating up. Let's get busy early and build a campaign for true change here in the 16th Congressional District!

That $255.00 balance is from my own donations. I throw down the gauntlet for $5.07! Are you up to the challenge? Show State Senator Major John Boccieri that we are ready, NOW! Call Ian Walton, Campaign Manager, after you make your donation and tell him "The Blogger made you do it!" 330-754-0543

FUNday!

OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri: AG Dann should resign immediately

This whole Attorney General Marc Dann situation gets harder and harder to stomach with each passing day. I'm glad this statement hit my desk before I read it somewhere else.

State Senator John Boccieri: Attorney General Marc Dann should resign Immediately

Today State Senator John Boccieri, Democratic candidate in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, called for Attorney General Marc Dann to resign from office:

"I am outraged that the Attorney General of the state of Ohio has neglected the duty and honor of public service," Senator Boccieri said. "The cronyism and lack of attentiveness to protocol and detail in Attorney General Dann's hiring practices has led us to this tragic moment in Ohio's history. I feel for his wife Alyssa and his children, who must endure the embarrassment he has caused to them, and the people of the state of Ohio.

"We support the ongoing investigation to determine whether any criminal lines have been crossed. However, after combing through the sordid details of the investigation transcripts, it is clear that ethical and moral lines have been disregarded. For this reason, I call upon Marc Dann to resign immediately."

Ohio has been subjected to statement after statement from Dann defending his staff and himself. As a "reasonable person", and that will matter. I have to stand with Senator John Boccieri on this whole case...It is what it is! One doesn't comb transcripts and walk away with some false sense of reality. Personally, I think Ohio's 16th Congressional District Democratic Candidate State Senator Major John Boccieri has done the smart thing...he held back and read the facts before coming to a conclusion and he has distanced himself from the epicenter of the after-shocks yet to come.

OH-16: John Boccieri - Boots on the Ground!

Weather Does Not Dampen Will of Ohio's Fighting 16th Congressional District!

I had the opportunity to catch up with Ian Walton, Campaign Manager for John Boccieri for Congress, this afternoon. Mother nature wasn't very cooperative with rain showers, wind gusts, and unusually cool temperatures, but that doesn't stop "The Boccieri Corps" here in the fighting 16th District!

Ian reported, here, to "The Out-Post":

It's encouraging to know that supporters for the Major are anxious and ready to mobilize whether rain or shine!

Ohio' 16th Congressional District covers Stark, Wayne, part of Ashland, and part of Medina counties. We have a unique district in the fact that it lies across two old rail lines and the canal system of past generations. The economics range from the displaced middle-class factory workers, to rural family farmers, and urban center-city workers.

Ian went on to add:

The weather didn't keep us from reaching out and talking with voters about John's message for change in every corner of the district.

And, State Senator Major John Boccieri's message bears repeating often as Ohio's 16th Congressional District becomes a "poster child" for what has gone wrong through the actions of the Bush Administration.

• We still see our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and in harms way, being injured and killed. It's clear after 5 years of civil war we need to bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon.

• Once those soldiers return we must give them everything they need from health care to education.

• We need strong leadership that will bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon. The war in Iraq is costing Americans $12 billion a month, and the cost to our troops and their families is incalculable. Not expending $12 billion a month on the war would enable us to meet our obligations to our troops when they return, including the long-term health care so many will require as a result of their injuries.

• Bad trade deals have devastated the 16th Congressional District, shipping thousands of good paying jobs overseas. It's time to vote 'no' on trade policies that take away Ohio's workers' ability to compete fairly in the global market and trade deals that don't protect the environment or workers' rights.

• Hundreds of families in our area don't have health insurance. The families of the 16th Congressional District deserve a leader in Washington who will put their needs first and accomplish an expansion of affordable health care to more Ohioans.

• The cost of fuel is crippling our economy as our families confront choices between putting gas in their cars and other necessities. It's time for a change to an energy policy that puts families' needs before big oil profits. We need to invest in alternative and renewable energy, investments that would help create good jobs and sustainable economic growth and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.

Nothing is going to stop the momentum this campaign is building, and building fast. There is a strong eager core willing to work tirelessly to make sure State Senator Boccieri wins Ohio's 16th Congressional District in November.

Ian had the bottom line, today:

We had troops out participating in various activities
supporting Major Boccieri in all four counties in the 16th Congressional District today.

John Boccieri has "Boots on the Ground!

OH-16: John Boccieri Mobilizes Campaign Five years after "Mission Accomplished"

I love days like today...a blogger's dream! The campaign just pounded so much Mojo at me today I had to turn it into a major round-up. It's a quite fitting run of "Ground Mobilization" by our candidate, the Ohio State Senator Major John Boccieri. Boots on the ground! It's time to rock Ohio's 16th Congressional District out of the tired funk from "The Hillary, Barrack, McCain Diary Train". Get ready for the battle brewing here in Northeast Ohio!

Out of Headquarters...Ground Mobilization!

Greetings Friends,

Efforts are already picking up in the 16th Congressional District to get the word out about Major John Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket.

On Saturday, May 3rd, Neighborhood Leaders and volunteers from across the state will engage in the first of many canvass days dedicated to talking directly with voters about the importance of electing Major Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket in this year's election.

The morning starts with a statewide conference call and strategy session, featuring ODP Chairman Redfern and other special guests. Please make the commitment to join with us on May 3rd - you can organize a group of people to work together, or, if you prefer, materials will be available in advance at Boccieri HQ so you can canvass during the week.

The statewide goal is to knock on 10,000 doors on May 3rd - and we want to add as many doors to that total as we can. Every door we knock on means that more of our neighbors will hear about Major Boccieri and his message to change direction in Congress.

We hope you will be able to join us in this important effort Saturday.

Here are the details:

Goal: Knock on 10,000 doors statewide

When: Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00 AM

Where: Boccieri for Congress HQ, The Metropolitan Center, 601 Cleveland Ave., N.W.,

Canton Conference Call Time: 10:30 AM

Call in Number: (800) 394-7217, Pass Code 813 789 1547

Organizer: Megan Joyce, ODP NE OH Field Rep., 330-285-8745; megan@ohiodems.org

Please RSVP to Megan Joyce at 330-285-8745 or megan@ohiodems.org.

Thanks again for your support. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Ian Walton
Boccieri for Congress

John Boccieri for Congress
Campaign Headquarters

The Metropolitan Center
601 Cleveland Ave., NW
(corner of 6th & Cleveland)Downtown Canton

(330) 754-0534
Visit our website for more information on how you can help change direction in Ohio's 16th Congressional District.

-- Paid for by John Boccieri for Congress --

Five years after "Mission Accomplished"," many other missions left unaccomplished

State Sen. John Boccieri, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of President Bush's declaration of 'Mission Accomplished:

State Senator Major John Boccieri said:

"Five years after President Bush declared 'Mission Accomplished' and an end to combat operations in Iraq, we find many things left unaccomplished in Washington."

• We still see our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and in harms way, being injured and killed. It's clear after 5 years of civil war we need to bring our troops home safely,honorably and soon.

• Once those soldiers return we must give them everything they need from health care to education.

• We need strong leadership that will bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon. The war in Iraq is costing Americans $12 billion a month, and the cost to our troops and their families is incalculable. Not expending $12 billion a month on the war would enable us to meet our obligations to our troops when they return, including the long-term health care so many will require as a result of their injuries.

• Bad trade deals have devastated the 16th Congressional District, shipping thousands of good paying jobs overseas. It's time to vote 'no' on trade policies that take away Ohio's workers' ability to compete fairly in the global market and trade deals that don't protect the environment or workers' rights

• Hundreds of families in our area don't have health insurance. The families of the 16th Congressional District deserve a leader in Washington who will put their needs first and accomplish an expansion of affordable health care to more Ohioans.

• The cost of fuel is crippling our economy as our families confront choices between putting gas in their cars and other necessities. It's time for a change to an energy policy that puts families' needs before big oil profits. We need to invest in alternative and renewable energy, investments that would help create good jobs and sustainable economic growth and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.


Boccieri laid it out like he always does:

"Throughout the 16th Congressional District, families are hurting! The cost of everything is skyrocketing, and our families feel like no one hears their calls for change. It's clearly time for a new direction and leadership with a new vision. Our families literally cannot afford to wait any longer!"

I'll tell you what if that's not enough to get your blood pumping; I caught more information coming out of the Boccieri Headquarters!

OH-16: State Senator Major John Boccieri for U.S. Congress...

Fighting for his constituency, everyday!

Boccieri applauds Energy bill for stabilizing prices, emphasizing renewable and alternative sources

State Senator John Boccieri and candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District today applauded Governor Ted Strickland's signing of Senate Bill 221, Ohio's energy bill.

Boccieri was one of several Senate co-sponsors of the energy bill, which ensures stable, reliable electricity prices and sets principles to make Ohio a leader in renewable and alternative sources of energy.

"Northeast Ohio companies and manufacturers use a lot of energy, and access to reliable and affordable electricity will allow them to remain competitive and successful," Boccieri said. "Without this energy bill, we would have faced skyrocketing electricity prices that would have financially strapped Ohio families and cost our state jobs."

Boccieri also voiced his support for a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown on Wednesday that would invest $36 billion over five years in green energy manufacturing and the use of new energy technologies in Ohio and across the United States.

Speaking of Senator Brown's efforts State Sen. Boccieri said:

"Senator Brown's energy plan has the potential to greatly impact Ohio with our large energy consumption and manufacturing base. Senator Brown's proposed plan, coupled with Ohio's energy bill, represents the kind of forward-thinking that our country needs to regain our energy independence and keep and create jobs in America.

With a skilled manufacturing workforce already in place, Northeast Ohio could be a leader in Ohio's renewable energy efforts."

Leading by example, Boccieri's campaign headquarters is the first LEED-certified building in Canton. The headquarters, located at the corner of 6th and Cleveland, uses geothermal heating and solar energy.

John Boccieri added to his statement of support:

"In Washington, I will work to make long-term changes in our energy policy and tackle the sky-high fuel and energy prices which the Bush Administration failed to address.I'm committed to leading efforts in Congress that make Ohio - and America - more energy independent, while also increasing our use of alternative and renewable energies."

I know that is a factual statement! Ohio State Senator John Boccieri and I have been talking for sometime about the great opportunities just inside the 16th District boundaries, not to mention, feasible nationwide programs in alternative energy sources. This is THE guy to have in the "Mix"!