Monday, June 30, 2008

OH-16: John Boccieri Review/Preview






Team,

It has been an incredible week, and we have an even more important one coming up. First, let me tell you what went on this past week.

John spent most of his day Monday in Wooster touring the Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI) Ohio State University Branch, visiting the Smithville Western Senior Center, and among other events, dropped by the Wayne County Democratic Headquarters.
John was also out canvassing in the city of Canton. He met and spoke with voters of all ages, and heard their ideas and concerns in the 16th Congressional District. Look for John or his campaign team in your neighborhood soon!

Speaking of the campaign team, thanks to all of you who braved the bad weather and turned out for the four county event with Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher last night. We all had a great time and look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Now here's how you can help...

Below are the events the campaign will be participating in next week. Please come out and join us.

As always, phone banks and canvasses take place all day, Monday-Friday at the main Boccieri headquarters in downtown Canton.

Don't forget about the Italian American Festival at the fairgrounds this weekend too!

What: John Boccieri and U.S. Congressman Rahm Emanuel Discuss High Gas Prices
When: Tuesday, July 1, 10:45AM
Where: Sunoco Station, 1601 Tuscarawas St., W. Canton, OH 44708
Notes: Come out and hear John and his future colleague in the U.S. Congress talk about the impact of high gas prices and their plans for change. For more details, email chris@johnforcongress.com

What: 25th Annual Orrville Firefighters Independence Day Parade
When: Tuesday, July 1, 6:15PM (parade starts at 7PM)
Where: North Ella Street in downtown Orrville
Notes: For more details on participating, email chris@johnforcongress.com

What: Concert in the Park
When: Wednesday, July 2, 7:30PM
Where: McKinley National Memorial (Canton)
Notes: Concert begins at 8PM followed by fireworks. For details, email chris@johnforcongress.com

What: Wooster Bicentennial Celebration Parade
When: Saturday, July 5, 11:30AM (parade starts at 12 noon)
Where: Downtown Wooster
Notes: We need supporters to hangout and watch the parade with Boccieri T-shirts. For more details on participating, email chris@johnforcongress.com

We continue to appreciate all of your hard work and ongoing support. Please feel free to contact me about anything in this email or any other questions or concerns you may have about John's campaign.

Enjoy your 4th of July Holiday...

Thanks,

Chris Cupples
(Field Director, John Boccieri for Congress)
chris@johnforcongress.com
(330) 754-0534

Saturday, June 28, 2008

OH-16: A Local Citizen's Endorsement for Sen. John Boccieri


I spend an incredible amount of time at this keyboard. Just ask my wife and she will tell you, but once in awhile, I can come across gems that make the whole process of reaching out to the netroots community a pleasure. She understands the magnitude of the fight for change that we are engaged in across America and accepts the task I have taken upon my shoulders.

Today, I happened to stumble upon one of those beauties in The Canton Repository's, "Letters to the Editor":

Boccieri knows needs of soldiers, veterans
Thursday, June 26, 2008

In our time of war, ill treatment of war veterans and the ongoing threat of terrorism, it is paramount that we elect someone to Congress who doesn't just talk about defending our country but who also has risked his own life, serving in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as an aircraft commander. That person, who is still a major in the Air Force Reserve, is John Boccieri (pronounced Bo-Cherry) of Alliance.

John also understands that this nation must stop sending our young men and women into battle without proper training and equipment. Furthermore, John recognizes that conditions such as those at Walter Reed Army Medical Center must be reversed by fighting for full funding of veterans' health care, so that our soldiers have access to the support and services they need and deserve.

Already in the Ohio Legislature, John has been a strong supporter of our 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 to assist with their medical expenses.

As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan drag on, it becomes even more vital that we elect members to Congress who fully understand the hardships and dangers of maintaining this great nation's independence. And that is why John Boccieri is right for Congress.

DAVID B. MCCOY,

PERRY TOWNSHIP

That's all it takes! One single "Letter to the Editor" and Mr. McCoy has reached out to the entire world and I tip my hat to him. Every concerned citizen in our great Nation has an opportunity to be heard and no voice should ever go unheard. This is exactly why I do what I do; to show this District, nation, and the entire world why Senator Major John Boccieri is a "must win" candidate for "OH's Fighting 16th District!".

Friday, June 27, 2008

OH-16: Sen. John Boccieri Rocks "Ohio's Fighting 16th District"!

“Every day that I strap myself into that $30 million C-130 airplane, I put my life on the line for all the Amendments in the U.S. Constitution." ~ Senator Major John Boccieri

I'm feeling really sorry for any Democrat, Independent, and...yes, even the Republicans that didn't pony up for last night's Four County Fundraiser for John Boccieri for U.S. Congress. Why? We had it all!

I thought I was running late on the ride from Canton to Massillon, but I was horribly wrong. I showed up just in time to beat the rush and they came in droves. The last time I talked to Ian Walton, Boccieri's Campaign Manager, he guess-timated in the 150-175 attendance range. He was close when The Major showed up, his wife Stacey and four kids in tow, as usual, but they were still backed up at the door. All told, attendance was easily at the 250+ mark. Darn the party crashers!

The staff at the AMVETS Post #6 kicked into high gear as we were entertained by the Jack Halkides Band from Canton. Smooth Jazz and Swing set the mood for the evening as guests mingled with old and new friends, alike. I found myself engrossed with a gentleman that had seen firsthand the incompetance of the Bush administration in NOLA. They used private trucks to drive to Birmingham, Alabama to get supplies while FEMA did what FEMA does...push paper.

The event kicked off with "The Presentation of Colors", delivered by the AMVETS Post #6 Color Guard, followed by "The pledge of Allegiance", led by The Honorable Johnnie Maier, Stark County Democratic Chair. Chaiman Maier MC'd the event giving us introductions to our hosts Pam Miller, Medina County Democratic Chair, Steve Johnson, Ashland County Democratic Chair, and Jean Mohr, Wayne County Democratic Chair, who gave a rousing endosement of Senator Boccieri. There introductions were followed by "The Invocation" and a "Boccieri style" buffet dinner. That translates into excellent food and if anyone walks away hungry it's their own fault.

Our "Guest of Honor", Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, gave a key-note speech covering topics ranging from the state of Ohio's economy, our state's position to move forward as leader in a new "green job economy", and finishing with John Boccieri's biography. After reminding us that "the campaign literature on your tables is wrong." He corrected it by stating, "The Boccieri's do not have three children. They now have four". Following a raucus round of laughter, Lt. Gov. Fisher gave the introduction of State Senator Major John Boccieri.




John Boccieri carries a unique aura about himself. You know he is a battle hardened Veteran, having served four tours of duty in Iraq and Afgahnistan, but he does not show the scars of cynicism you would expect. Quite the opposite. John is approachable, always willing to take time to connect, full of fresh ideas, and carries an incredible sense of humor. Always ready to smile, but when you get into serious topics he shows his analytical precision honed by hours of study and laborious flight. The War in Iraq, the Economy, and Universal Health Care for every man, woman and child in the United States...priorities!

Let's listen in...




Oh, he's not done! He believes in "The American Dream"!




There's a change coming.

Real Change to Protect Ohio Families and Ohio Jobs!

Thursday, June 26, 2008

OH-16: Boccieri Applauds Supreme Court Gun Rights Ruling


For Immediate Release
June 26, 2008
Contact: Bryan Collinsworth
330-754-0534 / bryan@johnforcongress.com

Boccieri Applauds Supreme Court Gun Rights Ruling

Canton, OH – State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District, released the following statement today in response to the United States Supreme Court’s decision affirming the individual right to bear arms:


“Every day that I strap myself into that $30 million C-130 airplane, I put my life on the line for all the Amendments in the U.S. Constitution. I applaud the Supreme Court for affirming our individual Second Amendment rights, not only as a gun owner but as a member of the military. The Court has shown that the Constitution still protects Americans’ bedrock rights and liberties.”

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

OH-16: The Major's Four County Fundraiser(UPDATED)

If you live in Ohio's Fighting 16th and want to meet our Democratic Champion, time is running out to RSVP for this huge event!

I talked with Ian Walton, Boccieri's Campaign Manager, at Headquarters this afternoon and it is time to push, going into the end of the quarter. We led the (r)candidate 2 to 1 in the money race last quarter and now is not the time to let up. Hope to meet you there!

Steve Johnson, Ashland County Democratic Chair
Johnnie Maier, Stark County Democratic Chair
Pam Miller, Medina County Democratic Chair
Jean Mohr, Wayne County Democratic Chair


Cordially invite you to join them and Special Guest of Honor


Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher

At a fundraising event for


JOHN BOCCIERI
DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS (OH-16)


Thursday, June 26, 2008
6:00pm to 8:30pm


AMVETS Post 6
303 Weirich Blvd NW
Massillon, OH 44647



$35 per Person or $50 per Couple

$25 for Veterans

$20 for Seniors

$15 for Students




RSVP to Ian Walton at 330-754-0534 or ianrwalton@johnforcongress.com


Tuesday, June 24, 2008

OH-16: Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year"

Boccieri Receives "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year" from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, was selected as the recipient for this year's Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council's "Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year." The award is presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council annually to the individual who best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured, and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

Senator Boccieri has been a tireless advocate for veterans since first elected to the Statehouse in 2000. He has been successful in working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefiting Ohio's veterans. Recently, Boccieri passed legislation like the Military Injured Relief Fund which sends grants to injured soldiers. He also led efforts to bolster job protections for veterans in the workplace after many were losing them while serving abroad, and Boccieri also worked to strengthen enforcement of a 300 foot perimeter for protesters at military funerals.

In his presentation, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke, stated:

"You listened to veteran issues and followed through to do something about it. All veterans in Ohio are better off this year than they were last because of you. The entire membership of Buckeye State Council congratulates you."

Accepting the award, Senator Boccieri said:
"This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates. I am proud of my record in the Statehouse and have always made veteran issues a top priority. But the real heroes are the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our blessed nation, and didn't make it home. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that soldiers receive the resources they need the moment their boots hit the ground. I'll also continue to fight for the benefits in medical aid and the education benefits they earn when they return home."

Senator John Boccieri is currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is a pilot and flies C-130 cargo planes. Senator Boccieri has fourteen years of experience in the United States Air Force and has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those missions were flying the wounded and the fallen out of Baghdad, Iraq.

Monday, June 23, 2008

OH-16: The Major's Four County Fundraiser

Steve Johnson, Ashland County Democratic Chair
Johnnie Maier, Stark County Democratic Chair
Pam Miller, Medina County Democratic Chair
Jean Mohr, Wayne County Democratic Chair


Cordially invite you to join them and Special Guest of Honor


Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher

At a fundraising event for


JOHN BOCCIERI
DEMOCRAT FOR CONGRESS (OH-16)


Thursday, June 26, 2008
6:00pm to 8:30pm


AMVETS Post 6
303 Weirich Blvd NW
Massillon, OH 44647



$35 per Person or $50 per Couple

$25 for Veterans

$20 for Seniors

$15 for Students




RSVP to Ian Walton at 330-754-0534 or ianrwalton@johnforcongress.com


Saturday, June 21, 2008

OH-16: John Boccieri Plans "Major" Field Operations

Senator John Boccieri for U.S. Congress Field Director, Chris Cupples, put out an e-mail update yeterday. If you haven't signed up for e-mail notification go here.

It's Saturday, already, a good time to reflect and plan ahead. Coming to you out of the John Boccieri Campaign HQs:



John Boccieri for Congress - Field Update

Team,

I want to update you on some of the events from the past week and also let you know what the week ahead will bring.

The John Boccieri for Congress Campaign had a great showing at theWadsworth Blue Tip Festival Parade as well as the Minerva 175th Birthday Parade.

Check out the pictures below.



A big part of our campaign in the next week will be our four county fundraiser with Special Guest Lee Fisher on June 26 - details are below.

We also need to work the phone lines and knock on doors as the end of this quarter quickly approaches (June 30). If you are interested in canvassing and/or helping make phone calls, please report to our main headquarters any day next week (Monday-Friday) anytime between 11AM and 7PM.

Below are the events the campaign will be participating in next week. Please come out and join us.

What: Richville 61st Annual Homecoming Festival Parade
When: Wednesday, June 25, 5PM (parade starts at 6PM)
Where: Corner of Navarre Road & Richville Drive in Navarre
Notes: For more details on participating email chris@johnforcongress.com


What: Four County Fundraising Event for John Boccieri with Special Guest Ohio Lt. Governor Lee Fisher
When: Thursday, June 26, 6PM-8:30PM
Where: AMVETS Post #6, 303 Weirach Blvd., NW, Massillon, OH 44647
Notes: Call (330) 754-0534 or email chris@johnforcongress.com for details and contribution amounts

What: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 13th Annual Historical Parade
When: Saturday, June 28, 11:30AM (parade starts at 12 noon)
Where: 1107 Noble Street, Alliance, OH 44601
Notes: For more details on participating email chris@johnforcongress.com

What: Italian American Festival
When: Friday, June 27 - Sunday, June 29
Where: Stark County Fairgrounds (Canton)
Notes: John will be at the festival Friday morning but it would be great to have volunteers walk through the event during the weekend with t-shirts. For more information email chris@johnforcongress.com

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

Until next time...

Thanks,

Chris Cupples
Field Director, John Boccieri for Congress
(330) 754-0534


Alright, mark your calenders, call or e-mail Chris for your information and RSVP's, and get out and enjoy The First Day of Summer.

Friday, June 20, 2008

OH-16: Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill

Boccieri Applauds House Passage of Emergency Supplemental Bill
Legislation Also Addresses Veterans Benefits, Critical Domestic Issues

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, today voiced his support for Thursday's passage legislation that supports our troops both abroad and here at home. The measure which passed the House provides funding for U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and addresses critical military issues.

Senator Major John Boccieri said:

"We must give our support this legislation, which gives our troops the resources they need to be successful while focusing on pressing issues here at home. Even though we're giving our troops the necessary resources for their missions, we must find the will and the way to bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon."


A second package expands GI benefits for a veteran's education by allowing those who serve at least three years to receive free tuition, along with money for books, school supplies and housing assistance, at a public university in their state. A very important measure also allows veterans who serve longer tours to transfer their education assistance to a spouse or dependent.

Senator Boccieri, in a race for the empty 16th District House Seat, still rated at 4th Place in TheFix, WaPo's Political Blog, continued:
"The expansion of education benefits for our veterans reduces burdens that many troops face when returning home – like finding a job and paying for college. This legislation gives our veterans and their families the opportunity to receive a quality education and build a successful career."


Additionally, the bill includes a 13-week extension for unemployment aid for out-of-work Americans and allocates $2.6 billion for flood relief efforts in the Midwest.

Commenting on the state of the 16th Congressional District and Ohio's gross unemployment numbers, Boccieri added:
"At a time when our economy is struggling and Ohio's unemployment compensation fund has taken a hit, the extension of unemployment benefits would give Ohioans who have lost their jobs the resources to provide for their families as they find employment."


The Fighting 16th District doesn't deserve a candidate riding on the coat-tails of ex-Governor Bob Taft, convicted for Ethics Violations and leaving Ohio's economy in shambles. It's time our district took a stand against the status-quo and the misdirected leadership of the Republican Party. Let's put a man of deep integrity fighting for the blue-collar workforce and our men and women who have serve our country with pride and honor, first!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

OH-16: Senator Boccieri: Unemployment Compensation Fund Going Broke

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, expressed concern today that a crisis looms as the Unemployment Compensation (UC) Trust Fund has taken a turn for the worse along with the state's sluggish economy. With the fund running on empty, the situation has many in Columbus talking about a federal bailout.

According to the Ohio Department of Job & Family Services, the UC Trust Fund has about $529 million which is $124 million less than last year. Officials cite the slowing economy, rising unemployment, and payments to workers linked with inflationary adjustments while business payments remain constant.

Senator Boccieri said:

"It is not the news Ohio needed while we ride into another recession. Employers and workers feel the pinch every day because of rising energy costs and with so many plant closings the fund is taking a hit."
Ohio businesses pay less than the national average into the UC Trust Fund and a Columbus think tank is asking lawmakers to raise the taxable wage base from $9,000 to $12,000 while linking it to wage levels. Business representatives on the committee warned against this position and offered that reductions in payments to unemployed workers would be a more workable solution.

Senator Boccieri added:
"It is most unfortunate that we have to wait until a crisis looms before taking action. President Bush has threatened to veto unemployment compensation extensions putting further strain on Ohio families as well as on the fund – a federal bailout of Ohio's fund may be on the horizon."

Friday, June 13, 2008

OH-16: Senator John Boccieri on Flag Day

Senator Boccieri Encourages Ohioans to Honor the Flag throughout "National Flag Week"

Today State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th District, encouraged Ohioans to celebrate Flag Day.

On today's date in 1777 the Continental Congress approved the design of our national flag. In 1916 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation establishing June 14 as Flag Day, and the national holiday was officially declared by an Act of Congress in 1949. In 1966 Congress established the week of June 14 each year as National Flag Week.

During National Flag Week, Americans are called to display our flag to celebrate national unity and express gratitude for the blessings of liberty.

"I encourage Ohioans to fly the flag this week in honor of our servicemen and women both past and present who have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom." ~ John Boccieri

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

OH-16: State Senator Major John Boccieri Rises Above the Fray!

It didn't take long for "shots to get fired from all directions", after Schuring's(R) comments about Canton, Ohio. His self-described hometown to boot. I, personally, only know one person in Ohio's 16th Congressional District that has put their life on the line for the country we all love...America. His name is Major John Boccieri. Let me clear, that does not detract from every man and woman from our District who served with honor and courage, especially, those that gave all. We love you all!

Senator Boccieri immediately pointed out how devisive this type of speech has become in our toxic political enviroment.


The Politics of Division is Wrong for America

"While my opponent comments publically about his preferred constituency, I would be proud to serve in the Congress on behalf of every man, woman, and child in the 16th District regardless of geography, age, race, gender, or religious affiliation.

"Senator Schuring's partisan comments are the type of political ideology that is dividing our nation. At the end of the day the race for this seat, shouldn't be about Democrats, Republicans or Independents, red states or blue states, conservatives or liberals, but about America. Our nation needs strong leadership to help turn around our failing economy, bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon, and move away from our dependence on foreign oil.

"As for my campaign, we will have rallies, town hall meetings, and events in every corner of this district, not only where it is politically comfortable, but in every region. It is important that we all come together to help change America."

According to a recent Canton Repository article, Schuring claims it was all just "a joke"(wink-wink-nudge) and you can listen to him try to explain it away in a WHBC Radio PodCast here. This writer happens to respect the opinions of Canton Councilman Thomas West, D-2, who represents downtown Canton:

"The remarks by Senator Schuring were very offensive, if not demeaning. These aren't the type of jokes you make about our community especially at a time when there is violence in our community."

Councilman West knows downtown Canton, he admits there is violence, but he also says Downtown is safe. All one needs to do is physically visit Arcadia Place on a Friday night in the Summer and it's obviously safe. See a street musician, get a fresh slice of pizza, or stop by Primo's for a drink; you'll make it out alive!

Call me crazy, but you are not going to pick up votes for the 16th Congressional District at "the Canal Boat Captains' Ball at the Radisson Hotel in Akron Saturday evening." Honest...I don't make this stuff up! It was in the Akron Beacon Journal. What kind of message does that send? I'll go to downtown Akron(out of the District), but if you go to downtown Canton..."Democrats aren't too fond of Republicans in Canton." Gosh, Kirk! I wonder why? Then again, Stark County did give Mr. Bush a "free-pass" in 2004. How lucky do you feel in 2008?

Seriously, Kyle Kutuchief at politics.ohio.com gives us a "through the looking glass" opinion on this situation as the fires burn on:


"Schuring, though he has not served in the military or as a law enforcement officer, I guess deserves credit for braving gun fire as he goes to his Congressional Campaign office, which is located in downtown Canton.

Part of what a Congressman should do is to serve as an advocate for the people in his district. Ohio's 16th Congressional District is going to need someone to help develop the economy of the district. Canton is a city that has been hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs, the housing foreclosure crisis, and a variety of other factors. The people of Canton need elected officials who will work to turn things around and not kick them when they are down. This is more than just a bad joke at a picnic. Scaring citizens from going to Canton is the exact opposite of the kind of advocacy the city needs to get things back on track."
So, as of today, Major Boccieri raised himself above the fray. The Canton Repository asked him, again, for an editorial piece about Schuring's comments. (This stuff sells a lot of newspaper, obviously.) State Senator Major John Boccieri simply stated it was, "most unfortunate."

As I sat perusing today's online edition of The Review, an Alliance newspaper, I stumbled upon an article that represents one of the real issues facing our districts voters in the years to come.

"Marlington school board tours schools and assesses conditions"
No man, woman or high school shop student should be expected to run machinery with missing safety guards! Marlington schools are under-funded by a State system that has been ruled unconstitutional four times and Sen. Schuring has been promising School Funding Reform for 14 years. This is where Senator Boccieri stands on Education:


A Sound Education for Our Children

A well-rounded education is the key that unlocks the doors of economic opportunity and security.

John will work to ensure every child in Ohio gets a fair start and a solid educational foundation, beginning with our youngest children and extending through K-12 and college. He will make sure that our students have the most qualified, well-trained teachers and the preparation to pursue higher education. And he will work to provide all Ohioans with the means to afford higher education, regardless of income or family history.

In order to bring jobs to Ohio, we must have a skilled workforce that is competitive with the rest of the country and world. John knows that as jobs adjust and advance, our workers – both young and old – must be ready for the changes. John strongly supports training and development programs for our adult workforce, so that as the economy continues to evolve, our workers have the resources to keep up.

It's time for change, not empty promises.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Kirk Schuring's YouTube Moment and Major Boccieri's Reply

What an incredible Monday to be a part of the John Boccieri for U.S. Congress Campaign team. Yes, Politicos the game is officially on and Kirk Schuring wants every Democrat in Ohio's Fighting 16th District to be at the Canton Greek Festival at 5 pm Friday and then to follow him on over to First Friday for a Hometown Welcome!

Sometimes, I have to sit a really ponder what goes through a politicians head to make them say some of the the things they say. This time the answer is easy...Kirk was "fluffing" for John McCain. Oh, what a great honor and opportunity to spew divisive hate language!

Read on for more details and don't forget your popcorn and a cold one for the movie. You'll want to watch it over and over again!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 9, 2008

CONTACT: Alex Goepfert, 614-207-1714 (cell)
Communications Director

Kirk's Schuring's YouTube Moment

Republican Congressional Candidate Kirk Schuring Slurs Canton Residents in Ugly, Partisan Rant





COLUMBUS - Standing before a crowd of fellow Republicans at a "John McCain for President Rally" on Thursday, Republican congressional candidate Kirk Schuring launched into an ugly, partisan rant attacking the residents of Canton, Ohio.

In a newly released video of the June 5th event at Ashland Corner Park, Schuring tells his partisan audience:


"So the other thing I know is that Ashland County has a rich history and tradition of rallying around Republicans, and I was telling people earlier where I come from we could never have a rally like this in the center of Canton. If we did we might be shot at, but not in Ashland and that's what makes you so great."

The clip is available here. The full video is available here

"It is appalling to witness Kirk Schuring speaking with such venom and disdain toward the very individuals he is seeking to represent in Congress," said Ohio Democratic Party Communications Director Alex Goepfert. "Kirk Schuring's ugly, divisive, hyper-partisan comments do a terrible disservice to the residents of Canton and to all OhioansKirk Schuring and his campaign were apparently rather proud of his remarks. The following day, Schuring touts the "warm welcome" he received at the event in an email to supporters.

Below is the text of that newsletter.

Schuring for Congress Newsletter
151 Days Until Victory!
June 6, 2008

>From Our Community, For Our Community...

This was a busy week on the campaign trail. Our organization has expanded and we're excited about the level of enthusiasm we've seen at events throughout the week.

As our organization continues to build, we've seen some changes with campaign staff as well. This past Monday Staci Hansel started on the campaign as Political Director and today is Gavin Blair's final on the campaign before he moves back to Columbus. We're excited to have Staci on board and I'm thankful for the hard work Gavin put in these many months on my behalf!

On Thursday night I spoke in Ashland County at a rally for John McCain and received a very warm welcome from local community members. Thanks to hard working folks at the Ashland County GOP for putting on a fantastic event.

Don't forget to come out and join me tonight in downtown Canton at the Greek Festival at 5pm. After the Greek fest I'll be heading over to Canton's First Friday event.Thanks again for your continued support!

Kirk Schuring

Oh, my! You are winning hearts there Senator and your endorsement from the Canton Repository. HAH!

Now, don't fade on me yet fans. There's more to this whole story.

What does State Senator Major John Boccieri think about all this?

For Immediate Release
June 9, 2008
Contact: Ian Walton, 330-754-0534

The Politics of Division is Wrong for America!

Senator Boccieri issued the following statement today regarding the release of video footage of Sen. Kirk Schuring's comments in Ashland County today:

::One more time just to jog your memory!::






"While my opponent comments publicly about his
preferred constituency, I would be proud to serve in the Congress on behalf of every man, woman, and child in the 16th District regardless of geography, age, race, gender, or religious affiliation.

"Senator Schuring's partisan comments are the type of political ideology that is dividing our nation. At the end of the day the race for this seat, shouldn't be about Democrats, Republicans or
Independents, red states or blue states, conservatives or liberals, but about America. Our nation needs strong leadership to help turn around our failing economy, bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon, and move away from our dependence on foreign oil.

"As for my campaign, we will have rallies, town hall meetings, and events in every corner of this district, not only where it is politically comfortable, but in every region. It is important that we all come together to help change America."


Thank you for setting the record straight, again, Major Boccieri! We have put up with enough hate-mongering, war-mongering, greed and discrimination to last a lifetime. The last person Ohio's 16th Congressional District needs in Congress is Kirk Schuring.

"Go, Bo!"

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

OH-16: Where John Boccieri Lives


The drumbeat about where Ohio State Senator Major John Bocceri lives started in the Democratic Primary Race for the United States House of Representative for Ohio's 16th Congressional District. It was the only plank his Democratic Primary opponent could find to use against him and it didn't stick. The Major won by nearly a 2-1 margin in all four counties of the 16th, Ashland, Medina, Stark and Wayne, in the March 4th Primary.

As if by some stroke of political genius, this drumbeat was supposed to stick through November as the big isssue. And, almost like a Rovellian tantric chant, it seems to keep popping up. John was actually hoping that "the carpetbagger" issue would remain a central theme to the campaign against him. The Major's response to the issue has never changed:

"They are worried about where I lay my head down on the pillow at night, but I'm more worried about where people go to work in the morning."

How historically hypocritical can they get? That would be a thing of beauty coming from a Republican opponent, but it seems the Democratic constituency in Ohio's Fighting 16th are a more sophisticated voter than that!

So, without further adieu, thank you, GARY SCHERER of PERRY TOWNSHIP, you make this writer's job so easy! He said:
But all that aside, let's look at the final authority on this matter, the U.S. Constitution, which states in Article 1, Section 2, on the House of Representatives:

"No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty five Years and been seven years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen."

As you can see, there is no requirement that a member of the House reside in the district he or she represents, only the state. And since Sen. Boccieri lives in Ohio — except when he has been called upon to serve in Iraq, which he has done numerous times — the residency issue appears to be a dead one.

Man, that just about makes me giddy! I swear I've already read that four or five times before I posted it. That draws on a huge distinction between the Democratic voter and the Republican voter in a generic comparison. It is this writer's experience, Democratic voters tend to be logically issue driven and Republican voters tend to be passionately value driven. The smoke screen quietly drifts away into oblivion.

Over this past weekend, volunteers spread out across Ohio's 16th Congressional District. Before it was over with they had knocked on some 500 doors talking to potential voters about State Senator Major John Bocccieri and the issues that are most important here; jobs and the economy, the War in Iraq, Health care, gas prices, the rising cost of groceries, and home heating/cooling prices.

In a bit of irony, the John Boccieri for U.S. Congress campaign won the "Most Patriotic" award for our entry in the Bethlehem Township parade. We had a decorated Ford truck and handed out flags. John walked in the parade with about five or six staff members and supporters. This is Ralph Regula's home area. Pretty cool, indeed!

So, I sit here somewhat stymied after all of this exercise. A series of questions keep rolling through my mind. What do you want to debate Senator Schuring? The War in Iraq and The 100 year McCain Doctrine? The 21st Century GI Bill? Making immediate use of alternative energy solutions? Creating and keeping jobs in the 16th Congressional District? Health care for every child, woman or man in the 16th District? The outrageous cost of fuel at the pump? How about the Mortgage Crisis? Constitutionally funding our childrens education? It's time to start speaking up; November 4th is closer than you think!

(HT: Ian & Chris)