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!