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.
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!
