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January 2009
Budish, Harris urge Congress to “Buy American”
In perhaps their first ever effort at bipartisan advocacy, Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, and state Sen. President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, teamed up on Friday, Jan. 30, to urge Congress to “Buy American.”
In a letter to U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, the legislative leaders said they want to make sure work done under the federal infrastructure stimulus plan is performed by American companies.
“We want to ensure that current federal and state Buy American and Domestic Content laws, requiring publicly-funded infrastructure projects to utilize suppliers operating with the United States, will be upheld and enforced,” their letter said.
The letter said the stimulus plan comes “at a time when we are most in need, spurs the creation of significant new job opportunities and economic growth, and helps revitalize and advance our critically important manufacturing industry”.
Harris has been hospitalized after breaking his leg in a fall in Columbus on Tuesday, Jan. 27, but Maggie Ostrowski, his spokeswoman, confirmed that he was on board with the request.
President Barack Obama and other members of Ohio’s legislative delegation received copies of the letter.
Liberal group urges Voino to avoid Rush
Americans United for Change, a liberal advocacy group, is urging U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, to avoid the Rush.
That’s conservative radio talk master Rush Limbaugh.
The group is airing radio ads in three states starting Saturday, Jan. 31, urging Republican senators to reject Limbaugh’s campaign against President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus plan. Other targeted senators are John Ensign of Nevada and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.
To hear the group’s advice to Voinovich, click here.
Steele wins RNC chairmanship
“This is awesome,” said Michael Steele, the new Republican National Committee chair, after he was elected Friday, Jan. 30.
Steele, former Maryland lieutenant governor, beat a field of five candidates, including former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, to win during the sixth ballot at the RNC’s winter meeting.
“It’s time for something completely different, and we’re going to bring it to you,” Steele said.
RNC chairman’s race: Anuzis drops out
Michigan Republican Party Chair Saul Anuzis, who got 20 votes in the fifth round of voting, has dropped out of the race for the Republican National Party chairmanship.
That leaves Michael Steele, former Lt. Gov. of Maryland, and Katon Dawson, chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party.
Currently, Steele has the lead, with 79 votes - six short of the 85 needed to win the gavel. Dawson has 69 votes.
Blackwell drops out
Ken Blackwell, former Ohio Secretary of State, has dropped out of the running for the Republican National Committee chairman.
“I put my fullest support behind Michael Steele,” he said, endorsing the more moderate former Lt. Gov. of Maryland.
Blackwell had received only 15 votes during the past two votes - far fewer than the 85 needed to win the chairmanship.
“I cannot change the composition of this electorate, nor would I want to,” Blackwell said to an applauding crowd.
He said Steele, also African-American, would “inspire hope” and said he had the leadership and vision to bring the party, which has suffered momentous losses during the 2008 and 2006 elections, back to the majority.
Blackwell’s endorsement of Steele came as something of a surprise to many in the party, who view Steele as more moderate than the conservative Blackwell.
With Blackwell out, Steele, South Carolina Republican Chair Katon Dawson and Michigan Republican Chair Saul Anuzis remain in the running. They’re now in their fifth ballot.
Fourth ballot: Blackwell still behind
Four candidates are left, and there’s a new leader in the race for Republican National Committee Chair: Katon Dawson, the head of the South Carolina Republican Party.
He has 62 votes. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele has 60 votes. Saul Anuzis, chair of the Michigan Republican Party, has 31 votes. And former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell has 15 votes.
Current RNC chair Mike Duncan of Kentucky dropped out of the race before the fourth vote.
Former Ohio Republican Party Chair Bob Bennett said he believes the race will come down to Dawson and Steele. He had backed Duncan, and said he’s now being courted from all sides.
But either Dawson or Steele, he said, would “ultimately be a good chairman.” He said momentum for change ultimately hampered Duncan’s bid.
RNC chair Duncan drops out; four candidates still in the running
RNC Chair Mike Duncan of Kentucky is conceding.
“I appreciate this great opportunity to serve you,” he said before an applauding audience of RNC members.
This leaves four candidates remaining. Among them: Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who has so far run last in votes.
Former Ohio Republican chair Bob Bennett wants a 15-minute recess; other members of the RNC are saying no.
Ballot three: Blackwell losing votes
Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell got 15 votes in the most recent balloting for chairmanship of the Republican National Committee.
Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele is now in the lead, with 51 votes. Current RNC chair Mike Duncan had 44 votes, South Carolina Republican Chair Katon Dawson has 34 votes and Michigan Republican Chair Saul Anuzis has 24.
This is the third ballot.
They’ll keep voting until someone gets 85 votes.
Ohio Republican Party Chair Kevin DeWine, who is among those casting votes, said what’s occurring is a series of alliances and deals being offered and rejected. “This is the 2009 version of the smoke-filled room,” he said.
He won’t say who he’s voting for, nor will he say whether he’s changed his vote.
RNC chairman vote today; This could take awhile
The Republican National Committee is electing a chairman today at its winter meeting. They just had a first vote, and it’s not looking great for former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.
There are 168 votes up for grab; whoever gets 85 votes wins the election. Current RNC chair Mike Duncan got 52 votes. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele got 46. South Carolina Republican Chairman Katon Dawson grabbed 28 votes and Michigan Republican chair Saul Anuzis got 22.
Blackwell got 20 votes.
The committee will have another vote; some predict it will take between four to six votes before one of the candidates wins.
Strickland hits campaign trail to promote school plan
It’s a little early to stump for re-election, but Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 29, hit the campaign trail, anyway.
Strickland, a Democrat, was pushing his plan for overhauling the state’s education system- including school funding - that he outlined in his State of the State speech on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Strickland kicked off the day at the Ohio Associated Press 2009 Legislative Preview session in Columbus where he provided reporters and editors from around the state with a few details of his school plan and also his proposed state budget, which he’ll unveil Monday, Feb. 2.
He also was scheduled to be in Dayton at 5 p.m. at the Stivers School for the Arts, following earlier stops in Cleveland and Cincinnati.
In Columbus, he said that under the education plan, the number of students in a classroom “up to and through the third grade will be 15 or fewer.” State law now sets a district-wide student-teacher ratio of 25-1, said Scott Blake, spokesman for the state Education Department.
Strickland also defended his proposal to lengthen the school day and school year.
“If a teacher says I’m going to teach in Kentucky instead of Ohio because the school day or school year is longer in Ohio, I hope I would say….I hope you enjoy Lexington or Louisville or Hazard or wherever you go,” he said.
On other budget issues, Strickland said the two-year spending plan he unveils Monday will include increases in tipping fees at landfills.
“We’re going to increase them in a way that keeps them consistent with, in fact still lower than our surrounding states,” he said. He said that with the possible exception of Kentucky, fees in surrounding states now are higher than Ohio’s.
Meanwhile, Strickland’s plan to increase the school year by 20 days over 10 years has prompted lots of discussion. Here’s a chance to voice your opinion.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Turner votes no on stimulus
On Tuesday night, U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, said he was torn on whether or not he would support a $825 billion stimulus package. On Wednesday night, he made his decision: Nope.
“While I support the extension of unemployment benefits to assist struggling families, I cannot support this proposal,” he said. “This plan did not provide enough direct immediate relief for those communities and individuals who have been impacted by this economic downturn. I am hopeful that the Senate will improve this proposal and I will continue efforts to protect those workers who have been hurt by the economic downturn and to seek solutions to get our nation’s economy back on track.”
The bill passed in the House, and now goes to the Senate.
Complete text of Gov. Strickland’s State of the State address
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s complete State of the State address as prepared for delivery:
I’d like to first recognize that one of Ohio’s great leaders, Senate President Bill Harris, was not able to be with us today. I know that he is in all of our thoughts and prayers, and we wish him a very speedy recovery.
Speaker Budish, Senate President Pro Tem Niehaus, Leader Batchelder and Leader Cafaro, Lt. Governor Fisher, statewide elected officials, members of the Cabinet, members of the General Assembly and the Supreme Court, distinguished guests, First Lady Frances Strickland, and my fellow Ohioans…
There was a time when Ohio State University played its football games on a dusty field surrounded by a humble collection of wooden bleachers.
Back then, OSU played teams from universities and small private colleges. They even scheduled a game against the soldiers from an army camp in Chillicothe.
Just after World War I came to an end there was a painful combination of high inflation and high unemployment that produced economic misery in Ohio and across the nation.
It was a truly frightening moment - hardly the time for a bold new idea. But several university leaders thought it was just the right time. They wanted to move forward with their long delayed plan to replace their modest football field with a modern stadium the likes of which had never before existed.
Now when the decision was finally made to build the stadium, Ohio State had little money and few fans. But they believed in something bigger than what they could see in front of them. They had a vision for a grand new building that would help usher in a new day for Ohio State University.
Their blueprint for the new stadium called for 63,000 seats. One of the university’s most respected leaders, a member of the board of trustees, pointed out the absurdity of constructing such a big stadium. He said, and I quote: “It will not be claimed that there is ever a remote possibility of an actual demand for such capacity.
After many years of frustrating delays and false starts, a fundraising campaign was launched. The ‘Boost Ohio Fund’ was established, with alumni and other Ohioans asked to contribute what they could. Students went out with pails asking passersby for a quarter or 50 cents. With great pride in Ohio, the money was raised person to person. And through the generosity of Ohioans, the university raised a million dollars to build Ohio Stadium.
From humble origins and modest resources, from vision and faith and collective effort we have today a stadium where more than 100,000 people convene to celebrate Buckeye football. A stadium where the eyes of the nation focus on fall Saturdays. A stadium that is the home of champions, the pride of our state, a living symbol of what we can accomplish together. To the critics who said it couldn’t be done, who were so certain this would fail, and who spoke unburdened by any sense of optimism, I think there’s a lesson here:
Never, never underestimate the people of Ohio. Just last year we were facing the prospect of runaway electricity rates. Other states failed to act when deregulation loomed. Their businesses were soon crippled and consumers overwhelmed by electricity prices that jumped as much as 70 percent. But working with the legislature, we protected Ohio jobs and Ohio consumers with a new law that ensures Ohioans will have access to reliable electricity service at sustainable rates. What’s more, we are creating Ohio jobs with an advanced energy portfolio standard.
Working together, we were one of the first states to recognize and respond to the national economic downturn. In the 1.57 billion dollar jobs stimulus bill enacted last year, we took swift action to invest in job-creating projects and industries that will produce a lasting positive effect in Ohio. We invested in our infrastructure, in our communities, in our workforce, and in our most-promising and high growth industries. By investing those dollars over the coming months, we will be creating jobs and strengthening Ohio for decades to come.
And while our energy bill is expanding the market for advanced energy in Ohio, our jobs stimulus bill is building on that commitment by investing in Ohio companies that can supply the component parts, install the hardware, and harvest the power of advanced energy. Together we’ve recognized that Ohio is key to meeting the energy needs of the nation and the world - and we are already seeing promising results. Over the last three years, Ohio has led the nation with 350 new or expanded facility projects in the renewable energy sector.
Take solar energy, for example. The Toledo area has become an international center for solar research and production, with more than 6,000 people working in the solar industry. First Solar and Xunlight (Zun-light) both launched major expansions just this past year. All across the state we’ve seen advanced energy creating opportunities. Rotek is making a major investment in their Portage County plant where they manufacture components for wind turbines. And in a year in which bad news rightly claimed its place in the headlines, there were other major economic victories for Ohio.
R and D magazine has cited Battelle as one of the leading sources of innovation in the country. And, just this month, Battelle announced a 200 million dollar investment in their Ohio facilities, an investment that will accelerate their pursuit of research breakthroughs and expand their Ohio workforce by 200.
NetJets is creating more than 800 new jobs and investing 200 million dollars as they expand their headquarters and facilities in Columbus. NetJets’ decision to invest in Ohio represents the triumph of a true collaboration between the state and local governments, our universities and colleges, and the private sector. Leading the state’s effort in that coalition was Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor and director of our Department of Development Lee Fisher. I thank Lee for his boundless commitment to bringing new jobs and new opportunities to Ohio. By working together we are breaking down barriers to higher education. With Chancellor Eric Fingerhut’s vision we’ve created a new 10-year plan that serves as a blueprint for helping more Ohioans enroll and complete their studies in our University System of Ohio.
Already students are transferring seamlessly from our community colleges to our universities. High school students are taking their first college classes at no cost to their families with our Seniors to Sophomores program. And veterans have been welcomed to Ohio’s campuses with our Ohio G.I. Promise. Under the program, we became the first state to offer veterans from across the country the opportunity to attend any public college or university without having to pay tuition. Together we’ve acted to improve the services provided to our veterans. This past year the legislature unanimously passed and I was proud to sign legislation which created the Department of Veterans Services. This new cabinet department has united all of our veterans services into one office in order to help our veterans get the full benefits they have earned.
We take this important step because we cherish the fact that more than 950,000 veterans live in Ohio, and we eagerly await the opportunity to welcome home the thousands of Ohioans currently deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. In honor of all the servicemen and women from Ohio who are bravely serving this state and nation, please join me now in a moment of silent reflection. Let us pray for their safe return and for the comfort and strength of those who have suffered loss or injury.
…Thank you.
Together we are working to create a more efficient state government. Our Ohio Government Accountability Plan is saving money, improving our performance, and providing better service to Ohioans. We’ve streamlined the process for seeking federal reimbursements, claiming millions of additional dollars owed to Ohio. We’ve eliminated a backlog of 16,000 letters and forms that was hindering the Department of Taxation’s ability to provide timely responses to Ohioans. We’ve reduced by 75 percent the time it takes to respond to employers questioning their workers compensation insurance rates. We’ve reduced elements of the coal permitting process by more than a year.
And with one simple new rule in the Department of Transportation - that all change orders for transportation projects now require the director’s approval - we saved Ohioans 46 million dollars last year. Director Jim Beasley, my good friend for more than 30 years, will be retiring this week from a career dedicated to public service. And I want to thank him for his integrity and for his leadership building roads and bridges and multi-modal projects that will serve Ohioans for generations to come. Today I’m calling on all state agencies to heed these successes and to make government services even simpler, faster, better and less costly.
But as we mark what we’ve accomplished together, the time has come for us to stare truth in the face. The truth is, our nation has lost more jobs in 2008 than in any year since World War II. In Ohio alone we lost more than 100,000 jobs. Titans of American industry, of Ohio industry, have suffered unprecedented setbacks. Last year GM’s U.S. car and truck sales plunged to a 49-year low. The stock market plummeted, eating away at the retirement savings of millions. In fact, last year the Dow Jones Industrial Average had its biggest decline since 1931. Housing foreclosures more than doubled in 2008 from the already record levels of the year before.
Real wages measure what people earn after the effects of inflation. And the real wages of the average American worker are lower today than they were 30 years ago. That means in terms of purchasing power, American workers are making less than their parents. I have said many times that our great state embodies the American experience. So too does our economy mirror the current American struggle.
But through it all, through it all, the state of our state is steadfast. The people of Ohio have not failed, and in this moment of turmoil, we must not fail them. Franklin Roosevelt spoke of the challenges of life that rise and fall like the tides. He said, “There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations, much is expected.” And I would add, of our generation it has been both. Now it is our duty, together, to make something of this moment. We must begin by confronting the realities of our budget situation. For the first time since the personal income tax was enacted in Ohio, we are projecting a three-year decline in income tax revenue.
For the first time since 1950, we are projecting a two-year decline in sales tax revenue. For the first time in a half century, Ohio’s general revenue taxes have declined two years in a row. We now forecast that the general revenue taxes available to the state of Ohio will be lower in the 2011 fiscal year than they were seven years earlier. So in this budget, I must ask all Ohioans to accept the sacrifices that these times demand. In order to protect the priorities most important to Ohio’s future, we have no choice but to reduce a significant number of programs and services. We must ask state of Ohio employees to endure a financial sacrifice. This is a difficult day within a difficult year. But not for a moment do I doubt that we will emerge strengthened by adversity.
Just two years ago I stood before you to offer a state budget with the slowest rate of growth in state spending in 42 years. Today, circumstances dictate that my budget proposal must once again be modest. But we will not waver from our commitment to live within our means and invest in what matters. Our revenues may have retreated, but we will not. Merely keeping our agencies at their previous budget levels for the next two years would leave us with a 7.3 billion dollar deficit. But the budget I will present next week will be balanced. And it will not raise taxes on Ohioans. We have balanced the budget with a wide range of measures. We call for many program reductions of 10 to 20 percent. We will leverage existing resources and one-time cash transfers. We will increase various state agency fees, fines, and penalties. We will modify our Medicaid policies to manage our costs and to take advantage of funds available in the forthcoming federal stimulus package. In all, we have reduced spending by 3.2 billion dollars from 2009 planning levels.
Our budget leverages 3.4 billion dollars in federal stimulus funds specifically designated for state fiscal relief. Without the infusion of federal resources, we would have had to impose far more substantial cuts to balance our budget. I am grateful for the leadership of Ohio’s congressional delegation on this issue and fully support their efforts to move forward quickly on the federal stimulus package. Despite this austere budget, we will continue making investments that are critical to Ohio’s economy and Ohio’s future.
We will strengthen Ohio by maintaining our commitment to affordable access to our colleges and universities. For the last two years, Ohio was the only state in the nation with no tuition increase at our public institutions. At our community colleges and regional campuses we will maintain that tuition freeze for the next two years. For our main university campuses, we will ask that they continue to freeze tuition in 2010, and keep any tuition increase to no more than 3.5 percent in 2011.
To better serve our youngest learners and help them thrive in school and in life, we will unite all of our early childhood development programs and resources into the Department of Education. This comprehensive early childhood system will focus on the whole child and provide quality early learning and care while improving our efficiency and effectiveness. We recognize that education is not a series of disconnected steps, it’s a staircase upward. And now in Ohio we will have a comprehensive P through 16 system built to help propel our young people up each step from pre-school enrollment to university degree. We will strengthen Ohio by expanding access to health care coverage.
We have finally gained federal approval to offer coverage to Ohio children from families with incomes up to 300 percent of the poverty line. With funding provided in this budget, we will soon be able to say that health care coverage is available to every child in Ohio. At the same time, we are taking innovative steps to expand health care access for adult Ohioans. Ohioans with employer-provided insurance will be able to buy coverage for their dependents up to the age of 29. Small business employees who lose their jobs will be able to purchase continuation coverage for up to 12 months. We will reform the open enrollment program to provide more affordable options for people who have pre-existing health conditions. And, we will allow more uninsured workers to purchase health care coverage with pre-tax dollars. Taken together, these steps will bring more than 110,000 adult Ohioans under the protection of health care coverage.
We will also provide more choices to Ohioans in need of long term care. People want care in the least restrictive environment possible. But state policies have almost pushed seniors and the disabled out the door of their homes and away from their communities. With a unified long-term care budget, we begin to balance services and funding, allowing our elderly and disabled Ohioans more choices. We will strengthen Ohio with innovative transportation projects.
We will work toward the restoration of passenger rail service between Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Our goal is to link Ohio’s three largest cities by passenger rail for the first time in 40 years. This will be a first step toward a rail system that links neighborhoods within a city, and cities within our state. We will strengthen Ohio by continuing the implementation of the tax reforms of 2005 and the Homestead Property Tax Exemption we passed in 2007 that is saving money for every senior citizen homeowner in Ohio.
And we will strengthen Ohio with a commitment to job creation. We will renew the Technology Investment Tax Credit to attract investors who are fueling the rise of new Ohio start-up technology companies. We will broaden the Job Retention Tax Credit and Job Creation Tax Credit so that more businesses can benefit from creating opportunity in Ohio. We will create a Film Tax Credit designed to spur the growth of the film industry, bringing new jobs and creative energy to Ohio. And, we will create a New Markets Tax Credit based on the existing federal program, to give our cities and towns a proven tool to spur investment in multi-use projects that bring new life to downtown centers.
Building on the plan we enacted last year, and on these job creation incentives in my budget proposal, I will introduce a second jobs stimulus package in the coming months. The package will include an expansion of Ohio’s Third Frontier program, regulatory reform and streamlining measures to assure that Ohio gets its share of federal stimulus funds and can put them to work quickly, and additional investments that will create jobs in the short term and strengthen Ohio for generations.
The philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson gave an interesting talk in the midst of what was called the “Panic of 1837.” At the time, nearly half of all banks had failed, credit all but vanished, and the American economy had ground to a halt. But Emerson did not lament the challenges of the day. He embraced them. He said, and I quote: “If there is any period one would desire to be born in, is it not the age of Revolution; when the old and the new stand side by side and admit of being compared; when the energies of all men are searched by fear and by hope; when the historic glories of the old can be compensated by the rich possibilities of the new era? This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”
I think those words sum up where we are today: this is a very good time if we but know what to do with it. And I would submit to you that we do know. Together, we must focus our energies and resources on the programs most vital to our future prosperity. First on that list is education. In the 1830s, Samuel Lewis was hired as Ohio’s first state superintendent of schools. Lewis was given the task of making sure that every child in every town was provided a quality education.
Lewis needed to know how many schools we had, where they were, what and who they taught. He couldn’t get the information he needed any other way, so he climbed atop his horse and he rode from town to town and school to school. He spoke to teachers and parents and students and people he met in the town square. Lewis’ journey took him a total of 1,200 miles as he circled Ohio and prepared a report for the legislature. Lewis wrote in his report that public schools in Ohio must be “free to all, rich and poor, on equal terms.” He said there was no greater tribute to patriotism than supporting strong public schools.
And Lewis concluded that the commitment to improving Ohio’s schools must be made immediately. He wrote, “Every year’s delay is adding mountains of obstacles to be overcome. We need no longer direct public attention to the future - to our children’s children - to the third and fourth generation, before the promised blessings are realized. Nothing will be more hurtful,” he said, “than procrastination.”
Seventeen decades later, you can Google Lewis’ report and see that his words still ring true. And what’s more, if Lewis were to ride his horse up to one of our schools today, he would immediately recognize what he was looking at. He would recognize our school day. He would recognize our school year. In too many schools he would recognize the typical classroom with rows of students lined up to listen to a teacher and record, rather than interact, with the information being provided. Now there is no doubt that by working together we have made improvements in our schools.
Over the last two years we reduced the tax burden on local communities as the state now provides the majority of funds needed for our local schools. Together we took the school building program that Governor Taft and the legislature created, and we expanded it to fund hundreds of new and renovated school buildings. And our new schools are being built to efficiency standards that will reduce our energy costs for the life of the building. In fact, Ohio has the largest energy efficient school building program in the nation.
Our education system has been strengthened immeasurably by the vision of legislators and other leaders who have long been committed to seeing that Ohio’s schools rank among the nation’s best. I share that commitment. And while I didn’t ride on horseback, I have spent the past two years visiting every corner of our great state. I’ve met with parents, educators, researchers, business and community leaders. I’ve looked at the best research available on what we should teach and how we should teach it. And in the last few months I’ve benefited from the considerable experience and wisdom of Ohio’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction Deborah Delisle.
It is absolutely clear to me that simply tinkering with centuries-old education practices will not prepare Ohio’s children for success in college, in the workplace, or in life. Therefore, today I present my plan to build our education system anew. The plan is based on a very simple premise: we should design our education system around what works. I have embraced an evidence-based education approach that harnesses research results and applies those findings to Ohio’s specific circumstances.
Now there will surely be those who protest that education research isn’t perfect. But frankly, we cannot afford to ignore the best available answers. Medical research isn’t perfect either, but it saves lives. My Ohio evidence-based plan is designed to provide the best education we can for all of Ohio’s students. The elements of my plan are supported by evidence, and that evidence will guide our implementation of the plan over the next eight years. First, what we teach and how we teach will prepare Ohioans to thrive in the 21st Century.
Students will, of course, continue to learn the timeless core subjects like math and science that are critical to their success. But we will also add new topics including global awareness and life skills to the curriculum. And we will use teaching methods that foster creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration, media literacy, leadership and productivity, cultural awareness, adaptability and accountability.
These are the skills that help people thrive in their lives. These are the skills our business leaders look for in the people they hire. These are the skills we find in people who create jobs, create products, and create entirely new industries. Under my plan, the Ohio Department of Education will set standards for Ohio schools requiring innovative teaching formats. Interdisciplinary methods, project-based learning, real world lessons, and service learning will be the norm. For example, a history teacher might build a lesson around a novel being read in an English class. Students might write a research paper that winds up in the school newspaper instead of being tossed in the trash can.
The learning experience will be built around the individual student. Lessons will not end when a fact is memorized. Students will be given a chance to interact with information, to follow up on the subjects that fascinate, to think critically and creatively and to use what they’ve learned to draw conclusions. Our schools are not assembly lines and our students are not widgets. We will teach to each individual student’s need because we recognize that it is the surest path to seeing our young people reach their full potential.
Second, under my plan, we will expand learning opportunities. Over a ten-year period we will add 20 instructional days to the school calendar - bringing Ohio’s learning year up to the international average of 200 days. We will end the outdated practice of giving our most impressionable students only a half-day of learning. Ohio will now require universal all-day kindergarten. We will provide resources to expand the learning day for all students with activities such as community service, tutoring, and wellness programs. We will build on our ‘Closing the Achievement Gap’ initiative to take what we’ve learned from the existing program to help us provide enhanced intervention services in schools with high dropout rates.
We will create community engagement teams in our schools. We will place nurses in our schools. We will have professionals in the schools who will help educators, families and community service providers come together to help our children succeed. And for the first time the state will provide dedicated resources for instructional materials and enrichment activities. We will celebrate learning with new academic achievement competitions and awards that make learning as publicly praised as athletics. With the creation of the Ohio Academic Olympics, students will compete in science, in math, in writing, in debate, in the arts, and in technology.
Now, there are some who would say we’ll never fill the seats of a stadium for this kind of competition. But I’ll tell you this; the winners of this competition will be able to design the stadium. Knowing that America’s children are among the world’s leaders in the amount of television they watch, we are claiming a few more hours of childhood for reading, thinking, community projects, and other activities. And in exchange for those few hours, we will give our students a lifetime of advantages. Third, under my plan, we will improve educator quality.
There is simply nothing that we as policymakers can influence in our schools that is as consequential as providing top quality teachers for our students. And before I go any further let me say something directly to Ohio’s teachers: thank you. Thank you for what you do for Ohio’s young people and for Ohio’s future. I hope that every day as you work you take a moment to remember that you can never tell where your influence stops. So, under my plan, in recognition of the enormous importance of excellent teachers, we will revolutionize teacher preparation and development in Ohio with a residency program. Just as future doctors begin their careers under the watchful eye of an experienced colleague, we will give our new teachers the benefit of thoughtful guidance from an accomplished senior teacher. After a four-year residency, successful candidates will earn their professional teaching license.
We will recognize the development of a teacher’s skills and accomplishments with a career ladder that begins with their residency and can build up to lead teacher, a person whose credentials, experience, and student results warrant additional responsibilities. That means for the first time our teachers will have the opportunity to advance their careers based on objective evidence of student progress. Our lead teachers will play an active role in overseeing new teachers in the residency program and assisting all their colleagues. We will provide collaborative planning time so that the best ideas of the best teachers can spread across a school and reach the most students. Mentoring, coaching and peer review will be a standard part of a teacher’s job.
We will harness the expertise of the Chancellor of Higher Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction to collaborate on professional development programs and innovative techniques for the classroom. Let me say that not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. And the residency program will identify them. But even for teachers already in the field, we must have the ability to remove them from the classroom if their students are not learning. Right now, it’s harder to dismiss a teacher than any other public employee. Under my plan, we will give administrators the power to dismiss teachers for good cause, the same standard applied to other public employees.
We will create a Teach Ohio program to open a path to licensure for professionals who have the subject knowledge but lack coursework in education methods. Teach Ohio participants will complete an intensive course in classroom methods and then be eligible to begin the four-year residency program. Scholarships will be made available for future teachers who agree to teach in hard to staff schools or in hard to staff subjects.
Our university teacher education programs will be redesigned to meet the needs and standards of our primary and secondary schools. The Chancellor of Higher Education will be empowered to reward university education programs that best prepare their students for success as teachers in Ohio. We will strengthen our licensing standards for school principals while giving them the ability and the responsibility to properly manage their schools. We will create standards for the mastery of both education and management principles for school superintendents, school treasurers and other business officials.
And you know, good ideas shouldn’t be something we stumble on accidentally. That’s why my plan creates a research and development function within the Department of Education. The department’s Center for Creativity and Innovation will monitor research and results from across the country and across the world to keep Ohio schools and Ohio educators informed of new advances. We take these steps to strengthen the education profession because we recognize that our teachers, much like doctors and pilots, hold lives in their hands, and we must do everything we can to make it possible for them to do their jobs extraordinarily well.
Fourth, under my plan, we will measure ourselves against the world. Ohio’s current graduation test does not measure creativity, problem solving, and other key skills. We will make our assessments both relevant and rigorous by replacing the Ohio Graduation Test with the ACT and three additional measures. All students will take the ACT college entrance examination, not only to measure their high school achievement, but to help raise students’ aspirations for higher education. Students will also take statewide ‘end of course’ exams, complete a service learning project, and submit a senior project.
These four measures will give our graduating high school seniors the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge, creativity, and problem solving skills, in short, to demonstrate precisely the skills that will help them succeed in life. In grades 3 through 8, our assessments will also be entirely rewritten to test for mastery of the information and skills in the curriculum. Our goal in our teaching and in our testing is nothing short of national and international leadership.
Fifth, under my plan, we will establish an unprecedented level of school district accountability and transparency. School districts will undergo performance audits overseen by the Department of Education to make sure they are maintaining the academic and operating standards we’ve established. Districts will report their spending plans before each school year and then account for every dollar at the conclusion of the school year.
And just as we provide an academic report card for our schools, we will provide parents, public officials, and taxpayers an annual fiscal and operational report card for every school district. That means that when we send districts funding to help students who need additional attention and instruction, we will now be able to track our dollars to see that they directly reach those students.
Failure to comply with our standards will result, first, in the assigning of technical assistance to help a school district correct its deficiencies. If the problem persists, a district will be required to present a comprehensive plan outlining how it will reach full compliance with our academic and operating standards. Continued failure would result in the district being placed in receivership, with entirely new leadership installed. And finally, if the district remains non-compliant, the State Board of Education would be required to revoke the school district’s charter. In short, if a school district fails, we will shut it down.
And, as we establish a new level of accountability in our school districts, we must also establish accountability in our charter schools. For those who may have misunderstood my position on charter schools, I want to be very clear. I support charter schools that meet the same high standards we demand of traditional public schools. Charter schools that hire quality teachers, show fiscal and academic accountability, are regulated by the Department of Education, and are not run by for-profit management services have a place in my plan.
Now, in order to implement our evidence-based model, our students will need educators, support staff, materials, and special programs necessary to deliver a 21st century education. And by defining what our students need, we have in the process defined the resources our schools need.
The first step in providing those resources is eliminating aspects of our current funding system that are, quite frankly, indefensible. In the current system, when the state calculates how much tax revenue a school district has, the state uses phony numbers. You may have heard this called ‘phantom revenue.’ For example, in many school districts, rising property values do not produce additional property tax revenue. But the state formula for school aid assumes districts do get additional tax revenue. That’s not logical, and it results in many districts being punished because the formula says they have an abundance of phantom dollars that don’t actually exist.
Under my plan, the state will no longer ask school districts to pay their bills with phantom dollars. Instead, my plan lowers what our local taxpayers are expected to contribute to local schools from 23 mills to 20 mills. The state will assume responsibility for providing the difference between what those 20 mills raise and the cost of the full range of educational resources our students need according to our evidence-based approach. Additionally, districts will have the option of asking voters to pass a conversion levy. Now, a conversion levy simply maintains the existing millage on residential property for a district currently above 20 mills.
Districts that use a conversion levy, and all districts whose tax structure already allows growth on 20 mills, will see their tax revenues grow with increased property values, helping schools to keep up with inflation. Last November alone we had more than 200 school districts asking voters to approve school levies. Under my plan, school districts that choose this option will not have to go to the ballot year after year just to stay even with inflation.
And, we will strengthen the historic partnership between the state and our local school districts. When I came into office, local school districts paid for the majority of school costs. In the upcoming two-year budget, even with grave economic challenges facing Ohio and the nation, my plan will take the state’s share of education funding to 55 percent. As our Ohio evidence-based plan is fully phased in, the state’s share will grow to an unprecedented 59 percent. And when we do these things, I believe we will have finally and unquestionably met our constitutional obligation to our children.
What’s more, together we’ll make Ohio one of the first states with a school year 200 days long. Together we’ll make Ohio among the first states to place 21st century skills like creativity, problem solving, communication and leadership at the center of its curriculum. Together we’ll make Ohio the first state with a comprehensive residency program for new teachers. Together we’ll make Ohio among the first states to require universal all day kindergarten.
And we’ll take these steps with a very deliberate purpose. It’s because, as President Kennedy once put it, “We want to be first. Not first if. Not first but, but first.” We will graduate Ohioans ready to succeed in the modern economy and in modern life. Future generations will look back gratefully and say that when we came together on education, we claimed this new century for Ohio.
Now, the words I quoted earlier aren’t Franklin Roosevelt’s best remembered comments about economic hardship. His most famous words were: “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” That’s a wonderful sentiment. But the truth is, our people have a good deal more to fear than fear. The loss of a job, a home, health care, and a pension hovers over far too many of our neighbors. So I stand before you today with the unshakable knowledge that Ohio has been an economic powerhouse for 200 years, and, my friends, I believe Ohio’s best days are yet to come.
Whether we progress swiftly or slowly, however, will be in direct proportion to how well we work together. If you looked up at the sky as the weather turned cold and the birds headed south for the winter, you probably saw a flock of geese flying together in a V formation. Many years ago a pastor asked his congregation, “Do you know why geese fly in a V instead of side by side?” And then he explained, they fly in a V because it allows each goose to reduce the wind resistance for the bird flying behind it. By flying in formation, the whole flock strengthens each individual bird, allowing each goose to fly vastly greater distances together than it could possibly fly alone.
My friends, surely we are as smart as the goose. We can share a common direction, a sense of common purpose, and in so doing we can strengthen each other even as we strengthen ourselves. Thank you and may God Bless Ohio.
Strickland unveils sweeping changes for Ohio schools
With snow falling outside the Statehouse, Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 28, unleashed his own blizzard of changes for Ohio schools, including an extension of the school year by 20 days over a 10-year period.
In his State of the State speech, Strickland also proposed school funding changes to bring the state share of the cost of education to 59 percent. With the changes, he and lawmaker would meet their “constitutional obligation to our children,” a reference to four Ohio Supreme Court decisions ruling the school funding system unconstitutional, he said.
The changes in education are aimed at moving Ohio ahead, despite tough times, he said.
“…we’ll take these steps with a very deliberative purpose. It’s because, as President (John F.) Kennedy once put it, ‘We want to be first. Not first if. Not first but, but first,” Strickland, a Democrat, said.
The changes, most of which would require approval by the legislature, include:
*Establishing all-day kindergarten in all schools.
*Phasing in 20 extra schools days over a 10-year period, bringing the learning year to the international average of 200 days.
*Expanding the school day with activities such as community service and tutoring.
*Establishing a four-year residency program for teachers to complete to qualify for their professional teaching license.
*Eliminating so-called “phantom revenue” from the school funding formula. The formula now assumes local school districts collect more revenue as property values go up, but state law doesn’t allow tax collections to increase with property values.
*Replacing the Ohio Graduation Test with the ACT college entrance exam, end of course exams, completion of a service learning project and submission of a senior project.
Ohio Senate President Harris breaks leg in storm
Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland, slipped and broke a leg in a fall outside a downtown Columbus hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 27 and will miss the State of the State speech today, Jan. 28, by Gov Ted Strickland. Harris reportedly broke his thighbone.
Harris, 74, was taken to a Columbus hospital where he remained today, a Senate aide said. He is expected to be transferred to a hospital in Ashland and have surgery, the aide said.
Columbus, like most of the state, was blanketed with snow and ice on Tuesday and the storm continued today. The State of the State speech, however, is scheduled to go on as scheduled at noon.
Petro, GOP lawmakers propose plan to save $1 billion, cut 11,000 state jobs
If Gov. Ted Strickland needs any money-saving ideas for his State of the State speech today, Jan. 28, Republican Jim Petro, the former state auditor and attorney general, and a group of Republican lawmakers are ready to help.
Petro and the lawmakers on Tuesday, Jan. 27, unveiled a plan to reorganize state government and in the process save $1 billion annually and eliminate 11,000 of more than 60,000 state jobs.
“If not now, when?” state Sen. Tim Grendell, Chesterland, asked, referring to the tough economic times.
The plan calls for reducing the number of cabinet-level departments under the governor’s control from 24 to 10.
State government today is set up basically as it was established by the constitution of 1912, said House Minority Leader William Batchelder, R-Medina.
“Ohio is trapped in the past,” said Rep. John Adams, R-Sidney. “Successful private firms reorganize every five to 10 years.”
Petro proposed a similar plan in 2004 when he was attorney general and running for governor.
While Democrat Strickland is not expected to make the proposal part of today’s speech, “the governor will review the proposal as he would any other legislative proposal,” said Amanda Wurst, the governor’s spokeswoman.
House Speaker unveils six new committees
There’ll be a new look to legislative work in the Ohio House this year.
Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, today, Jan. 27, announced that there’ll be six new committees to handle legislation. They’ll be among the 27 committees in the House,
New committees are:
Aging and Disability Protection
Consumer and Economic Protection
Elections and Ethics
Environment and Brownfield Development
Faith-Based Initiatives
Housing and Urban Revitalization
“We must develop a more responsive legislature with committees that are aligned with key issues such as creating jobs, protecting the environment, ensuring fair elections, and protecting consumers,” Budish said in a press release. “Given the numerous challenges we face, we must focus on getting things done for the citizens of Ohio.”
While the new committees may help lawmakers focus on key issues, you can bet many of them still want to end up on that old powerhouse standby, the Finance Committee. It’s especially important in a year when lawmakers put a budget together.
Committee chairmanships and memberships will be announced next week, the release said.
Brown on climate change
Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, is in Ohio caring for his ailing mother, but through spokeswoman Meghan Dubyak, he had this reaction to Obama’s moves to reverse the Bush administration on emissions:
“The senator feels for the past eight years the issue of climate change has really been ignored by the Bush administration. He appreciates President Obama’s lead here in taking a strong step to spur a national conversation on climate change, but he thinks climate change warrants a national solution. He’ll continue to work with his colleagues on climate change legislation that will help create jobs when it comes to manufacturing and green energy.”
Gov. Strickland doesn’t like Obama’s auto emissions directive
All the criticism of President Barack Obama’s directive endorsing efforts by California and 13 others states to restrict tailpipe emissions isn’t coming from Republicans.
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 26, expressed his own unhappiness.
“The governor does not agree with allowing certain states to set standards that will have a profound economic impact on other states such as Ohio,” Amanda Wurst, Strickland’s spokeswoman said. “The governor believes the best way to approach this is through a national standard.”
U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, and U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, also criticized Obama’s action. The president said the action is aimed at promoting energy independence.
Montgomery County GOP leader Gantt backs Portman
Montgomery County Republican Chairman Greg Gantt has jumped on the Rob Portman bandwagon, endorsing Portman for the 2010 GOP U.S. Senate nomination.
“Rob’s got that statesman’s presence, the experience in Washington. He’s more of a diplomat,” Gantt said today, Jan. 26.
Gantt was among 62 GOP county chairmen who have endorsed Portman - 70 percent of the total -, Portman’s campaign announced last week.
The campaign also announced that 47 members - 74 percent - of the GOP State Central Committee - also have endorsed Portman, a former Cincinnati-area U.S. House member and former budget director and trade representative under President George W. Bush.
Before Portman announced his candidacy on Jan. 14, Gantt said that he was worried that Portman and former U.S. Rep. John Kasich of suburban Columbus might square off in a battle for the 2010 GOP nomination for governor.
Although Kasich hasn’t formally announced for governor,Gantt said he likes a ticket with Kasich for governor and Portman for U.S. Senate.
“The stars are lining up,” Gantt said.
Other county chairmen who’ve endorsed Portman, according to his campaign, include: Auglaize, Wayne York; Butler, Tom Ellis; Clark, Lynda Smith; Darke, Cindy Pike; Greene, Marilyn Reid and Warren, Tom Grossman.
Voinovich, Boehner not happy about Obama’s tailpipe emissions directive
Sen. George Voinovich and House Minority Leader John Boehner quickly spoke out Monday, Jan. 26, about a directive issued by President Barack Obama endorsing state efforts to restrict tailpipe emissions.
Obama also ordered higher fuel-efficiency standards. Specifically, Obama ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its denial of California’s request for a waiver permitting it to set stricter emissions standards for greenhouse gases from motor vehicles.
“I am fearful that today’s action will begin the process of setting the American auto industry back even further,” Voinovich, R-Ohio, said. “The federal government should not be pilling on an industry already hurting in a time like this.”
Boehner, R-West Chester meanwhile, called Obama’s action “disappointing.”
“The effect of this policy will be to destroy American jobs at the very time government leaders should be working together to protect and create them,” he said. “Millions of American jobs will be placed in further jeopardy if automakers are forced to spend billions to comply with potentially dozens of different emissions standards in dozens of different states.”
Obama said his steps, which would reverse Bush administration directives, are aimed at increased energy independence.
What do you think?
Strickland quietly kicking off 2010 fundraising
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland is quietly kicking off fundraising for a 2010 re-election bid with a series of events.
The fundraisers are set in the “Three Cs” - Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus - said Chris Redfern, Ohio Democratic chairman. The Cleveland fundraiser was held recently, said Redfern.
Tonight, Jan. 23, there’ll be a fundraiser at BoMA, a Columbus restaurant and nightspot, said Redfern. On Friday, Jan. 30, the governor will be raising campaign cash in Cincinnati at the Westin Hotel.
Tickets for the Columbus and Cincinnati events are $200 and $1,000, said Redfern.
Former U.S. Rep. John Kasich, a Columbus area Republican, is expected to enter the race against Strickland.
“We know it’s going to be a strongly contested race because of John Kasich’s ability to raise money,” said Redfern.
Strickland led Kasich, 45-39 percent in a recent poll conducted by Public Policy Polling of Raleigh, N.C.
Tiberi has three reasons for skipping inauguration
Forgive U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus, for missing votes and the inauguration of President Barack Obama this week.
Tiberi was busy supporting his wife, Denice, as she gave birth to triplet daughters on Sunday, Jan. 18.
Mom and babies are doing fine. Tiberi has yet to release the names of the girls, but they’ll join his five-year-old daughter Angelina, after they’re released from the hospital.
Denice’s doctor, meanwhile, suggested Tiberi get a male dog so at least he has some solidarity, spokeswoman Breann Gonzalez said.
Strickland appoints Molitoris to head ODOT; first woman to lead agency
Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 22, appointed Jolene Molitoris as the next director of the Ohio Department of Transportation, replacing James Beasley who will retire Jan. 30.
Molitoris, 67, will be the first woman to head ODOT, which overseas Ohio’s highway, rail, waterway, transit and aviation programs.
Molitoris, from the Columbus suburb of Dublin, currently is ODOT assistant director and also chairs the Ohio Rail Development Commission. Her salary will be about $140,000, the same as Beasley’s, according to Strickland’s office.
Being the “first” is not new to Molitoris. In 1993, President Bill Clinton appointed her as the first woman to head the Federal Railroad Administration. She led agency-wide changes focused on improving customer service and safety, a press release said. The changes helped achieve the seven safest years in U.S. railroad history, the release said.
“From her work in Washington and Ohio, Jolene is nationally recognized for her leadership in the transportation industry,” Strickland said in a press release.
Before joining ODOT, Beasley served nearly 27 years as Brown County engineer. He has been in Strickland’s cabinet since February 2007.
Sex sting attorney gives up law license
The attorney caught by police in the Ohio Statehouse where he expected to rendezvous with a 15-year-old girl for sex resigned his law license, the Ohio Supreme Court announced Thursday, Jan. 22.
Barry A. Menster of New Albany was arrested outside the cafeteria in the basement of the Statehouse Oct. 31, 2007. The arrest was the result of a yearlong online correspondence that Menster thought he was having with a teen-age girl. Actually, he was corresponding with Lt. Jeff Braley of the Hamilton Twp. police department in Warren County who specializes in cybercrimes.
On April 1, 2008, Menster plead guilty to attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and importuning and was later sentenced to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. His conviction was reported to the Columbus Bar Association and investigated by the Surpeme Court’s disciplinary counsel.
Menster was admitted to the Ohio bar in 1984.
Brown gets ethics post
Sen. Sherrod Brown was tapped late Wednesday to serve on the Senate Ethics Committee.
The committee, which includes six senators divided evenly by party, is tasked with ensuring ethical behavior in the U.s. Senate.
“Sherrod Brown is not only a good Senator, he is a good man who consistently demonstrates sound judgment,” said Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid, in an release announcing the appointment. “His leadership on the Ethics Committee will benefit the entire Senate, and I wish him all the best in this new role.”
Brown, D-Ohio, said as a member of the committee, he’ll work to ensure that the Senate has “the highest standards of accountability and oversight.”
Strickland leads Kasich in possible guv race matchup
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland leads Republican John Kasich in a possible matchup in next year’s governor’s race, according to a poll released Wednesday, Jan. 21, by Public Policy Polling of Raleigh, N.C.
Strickland’s 45-39 percent lead over Kasich, a former U.S. House member from suburban Columbus, is not insurmountable, the poll found. For full results, click here.
Kasich has not formally announced his candidacy but is expected to enter the race. He has been a commentator for Fox News.
In the poll, 48 percent of the voters approved of Strickland’s job performance, while 35 percent disapproved. As for Kasich, 42 percent said they weren’t sure what to think of him, while 34 percent had a favorable impression and 24 percent an unfavorable impression.
“John Kasich is probably the strongest candidate Republicans could run for governor next year but Ted Strickland is in pretty good shape,” Dean Debnam, PPP president, said in a press release.
“A net approval rating over 10 points is not bad and Kasich has a lot of work to do to increase his name recognition across the state if he decides to make the race.”
Strickland got a boost in the poll by edging out Kasich among white voters, 44-41 percent. Any Democrat who wins the white vote should easily win statewide, a PPP press release said. The race was close partly because Strickland got just 52 percent of the black vote, the release said.
Polls taken this far ahead of an election tend to underestimate black support for Democratic candidates and it seems likely Strickland could get closer to 80 or 90 percent of the black vote in the actual election, it said.
PPP surveyed 578 Ohio voters on Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 18. The poll’s margin of error is plus or minus 4.1 percent.
Women in Attorney General sexual harassment case settle for $247,500 each
Cindy Stankoski and Vanessa Stout, whose charges of sexual harassment helped drive Attorney General Marc Dann from office, have agreed to a settlement that will pay each of them $247,500, which includes attorney fees.
New Attorney General Richard Cordray, like Dann a Democrat, and Rex Elliott, attorney for the two women, announced the settlement today, Jan. 21.
Cordray and Rex Elliott issued a joint statement:
“Today we agreed to put to rest a series of events that was unbecoming of the leadership of the Attorney General’s office and difficult for the two women who showed courage in turning a spotlight upon it.
“Ohioans should be able to count upon ethical conduct by the individuals entrusted with conducting the people’s business. By bringing to light wrongdoing and a fundamental disrespect for that public trust, Cindy Stankoski and Vanessa Stout played an important role in creating an opportunity to restore professionalism to the Ohio Attorney General’s office.
“We believe that what happened to them was wrong and regret the difficulties they have experienced.”
Stout and Stankoski will no longer work for the attorney general’s office, a press release said. Stout resigned Dec. 19 and Stankoski submitted her resignation today.
Former U.S. District Judge Robert Duncan, who headed an advisory panel that looked into the operation of the attorney general’s office praised the settlement in the release.
“I believe this settlement was made wisely by Attorney General Cordray with the best interests of Ohio citizens in mind. I am pleased that the attorney general’s office can move forward with this matter now resolved.”
Niki Schwartz, who previously attempted to mediate the dispute, said in the release:
“This settlement is fair and reasonable for both sides and in the best interests of the state.”
Under pressure from Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and facing possible impeachment, Dann resigned last May. Cordray was elected in a special election in November to serve out the final two years of Dann’s term.
House Dems hire new spokesman
The Ohio House Democrats hired Keary McCarthy as their communications director. McCarthy, 32, most recently served as spokesman at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and last year took a leave of absence to work on Barack Obama’s campaign in Ohio.
McCarthy starts his job Jan. 26.
Voinovich lands on Appropriations Committee
U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, who announced last week that he will retire at the end of this term, Wednesday, Jan. 21 announced that he has landed a spot on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Voinovich, a debt hawk, said in a release that he will bring a “common sense, hard-nosed fiscal approach from his days as mayor of Cleveland and governor of Ohio” to the appropriations process. Voinovich also vowed to advocate greater oversight, tougher standards and “the setting of real priorities.”
The committee, which divvies up federal funds, is considered one of the most powerful committee in both the House and Senate. The last Ohio senator to hold a spot on the committee was U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, who lost his re-election bid in 2006. Two members of the House Appropriations Committee, Reps. Ralph Regula, R-Navarre, and David Hobson, R-Springfield, retired at the end of last year, and U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Twp., earlier this month landed a spot on the committee.
Voinovich’s landing on the committee will mean he can no longer serve on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Senate rules. He will continue to serve on the Environment and Public Works Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
He’s also decried Congress’ recent inability to complete all of its appropriations bills.
“America’s fiscal situation is dire and is getting worse by the day. The federal government continues to spend more than it brings in and cannot sustain itself working this way forever,” he said in a release. “I believe that Congress can be a true steward of the taxpayer dollar through transparency and prioritization. I hope to be able to help Ohio in a way that is fiscally responsible while pushing Congress to work harder and smarter. “
Gov. Strickland supports Markus for federal judgeship
Kent Markus, Gov. Ted Strickland’s chief legal counsel, has expressed interest in a federal judgeship and Strickland is “fully supportive,” Keith Dailey, Strickland’s spokesman said today, Jan. 21.
“He (Strickland) knows that he (Markus) would be a terrific federal judge,” said Dailey.
There currently is a vacancy in the United States District Court for Southern Ohio, which serves the Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus areas.
The vacancy occurred when U.S. District Judge Sandra Beckwith in Cincinnati took senior status this year.
The appointment could be the first in Ohio by new President Obama.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, a close political ally of Strickland, will make the recommendation on filling the vacancy to Obama. Brown and U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, have formed a committee to make recommendations to Brown.
Markus, 49, was nominated to a vacancy on the Cincinnati-based U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals by President Bill Clinton but his nomination was among those not approved by the U.S. Senate before Clinton left office.
Appointments to the federal bench are for life.
President Obama off to good start with Ohio voters
President Obama is off to a good start with Ohio voters, who supported him in last November’s presidential election.
A new poll from Public Policy Polling of Raleigh, N.C., released Tuesday, Jan. 20, found that 59 percent of respondents approved of how Democrat Obama handled his transition to office. Also, a majority - 51 percent - said they thought Obama would end up being a better president than former President George W. Bush, a Republican.
Thirty three percent said they thought Bush would end up being a better president.
For full poll results click here.
“Ohio put George W. Bush over the top for another four years in office in 2004,” Dean Debnam, PPP president, said in a press release. “But it’s pretty clear now that they think changing presidents will be a step forward.”
Black voters were more likely than white voters to approve the transition. Fifty percent of white voters and almost two-thirds of black voters had a positive view of the transition.
Voters divided along party lines on who would end up being the better president. Eighty three percent of Democrats said Obama would be better while 63 percent of Republicans said Bush would rank higher.
Among independents, 46 percent said Obama would end up on top while 36 percent gave the nod to Bush.
PPP surveyed 578 voters on Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18. The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 4.1 percent.
A few photos from the swearing-in
Inauguration gives Carroll grad close encounters with the stars
From Ellen Belcher:
Actress Jessica Alba and Seaman Joshua Mamuszak, 19, aren’t exactly best buds, but she did have her photo taken with the Carroll High School grad at Barack Obama’s inauguration.
Nice as that was, Mamuszak wishes he had the photo.
Mamuszak enlisted in the Navy after graduation last year, and in December completed ceremonial guard training. Besides attending funerals at Arlington Cemetery and representing the Navy at important events, on Tuesday Mamuszak ushered dignitaries and celebrities to their seats on the West Lawn. Besides Alba, Mamuszak also escorted Grammy-Award winning singer Tim McGraw.
Asked about how he reacted to walking with Alba, Mamuszak said”I had to keep my military bearing.”
He also saw Beyonce, P. Diddy and Halle Berry.
“It was pretty overwhelming,” he said.
Cornel West draws a crowd
At one point Tuesday afternoon, a minor mob scene erupted outside the Hall of the States, the building near the Capitol where many states keep their Washington offices. Tourists pushed, shoved and held cameras aloft. The big star?
Academic and writer Cornel West, a professor at Princeton University.
West seemed to relish the attention, posing for pictures and smiling widely. “A page has turned,” he told his fans, presumably referring to Obama’s election.
Wright State student works the Mall
Omar Durrani, 25, a Wright State student who volunteered for Obama in Dayton, found himself fighting with security guards in Smithsonian’s famous castle. When the crowds trying to get into the building swelled to the hundreds, Durrani, volunteering for the inauguration, was aghast that security guards were only letting five people in at a time, when there was plenty of space in the building.
He was unsuccessful, at first. But, taking seriously his duty to “make visitors to the Mall comfortable,” he argued that elder ladies and children in the crowd needed to get in, if only for a moment to become warm.
His pleas were finally taken seriously, and later, some of those who’d watched him fight with the guards asked to sign a placard he had to carry as a volunteer. On Tuesday night, he carried it with him - a souvenir of his experience.
Centerville volunteer meets famous writer; chaos ensues
Along with his father Kriss, Eric Gang of Centerville signed up to be a volunteer at the inauguration. Among his other duties, Eric, 22, was put in charge of helping the disabled get access to the swearing-in site.
But one of the guests he saw threw him for a loop. When one woman pulled up and requested a ride, Eric said he was happy to oblige. Then he asked if she needed assistance because of a disability. The woman looked offended, and her driver, behind her, looked mortified.
When a spectator in the crowd asked if she could say hi to the woman, Eric shrugged. Sure.
“Who’s that?” he asked a bystander, his interest piqued.
The answer: Famed novelist Toni Morrison.
Gov. Strickland’s slumber party
While many Ohio lawmakers and Democratic luminaries spent Monday night crashed out at the swank Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland relied on more modest accommodations.
He slept in Ohio’s Washington, D.C. office, not far from Union Station. After driving in with security detail, his chief of staff and a friend, Strickland and company bunked up for the night in an office outfitted with a couch, a couple of desks and a coffee table.
He said the group did it because Ohio’s budget is “really tight” and getting a hotel room would’ve been costly. “So we had our own slumber party, so to speak,” he said.
Strickland stripped the cushions off the couch and laid them on the floor, sleeping in a sleeping bag. Security took the couch, without the cushions. Everyone else crashed where they could.
All told, Strickland, who washed his hair for the swearing-in in a sink down the hall, got about four hours of sleep.
“He says I snore,” Strickland said at about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, pointing to a staffer. “And I don’t believe it.”
Friends reunite at Inauguration
Michelle Eviston of Fairborn, a recent Bowling Green State University grad, had been planning on visiting her college friend, Candice Jones of Tipp City, after Jones got a job in Washington, D.C.
So she asked her friend when she should visit.
“How about the weekend of Jan. 19?” Jones, 22, replied.
Jones had just scored two tickets through a ticket lottery held by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio. Now the two college buddies will elbow through the crowds to see Barack Obama sworn in as president.
The two got a peek at the inauguration’s star power on Sunday, when they joined the crowds near Lincoln Memorial to see the “We are One” concert. “We saw it on the Jumbotron,” Jones said.
Even before Obama was sworn in, that crowd, they said, was unlike anything they’d ever seen.
“This is extreme,” Jones said. “I have nothing to compare it to.”
Child care crisis gets two Beavercreek girls a chance to witness history
David Borden and his wife Monica Escobar had planned on leaving their daughters with family when they went to Washington, D.C. to watch Barack Obama be inaugurated.
But then the family members who had planned to come in from out of state got held up because of bad weather. So on Thursday, Valentina Crespo, 10, and Guisela Crespo, 12, got the news: They were coming along.
Now the Beavercreek family has to figure out who gets the one coveted ticket to the swearing-in. They were considering flipping a coin, Monica joked.
Guisela, who along with her mother and sister is a native of Bolivia, said she was excited to see America swear in its first black president. “This is a giant step America has taken.”
Her father, who works at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s Aeronautical Systems Center, echoed that sentiment. “I am very proud of our country,” he said.
Dayton native gets ticket to history, thanks to his military service
Maj. Charles Kuhens’ time in the U.S. Army has brought him to Iraq, Afghanistan and, now, Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he’s the deputy director of L.P.N. programs.
On Tuesday, that service will get him a first-hand ticket to history.
Sen. Sherrod Brown Monday, Jan. 19, presented Kuhens and about a dozen other Ohio servicemen and women stationed at Walter Reed with tickets to the swearing-in. At a brief ceremony, Brown, D-Ohio, said he wanted to reward the men and women for their service.
Kuhens, who was born in Dayton but moved away as a small child, was happy to accept.
“This is the opportunity of a lifetime for me to get a ticket,” he said. “I’ll get to watch history in the making.”
A group of Dayton Obama volunteers celebrate in sync
They call themselves “The Amazing Race for Obama.”
Seven women and two men, ranging in age from 20s to 50s, they all volunteered for Barack Obama’s campaign.
And now they’re here.
Standing nearby, outside House Minority Leader John Boehner’s office, Monday, the group rejoiced over scoring tickets to the swearing-in. It was the culmination of a weekend that included interviews from a Japanese reporter, touring Washington, D.C. and rejoicing that the man they worked so hard to elect was on the eve of becoming the 44th president.
Debbie Hassell, 57, of Dayton, compared their hours of volunteering to childbirth. “It’s like after you go through labor, and you push and then you see a beautiful baby,” she said.
“It’s the fruit of our labor,” chimed in Bobbi Harewood, 36, also of Dayton, who described herself as being “in disbelief, but in awe.”
Harewood marveled Monday that the crowd, already building for Tuesday’s event, was so calm.
“It feels like we’re all going in the same direction,” she said. “Like a choir.”
For Dayton family, inauguration is a once-in-a-generation moment
Debbie Hancock of Dayton grew up in Atlanta, and her childhood is thick with memories of watching Martin Luther King, Jr. speak and visiting Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King preached.
So when Barack Obama was elected president, the Miami Valley Hospital employee knew she and her husband Charles, who works for the RTA, had to bring their children, Adreana, 17, and Marqus, 16.
Even with her tickets, garnered with the help of House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, she’d been cautioned to get up early to beat the crowds on the Mall. So she said she was preparing to get up at 3 or 4 a.m.
She wanted her kids to see the first black president take the oath of office.
“This is historic,” she said. “A page has been turned.”
Volunteers descend on Washington
Carolyn Garland went to the Martin Luther King Library in downtown Washington, D.C., thinking she would help local chapters of a black fraternity pass out food and clothes to the homeless. By the time she got there, members of Omega Phi Si Fraternity were cleaning up.
President-elect Barack Obama asked people to mark MLK Day by volunteering in their communities. Washington is awash with residents and visitors working at churches and for social service groups. Obama helped paint at a shelter for homeless teens.
Each year on MLK Day, Omega Phi Si passes out hot meals near the library where many homeless persons congregate. But, of course, this year was different, with the country’s first black president being sworn in in 24 hours.
Garland said Washington has a well-organized feeding program because of its large homeless population, but mostly they receive sandwiches. On MLK’s birthday, the needy get a hearty meal of hot meat and vegetables at this site.
By chance, Garland ran in to two former Daytonians, one of whom is a former Wilberforce University student. Wilberforce is Ohio’s only private historically black university. Garland is the wife of John Garland, president of Central State University — the state’s only public black college.
Garland said she was struck by the electricity in the air when she’s been walking around the city.
“The excitement and energy are over the top,” she said. “I’m walking down the street and people are just beaming and smiling.”
Dayton police in DC not getting sleep tonight
Twenty Dayton police officers who are in Washington, D.C., to help with security for President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration are assigned to Constitution Avenue between 7th and 9th streets to manage crowds just off the parade route down Pennsylvania Avenue.
Lt. Bob Chabali said the officers, who will be teamed with others from Detroit and Cleveland, spent Monday afternoon in a four-hour briefing. At 4:30 p.m., they were on their way back to the Marriott Hotel in Greenbelt, Maryland — normally a half-hour drive that Chabali estimated would take 90 minutes. They’ll leave for their Tuesday duty at 2:30 a.m.
Chabali, who also was at President George W. Bush’s inauguration in 2005, said easily 40 people volunteered for the inauguration assignment, but that to ensure Dayton had enough officers on duty, only 20 were allowed to go. In 2005, 40 officers made the trip, but the department has been downsized since then.
Dayton is the only department in the region that has officers at the event, Chabali said. Former Police Chief William McManus, who formerly worked for the Washington Metro Police Department, helped get Dayton on the invitation list.
The officers, who have to take vacation to participate, are paid by the federal government.
Chabali, 52, said that he and the others are getting exceptional training and experience in crowd control, unlike anything they’d ever experience in Dayton. “This is absolutely the biggest event ever in DC police history,” he said.
After their training, some officers went to the National Police Memorial on Judiciary Square where police officers who died on the job are honored.
Det. Bill Elzholz, 55, said he was impressed with the briefing.
“You can tell the Metro PD knows their business,” he said.
Chabali said the officers are driving in five cars and that they drove through snow in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia on their way in on Sunday. “We drove the speed limit, as always,” he quipped.
Have bus will travel to the inauguration
Ann Luckoski , Janet Flick and Fred Brinkman are riding all night tonight to Barack Obama’s inauguration. On Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., they’re turning around and coming home. That’s two nights in a row sleeping on a charter bus.
“I’m taking a blanket and a pillow, and I’m bringing Tylenol PM,” said Luckoski, of Beavercreek. “Usually I just take one, but tonight I’m taking two and hope it works,” the Children’s Medical Center speech pathologist said.
Luckoski and Flick decided six months ago that, if Obama won, they’d be there to see him sworn in. First they were going to fly; then they considered taking a Miami Valley AAA charter tour, but it was canceled because not enough people signed up. Then they heard a group from Springfield had chartered a bus and had unfilled seats.
The price was right: $100 a ticket.
Flick’s brother-in-law, Fred Brinkman, also will be joining them. He has recruited five others from his church, the Tree of Life Community, to join him. A retired civilian engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Brinkman turned 70 Jan. 11.
“When I turned 70, I said that’s what I want to do for my birthday — go to the inauguration,” the Butler Twp. resident said.
An opponent of the Iraq war, Brinkman said, “I was moved by the man (Obama) from the beginning. His message of hope gave me hope.”
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There’s a new national dish
John Garland reports that Ben’s Chili Bowl — the Washington, D.C. diner that Bill Cosby helped make famous and that Barack Obama made more famous — is doing a booming business.
The line to get in on Martin Luther King Day was a half-block long at 11:30 a.m., the Central State University president said. Police were “standing guard” nearby.
The restaurant’s mantra used to be, “Who eats free at Ben’s: Bill Cosby. No one else.” During the presidential campaign, it became, “Who eats free at Ben’s: Bill Cosby. The Obama Family.”
Recently Obama showed up at the U Street eatery, sampled the cuisine and left a $20 bill.
Did Garland wait in line? “We didn’t even try,” he said. “Besides, I don’t eat meat. What can I tell you?”
Hamilton native, Obama volunteer makes the trip to D.C.
Hamilton native Sandy Sherman, who now lives in Cincinnati, spent hours volunteering for Barack Obama with his wife Carolyn last fall. Now, he’s in Washington, D.C., waiting to see the man he worked tirelessly for inaugurated.
“I never wanted to come to an inaugural before,” he said.
He’s poised for one moment: “When he raises his hand and takes the oath.”
“I never thought I’d see this day,” he said.
As for Carolyn, she thinks the rest of the world will be watching as well.
Last fall, she took a trip to China. She said she frequently got “thumbs-up” from people when she wore her Obama button in public.
“People worldwide are proud of us,” she said.
To Springfield woman, scoring inaugural tickets is a lucky break
When Lisa Cole, 37, of Springfield entered a lottery for swearing-in tickets last fall, she thought the chanced of her actually getting a ticket were virtually nil.
Until she got an email from Brown’s office. Of the 30,000 that asked for tickets, she was one of the lucky few.
“I kept looking at one word,” she said Monday, Jan. 19, as she picked up tickets at Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office. “Congratulations.”
She brought with her a coworker from Dole, Yasmina Landaburu. Landaburu, originally from Argentina, said she leapt at the chance to take one of Cole’s two tickets to the swearing in.
“I am very proud, very happy to be here,” Landaburu said Monday. “I have high hopes for the candidate to bring the change that needs to come. I’m just very proud to be here in this moment.”
Clayton woman takes Amtrak to historic inauguration
Sheryl and Harold Dear of Clayton showed up at Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office Monday, Jan. 19, after 13 hours on an Amtrak from Toledo. The train was four hours delayed and there wasn’t a speck of food on board, but Dear said it was a ride she’ll never forget.
There were wealthy people and poor people. Black and white. And everyone was headed to the same place: Washington, D.C., where Barack Obama will be sworn in Tuesday.
Sheryl Dear, 56, described the atmosphere as something like a party. No one stayed in their seats the whole time, and despite the delays, the vast majority of passengers were laughing and enthusiastic, optimistic about what lie ahead.
“It was a celebration on that train,” she said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. Everyone came together. It was the train ride of a lifetime.”
The Clayton antiques dealer came to Washington without a place to stay on Monday night. But she wasn’t even going to let that get her down.
“It’s a new day,” she said. “This is a long time coming. The words ‘all men are created equal’ are now even more significant.’”
Two Wright State grads make Monday a quest for inaugural tickets
While Ohioans began picking up the coveted swearing-in tickets in Sen. Sherrod Brown’s office Monday, Jan. 19, Jackie Scruggs of Huber Heights and Kathy Spies of Harrison Twp. helped themselves to some donuts and coffee and hoped for a little luck.
The two had taken an all-night bus trip from Ohio the night before. Sleep-deprived and giddy, they had one mission alone on Monday: Get some tickets to the swearing-in.
They were out of luck at Brown’s office - he’d had some 30,000 requests, and only a few hundred to hand out. But they let Brown’s staff know that they were in the market for tickets. And they were headed next to Sen. George Voinovich’s office to see if he had any to spare.
“We’re on the waiting list for Mississippi,” said Scruggs, 35, with a raucous laugh. “And Georgia too.”
Scruggs, a nurse, said she was satisfied “just being here.”
“It’s different than being at home and watching it on TV,” she said. “You get to be a part of it.”
Said Spies, 35, who works at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, “I wouldn’t have wanted to miss this for the world, no matter how far back we are on the Mall.”
Hobson now gainfully employed
Former U.S. Rep. Dave Hobson, who retired from Congress at the end of this year, has a job.
Starting Feb. 2, he’ll be the president of Vorys Advisors, an affiliate of the law firm, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Vorys Advisors will provide business and strategic counsel to the law firm’s clients and other Ohio businesses. Hobson, R-Springfield, will work from Vorys’ Columbus office.
“We are pleased to have someone of Congressman Hobson’s extraordinary passion and expertise join the Vorys team,” said Russell M. Gertmenian, managing partner of Vorys. “His experience and dedication to the people of Ohio are unparalleled.”
Vorys has offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Akron, Ohio, as well as in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Va. Vorys is one of the largest law firms in the United States and was recently recognized as a Cross Practice Powerhouse in a survey of corporate America and one of the top 25 national firms serving the retail and industrial manufacturing industries.
Dem Chairman Redfern praises GOP’s Kevin DeWine - sort of
Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern actually had something good to say about Kevin DeWine, elected on Friday, Jan. 16, as new Ohio Republican Chairman.
“I can say a lot of things abut Kevin DeWine,” said Redfern, who served with DeWine in the Ohio House. “He’s not to be taken for granted. I understand as Democrats we’ve got to work that much harder to get our message out.”
DeWine, however, has a thankless task, Redfern said.
“I know Kevin is full of rhetorical flourishes but the facts are what they are. Gov. Strickland continues to do great work after 16 years of one-party rule. Kevin has his back up against the wall,” Redfern added.
Redfern also may have alienated some service clubs with this put-down:
“I suppose being the new chairman of the Republican Party in the state of Ohio is kind of like being the president of the Rotary Club. Somebody’s got to do it.”
Former GOP Chairman Bennett endorses Portman for U.S. Senate
Just hours after stepping down as Ohio Republican Chairman, Bob Bennett endorsed former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, for the 2010 Republican U.S. Senate nomination.
“Rob is an experienced public servant who is widely respected by both Republicans and Democrats alike. He is a small business owner and a family man whose economic knowledge and proven ability to get things done will only move Ohio and our country to a better future,” Bennett said in a press release on Friday, Jan. 16.
“Republicans statewide are thrilled to have Rob Portman as a candidate for this seat.”
As party chairman, Bennett was not permitted to endorse in a primary and his backing is another indication that party leaders are trying to build support for Portman to avoid an expensive primary. Others mentioned as possible GOP Senate candidates include Auditor Mary Taylor and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine of Cedarville.
Mike DeWine is the cousin of Kevin DeWine, elected state chairman to replace Bennett. Portman spoke to Ohio Republicans at a luncheon after they elected their new chairman.
State workers face paycuts, concessions
State officials are proposing a 5 percent pay cut, mandatory days off without pay, and a 35-hour work week as well as other concessions from the state’s 60,500 employees.
Much of the givebacks would come from members of the Ohio Civil Service Employee Association, the union that represents 34,000 state workers.
“While the union knew it would be in for the battle of its life with respect to gaining ground on economic issues like wages and health care, the team was aghast at the scope of the concessions the state proposed,” it said in the most recent OCSEA Bargaining Update. “The state claims the givebacks are necessary in order to avoid mass state layoffs due to the amount of the state budget gap.”
Gov. Ted Strickland said the state needs to close a $641 million budget shortfall by June 30 and make up a $7.3 billion funding gap in the upcoming two-year state budget. Income tax and sales tax revenues are falling short of expectations due to the economic crisis.
The union told its members that the state is asking for 18 different concessions, including a 5 percent across the board pay cut, 10 mandatory furlough days, elimination of personal leave, holiday premium pay, and longevity pay, and shifting from a 40-hour work week to a 35-hour work week.
OCSEA Executive Director Andy Douglas said, “We acknowledge receipt of information from the state and because of the news black out, we have no comment.”
Contract talks began in December. The current three-year contract expires this year.
Ohio Republicans elect Kevin DeWine as chairman
Ohio Republicans today, Jan. 16, elected Fairborn’s Kevin DeWine as new state chairman, replacing Bob Bennett who stepped down after nearly 21 years as chairman.
DeWine, 41, former speaker pro tem of the Ohio House, was elected unanimously by the party’s central and executive committee.
DeWine becomes the first state GOP chairman from the Dayton area since Arthur Nixon of Dayton in 1928-29.
While praising Bennett’s leadership, DeWine acknowledged Republicans recently have come on hard times - absorbing big losses in 2006 and 2008.
“Too many people were willing to put personal gain over party unity,” DeWine said.
He said Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and other Democrats now are trying to take credit for Republican achievements such as overhauling the state’s tax structure to lower the income tax rate by 21 percent.
“It stops here and it ends now,” said DeWine.
He said that the party would be back but cautioned that it might not come in the next election in 2010. He told reporters after the meeting that the GOP still has much work to do to restore voters’ trust in them. The party was rocked in the 2006 elections by the Tom Noe scandal and related issues.
“The public trust in our party has eroded,” DeWine said.
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, who announced this week that he’s running for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican George Voinovich was the luncheon speaker after the meeting, a signal that he’s the party’s favorite for the nomination. Voinovich announced this week he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2010.
Bennett said he planned to formally endorse Portman after stepping down as chairman. He was not permitted to endorse in a primary while leading the party.
The party must spend no more time “looking back nostalgically,” said DeWine.
“We must renew the party at every level,” said DeWine.
Cordray and Kenneth: separated at birth?
We all know about Tina Fey’s uncanny resemblance to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. But fans of Fey’s ‘30 Rock’ sitcom on NBC may have noticed that another cast member is a dead ringer for another politician.
Actor Jack McBrayer, who plays Kenneth on ‘30 Rock,’ is well positioned to start doing parodies of Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray, if the need should arise.
Boehner on stimulus: ‘Oh. My. God.’
What does House Minority Leader John Boehner think about the new $825 billion stimulus package unveiled by House Democrats Thursday, Jan. 15?
Not much, apparently.
“Oh. My. God,” Boehner, R-West Chester, told reporters shortly after seeing the package Thursday. “I can’t tell you how shocked I am at what I’m seeing.”
He said he believed the proposal did little to create or protect jobs or stimulate the economy.
Read stories on the press conference here and here.The first link has a video!
Obama coming to Ohio
President-elect Barack Obama will make a pit stop in Ohio en route to the presidency, stopping Friday, Jan. 16, in Bedford Heights to talk about the economy, according to his transition office.
He’ll meet with workers to discuss an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, which Obama hopes will save or create three to four million new American jobs.
He’ll tour the Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Company, a growing company with innovative production practices that manufactures parts used to construct wind turbines.
The meeting, which will include a tour of the plant, is invitation-only
Alleged pimp had politicians as job references
Gov. Ted Strickland’s former faith-based initiatives director, Eric McFadden, appeared in Franklin County Municipal Court on Thursday, Jan. 15, to face seven felony charges related to prostitution.
McFadden, 46, of Dublin, is accused of pandering obscenity to a minor, compelling prostitution and promoting prostitution. He applied for a public defender and bond was set at $150,000.
Meanwhile, a review of McFadden’s state personnel file shows he listed as job references: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Youngstown, Strickland Chief of Staff John Haseley, and Paul Begala, former counsel to President Clinton.
Strickland hired McFadden to lead his Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives in February 2007. McFadden left that post in October 2007 and moved to a job at the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections until that post was eliminated in March 2008 due to budget cuts.
Strickland said McFadden approached him during the 2006 campaign, having worked with faith-based groups.
“What’s happened is tragic and sad and reprehensible and repulsive,” Strickland said.
Strickland to join Obama in Bedford Heights
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will join President-elect Barack Obama on Friday, Jan. 16, when Obama comes to Bedford Heights, a Cleveland suburb, to meet with workers and discuss his American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.
Obama’s stop will be at the Cardinal Fastener and Specialty Company.
Strickland’s seeking $5 billion from the federal government to help Ohio through the current budget crisis and he said today, Jan. 15, that he’ll continue to press his case when he meets with Obama.
“Quite frankly I’m feeling reasonably optimistic that the stimulus package under consideration will provide us significant relief,” Strickland said.
Strickland said that the most recent indication he is getting is that Obama’s final stimulus plan would provide states with money not just for Medicaid but also for education.
It will almost certainly be Obama’s final Ohio appearance before his inauguration on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C.
Ohio delegation: Send money to Ohio auto workers
The Ohio congressional delegation, led by Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio and George Voinovich, R-Ohio, Thursday, Jan. 15, asked for federal money to help the up to 8,800 Ohio workers who have been or are expected to soon be laid off from auto industry jobs.
They’re asking for $3.2 million.
In a letter to the Labor Secretary Elaine Chao and copied to Labor Secretary-designee Hilda Solis, the delegation reiterated a Dec. 10 request by the state for the money, which would be used for job training.
“These emergency funds are critical to provide updated skills and mitigate the economic hardship felt by thousands of Ohio families,” they wrote.
Among those who signed it were U.S. Reps. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek and Mike Turner, R-Centerville.
So far, a total of 3,800 auto workers have been laid off and served with rapid response services in Ohio. The state estimates that an additional 5,000 layoffs are pending.
GOP Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine gushes about Portman
It may not be an endorsement but, if not. it sure comes close.
Ohio Deputy Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine today, Jan. 14, all gushed about former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, and Portman’s campaign for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination in 2010. DeWine’s gushing came just hours after Portman’s official announcement.
Here’s what Kevin DeWine - a cousin of another possible GOP Senate candidate, former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine - said in a press release:
“Rob is highly respected on both sides of the political aisle and he brings to the table the kind of skill and temperament that would immediately make him an effective member of the Senate.
“No one understands the nation’s economic challenges and trade opportunities better than Rob Portman.
“Ohioans would be fortunate to have him representing us in Washington and I think they’ll be very impressed with him as he travels the state in the months ahead.”
Kevin DeWine, who is expected to take over Friday, Jan. 16, as Ohio GOP chairman, has constantly touted Portman as a statewide candidate for 2010. Besides former Sen. Mike DeWine, Republican state Auditor Mary Taylor also has expressed interest in the 2010 U.S. Senate race.
Potential Democratic candidates include Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of Niles and Zack Space of Dover.
New candidate Portman racks up endorsements
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, had only been a Senate candidate for a couple of hours Wednesday, Jan. 14, before the endorsements came rolling in.
U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland. U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green. U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus. And House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester.
“There is no stronger candidate to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate than Rob Portman,” Boehner said in his endorsement. “Rob is a capable and principled reformer, well-liked throughout the Buckeye State and well-known for his commitment to policies that help create new jobs. With Congressional Democrats plotting to increase government spending to unprecedented levels, America will need an experienced public servant like Ohio’s Rob Portman to help keep Washington from burying our children under mountains of debt.”
Portman also has his website ready: www.robportman.com.
Portman launches U.S. Senate campaign at historic Golden Lamb restaurant
LEBANON - Surrounded by family and friends, former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, today, Jan. 14, launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2010.
“I’m formally announcing that I’m running for the United States Senate,” Portman said about 11:15 a.m. as the crowd of more than 50 at the historic Golden Lamb restaurant burst into applause.
Portman’s family owns the restaurant, which opened in 1803 and is considered the state’s oldest continuously operating business.
Portman, 53, cast himself as a “principled and committed fiscal conservative” with a family background in small business.
He said he believes in traditional values - “hard work, family…faith.”
“I believe in the culture of life,” he added.
Portman also said he believes in “bringing people together to solve our problems.”
Portman represented a southwestern Ohio U.S. House District for 12 years before leaving Congress in 2005 to serve in President Bush’s administration first as U.S. trade representative and then budget director. He left the Bush administration in 2007 to be home with his wife Jane and their three children.
Asked if his ties to the unpopular Bush administration would hurt his campaign, Portman said that he was “proud” of his record in Congress and the executive branch.
He declined to say how much the campaign would cost but said he would have what it takes to win.
He also saluted U.S. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, who announced Monday, Jan. 13, that he wouldn’t seek re-election, paving the way for Portman to get in the race.
Voinovich has not endorsed Portman but said: “He’s got the qualities to make a very outstanding senator not only for Ohio but for the country.”
Later today Portman plans to campaign in Toledo and on Thursday, Jan. 15, he has stops in Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati.
Portman said he liked being at home with his family but felt called back to public service because of the nation’s tough economic times.
Portman released a blue-ribbon list of those backing his campaign that included: U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester; Ohio Senate President Bill Harris, R-Ashland; former Ohio House Speaker and now state Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering; former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery and Lori Viars, a conservative activist and board member of the Warren County Republican Party.
Viars attended the announcement and pronounced Portman “highly electable.” Other Republicans interested in running include Auditor Mary Taylor and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine of Cedarville.
Portman’s dad, Bill, 86, his wife Jane and two of their three children - Will and Sally- joined him for the announcement as did Portman’s brother Wym.
Congressional offices swamped with Inaugural tickets request
U.S. Reps. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, and Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, both found themselves facing a situation no lawmaker who runs for re-election every two years could like.
Both got some 3,000 requests for tickets to see the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama Jan. 20. And both, like every other member of the U.S. House of Representatives, got somewhere around 200 tickets.
Yikes.
Turner’s office desperately tried to find other tickets, calling other offices, but in the end had to distribute the tickets in the most representative way possible, trying to give to community organizations and school groups. As for Austria’s office, they had to deal with requests for tickets dating back to September.
Needless to say, the tickets have all been divvied up. Most Ohioans coming in for the inauguration will start picking them up Friday, though many congressional offices have opened for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday Monday specifically so visitors can pick up their tickets before Tuesday morning.
As for the state’s two senators, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, held a lottery for somewhere between 50 and 100 tickets, according to spokesman Chris Paulitz. He gave the rest - between 200 and 250 - to civil rights leaders around the state.
“He wanted to make sure people who have been fighting for civil rights for years have the chance to come down and see this historic event,” Paulitz said.
And Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, gave most of his 393 tickets through a lottery. Those who got the tickets have been told to show up Monday at Brown’s Washington, D.C. office.
Brown, according to spokeswoman Meghan Dubyak, got 30,000 requests for tickets.
In total, members of Congress received 240,000 tickets to distribute to those coming in for the Jan. 20 swearing-in. The rest of the visitors to D.C. - estimated to be in the millions - will likely scramble for a view from elsewhere in town.
Enid Goubeaux, a Greenville woman who was a superdelegate for the Democratic Party, said she won’t even bother to fight the crowds.
She’ll come to town, but may watch the swearing-in from the bar at the Mayflower Hotel, the designated hotel for Ohio luminaries in town for the inauguration.
“I’m afraid that unless I’m accompanied by someone from the NFL, I’ll be crushed,” she joked.
2010 U.S. Senate race: A question of cost
With former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman’s announcement Wednesday, Jan. 14, that he plans to run for the U.S. Senate seat that Sen. George Voinovich currently holds in 2010, the reasonable question to ask is how much it will cost to win that seat.
Portman, R-Terrace Park, whose announcement frees him to start raising cash for the bid, currently has $1.5 million in the bank, according to his most recent report with the Federal Election Commission. And while he’s well-known in the southwest corner of the state, he may need to raise tens of millions more to become better known elsewhere in the state.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, also thought to be a possible contender, had $297,225 at the end of his last campaign in 2008, but raised $1.35 million. He represents northeastern Ohio, but should he run, will also need to become a statewide name. Same with U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover, another possibility, who raised $2.26 million in 2008 but had $283,963 on hand at the end of that race.
The last race for an Ohio seat in the U.S. Senate, in 2006, saw Democrat Sherrod Brown raise $8.9 million and spend $10.75 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan organization that tracks money in politics. Incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine, a Republican who lost that race, raised $14.92 million and spent $15.54 million. DeWine, another possibility for the seat, does not currently have a federal campaign account open, according to a search of FEC records.
Voinovich cited fundraising as one of the reasons he’ll retire at the end of this term. With the country in such a pressing situation, he said, he thought he could legislate or run for reelection. But doing both, he said, would be tough. And both Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia and Nathan Gonzales, a political editor at The Rothenberg Political Report, estimate the 2010 race will cost tens of millions of dollars, minimum, and more if the candidates need to become known statewide.
Updated - Portman announces for U.S. Senate, to start statewide campaign tour
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, made it official today, Jan. 14 - he’s running for the U.S. Senate in 2010. He made the announcement that he will seek the Republican nomination in a press release.
“My heart is in public service,” Portman said. “Just as it was an honor to serve the people of southern Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, so it would be an honor to serve Ohioans in the U.S. Senate. At a difficult time in our state and national economy, I believe I can make a difference in the lives of people throughout Ohio.”
He will launch his campaign with a statewide tour.
The tour follows the announcement on Monday, Jan. 13, by U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, that he won’t seek re-election in 2010.
Portman will kick off the tour at 11 a.m. at the Golden Lamb restaurant, 27 S. Broadway, in Lebanon.
Next will come a 5 p.m. stop at Tony Packo’s Front Street Restaurant, 1902 Front St., in Toledo.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Portman has scheduled a 9 a.m. stop in Cleveland, followed by a 12:30 p.m. stop at the Statehouse in Columbus.
The tour is to conclude at a 6 p.m. event at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse in Cincinnati.
Obama may visit Ohio on Friday
The Associated Press is reporting that President-elect Barack Obama is planning a visit to Ohio on Friday, Jan. 16. Bedford Heights Police Commander Gary Serfilippi confirmed an Obama visit to that Cleveland suburb. He provided no other details.
A telephone message left with the office of the Obama-Biden transition office in Washington was not immediately returned.
WKYC-TV of Cleveland reports on its Web site that Obama will visit Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co., which makes industrial fasteners and products used in wind turbines.
State Sen. Coughlin explores 2010 run for governor
State Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, might not be a household name yet but Coughlin hopes to change that.
Coughlin, 38, wants to run for governor in 2010, he said today, Jan. 13, and is “exploring” making the race.
“I want to run for governor. That’s what I intend to do,” he said.
“Ohio needs a fresh start and our party needs a fresh start,” he added. He said he looked forward to getting out and sharing his vision with voters.
Former Republican U.S. Rep. John Kasich of suburban Columbus also is expected to run for governor in 2010 on the GOP side.
Portman intends to run for U.S. Senate; will announce on Wednesday
Former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, intends to run for the U.S. Senate and will make a formal announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 14, Caroline Joseph, an aide said today, Jan. 13.
Portman discussed his plans with WMFB TV in Mansfield today.
His comments came a day after Republican Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, announced that he wouldn’t seek a third term in 2010.
“I’ve been encouraged by him and others to run and I think I will,” Portman told the TV station.
At his press conference on Monday, Jan. 12, Voinovich praised Portman, although he didn’t formally endorse him:
“He’s got the qualities to make a very outstanding senator not only for Ohio but for the country.”
Of his relationship with Portman, Voinovich said:
“I consider myself to be one of his mentors.”
Portman was speaking at Ashland University today.
Lt. Gov. Fisher - more later on 2010 U.S. Senate plans
Put Democratic Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in the “maybe” category when it comes to interest in the 2010 U.S. Senate race.
“My sole focus remains on working with Gov. Strickland to respond to this unprecedented economic crisis and to grow Ohio’s economy,” Fisher said today, Jan. 13.
“I respect and admire Sen. (George) Voinovich’s long and very distinguished record of public service and I’ll have more to say about a possible run for the U.S. Senate at a later time.”
If Fisher, also state development director, runs and wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, the general election would be a tiebreaker for him in term of statewide campaigns.
He won the Attorney General’s office in 1990, lost that office in 1994 and also lost a race for governor in 1998.
In 2006 he won the lieutenant governor’s office on the ticket with Gov. Ted Strickland.
Strickland elected co-chair of Appalachian Regional Commission
Gov. Ted Strickland, who comes from Ohio’s Appalachian region, has been elected states’ co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission.
“When you grow up in small town Appalachian Ohio, you see hard work and determination every single day,” Strickland said in a press release today, Jan. 13. “While there’s never been any shortage of ability in the place I call home, we have to make sure there’s no shortage of opportunity.”
Strickland is from Duck Run in Scioto County.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a partnership of the 13 Appalachian states and the federal government. It works to bring the region into economic parity with the rest of the country through economic development and improved quality of life.
Bennett endorses Duncan, not Blackwell for RNC Chair
In his final week as Ohio Republican Party Chair, Robert Bennett has issued an endorsement in the race for Republican National Chairman - and it isn’t for his fellow Ohioan Ken Blackwell.
Instead, Bennett Monday, Jan. 12, threw his support behind current chair Mike Duncan.
“As the longest serving state chairman on the Republican National Committee, I have personally witnessed many of our successes and failures,” Bennett wrote in a letter to fellow members of the national committee. “I have seen what works and what doesn’t, and I have recognized those chairmen whose leadership has been effective and who know how to win elections. With that in mind, I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Mike Duncan for re-election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee.”
Bennett called Duncan “a leader who understands the challenges we face, has a plan to meet each of those challenges, and has the experience to accomplish the hard work ahead of us.”
Blackwell, the former Ohio Secretary of State, and Duncan are two of a field of five candidates seeking the office. The election will be held during an RNC meeting Jan. 28 through 31 in Washington, D.C.
Turner, Boehner, Jordan on Voino’s decision
Here’s fellow “urban Republican” U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, on Sen. George Voinovich’s decision to retire:
“Generations of hardworking Ohio families have been fortunate to have Sen. George Voinovich advocating for their interests and I congratulate Sen. Voinovich on his upcoming retirement. From George’s time as Mayor of Cleveland, he has worked to find effective and pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing our communities and our nation. While we will miss his voice in Washington, we all owe George, his wife Janet, and the entire Voinovich family a dept of gratitude for their lifetime of public service.”
And here’s House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester:
“For more than 40 years, Sen. George Voinovich has selflessly served the people of Ohio. I join millions of Ohioans today in saluting him for his decades of service to the Buckeye State, and for his unwavering commitment to defending the sanctity of innocent human life. His voice and friendship will be missed in the Ohio delegation. I wish George, Janet, and their family the very best.”
Finally, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, weighs in:
“I commend Senator Voinovich for his 44 years of public service to our country and Ohio. Our state has been made better by his tireless work to protect human life, promote school choice and to stop the expansion of gambling in our state. It has been an honor to serve with him in the Ohio delegation and I wish him the best in the remainder of his term.”
Strickland, Kasich join the praise for Voinovich
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican John Kasich, who might be Strickland’s opponent in 2010, agreed on one thing today, Jan. 12: George Voinovich deserves a lot of praise for his public service.
Here’s part of Strickland’s statement:
“For more than four decades, George Voinovich has devoted his life to representing Ohio citizens at all levels of government. He has earned Ohioans’ trust and respect, and the legacy he leaves will live on for generations to come.”
Here’s part of what Kasich, a former U.S. House member from suburban Columbus, had to say:
“For the past 40 years the people of Ohio have had the privilege of being honorably served by George Voinovich. He has been a true example of what public service is all about, providing the excellent leadership that the citizens of this state deserve.”
More contenders: No comment from Space, a “maybe” from Ryan
Matt Thornton, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover, would not comment Monday, Jan. 12, when asked if Space is considering running for Senate.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, meanwhile, released a statement indicating he was at least considering it.
“I am singularly focused on what’s best for my constituents in Northeast Ohio,” he said. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee I am in a very good position to help create and expand important economic development initiatives in the State of Ohio. That said, if I can have a greater impact by being in the Senate, I will certainly consider it.”
Auditor Taylor “considering” run for U.S. Senate
Ohio never has sent a woman to the U.S. Senate but voters might have a chance to do that in 2010.
Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor today, Jan. 12, said she expects to run either for re-election as auditor or for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Her comments came after Republican incumbent George Voinovich said he’s not seeking re-election.
“I am considering it,” Taylor said of a U.S. Senate race. She said she expects it would be a “very expensive” race, costing from $20-$25 million.
Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner also is being mentioned as a possible Senate candidate in 2010 and has not ruled out a race.
There could be pressure on both Taylor and Brunner from within their own parties to run for their current offices.
Each has a seat on the state Apportionment Board. The five-member board will draw new legislative districts after the 2010 census. The board is made up of the governor, secretary of state, auditor and a member of the legislature from each party.
Who are the best candidates to run for U.S. Senate?
U.S. Senate seats don’t come open very often. Republican George Voinovich announced today, Jan. 12, that he won’t seek re-election in 2010 but Voinovich will have served two terms - 12 years - by then.
Democrat John Glenn served four full terms and the late Howard Metzenbaum, also a Democrat served three full terms. Republican Mike DeWine served two terms before Democrat Sherrod Brown defeated him in 2006.
Lots of names already are being mentioned as possible candidates in 2010. Some of those mentioned already are saying they won’t run, but politicians sometimes change their minds. Here’s your chance to say who’d be the best candidate from each party.
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Blackwell and Brunner on U.S. Senate race - “no” and maybe
Former Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and current Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner both have been mentioned as possible candidates for the U.S. Senate in 2010, now that Republican George Voinovich says he won’t seek re-election.
Blackwell’s not interested. As for Brunner, you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Here’s what Blackwell told the Dayton Daily News today, Jan. 12:
“I’m singularly focused on becoming the next chairman of the Republican National Committee…..I have no doubt that I would be the most formidable conservative candidate in the Republican primary if I was interested, but I am not.”
Now here’s what Brunner spokesman Jeff Ortega had to say:
“Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is grateful to be called to public service and she hopes that opportunity continues to be available to her in the future.”
AG Cordray won’t seek U.S. Senate seat
Scratch Attorney General Richard Cordray’s name from the list of those who might seek the Democratic nomination to run for the U.S. Senate from Ohio in 2010.
“He said when he was campaigning for this office (Attorney General) that he intended to run for re-election in 2010 and hopes that voters will think he’s done a good job and return him to office,” said Leesa Brown, Cordray’s spokeswoman.
“He feels that continuity is important. He will be running for re-election in 2010.”
Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich made it official today, Jan. 12, that he won’t seek a third term in 2010, setting off speculation about possible Republican and Democratic candidates.
Portman on Voinovich:
This from former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, who is thought to be among the leading GOP contenders to replace him:
“Senator Voinovich is one of the great public servants of our time. As Assistant Attorney General, State Representative, County Auditor, County Commissioner, Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and United States Senator, he has worked tirelessly for the people of Ohio. Ohio is a better place because of his principled leadership, passionate advocacy, and his commitment to future generations.
“His countless contributions to our state and to our nation will be felt for many years to come. I have had the privilege of working closely with Senator Voinovich over the years, and I have been honored to call him my friend. His integrity and unwavering commitment to public service has inspired me and so many others.
“Jane and I wish Senator Voinovich and his wife, Janet, the very best during the remaining two years of his Senate term and as he makes his transition into a new chapter from a lifetime of public service.”
Voinovich tributes begin: UPDATE
This from state Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering:
“George Voinovich is one of the great ones. In Ohio political history few people have had a greater impact on our state.
“In Montgomery County, Governor Voinovich’s leadership made the nationally recognized Job Center possible, a change that has helped improve the lives of tens of thousands of people. As Governor and Senator, he was a tireless advocate for Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Miami Valley.
“I know retiring from the Senate was a tough decision, but he and Janet have given all we can ask of them and I wish them good health and happiness.”
Here’s U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown:
“For more than four decades, George has been a dedicated public servant and advocate for Ohio. It’s been an honor working alongside him in the U.S. Senate. George and I share a commitment to fighting for Ohio during this challenging time for our nation. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. George is not only dedicated to our state, but also to his wonderful family. Connie and I wish George, Janet, and their family all the best during this time of transition.”
And U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover:
“The news of Senator Voinovich’s retirement represents a real loss for the people of the Buckeye State. No Ohioan can deny that the lifetime of service Senator Voinovich has given to our great state has had a significant impact on the daily lives of all of us. His moderate and independent voice will be missed in the Senate, where he has risen above partisanship time and time again in a reflection of the common-sense values that Ohioans hold dear.
“Senator Voinovich has served the people of Ohio for over four decades at every level of government, representing a depth of knowledge that will be greatly missed.”
It’s official: Voinovich will not seek third term
Sen. George Voinovich’s office just sent out the following statement:
“After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife Janet and I have decided that I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate.
“As I spent time with my family during the holidays and celebrated Janet’s birthday, I reflected on God’s blessings on our family: my wife, our three children, our seven grandchildren and our health.
“I also spent time thinking about the health of our country. In my lifetime of public service, I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances. Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world.
“Those of us that have been given the honor to serve in these times must step up to the plate and put this country on a course that will see it through these harrowing times and make it strong and viable for the 21st century.
“These next two years in office, for me, will be the most important years that I have served in my entire political career.
“I must devote my full time, energy and focus to the job I was elected to do, the job in front of me, which seeking a third term - with the money-raising and campaigning that it would require - would not allow me to do.
“In addition, Janet and I have concluded that once my second term is complete, we should devote ourselves to our children and grandchildren. We have been blessed with good health, but we’re no spring chickens. In 2010, I will be 74 years old and will have served 44 years in public office, having been elected to more public offices than any other person in Ohio history.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve my statehouse district, my county, city, state and nation and feel good about the fact that with the help of some extraordinary people, many of whom are no longer with us, I have made a difference and will, with God’s help and a great team in my Senate office, continue to make a difference during these next two critical years. We intend not to wind down‚ but to wind up, just like I did in the Mayor’s office as well as the Governor’s office.
“We have a great deal to do in this Congress, and I will continue to focus on the areas that matter most: providing the nation a responsible stimulus package; jump-starting our credit markets; re-establishing confidence in the housing market and stemming the tide on mortgage foreclosures; harmonizing our nation’s economic, energy and environmental policies; ensuring safe and stable highways; and continuing to improve the personnel and management of the federal government.
“After the next two years, it will be time to give someone else the opportunity to serve our great state in the Senate, someone who can devote full time to organizing their campaign and raising the money necessary to win.
“This has not been an easy decision for us. I still have the fire in my belly to do the work of our nation, but after serving the next two years, it will be time to step back and spend the rest of our time with our children and grandchildren, siblings and extended family and friends.
“We both are confident that God has a plan for us to use the time, energy and talents that He has given us to make a difference in another way.”
Voinovich expected to announce retirement plans Monday
U.S. Sen. George Voinovich is expected to announce Monday, Jan. 12 that he does not plan to seek a third term in the U.S. Senate.
Voinovich, a Cleveland Republican, had planned to seek a third term in 2010 and had roughly $2.7 million in the bank for a re-election bid, but in the weeks after Christmas began reconsidering his plans, according to Republican sources close to Voinovich.
He is expected to announce that he’ll finish the two years remaining in his term before retiring at an afternoon press conference in Washington, D.C.
Robert Bennett, chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, said he had yet to talk to Voinovich about his decision, but said that he wasn’t surprised by it.
Despite a gloomy year for Republicans in 2008 and the defeat of U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a Republican, in 2006, Bennett said if Voinovich were to resign, it would be for personal reasons.
Voinovich is 72. At the end of a third term, Bennett said, Voinovich would be 81. His wife, Janet, who is four years older than him, would be 85.
Bennett said the last time he met with Voinovich was during a lunch meeting on Dec. 23. During that meeting, Voinovich had said he would run. During a staff Christmas party, Voinovich also said he would run. It wasn’t until later that he began to reconsider.
“I think it’s basically family,” Bennett said. “His re-elect numbers are terrific, and he was just dynamite in northeast Ohio.”
Voinovich is expected to announce his decision Monday in a call with supporters and fundraisers.
An open seat in 2010 could make for a barn-burner.
Among Republicans, former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, is thought to be a front-runner, and has indicated interest in serving in the U.S. Senate in the past. Portman left Congress to serve as U.S. trade representative and later as the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
Former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, former U.S. Rep. John Kasich of Columbus or state Auditor Mary Taylor are also thought to be contenders for statewide office, though many have been mentioned as possible opponents for Gov. Ted Strickland.
Among Democrats, several names have been tossed around: Among them, U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Niles and Zack Space, D-Dover, Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.
Voinovich has spent four decades in Ohio politics, beginning as an Ohio state representative from 1967 through 1971, then later as lieutenant governor of Ohio in 1979. But it’s his time as mayor of Cleveland, from 1979 through 1989 and governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1998 that he most frequently refers.
Voinovich is the third Republican U.S. senator to announce plans to retire in 2010. U.S. Sens. Kit Bond of Missouri and Mel Martinez of Florida have all signaled they don’t plan to run in 2010, and Sam Brownback of Kansas is expected to run for governor.
A Voinovich spokesman would not comment Sunday night.
Turner named ranking member of key subcommittee
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner was named the top Republican on a key Armed Forces Committee subcommittee Friday, Jan. 9.
Turner will be ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee’s Strategic Forces Subcommittee, a stubcommittee which has jurisdiction over the nation’s nuclear arsenal, our military’s assets in outer space and missile defense systems. The subcommittee has jurisdiction over many aspects of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center which is at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Turner, R-Centerville, has been a member of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee since beginning his service in the House in 2003. He is in his fourth term in Congress.
“I am honored to have Mike Turner as an integral part of the Republican leadership team for the House Armed Services Committee,” House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John McHugh, R-N.Y. said. “His intellect, coupled with his ability to manage complex subject matters, make him a natural choice to lead the Strategic Forces Subcommittee.”
Austria named to Budget, Homeland Security Committees
The region’s newest lawmaker will be controlling the federal purse and helping dole out the Homeland Security dollars.
U.S. Rep. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, will serve on the House Homeland Security and Budget Committees.
Homeland Security, created in 2002, authorizes dollars for the Department of Homeland Security. It has some overlap with the work done at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, which is working on emerging threats, cybersecurity and science and technology.
One project that might come under the committee’s purview is Calamityville. The Wright State University Calamityville project will create a training environment for military, first responders and emergency medical personnel to help them learn to respond to emergencies.
Budget, meanwhile, creates the budgetary guidelines under which federal dollars are appropriated. Former U.S. Rep. Dave Hobson, whom Austria succeeds, served on that committee in the 1990s. It’s a particularly topical issue now. This week, the Congressional Budget Office estimated the federal budget deficit has grown to $1.2 trillion.
“We have to be fiscally responsible,” Austria said. “We have to cut wasteful government spending.”
Austria represents the 7th Ohio Congressional District, which is includes all or parts of Clark, Fairfield, Greene, Fayette, Pickaway, Perry, Ross and Franklin counties.
Whither Voino? Speculation persists
For months, there’s been speculation over whether or not Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, will run again in 2010.
In the past week alone, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Columbus Dispatch have run stories on it.
For his part, Voinovich has been mum. His spokesman, Chris Paulitz, sent out the following statement today:
“For over 40 years, Sen. Voinovich has demonstrated a passion for public service. He is thinking about the challenging situation in his beloved Buckeye State and the direction of the country as well as what is best for his family. If he changes his mind about running, he will share that decision quickly with the people of Ohio - people he considers his second family.”
Democrats, meanwhile, are already eyeing potential challengers for 2010. Among them: U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles and Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher. And among Republicans, former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, is viewed as a possible successor should Voinovich, now 72 and in his second term, decide to retire.
Boyce and Cordray sworn in
Lobbyists, lawyers, elected officials and political leaders packed the Statehouse Atrium on Thursday for a double-header swearing in ceremony for Attorney General Richard Cordray and Treasurer Kevin Boyce.
The two Democrats began their new jobs officially on Tuesday. Cordray won election to the two years remaining on Marc Dann’s term; Gov. Ted Strickland appointed Boyce to fill out Cordray’s term as treasurer.
Boyce, a former Columbus City Councilman, promised to safeguard taxpayer money and said he knows the value of a dollar. He told a story about how as a teen he asked his grandmother to help him buy new sneakers and she agreed and promptly drove him to the grocery store to fill out a job application.
Cordray said justice would be his office’s one true objective and he pledged to treat employees and Ohioans with respect.
Although there was plenty of praise and accolades for current and past attorneys general, one name wasn’t mentioned at all during the hour-long ceremony: Marc Dann, who resigned in May.
Strickland applauds Obama economic recovery plan
Maybe it wasn’t surprising, coming from a man who wants $5 billion from the federal government, but Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 8, applauded President-elect Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan.
Obama announced the plan in a speech at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., just outside Washington, D.C.
Here’s what Strickland had to say:
“I applaud President-elect Obama’s plan to kick start our economy and create millions of new jobs, and I strongly support his call to act quickly in this time of national crisis.
His proposal to spur an advanced energy industry while also investing in our critical infrastructure is exactly the kind of visionary strategy America needs right now. And I am thankful to President-elect Obama for his commitment to ensuring that states and communities have the resources needed to avoid cuts to essential services such as education, health care and public safety.
I am hopeful that the Congress will move forward with President-elect Obama’s blueprint to create millions of new jobs while ensuring that the states are able to provide vital services to our nation’s citizens .”
Strickland is seeking $5 billion in federal aid to help Ohio through its current budget crisis.
Mouthpiece on the move
Alex Goepfert, the spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party, is Beltway-bound.
Goepfert sent out an email to reporters Thursday, Jan. 9, announcing that he’ll be leaving Friday and moving to Washington, D.C. to serve as communications director for U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Ala.
Goepfert formerly served as the New Hampshire Communications Director for Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Reps. Winburn, Luckie elected to black caucus posts
Two Dayton-area House members have been elected to offices by the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.
Rep. Roland Winburn, D-Harrison Twp., was elected OLBC parliamentarian and Rep. Clayton Luckie, D-Dayton, was chosen secretary of the OLBC Foundation, the caucus announced on Wednesday, Jan. 7.
Rep. Sandra Williams, D-Cleveland, was elected president of the OLBC.
Blackwell makes comparison between Hoover and Bush
During a debate on Monday, Jan. 5, between candidates for the Republican National Committee chairmanship, former Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell made a comparison between President Hoover and President George W. Bush.
The candidates were asked to name their least favorite Republican president. Most of the Republicans avoided the question saying a bad Republican beats the best Democratic president any day.
But, Blackwell said Herbert Hoover was the worst Republican president because he opened the door for the massive federal spending Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt did during the New Deal. Blackwell then said that current President Bush may have opened the same door for soon-to-be president Barack Obama.
Blackwell was honorary co-chair of the “Committee to re-elect George W. Bush” during the 2004 election.
Turner reacts to selection of LaTourette for Appropriations Committee
Here’s U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, on the Republican Steering Committee’s decision to tap U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Madison, for one of two open slots on the House Appropriations Committee. Turner had also sought a spot on the committee.
“Republican leadership was placed in the unenviable position of having to select among a pool of very strong candidates for only two open seats on the Appropriations Committee.
“For over 50 years, Ohio has had two Republican Members of Congress on this important committee. In 2008, Ralph Regula and Dave Hobson, two highly respected members of the Ohio Delegation and senior members of the Appropriations Committee, announced their retirement. These changes make maintaining our representation on the Appropriations Committee more important than ever.
“I am pleased that Congressman Steve LaTourette will continue this proud and important tradition by joining the ranks of the Appropriations Committee. He is an outstanding Member of Congress with over 14 years of experience and I am confident that he will do an exceptional job in advocating for all Ohioans.”
Alas, “Joe the War Correspondent” doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Joe the Plumber”
This from the Associated Press:
TOLEDO - Joe The Plumber is putting down his wrenches and picking up a reporter’s notebook.
The Ohio man who became a household name during the presidential campaign says he is heading to Israel as a war correspondent for the conservative Web site pjtv.com. Samuel J. Wurzelbacher (WUR’-zuhl-bah-kur) says he’ll spend 10 days covering the fighting.
He tells WNWO-TV in Toledo that he wants to let Israel’s “‘Average Joes’ share their story.”
Wurzelbacher gained attention during the final weeks of the campaign when he asked Barack Obama about his tax plan.
He later joined Republican John McCain on the campaign trail. At one stop, he agreed with a McCain supporter who asked if he believed a vote for Obama was a vote for the death of Israel.
Turner denied Appropriations spot
House Republicans gave the nod to one Ohioan for a coveted spot on the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday, but passed over U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, who had sought the spot since last year.
In choosing U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Madison, to the House Appropriations Committee, the steering committee - which doles out committee assignments - chose a lawmaker with nearly a decade of seniority over Turner, R-Centerville, who was elected in 2002.
Republicans lost six seats on the committee and were given two spots to fill after Democrats increased their majority last year - far less than they had hoped for. The other slot went to U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla.
An Appropriations Committee spot is considered key to securing earmarks, and the region had benefited when U.S. Rep. David Hobson, R-Springfield, served on the committee until his retirement last year. U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, R-Navarre, also served on the committee until he retired last year.
The selection of LaTourette means no member of the House committee represents southern Ohio. The other Ohioans on the committee are U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, and Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo.
Jessica Towhey, a spokeswoman for House Minority Leader John Boehner, said that one of two spots went to an Ohioan was worth note.
“It’s important that Ohio Republicans still have a voice on the Appropriations Committee,” she said.
With today’s election, the committee, which controls spending, will have a ratio of 37 Democrats and 23 Republicans.
“With their exceptional backgrounds and insights, Rep. LaTourette and Rep. Cole will be excellent additions to the Committee as we work to solve our nation’s fiscal and economic challenges,” said ranking Republican on the committee, U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif.
LaTourette said it was hard to give up his seniority on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Financial Services Committee, but said he felt like “I am doing what’s best for our state and the delegation” by accepting the slot.
On the Senate side, U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, is hoping for a slot on the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Strahorn lands United Way post
Former state representative Fred Strahorn is joining Ohio United Way as vice president of governmental affairs.
Strahorn, a Democrat, served in the Ohio House for eight years.
His appointment was announced Tuesday, Jan. 6, by Ohio United Way President and Chief Executive Barbara Sykes, who is also a former Democratic state representative.
AG asks for bankruptcy changes
Ohio Attorney General Nancy Rogers and attorneys general from 21 other states are asking Congress to change the federal bankruptcy code so that bankruptcy courts can help protect families from home foreclosures.
The attorneys general in a letter to Congressional leaders that efforts to get mortgage companies to voluntarily modify loans haven’t been enough. Rogers is urging passage of an amendment that would allow losses and benefits be shared between homeowners and investors.
If your home mortgage exceeds the current market value of the house, the mortgage company would take the loss on the difference and the mortgage would be re-set to an affordable level, provided the home owner had a regular income.
Dann appointee lands another state job
Tomi Dorris, who dated Marc Dann’s chief of staff, is leaving the attorney general’s office but she won’t be unemployed. Gov. Ted Strickland’s office recommended Dorris for a position in the state Department of Insurance.
Dorris, who had been the executive director of the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy, will make $79,310 a year as the insurance department’s fraud prevention program coordinator. She is the first person to hold the newly created position, which involves conducting training and outreach programs to prevent senior citizens from falling victim to fraud.
Insurance Department spokeswoman Carly Glick said Strickland’s office included Dorris on a list of candidates to be considered for an attorney post but once Dorris was interviewed, officials decided she was a better fit for the fraud prevention job. Dorris was the only candidate considered for the fraud prevention job. She starts Jan. 19.
Dorris was promoted to lead the peace officers training academy while she was dating Edgar Simpson, Dann’s then chief of staff. The OPOTA Commission had actually recommended hiring someone else but Dann intervened to get Dorris hired.
Dorris, a Democrat, filed to run for Franklin County prosecutor last year but withdrew from the race.
Dorris was paid $105,000 a year as OPOTA director. She resigned that job Monday, Jan. 5.
Strickland vetoes bills on veterans bonuses, elections and tax credits for filmmakers
Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 6, vetoed three major bills approved during the “lame duck” session of the legislature. With the 127th General Assembly now out of business, there will be no opportunity to override the vetoes.
Strickland vetoed:
*Veterans’ bonuses
House Bill 649 called for using the state’s “rainy day fund” to pay bonuses to veterans of the 1990-91 Persian Gulf War and the ongoing fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Strickland said he was committed to working with the legislature and state treasurer to borrow money by issuing bonds to pay for the bonuses.
*Election law changes
Substitute Senate Bill 380 would have ended the so-called “Golden Week” when people can register to vote and cast an absentee ballot on the same day. It also would have made other election law changes. He said the changes were too complex to address in the “lame duck” session.
*Tax credits for motion picture productions
Substitute House Bill 196 would have authorized income tax credits for investments in motion pictures produced in Ohio. With future state revenues uncertain, such a commitment outside regular budget deliberations would be unwise, Strickland said.
Strickland signs “Joe the Plumber” , booster seat bills
Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 6, signed the “Joe the Plumber” bill into law. He also signed legislation on booster seats for children. Substitute House Bill 648 is aimed at cracking down on the kind of government snooping that happened after Samuel Joseph “Joe the Plumber” Wurzelbacher of suburban Toledo questioned Democrat Barack about Obama’s tax policies during the presidential campaign in Ohio.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Jones, R-Springboro, creates civil and criminal penalties for violating rules regarding access to personal information on state databases.
Helen Jones-Kelley of Clayton resigned her position as director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services in the wake of an Inspector General’s investigation that said she improperly authorized the search of state databases for information on Wurzelbacher.
Amended Substitute House Bill 320, also sponsored by Jones, requires a vehicle booster seat for children between 4 and 8 years old and shorter than 4 feet 9 inches. It makes a violation of the requirement a secondary traffic offense.
Rep. Luckie named to state Controlling Board
State. Rep. Clayton Luckie, the new dean of the Montgomery County delegation to the Ohio House, has been named to the state Controlling Board by House Speaker Armond Budish. Luckie, a Dayton Democrat, is serving his third term.
The seven-member board has oversight over state spending. Members include six legislators and a representative from the Office of Budget and Management.
It approves the release of money for capital construction projects and the release of loans and grants the state makes through the Department of Development, among other duties.
Luckie, a Dayton Democrat, said he also is hopeful of landing a spot on the House Finance Committee, which will have first crack at reviewing the state budget that Gov. Ted Strickland is expected to propose in early February.
All other House members from Montgomery County are serving their first term.
Ohio gets its Inaugural Ball
It’s official: Ohioans will share their inaugural ball with a slew of midwestern states on Jan. 20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., according to the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
The ball will also include Kansas, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska South Dakota, Wisconsin and Missouri. Tickets will be available to invited guests for $150.
The midwestern ball will be one of five regional balls held Jan. 20. Illinois and Hawaii will get their own ball together because they’re Barack Obama’s home states; similarly, Pennsylvania and Delaware will get a ball because Joe Biden has lived in both states. A youth ball for folks 18 to 35 is set for the Washington Hilton; tickets for that ball cost $75.
Hall to Obama: Please consider special envoy to Gaza
Former U.S. Rep. Tony Hall of Dayton, who’s worked on Middle East peace initiatives involving leaders from the Muslim, Jewish and Christian faiths since he left his job as ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture, wants President Bush and President-Elect Obama to send a special envoy to Gaza to negotiate a cease-fire.
In a letter to Bush and Obama dated Jan. 5, Hall and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick said they were “terribly saddened” by the violence in Gaza.
The two have made 10 trips between the two of them to the region over the past 20 months, and said residents of the region long for peace.
“The end of the cease-fire in Gaza and subsequent escalation of attacks from both sides in the past week is an affront to the hard-work of those who have labored in the peace process for so long and in such good faith,” they wrote. “The military aggression in Gaza is not creating security for Israel but rather it is destabilizing the region and threatening a wider war.”
They said a special representative is needed to keep the peace process from crumbling altogether.
It’s official: Dems take control of Ohio House
It’s official: Democrats today, Jan. 5, took control of the Ohio House for the first time in 14 years.
Rep. Armond Budish, a Democrat from Beachwood, a Cleveland suburb, was elected Speaker. Budish, a lawyer, is the first Jewish Speaker of the House.
Democrats control the House 53-46 while Republicans maintain control of the Senate, 21-12. Members of both chambers were sworn in today.
“While we may face a budget deficit, there is no deficit in the spirit and creativity of Ohioans. It is that indomitable spirit I hope to engage,” Budish told the House and visitors in the gallery.
In a bipartisan move, Republicans joined Democrats in voting for Budish for Speaker.
Cordray, Boyce to share swearing-in ceremony
One swearing-in ceremony will be enough for two new Democratic statewide officeholders.
The ceremonial swearing-in ceremony for Richard Cordray as Attorney General and Kevin Boyce as Treasurer will be at 1:30 p.m . Thursday, Jan. 8, in the Statehouse Atrium.
Cordray, now treasurer, was elected in November to serve out the term of fellow Democrat Marc Dann who resigned last year in a sexual harassment scandal. Gov. Ted Strickland appointed Boyce, a Columbus City Council member, to replace Cordray.
Speakers at the ceremony will include Strickland, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Attorney General Nancy Rogers, who was appointed to the job pending the outcome of the November election.
The offices will formally change leadership after the close of business Tuesday, Jan. 6, a press release said.
Dayton-area delegation to Ohio House has “new look”
The Dayton-area delegation to the Ohio House will have a “new look” when members are sworn in today, Jan. 5. Members of the Senate also will be sworn in.
Only one House member from Montgomery County will return - Democrat Clayton Luckie in the 39th District, which includes part of Dayton and suburban areas.
Luckie will have a chance no Democrat has had in more than a decade- to work with a Democratic speaker. Democrats will control the House for the first time since 1994 under the leadership of Speaker Armond Budish of Beachwood, a Cleveland suburb.
New House members representing Montgomery County districts are:
36th District- Republican Seth Morgan, former Huber Heights City Council member. District includes parts of Dayton and Huber Heights, Vandalia and neighboring suburban areas.
37th District - Republican Peggy Lehner, former Kettering City Council member. District includes parts of Dayton and Kettering and neighboring suburban areas.
38th District - Republican Terry Blair, former Washington Twp. trustee. District includes parts of Dayton and Kettering, Centerville and neighboring suburban areas.
40th District - Democrat Roland Winburn, former Harrison Twp. trustee. District includes parts of Dayton and Huber Heights and neighboring suburban areas.
Should states get $1 trillion in federal aid?
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and other Democratic governors are asking President-elect Barack Obama and Congress for $1 trillion in federal aid to help the the economies of the states.
Supporters say the aid would be a one-time shot in the arm to create jobs and protect the safety nets in the states. Opponents say it would be a waste of money and would just make the states more dependent on Washington. Obama says he wants to create 3 million new jobs but hasn’t said whether he backs the governors’ proposal.
Here’s your chance to get in the debate.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Obama wants to create 3 million new jobs
Just a day after Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and other Democratic governors made their case for $1 trillion in federal aid to boost their economies, President-elect Barack Obama discussed his own plan aimed at creating 3 million new jobs.
Obama laid out his plan in his weekly radio address on Saturday, Jan. 3. Hear the address by clicking here.
Strickland and the four other Democratic governors made their pitch on Friday, Jan. 2, in a telephone press conference. Their plan called for:
*$250 billion for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, sewers, broadband and “green” initiatives.
*$250 billion for Medicaid, unemployment benefits, day care, child care, food stamps and similar programs.
*$250 billion for education, from pre-k through college.
*$150 billion for middle class tax cuts.
Obama plans to meet next week in Washington with leaders from both parties to discuss his American Recovery and Investment Plan.
While he has not endorsed the governors’ proposal, Jen Psaki, an Obama aide, released this statement on the governors’ effort.
“The President-elect and his economic team have been working with the nation’s governors and Congress from both political parties to develop an aggressive, disciplined recovery and investment plan to turn the economy around by saving and creating 3 million jobs, providing middle class tax relief, and making a down payment on the long-term economic health of our nation.”
Strickland, other governors seek $1 trillion in federal aid
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is among a group of Democratic governors seeking $1 trillion in aid from Washington, including $250 billion for education, as part of an economic recovery package for the states.
Strickland and the other governors outlined their proposal in a press conference phone call on Friday, Jan. 2.
The breakdown for the two-year request:
$350 billion - infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer projects, housing, broadband, and “green” projects.
$250 billion - core state services, including Medicaid, unemployment assistance, welfare, child care andfood stamps.
$250 billion - education, from pre-k through higher education
$150 billion - middle class tax cuts
“We aren’t crying wolf,” Strickland said.
The governors said so far not much had been said about seeking federal aid for education but that it’s an important part of the request. Without the aid, gains in education could be reversed and college tuitions could soar, they said.
Also, federal help for infrastructure projects will create jobs but other jobs will be eliminated unless there also is help in areas such as Medicaid and unemployment assistance, the governors said.
Other governors joining Strickland were: Deval Patrick, Massachusetts; David Paterson, New York; Jon Corzine, New Jersey and Jim Doyle, Wisconsin.
They said they already have been speaking with Obama’s transition team and Congressional leaders about the package.
