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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2010 > May > 21 > Entry
Esrati to run for Congress
By Joanne Huist Smith Staff Writer
DAYTON — Dayton activist and business owner David Esrati is the latest Democrat to announce that he’s running for Congress to challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Turner in November.
On Friday, May 21, Esrati said he has started collecting the 50 signatures required to get his name on the ballot to run in the 3rd Congressional District. The district covers most of Montgomery County, northern Warren County and all of Clinton and Highland counties.
Political consultant Joe Roberts of Kettering, who announced he was running earlier this week, picked up candidate petitions on Friday.
The party’s former candidate, Dr. Mark A. MacNealy of Vandalia, informed the Montgomery County Board of Elections earlier this week that he is no longer seeking the 3rd Congressional District seat held by Turner. Roberts was working for MacNealy before he dropped out of the race.
Steve Harsman, director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, proposed to the Ohio secretary of state a deadline of June 10 for candidates to file petitions for a special election to be July 13. He expects a decision from the state by Monday.
The state will pay for the special election estimated to cost between $300,000 - $325,000. Esrati ran in the Democratic Primary for the 3rd congressional District in 2008 and lost to Jane Mitakides who lost to Turner in the general election. Esrati’s last election was a bid in 2009 for Dayton city commissioner.
Esrati’s petitions to run for Congress in this year’s May 4 primary were rejected by the board of elections because his candidacy declaration was not properly signed and dated. Harsman asked the Ohio secretary of state to determine if Esrati’s earlier filing prevented him from seeking the office again.
“It’s the secretary of state’s opinion that he can file for it,” Harsman said.
Esrati said he is video taping citizens as they sign his candidate petitions. Esrati, owner of The Next Wave advertising agency, plans to incorporate the video footage into his campaign ads.
“I have a passion for honest, open government,” Esrati said. “I can bring accessibility. I can bring new thinking. I can bring a true independent perspective that’s not going to sell out to corporations and special interest groups.”
Roberts said he’s running because he’s tired of seeing families suffer.
“We really need someone to step up with a middle class background who understands what it is to live from paycheck to paycheck,” he said.
The Montgomery County Democratic Party plans to look at all candidates who file, then decide whether to endorse, said Mark Owens, chairman of the party.
Turner campaign spokesman Adam Murka said the congressman is fully focused on working on behalf of his constituents.
“We look forward to running a strong race in November that will focus on the issues pressing our country and Mike Turner’s strong record of achievement, regardless of who our democratic opponent might be,” Murka said.
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Comments
By David Esrati
May 30, 2010 9:55 PM | Link to this
I support single payer health care- or HR676 if I read it correctly. I see no reason to involve insurance companies in the delivery of health care- an unnecessary middleman. I’ve said this frequently on www.esrati.com
By David Esrati
May 30, 2010 9:52 PM | Link to this
I support Single payer health care- if you want to call it HR676 so be it. I don’t see any reason to pay insurance companies for health care and have said so numerous times on www.esrati.com
By Joe
May 27, 2010 2:41 PM | Link to this
Unfortunately I do know Joe. He lives off student loans, attends school part time, never has held a real job in all the years I’ve known him, and has said “People will vote for me because of my last name. People don’t pay attention, they vote the name.”
By pudintain
May 27, 2010 1:29 PM | Link to this
Instead of bad mouthing candidates here, can we please talk issues. Does anyone know which candidate supports HR676?
By It's Great in Dayton!!!!
May 26, 2010 10:28 PM | Link to this
This is how the downward spiral works.——————————— The City of Dayton becomes dirtier, more dangerous, poorer, uglier, less educated, and less employed.———- So tax revenues plummet. —————— Then it becomes even dirtier, even more dangerous, even poorer, even uglier, even less educated, and even less employed.—————— So tax revenues plummet even more.———————- Repeat until rock bottom is hit.———————- Also, there might be a big stinky junkyard fire on the way down.
By Bill Kennedy
May 26, 2010 10:27 PM | Link to this
This is how the downward spiral works.——————————— The City of Dayton becomes dirtier, more dangerous, poorer, uglier, less educated, and less employed.———- So tax revenues plummet. —————— Then it becomes even dirtier, even more dangerous, even poorer, even uglier, even less educated, and even less employed.—————— So tax revenues plummet even more.———————- Repeat until rock bottom is hit.———————- Also, there might be a big stinky junkyard fire on the way down.
By Bill Kennedy
May 26, 2010 10:26 PM | Link to this
This is how the downward spiral works.——————————— The City of Dayton becomes dirtier, more dangerous, poorer, uglier, less educated, and less employed.———- So tax revenues plummet. —————— Then it becomes even dirtier, even more dangerous, even poorer, even uglier, even less educated, and even less employed.—————— So tax revenues plummet even more.———————- Repeat until rock bottom is hit.———————- Also, there might be a big stinky junkyard fire on the way down.
By Amanda Doresey
May 26, 2010 1:46 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait to vote against Esrati in the upcoming election. What a tool.
By null
May 25, 2010 4:46 PM | Link to this
Does anyone really even know that much about Roberts? I have looked and I can’t really find anything on him. And does he really know what its like to live from paycheck to paycheck? Most people that young wouldn’t understand what its like. This is a waste of tax dollars!
By UrbanDweller
May 25, 2010 12:23 PM | Link to this
Roberts, a political consultant says “We really need someone to step up with a middle class background who understands what it is to live from paycheck to paycheck,” he said. Are there really that many middle class people living paycheck to paycheck? Plus, given the current economic environment I don’t think any democrat really has a chance in he11 of winning.
By Carolina Moran
May 25, 2010 10:57 AM | Link to this
The only one who wants David Esrati to run for Congress is David Esrati. GO AWAY.
By It's Great in Dayton!!
May 24, 2010 10:27 PM | Link to this
WHY WOULD ANYBODY IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WANT TO LIVE IN DAYTON!!!!——————————- “An armed robbery early Sunday morning, May 23, sent one man to the hospital with a bullet wound to the face and another with a wound to the head from a baseball bat.———————————————- Now Dayton police are looking for four young men seen in the East Dayton neighborhood between Springfield and First streets.—————————————— When police arrived around 1:30 a.m., they found Juan Carlos Cruz-Gomez, 21, on all fours in the front yard of 52 Burlington, bleeding from the face. Hector Trejo-Carilla, 38, told police Gomez had been shot, and he had been beaten in a robbery. Medics said Gomez had been shot in the lip with the bullet traveling along his jawbone, exiting near his left temple. Carilla had a laceration at the crown of his head.——————————————————————————- According to witnesses, the two victims and a third man were in their adjoining front yards, drinking and talking over the fence. Two young men entered the yard, one armed with a baseball bat, the other with a small handgun. One ordered Carilla to hand over his wallet, and struck him with the bat after he tossed his wallet on the ground.————————————————— The second assailant then shot Gomez and took his wallet. They fled on foot with a third man, and a witness saw the three men run from the area and jump into a late-model, silver Chevrolet Impala on Springfield. The vehicle sped from the area.”
By David Esrati
May 24, 2010 2:55 PM | Link to this
@Hilltopper Mr. Hayes and I are professional friends. Although I’d love to study under him, I don’t have the time to devote to do it properly. If I was going to pursue further training- it would be with him.
By Hilltopper
May 24, 2010 2:33 PM | Link to this
Mr Esrati, When did you study with Mr. Hayes? What belt did you earn? I’ve studied ther for 0ver 5 years, and since then, I have stayed in touch with some of the instructors, and I don’t remember you.
By David Esrati
May 24, 2010 9:40 AM | Link to this
For the uninformed- if only one person files- there is still a primary- all the way up to 40 days before the general election- at which point- the Party can nominate someone. Read more here: http://www.esrati.com/on-the-special-election-primary/4970/ btw- if you don’t like me, please come out in droves to vote against me. And, if you think there might be one other person in all of OH-3 who might do a better job at being your rep than Mike Turner- please ask them to run.
By David Esrati
May 23, 2010 4:14 PM | Link to this
Cindy, you would contact me by going to my website: www.esrati.com but- to meet a ninja (a name bestowed upon my by Mike Turner when he couldn’t explain why he was having citizens arrested for silent protests of his secret meetings) I’d suggest contacting Stephen K. Hayes of Quest Martial Arts Center in Dayton. He’s a 10th degree ninja and a very nice guy: http://www.daytonquestcenter.com/ He’s also a personal friend of mine. Cheers.
By Cindy in Dayton
May 23, 2010 2:47 AM | Link to this
How would I contact Mr. Esrati to hold a fundraiser for him? My boys would like to meet a real ninja
By Rahn Keucher
May 22, 2010 7:56 PM | Link to this
This election was going to have to happen whomever was running. Go for it David! I’m just sorry I do not live in OH3.
By Anthony Hopkins
May 22, 2010 2:28 PM | Link to this
First, I want you to know that the Democratic Party in the Dayton, Ohio area is not any different any others. I want you to know that I personally feel at this time that all politicians need to just stick to the issues. They really need to help the people a lot more than just political mudslinging. This is not about debate on a specific party. It is about getting things done politically. Sincerely, Anthony Hopkins Dayton, Ohio
By T
May 22, 2010 11:57 AM | Link to this
Now that Esrati has confirmed a political run… shouldn’t the DDN be banning him from using these forums as his personal campaign ad?? Oh wait, it’s the DDN we’re talking about…
By lundy
May 22, 2010 10:42 AM | Link to this
Shut up already, Esrati! The fact that you spend most of your time on DDN comment pages show you have way too much time on your hands.
By Max
May 22, 2010 10:27 AM | Link to this
Copy and paste is a little shakey today…..Errata; should read NOT completely forthcoming……’sorry
By Max
May 22, 2010 10:25 AM | Link to this
Errata: NOT completely forthcoming……
By Max
May 22, 2010 10:23 AM | Link to this
David, I’ll listen to you and what you have to say that is different than Turner. At this point the political language seems the same with Turner, as the incumbent, having the advantage/disadvantage of a congressional record. As an Independent I totally disagree with your position on the GM bailout. To apply, in principle, federal intervention into the free market to that degree is as irresponsible as the unfunded mandate of ‘no child left behind.’ Succeses can only be measured by failures and that is a basic tenent of a free market. On the NCR issue I don’t think you, Turner, or Strickland are being completely forthcoming about that black-eye Dayton received because everyone knew or should have known of NCR’s intent at least 18 months before their announcement. NCR hasn’t the indentured confidentialty contract with its employees like Microsoft. Everyone, from city, to state, to Mike Turner buried their heads in the sand on that one and the blame is equally applied. It was even in the public record in the GA community. That the DDN is a progeny of the Atlanta Constitution also raises eyebrows why the story was killed over and over until it reached the front page. That’s the danger when a community such as Dayton is run and influenced by outside interests including banks. To connect Turner’s votes and earmarks for Wright-Pat with the GM and NCR issues is, in my opinion, connecting dots that aren’t there. Turner’s record is very clear from his position of working on the Bills before him to reduce ALL earmarks in a move- futile as it was – towards fiscal responsibilty at the federal level. My objection to Turner is the blind loyalty to his party over his constituents; the health care debate and banking reform. I will certainly give you a chance but remind you anyone who is elected in November has to carry Independents. To do that you must separate yourself from the incumbent based upon more than I have seen. It may be true the district is in need of new blood and eyes. Montgomery County does not need any more black-eyes or blood poisoning. (By the way, David, is your company hiring?)
By jeff
May 22, 2010 9:46 AM | Link to this
david, im fed up going to the polls and seeing YOU on the ballot. let this Roberts guy run - you’ve already proven countless times you can’t win a city commision seat let alone beat the power-house that is Turner. I can call Turner’s office or go see him every weekend since he always on the g*ddamn news from some press conference or speach- i get sick of seeing him so much! don’t waste Ohio’s money - let someone else properly fill out a simple form and run.
By Max
May 22, 2010 9:44 AM | Link to this
David, I’m open-minded and am willing to hear your ‘case.’ My intial response to your announcement is one of quizzical dismay. How can you run under the flag of Democrats while speaking of transparency and accesibility to government and its processes? Everyone, from Pelosi to the White House, has excluded debate and constructive input to such fundemental things as healthcare reform. What, as a junior representative, will you do to represent the ‘reality’ of your district while opening the doors to consensus with the Republicans? In short, aside from websites and ad hominem attacks, what makes you different from Turner on the issues directly affecting most of Montgomery County?
By Max
May 22, 2010 9:42 AM | Link to this
David, I’m open-minded and am willing to hear your ‘case.’ My intial response to your announcement is one of quizzical dismay. How can you run under the flag of Democrats while speaking of transparency and accesibility to government and its processes? Everyone, from Pelosi to the White House, has excluded debate and constructive input to such fundemental things as healthcare reform. What, as a junior representative, will you do to represent the ‘reality’ of your district while opening the doors to consensus with the Republicans? In short, aside from websites and ad hominem attacks, what makes you different from Turner on the issues directly affecting most of Montgomery County?
By David Esrati
May 22, 2010 8:52 AM | Link to this
If you have an opinion worth stating, you should be willing to sign your full name. If you are fed up with going to the polls- and NOT having choices, there aren’t many countries left for you to move to- let’s see: Cuba, North Korea- do they sound better? You are free not to vote for me. You are free to vote against me- but, if you don’t have choices in elections- you are not free. I encourage everyone who cares about their country to take out a petition- http://esrati.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Form-2E-for-Congress.pdf Get your signatures, and pay the $85 and run against me- and challenge the incumbent. Or- call on someone you feel would be qualified to represent you- and prompt them to run. If we continue to think only those who can sell out for campaign donations to run- we’ll continue to get what we have- the rich getting richer, and the poor and unemployed and underemployed growing in numbers that will turn our nation into a third world country. As to spending time talking to people on this board- I’d rather not do it here- that’s why I have a site where we discuss ideas, not personalities- and try to have a meaningful discussion about issues. Try doing that with your “representative” Mike Turner.
By Bill M.
May 22, 2010 8:51 AM | Link to this
Can someone say Groundhog day. The dums keep running bozos against Turner and getting smoked.
By concerned citizen
May 22, 2010 8:27 AM | Link to this
Can we not draw the conversation back to the fact that the democrats have NO shot at this congressional seat… why waste $300,000 of our taxpayer money on a lost cause? The answer is they simply do not care about wasting taxpayer money! I think that if the dems want to run someone, they need to be the ones footing the bill - NOT me or the other already exhausted taxpayers of Ohio.
By Joe
May 22, 2010 8:19 AM | Link to this
I’ve worked with Esrati. He’s a child.
By Anon
May 22, 2010 7:45 AM | Link to this
The last thing I want to see on TV is a video of David Esrati.
By Obamas Mistress
May 22, 2010 7:11 AM | Link to this
Seriously? He wants to be taken seriously but he’s arguing with posters on a message board? Whacked. Totally whacked.
By Concerned
May 22, 2010 5:00 AM | Link to this
Let’s see now, those old city commission public speaker video clips are around here somewhere….
By Shelia Owens
May 22, 2010 3:15 AM | Link to this
Go David! I am glad to see that someone is trying to actually make a change - even at the first step of an election. Someone who isn’t afraid of taking criticism and is even willing to talk to the posters of an article is EXACTLY who we need in office. When was the last time you talked to your representative directly?
By larry sizer
May 22, 2010 12:40 AM | Link to this
I think David recording people signing his petition is brilliant, that way he has a record of the signing. Free me from error, why did Tipps get run down the pike, a video tape may have kept him at his job. …Run David Run…
By Ethel S.
May 22, 2010 12:35 AM | Link to this
Marble, at least Harold Stassen, did get elected Governor. Gov. Stassen just loved to run for President and gave some good speeches.
By Hankster65
May 22, 2010 12:35 AM | Link to this
Marble, he’s the Harold Stassen of Dayton politics! Hah, I love it. I think you’re right. Loved the anology, I doubt many will get the humor. Wish the guy well.
By Ethel S
May 22, 2010 12:29 AM | Link to this
What a loser. If Mr.Esrati wants to help people, go ahead and do it. Just do not do it on my tax dollars. And what is up with videotaping the signing of his petition?
By larry sizer
May 22, 2010 12:28 AM | Link to this
The way this Jeff is writing about David, it makes one think he (Jeff) wants to have David’s baby.
By Todd
May 22, 2010 12:22 AM | Link to this
I have to say, any candidate who would post on the DDN website and argue with other posters doesn’t seem quite fit to hold office. Everyone knows these message boards are where the whackjobs hang out! Me included!
By etackett
May 22, 2010 12:09 AM | Link to this
Jeff the only reason that Tuner is moving downtown is so when the gerrymandering happens in Ohio by the democrats he will still be in a district that might vote him in again
By etackett
May 22, 2010 12:09 AM | Link to this
Jeff the only reason that Tuner is moving downtown is so when the gerrymandering happens in Ohio by the democrats he will still be in a district that might vote him in again
By Where's Jeff?
May 21, 2010 11:53 PM | Link to this
Jeff is an opinionated opportunist who has ridden the coat tails of others for far to long. Taking credit for others work is fraud in my book. He preaches to you about Dayton polictics from his home office in Cincinnati. Father of Brown Street? Not!
By The Insider
May 21, 2010 11:43 PM | Link to this
I think David should “go rogue”. I can just see the ad now…a glossy picture of David flying in a helicopter shooting deer with an assault rifle. It would make the republicans go nuts. Don’t hold back David. Hit ‘em where it hurts. Get some attention. Go for it!
By marble
May 21, 2010 11:40 PM | Link to this
David Esrati is the Harold Stassen of Dayton politics.
By TC
May 21, 2010 10:56 PM | Link to this
Esrati - at how many sessions of Congress would you wear a Ninja hood?
By Jeff in '10 (he's not Esrati)
May 21, 2010 10:34 PM | Link to this
Right on RJ. I think we could put up signs for Jeff that simply say, “Hey, at least I’m not David Esrati” and I’m positive Jeff could get more votes than DE. Esrati is a crazy leftist who doesn’t have a clue. Jeff in ‘10 (or anyone to confuse you crazy libs)
By Chris
May 21, 2010 10:18 PM | Link to this
Oh goody, we need an opinionated-lunatic representing us! I’ve met the arrogant @$$ and read all the stories…don’t sign or vote for him!
By rj
May 21, 2010 9:43 PM | Link to this
@Jeff, Do it! Get 50 to sign so you can run and do it wearing the Ninja Mask at each greet and meet.. Then ramble on about things that no one cares about like DE does or Trains. Heck at least KARON would be there to vote for you..
By Tony
May 21, 2010 9:43 PM | Link to this
Maybe Rhine and Obobo will come campaign with you - 3 losers in one! A vote for Esrati is a vote for Pelosi.
By jeff
May 21, 2010 9:34 PM | Link to this
so, david, right here on the DDN website you have admitted that if you hadnt blown your paperwork, the taxpayers wouldnt have been out the $300,000?!?! so we are gonna have a personal special election primary so that david esrati can get a 2nd shot to fill out a form and get 50 signature correctly?!! cmon, david, seriously. isnt ohio’s economy bad enough without you cost us all $300,000!! claerly, you are qualified for congress.
By David Esrati
May 21, 2010 9:26 PM | Link to this
@Jeff- that’s not how it works, the runner up does not automatically step in. The way there wouldn’t have been a special election is if I had been on the ballot- and had beat MacNealy- which wouldn’t have been that hard, had you heard him speak. For someone so sure of yourself on these matters- I suggest you head to my site and download the PDF petition form, gather 50+ signatures and $85 and run. Oh, yes- that would require you posting under your full name. Cheers!
By jeff
May 21, 2010 9:06 PM | Link to this
david - you yourself said on your blog that if you hadnt blown your paperwork, you would have been in the primary election in may - and then there would be no speical election if mcnelaly dropped out. if there was an election in may and you were on the ballot, the 2nd runner up would have automatically taken mcneallys place, right? that would have been you correct??? so YOU, personally, blowing your paperwork, have cost the tax payers over $300,000!!!! hopefully you get your paperwork correct now, so you can come in second place this time!
By Laura
May 21, 2010 8:42 PM | Link to this
We need a fresh face in Congress from this area. All Mike Turner cares about is military and GM families not about the working families in this area. When he voted against the health care law, he was thinking about the senior citizens in his district and large businesses. Turner just doesn’t get it.
By Charles A. Rowe III
May 21, 2010 8:22 PM | Link to this
Correction: the floor of the US Congress.
By Charles A. Rowe III
May 21, 2010 8:19 PM | Link to this
I wish I could say I’m astounded at the abundance of ignorance displayed in these comments. It’s pure agony for me seeing such a large swath of my community continuing to vote against their own economic and ethical interests while the rest of the nation has already tossed the Republicans out on their collective a*s, DESERVEDLY. Keep your eye on the prize David; a chance to bring some common sense to the floor of the Ohio Congress.
By jeff again
May 21, 2010 8:08 PM | Link to this
oh david - to quote one of the great movies of our generation - “what you’ve just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.” (Billy Madison!)
By David Esrati
May 21, 2010 8:03 PM | Link to this
@Jeff and Stacy Law- Feel free to run. And- let’s keep the facts straight- baseball was a done deal before Turner even took office. And, Turner voted no on the GM bailout- without it- there would be no GM if the exec’s are to be believed. He’s done nothing for small business, and when NCR left for ATL- he pulled his WPAFB earmark- telling them to go buy a congressman in GA. We need more of Mike Turner like we need more deregulation of Wall Street.
By Sammy H.
May 21, 2010 7:59 PM | Link to this
David Esrati? Thanks, I needed a good laugh
By jeff
May 21, 2010 7:44 PM | Link to this
david- mike turner has done nothing but help this communtiy. look at wright patt. look at how he helped the delphi workers (my father worked at GM for nearly 20 years!). and he got the baseball stadium. he’s even moving downtown to renew faith in the community!! you are just a bitter left wing blogger. if you want run, then YOU should pay for this special election to be held yourself! HA!
By David Esrati
May 21, 2010 7:36 PM | Link to this
@Jeff, Dr. MacNealy cost the taxpayers by dropping out. If you want to know who costs the taxpayers, you can look at Mike Turner and the no-bid contracts she was grant
By Dave
May 21, 2010 7:34 PM | Link to this
Jeff, if you bothered to read the article, you would see that Dr. MacNealy is the one who is costing taxpayers a bundle by dropping out of the race. I wish Mr. Esrati and Mr. Roberts good luck in running for office.
By Stacy Law
May 21, 2010 7:13 PM | Link to this
Oh, good grief. Esrati1 - again? The giuy so ttoall out of touch with everyone? He’s a legend in his own mind.
By jeff
May 21, 2010 6:58 PM | Link to this
i meant $300,000! This is crazy. Maybe he’ll show up in a ninja costume on election day. hiyyyyaaa!!!
By jeff
May 21, 2010 6:56 PM | Link to this
so let me get this straight - Esrati screwed up his petitions and he’s now going to cost the taxpayers up to $215,000!?!? isn’t ohio’s economy suffering enough without wasting money on this guy?