Winter weather photos
SI cover features area model
Madison vs. Waynesville
Local Dem with Tubbs Jones on Tuesday
Friday, August 22, 2008
U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (left) held a fundraiser for Miami Twp. Democrat Sharen Neuhardt in Shaker Heights, near Cleveland on Tuesday, Aug. 19, one day before she was hospitalized for an aneurysm. Contributed photoWASHINGTON — One day before U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones was admitted to a hospital for the aneurysm that ultimately claimed her life, she held a fundraiser for Miami Twp. Democrat Sharen Neuhardt in Shaker Heights, near Cleveland.
Neuhardt met Tubbs Jones earlier this year at a reception in her honor.
"She was lovely," said Neuhardt, who is running against state Sen. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, in the race for the open 7th congressional seat. A photograph, taken at the fundraiser, is among the last images of Ohio's first black congresswoman.
Neuhardt said Tubbs Jones talked forcefully about the need to elect strong Democratic women, and was supportive of presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, despite endorsing Hillary Clinton in the primary election. Tubbs Jones conveyed Clinton's support for Obama to the crowd of mostly women.
"She was laughing and joking about all the things she would do in my district," Neuhardt recalled. "She was doing what she loved best — talking to people about issues she was so passionate about."
On Wednesday, Neuhardt's fundraiser dropped an envelope on her desk. Inside was a check from Tubbs Jones and a note. "I wish you good luck in your campaign and I hope to stand with you in Congress come January 2009."
Neuhardt said having Tubbs Jones help her in her campaign was "a gift."
