This is a proposed press release I wrote for local churches. Feel free to copy it and use as a resource in getting the word out to your own local churches and places of worship:
It is the campaign season and sometimes facts take a backseat to passion. Good-intentioned people sometimes misconstrue facts. Recently you may have received letters talking about Ted Strickland as being in favor of preserving marriage, against partial birth abortion, and allowing prayer in public schools, and opposing gay marriage. We do not question the integrity of the author, but we do question his facts regarding Mr. Strickland. Ted Strickland, though he did indeed graduate from a traditionally conservative college and finished seminary and became a pastor, does not represent Brown County values, and has not done the things alleged in this political endorsement.
First, in regards to protecting marriage as between one man and one woman, Ted Strickland has not protected traditional marriage. The fact is, in Vote 484 on September 4, 2004, Ted Strickland voted AGAINST a constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Ted Strickland FAVORS gay marriage and civil unions: “Rep. Ted Strickland, D-Lisbon, opposes the [marriage] amendment and supports at least some form of gay union. ‘This is an evolving situation,’ said Strickland, who believes it is only a matter of time before gay marriage is widely recognized. ‘I absolutely believe that adults should be able to enter into legal relationships which give them the legal rights and privileges that are usually associated with the marriage relationship,’ he said.” (Paul M. Krawzak, Copley News Service, 7/14/04)
In regards to abortion, again, Mr. Strickland’s record speaks for itself. Strickland voted multiple times in favor of taxpayer-funded abortions and the taxpayer-funded development of an abortion pill. (Vote 136, 5/10/06-Vote 216, 5/25/05-Vote 362, 7/15/03-Vote 115, 5/16/01-Vote 292, 7/16/98-Vote 373, 7/10/2000-Vote 173, 6/8/1999-Vote 260, 6/24/1998) Strickland voted repeatedly against amendments to require more funding for abstinence education programs. (Vote 157 5/1/03, Vote 379 10/11/01) Strickland voted three times since 1999 against a law creating criminal penalties for harming an unborn baby during the commission of a crime (now known as Lacy’s Law). (Vote 465 9/30/99, Vote 89 4/26/01, Vote 31 2/26/04)
Mr. Strickland’s record on School Prayer and public display of the Ten Commandments is clear: Strickland voted against a measure that permitted the public display of the Ten Commandments on government property. (Vote 221 6/17/99) Strickland voted against a constitutional amendment to guarantee every citizen’s right to pray and express their religious beliefs on public property, including schools. (Vote 201 6/4/98)
While one may earnestly like to believe the best in someone they know personally, the facts speak for themselves. Mr. Strickland has a record of votes that speak for themselves. His record in Congress is one of ineffectiveness. His Congressional District ranks only behind Michigan’s 4th district in terms of unemployment. What has he done for those people? He is ranked in the lower 400 in terms of effectiveness. The only change he has made for his district is to rename a courthouse.
On values, the choice is clear. We have shown you Mr. Strickland’s record on values issues, without bias concerning the fact that he is from our part of the state, or in regards to personal acquaintance with Mr. Strickland. Whereas Ted Strickland’s record does not match Brown County’s values, please consider that Ken Blackwell: believes all innocent life is sacred and should be protected. His opposition to abortion has been steadfast and consistent, he has always been pro-life. The first obligation of government is to protect innocent life. Ken Blackwell championed the passage of Issue 1, the Ohio Marriage Amendment in 2004. Mr. Blackwell has been consistent with these beliefs. Simply studying values does not make one have those values. To make informed decisions, we need to look to actions as well as words. We urge you to pass on this information if you have an opportunity and feel comfortable to do so.
