Two releases...
Springfield, Ohio - Steve Austria, a small businessman by background, was pleased to receive the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in his run for Congress. The NFIB is a nonpartisan organization that represents small and independent businesses. The NFIB's mission is "to promote and protect the right of its members to own, operate and grow their businesses."
In the NFIB's release, Lisa Goeas, NFIB's political vice president said, "Steve Austria is the proven pro-small business candidate in the race to succeed Rep. David Hobson. During his time as a state legislator, he earned a 100 percent lifetime NFIB/Ohio lifetime voting record. In addition, his policy positions have indicated his support of many of NFIB's priority issues including easing the regulatory burden on small businesses and tax reform, as well as opposing labor initiatives such as card check that would hamper an entrepreneur's ability to run a business without union interference."
Austria said, "Having been a small businessman, I understand the issues facing small business owners. In 2005, I worked with my colleagues in the state legislature to pass the largest income tax cut in Ohio history. This tax cut increased the take home pay of Ohioans by approximately $350 million in 2008. We also eliminated corporate income taxes, franchise taxes, and inventory taxes. At the federal level, we must continue these efforts by making the federal tax cuts permanent and eliminating other burdensome taxes on our businesses."
...and the other...
Springfield, Ohio - Due to a lack of support from constituents in the 7th Congressional District, Democrat Congressional Candidate Sharen Neuhardt has now put $110,000 of her own money into her campaign. This brings the amount of money Neuhardt has personally spent on her campaign, including her in-kind donations, to over $125,000.
In addition to her own money, Neuhardt has received a large amount of money from outside of the district, including donations from embattled New York Representative Charles Rangel, who is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for failure to pay back taxes and misusing official Congressional resources for the purposes of fundraising.
Additionally, Neuhardt's most recent filing also shows that liberal interest groups from outside of Ohio are attempting to buy influence in this Congressional race. Neuhardt has received donations from ultra-liberal special interests such as Emily's List, NARAL, NOW, Planned Parenthood, in addition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Rep. Barney Frank.
"My opponent's extremely liberal views do not mix well with the families of this district, which is why she has not received much support from local residents. Instead, she has put in $110,000 of her own money coupled with another approximately $130,000 from her own law firm. In addition to her own personal contributions, she's received money from Rep. Barney Frank, Senator Hillary Clinton, Rep. Charles Rangel, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and the ultra-liberal interest groups from San Francisco who appear to be trying to buy this race. I believe the voters of the 7th Congressional District are smarter than that and will not let this happen," Steve Austria stated.
Steve Austria is currently the Majority Whip of the Ohio Senate and is seeking election to the U.S. House of Representatives. The 7th Congressional District seat is currently held by Congressman Dave Hobson who won his last election with 61% of the vote and upon announcing his retirement, strongly endorsed Steve Austria's election. Senator Austria currently represents nearly half of the 7th Congressional District in the Ohio Senate where he earned 65% of the vote in 2004. The 7th District has been represented by a Republican Congressman since 1939 and all 8 counties are currently represented by Republican state Legislators who have endorsed Senator Austria's candidacy.
Steve Austria appears to be well-positioned to keep this seat in Republican hands.
