Boehner Circus Update

IN:

• Bill Beagle - Endorsed by Rep. Mike Turner
• Roger Reynolds 
• J.D. Winteregg 

OUT:

• Sheriff Richard "Spotlight" Jones - Out
• Bill Coley - Out

UNKNOWN:

• Tim Derickson - Term limited in Ohio House - "I in no way could have anticipated this possibility, but now that it is an open seat, I'm seriously considering a run for that seat."
• Ross MacGregor - "Some people label me 'liberal.' I prefer 'moderate."
• Kieth Faber - Lives outside the district - "A spokesman for Faber declined to comment."
• Wes Retherford - "I really haven't had a chance to collect my thoughts."
• Seth Morgan - "I don't know if I'm ready to say one way or the other."
• Chris Widener
• Steve Austria

The Boehner Circus

The List (via Cincinnati Enquirer) is long and getting longer...

• Sheriff Richard "Spotlight" Jones - Get serious...
• Bill Coley - The former state representative topped insiders' lists for who might run...He didn't respond Friday to requests for comment."
• Tim Derickson - Term limited in Ohio House - "I in no way could have anticipated this possibility, but now that it is an open seat, I'm seriously considering a run for that seat."
• Ross MacGregor - "Some people label me 'liberal.' I prefer 'moderate."
• Kieth Faber - Lives outside the district - "A spokesman for Faber declined to comment."
• J.D. Winteregg - "I'm not afraid to confront people on different issues, and that's what the Republican Party needs."
• Wes Retherford - "I really haven't had a chance to collect my thoughts."
• Seth Morgan - "I don't know if I'm ready to say one way or the other."
• Chris Widener
• Bill Beagle - Just announced he's in today.
• Roger Reynolds - "At this point, that's not something I'm prepared to talk about." - 9/30 UPDATE: He's in.  Everybody else should drop out.  This is the guy!
• Joe Deters - Lives outside the district - "No chance"
• Not in the Enquirer article, but heard elsewhere: Steve Austria

Even though it is not a requirement for Congressman to live in the districts they represent,. I --and many people who still live in the district-- prefer that they do.  That will eliminate a few from the list.

Keep an eye on Coley.  Once he makes his decision, that will determine who stays and who goes.

I fully expect the Ohio Republican Party to try and push Faber on to the scene.  Expect the people in the district to tell the party to get bent.  Pound sand.  Go away.  But they'll try it anyway.

Derickson should get in because after having developed so far as a legislator, it would be a shame to waste the talent.

Spotlight and Winteregg will provide all of the comedy...

I picked a fabulous time to return to blogging......

Turner vs. Austria in Primary?

Matt Lewis reports that he is hearing that Jim Jordan is safe in the redistricting fight and that attention has shifted to the Miami Valley area where my (former) Mayor, Mike Turner, may have to take on Steve Austria in a "moderate" Republican cage match.

I like them odds.

Also in the rumor mill, but I don't believe this at all because for the most part the folks who spout this line are Jean haters, is that OH-02's Rep. Schmidt is on the block. Naw...I don't believe that one either.

Team Jordan's protestations aside, nobody I know seriously put him in the cross-hairs for elimination.

Turner/Austria...that I buy.

EXIT QUESTION: If Democrats were in charge of this redistricting, who wants to bet that two GOP seats would be on the block?

Congressman Speaks Out on Porno-Scanners and TSA Sexual Assaults

Good to see at least one Congressman gets that this is a problem.  Rep. John Duncan (R-TN) blasted TSA's Porno-Scanners and their sexual assaults on the floor of the US House of Representatives.

Sure wish I would hear of something like this coming from Steve Driehaus, Jean Schmidt, Mike Turner, Jim Jordan, Bob Latta, Charlie Wilson, Steve Austria, John Boehner, Marcy Kaptur, Dennis Kucinich, Marcia Fudge, Pat Tiberi, Betty Sutton, Steven LaTourette, Mary Jo Kilroy, John Boccieri, Tim Ryan, or Zach Space.  But so far, all I'm hearing out of our Members of Congress is...

...

...which is a real shame since at least one sexual assault occured right here in Ohio at the Dayton Internal Airport.

Meanwhile, I can't contain my disappointment in EVERY member of the Ohio House of Representatives and all but ONE Ohio Senator (thank you Gary Cates!).  Glad to see you all are right on top of protecting Ohioans...

Speaking of that, Governor Ted Strickland and Attorney General Rich Cordray can't be found with a search warrant on this issue.  Which puts them in the same category as John Kasich and Mike DeWine. 

Unbelieveable.  You people ought to be ashamed of yourselves.

OH-07: Mitchel to Challenge Austria

Release:

Beavercreek , Ohio , February 25, 2010: John Mitchel, former Air Force officer, is seeking the 7th Congressional District seat. He will be the sole challenger in the Republican primary to first term incumbent Steve Austria. Mitchel is not new to politics. He challenged Bob Taft for governor in 1998, and George Voinovich in the 2004 Republican primary when he received more than 195,000 votes.

In response to the announcement, Mitchel said, “ America is at the abyss, and we are not far from the point of no return. Since 1983 we have had a series of career politicians representing the 7th Congressional District including Mike DeWine, Dave Hobson and Steve Austria. It’s time for that line of succession to end.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mitchel stakes out what he says are three irreconcilable differences with the incumbent: His passion for government reform, term limits and tax reform, specifically the FairTax.

“It all starts with government reform. Recall the 1994 Contract with America when the Republican caucus drafted a bill that declared Congress must live by the same laws as the people. That was a virtual confession that 435 congressmen and women were operating outside the law, but nothing changed,” commented Mitchel. “It’s time to bring citizen legislators to Washington; term limits and a tax code that is fair, simple and pays the bills will help make that happen.”

Energy Summit in Columbus Today

Release:

Washington, DC- The American Energy Solutions Group (AESG) and its Chairman, Congressman Mike Pence, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, is pleased to announce an Energy Summit in Columbus, Ohio, [TODAY] with leading energy experts to be hosted by Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) to discuss solutions to America’s energy challenges.

The AESG has hosted several summits across the country this year in order to develop policy initiatives to lower energy prices for American families and small businesses, and create energy independence for the American people. On June 12, House Republicans introduced H.R. 2846, The American Energy Act as an “all of the above policy.”

The Columbus Energy Summit will take place Wednesday, September 2nd at 10:00 a.m. in Columbus, OH, at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the campus of The Ohio State University. A press conference will follow the summit at approximately 11:30 a.m.


Who:

House Republican Leader John Boehner (OH-8)
House Republican Conference Chairman and AESG Chairman, Mike Pence (IN-6)
Rep. Bob Latta (OH-5)
Rep. Pat Tiberi (OH-12)
Rep. Jean Schmidt (OH-2)
Rep. Steve Austria (OH-7)

Witnesses:

Mr. Harry Alford- President, National Black Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Michael Carey- President, Ohio Coal Association
Ms. Jolene Thompson- Senior VP, American Municipal Power
Mr. Chris Horner- Competitive Enterprise Institute
Mr. Tom Secor- President, Durable Corp.
When:

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Summit)
11:30 a.m. (Press Conference)

Where:

Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center
Bob Evans Memorial Auditorium
2201 Fred Taylor Drive
Columbus, Ohio 43210

Latta to Host Energy Summit in Columbus

Release:

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), a member of the House Republican Conference American Energy Solutions Group (AESG), will host an Energy Summit in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Congressman Latta will be joined by House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN), Chairman of the AESG, who will chair the event. Other Members participating in the summit will be House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH), Rep. Steve Austria (R-OH), and a distinguished panel of witnesses.

In May, the AESG held energy summits across the country, listening to analysts, professors, business owners, manufacturers, authors, and others about their thoughts on the current energy debate. Following the completion of the tour, the group unveiled the American Energy Act (H.R. 2846), an all-of-the-above energy solution that offers energy independence, good jobs, and a cleaner environment for Americans.

This energy summit will provide an opportunity to discuss not only the American Energy Act, but also the national energy tax legislation (H.R. 2454) sponsored by Reps. Waxman and Markey, which narrowly passed the House of Representatives on June 26, 2009.


The Energy Summit will take place on the campus of Ohio State University at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center from 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. The Energy Summit will be open to the public and press.

Strickland’s Transportation Slush-Fund Uses Federal Dollars Meant to Create Jobs

This just in...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ohio’s Republican congressional delegation today sent letters to Gov. Ted Strickland and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood citing concerns about how Ohio is spending its federal stimulus dollars on studies that won’t create jobs and requesting openness and transparency for taxpayers. Full text of the letters is below and available here and here.

The Associated Press reported Monday that Ohio has refused to fund some “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects to set aside $57 million for transportation studies.

“While the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act does give governors flexibility on how they spend their state’s federal dollars, it appears that Ohio officials are violating the spirit of the law by diverting money intended for ‘shovel-ready’ projects into a planning slush-fund for proposals that have no funding stream,” the lawmakers wrote to Secretary LaHood.

Ohio’s congressional Republicans previously called on Gov. Strickland to establish an independent, bipartisan oversight board to ensure transparency in how federal dollars are being spent. Gov. Strickland has not responded to that request.

“This is not the first time that your administration has decided to spend federal stimulus in a manner inconsistent with the intentions of the bill and contradictory to the expectations of recipients,” lawmakers wrote to Gov. Strickland, citing a March 14 Cleveland Plain Dealer article detailing concerns from Cleveland schools officials about how education dollars are being allocated.

“In light of media reports indicating that these federal tax dollars are being allocated to programs that clearly violate the spirit of the law, we again ask that you immediately create an independent oversight board to give Ohioans a full and detailed accounting of how taxpayer dollars have already been spent and all planned allocations for the remainder of the year,” lawmakers wrote to Gov. Strickland.

-ee-

March 16, 2009



The Honorable Ted Strickland

Riffe Center, 30th Floor

77 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215-6108


Governor Strickland:



As federal dollars from the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act become available, it is all the more critical that Ohioans know that their money is being spent wisely on projects that will create much-needed jobs now and provide for the economic recovery our state desperately needs. Ohio’s unemployment rate jumped to 9.4 percent in February, nearly 3 points higher than this time last year.



We are concerned about an Associated Press report Monday which stated that your administration “passed over some ready-to-go construction projects” to spend $57 million on “planning and preliminary studies.” According to the article, both Pennsylvania and Oregon put all of their highway dollars into construction while the Federal Highway Administration “has no other examples of states using stimulus money for planning.”



This is not the first time that your administration has decided to spend federal stimulus dollars in a manner inconsistent with the intentions of the bill and contradictory to the expectations of recipients.



On March 14, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the city’s public schools might not see “the windfall they expected” due to your decision to circumvent traditional school-funding formulas in favor of models developed by your administration. We have long favored local control over education dollars believing that those involved in the day-to-day decisions of educating our children know best how to spend their resources and so we sympathize with Eric Gordon, chief academic officer of Cleveland’s public schools, who said, “It’s not [the Governor’s] to spend.”



While the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act does appear to give governors the flexibility to spend federal stimulus dollars are they see fit, diverting money through non-traditional formulas and impact studies do not uphold the stated intentions of the legislation to create much-needed jobs and put us on the path to prosperity as well as help poor children overcome unnecessary obstacles in their educational needs.



Last month, we called on you to create an independent, bipartisan oversight board to ensure a transparent and open process regarding the State of Ohio’s use of federal stimulus dollars. You have declined to do so, instead favoring a Deputy Inspector General. In light of media reports indicating that these federal tax dollars are being allocated to programs that clearly violate the spirit of the law, we again ask that you immediately create an independent oversight board to give Ohioans a full and detailed accounting of how taxpayer dollars have already been spent and all planned allocations for the remainder of the year. Furthermore, we request that http://recovery.ohio.gov be updated with a detailed accounting of each additional expenditure within 24 hours from any executive or legislative action that appropriates stimulus dollars.



As we noted in our letter of March 4, while we opposed the stimulus bill – offering instead a Republican proposal that would have created 246,000 jobs in Ohio by the end of 2010 – we continue to hope that it works to boost our economy. We want Ohioans to get back to work, we want families and small business owners to have access to the credit they need and, most of all, we want Ohioans to have a bright future.



Sincerely,



[see here for signatures]



April 16, 2009



The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590





Dear Secretary LaHood:



On Monday, President Obama announced that more than 2,000 transportation projects in states like Ohio have been funded with federal dollars provided by the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Of serious concern, however, is an Associated Press report on the state of Ohio’s plan to divert $57 million in stimulus dollars to transportation studies instead of creating much-needed jobs right now through the “shovel-ready” infrastructure projects clearly intended by the President.



You were questioned on this matter Monday during an interview on FOX News and responded, “If there is an issue with some program in Ohio, I guarantee I will be on the telephone this afternoon making sure that money is being spent correctly.” While the Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act does give governors flexibility on how they spend their state’s federal dollars, it appears that Ohio officials are violating the spirit of the law by diverting money intended for “shovel-ready” projects into a planning slush-fund for proposals that have no funding stream.



According to the Associated Press, Ohio “transportation officials passed over some ready-to-go construction projects and steered about 7 percent of their $774 million share for planning and preliminary studies.”



Mr. Secretary, the American people have a right to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent wisely. Like you, we want to see our aging transportation infrastructure repaired and, where necessary, replaced. We want to see jobs created now and we want to see our economy get back on the path to prosperity. The process for allocating stimulus dollars should be open and transparent, and every taxpayer should be able to immediately see where money is being spent and why, which is why we ask you to immediately review Ohio’s list as well as ready-to-go projects that were denied funding in order to study other proposals. We thank you in advance for your response to our concerns.



Sincerely,



[see here for signatures]

House Republicans Ask President Obama to Withdraw Pledge to Sign So-Called “Freedom of Choice” Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH), more than 80 House Republican legislators today called on President Obama to withdraw his pledge to sign the so-called “Freedom of Choice” Act (FOCA), legislation that would overturn virtually all pro-life laws nationwide. The request by House GOP legislators comes on the eve of the 36th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.

A letter signed by more than 80 members of the House Republican Conference – including Boehner, Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), Conference Chairman Mike Pence (R-IN), Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Conference Vice-Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), and others – will be formally sent to the President later today.

“Americans from all walks of life have been touched by your pledge to govern from the center, and by your vow to be a president for all Americans,” the House GOP legislators said. “[We] respectfully urge you to build on this foundation by withdrawing your pledge to sign the so-named Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would in one tragic act overturn virtually all pro-life laws nationwide, and by refusing to support legislation that incrementally enacts the FOCA agenda by rescinding or weakening existing pro-life laws piece by piece.

“You have expressed a desire to be a president for all Americans, and to use your presidency to promote initiatives that bring Americans together, rather than drive them apart. We recognize it will not always be easy for you to do this. However, too much is at stake for this divisive and destructive legislation to move forward and life-saving laws to be rolled back. We respectfully urge you to withdraw your pledge to sign FOCA, and that you pledge not to sign legislation that incrementally enacts FOCA by rescinding existing pro-life laws and legal protections.”

Here is the full text of the letter, along with a list of signers.

January 21, 2009

Dear Mr. President,

Since the beginning of your presidential transition, Americans from all walks of life have been touched by your pledge to govern from the center, and by your vow to be a president for all Americans. We are writing to respectfully urge you to build on this foundation by withdrawing your pledge to sign the so-named Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), which would in one tragic act overturn virtually all pro-life laws nationwide, and by refusing to support legislation that incrementally enacts the FOCA agenda by rescinding or weakening existing pro-life laws piece by piece.

On January 22, our nation will mark the 36th anniversary of the tragic Roe v. Wade decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. Since Roe v. Wade, many laws – including laws to prevent federal taxpayer funding for abortion – have been enacted to mitigate the effects of the decision on unborn babies and their mothers. We hope that you would support the continuation of these laws and would oppose initiatives such as FOCA, which is more radical than the Roe v. Wade decision.

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently warned FOCA "would deprive the American people in all fifty states of the freedom they now have to enact modest restraints and regulations on the abortion industry, [and] coerce all Americans into subsidizing and promoting abortion with their tax dollars." It would "have lethal consequences for prenatal human life [and] an equally destructive effect on the freedom of conscience of doctors, nurses and health care workers whose personal convictions do not permit them to cooperate in the private killing of unborn children," threatening health care institutions and charities throughout the country, he noted. Enacting FOCA or overturning existing policies would have the same effect. We ask that you reject this divisive agenda.

During the campaign you talked about reducing abortions. The Freedom of Choice Act would do the opposite. By overturning laws that require parental notification or consent before a minor girl obtains an abortion, the abortion rate will increase. A recent study by Dr. Michael J. New showed that when a state enacts a parental involvement law, the minor abortion rate falls by 19 to 31 percent.

Also, advocates on both sides of the abortion debate agree that longstanding provisions that restrict funding for abortions reduce the number of abortions dramatically. A recent study by Heather D. Boonstra appearing in the Guttmacher Policy Review showed that 18 to 35 percent of Medicaid patients who would have had an abortion carry their babies to term when Medicaid will not pay for their abortion. Restrictions on funding for abortion save lives and protect the consciences of millions of Americans who do not want their tax dollars to be used to destroy innocent human life.

You have expressed a desire to be a president for all Americans, and to use your presidency to promote initiatives that bring Americans together, rather than drive them apart. We recognize it will not always be easy for you to do this. However, too much is at stake for this divisive and destructive legislation to move forward and life-saving laws to be rolled back. We respectfully urge you to withdraw your pledge to sign FOCA, and that you pledge not to sign legislation that incrementally enacts FOCA by rescinding existing pro-life laws and legal protections.

Sincerely,

Rep. John Boehner (R-OH)
Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA)
Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Rep. Tom Price (R-GA)
Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO)
Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-OH)
Rep. Donald Manzullo (R-IL)
Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)
Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA)
Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Rep. Vernon Ehlers (R-MI)
Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)
Rep. Thomas Rooney (R-FL)
Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN)
Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC)
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL)
Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX)
Rep. Timothy V. Johnson (R-IL)
Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN)
Rep. Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL)
Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)
Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-CO)
Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL)
Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX)
Rep. Bob Inglis (R-SC)
Rep. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL)
Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH)
Rep. David Roe (R-TN)
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO)
Rep. Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC)
Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE)
Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA)
Rep. Steve Austria (R-OH)
Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC)
Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA)
Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY)
Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI)
Rep. Steven LaTourette (R-OH)
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI)
Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX)
Rep. Blaine Leutkemeyer (R-MO)
Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE)
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)
Rep. Gregg Harper (R-MS)
Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA)
Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC)
Rep. Robert Latta (R-OH)
Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Rep. John Campbell (R-CA)
Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ)
Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Rep. Candice Miller (R-MI)
Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
Rep. John Kline (R-MN)
Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
Rep. Gary Miller (R-CA)
Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO)
Rep. Rodney Alexander (R-LA)
Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA)
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL)
Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO)
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL))
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA)
Rep. Erik Paulsen (R-MN)

Opening Day of the 111th Congress

Yesterday saw the beginning of the 111th Congress. Here are a few items from the Ohio delegation:

Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):

“I am humbled and honored to represent the constituents of Ohio’s Fifth District in the United States House of Representatives. I look forward to working with my colleagues to address the challenges our great Nation faces. As we begin debate on many important issues, I hope we can reach bipartisan agreement to achieve energy independence, lower taxes, and obtain responsible government spending while reigning in our increasing national debt.”

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- (OH-08) today delivered remarks during the opening proceedings of the 111th Congress. Full video and transcript of Boehner’s speech follow:

“Madame Speaker, Leader Hoyer, fellow Members, new Members and a special welcome to our new members and their families and friends who are here today.

“We begin this new Congress at a time of great challenge for the American people. This winter, working families are struggling to pay their bills and keep their homes. Small businesses are being forced to choose between cutting jobs and closing their doors. Health costs are rising. College savings funds and 401(k)s have declined in value substantially. Parents are deeply worried about their children’s future.

“It’s a time of anxiety for millions of Americans, some of whom face economic challenges not seen in this country for generations. When things are at their worst for the American people, I think we owe them our best. And this Congress must rise to the occasion.

“Two weeks from today we’ll inaugurate a new President. President-elect Obama has expressed a desire to govern from the center and put the needs of our country first. I think all of you know that Washington is a difficult town, and it won’t always be easy for him to do these things. But when our new President extends his hand across the aisle to do what is right for our country, Republicans will extend ours in return.

“During the 111th Congress, Republicans will strive not to be the party of “opposition,” but the party of better solutions. President-elect Obama’s calls for inclusiveness are already being put to the test. He’s called on Congress to move quickly and in a bipartisan fashion on legislation to help our economy. And at this time of economic anxiety, the American people deserve open debate and transparency in their Congress – key ingredients needed to produce good legislation. My hope is we’ll adopt a rules package for the new Congress that encourages transparency and open debate, and helps ensure that our institution is accountable to the people it serves.

“Our nation has faced adversity before, and we’ve never failed to meet the challenge. This is because America is a land of limitless potential. And when we harness the will of the American people, commit ourselves to making the most of the blessings God has bestowed on this great country, and bring all these gifts to bear on a common goal, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.

“America’s potential is unlimited. But government’s potential is not. We must not confuse the two.

“We can’t simply spend our way back to prosperity. Our responsibility as elected leaders in a flagging economy is to craft policies that allow our country’s potential to be unleashed. America runs on freedom. It’s the fuel of our economy and it’s the fuel of our democracy. The more we spend and the more we tax, the less freedom we will have left.

“So we need to take responsible action together to help put our economy back on a path toward prosperity. And the months ahead can be a time of hope and renewal in America. The American people are giving their best. Here in the Congress, we need to do the same.

“Madame Speaker, as we start the new Congress, we stand ready to work with you and your fellow Democrats for genuine solutions, for real reforms that put the needs of our country first and bring the blessings of liberty fully to bear on the challenges the American people face. And it’s in that spirit, it’s my privilege to present the gavel to you as we begin the 111th Congress.”

Rookie Steve Austria (OH-07) has his Congressional website up already!

TIB Video: Steve Austria at 10/31 McCain Rally

Click To Play

OH-07 Update: Austria Endorsement and Neuhardt's Money

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.

Austria Campaign to Thompson Hine Law Firm: You Can't Buy this Election

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- The Congressional campaign of State Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) delivered a simple message to the Thompson Hine Law Firm today: "you can't buy this election". Since January 1st, Austria's Democratic opponent for the 7th Congressional District race, Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs), a partner at Thompson Hine, has collected over $130,000 in contributions from the law firm alone.

"While Senator Austria has received support from all corners of the district, Sharen Neuhardt is funding her campaign through her law firm," said Austria's Campaign Manager Brad Mascho. "Thompson Hine has put over $130,000 into this race. No business could get away with trying what this one law firm is doing. Clearly, Thompson Hine is trying to buy this election."

Senator Austria has outraised his opponent by nearly half a million dollars since the campaign began through contributions from all 8 counties in the 7th Congressional District. By contrast, Neuhardt has raised more than $185,000 from lawyers across the country. Since March, she has raised three-quarters of her contributions from outside of the Congressional District including contributions from lawyers at Thompson Hine law firms in Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, New York, and Washington, D.C.

In the last fifteen days, Senator Austria reported more than three times as much in contributions from constituents of the 7th Congressional District and has nearly $200,000 more available to him for the November elections.

OH-07: Austria Receives the Endorsement of the 60 Plus Association

Release:

On October 22, 2008, Senator Austria received the endorsement of the 60 Plus Association, which is a nonpartisan senior advocacy group that tackles important issues such as the death tax repeal, Social Security, energy costs, affordable prescription drugs and other senior-friendly issues.

Legendary entertainer Pat Boone, spokesman for the 60 Plus Association, presented Steve Austria with the Association's Honorary Guardian of Seniors' Rights award. Boone called Austria a "fighter for the elderly."

In his release, Boone cited Austria's support to repeal the 'Death Tax' which hurts small businesses and farmers across Ohio and the country. "Steve Austria, running for the U.S. House of Representatives for Ohio's 7th District, knows a bad tax when he sees one," said Boone, "and the Death Tax is as bad as they come!

"And to those who call death tax repeal a 'tax break for the rich,' or akin to giving a 'tax break for Paris Hilton,' I say that's nonsense, a con job of the first order. In fact, invoking her name is an insult to small businesses and farmers," said Boone.

Boone continued, "I am pleased to present this award to Steve Austria. He is a tax cutter, protecting the pocket books of senior citizens. 60 Plus calls on nearly 5 million seniors for support so I believe I can speak on behalf of seniors when I say that they can count on Steve Austria. Clearly, seniors will have no finer friend in Congress than Steve Austria."

Senator Austria issued the following response after receiving the endorsement, "I am honored to receive the 60 Plus Association's endorsement. I have a proven track record of supporting tax cuts and fighting for the elderly. In the State Senate, I sponsored legislation that became law that would put safety measures in force to protect patients in nursing homes, hospitals, and other facilities that use medical gases. The intent of this bill was to help prevent a tragedy like the local tragedy that occurred at Carriage by the Lake Nursing Home in Bellbrook, Ohio from occurring again. Four resident of the nursing home facility died when nitrogen was administered through the oxygen lines. Rest assured that I will continue to protect our seniors in Congress."

Austria Tops $1 million in 7th Congressional District Fundraising

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- State Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) posted strong fundraising totals for the third quarter yesterday, topping more than $1 million raised since the campaign began and besting his opponent in another quarter's fundraising.

"This report shows strong support for my election from all areas of the district. I am proud to have homemakers, farmers, doctors, nurses, small business owners, teachers, and constituents from all walks of life contributing to my campaign. Voters in the district know that I will best represent their views and values in Congress and I am glad to have their continued strong support," said Senator Austria.

Sen. Austria has raised more than $1,059,000 since the start of his campaign, far outraising his opponent. In the 3rd quarter report to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), Senator Austria maintained nearly $280,000 after purchasing $200,000 in television advertising. His opponent filed with $215,000 on hand not reflecting approximately $150,000 in recent television advertising. In addition, Neuhardt gave her campaign more than $10,000 in contributions.

Since the start of his campaign, Steve Austria has raised the majority of his contributions from individuals, most of which are within the 7th Congressional District. By comparison, Neuhardt, a liberal trial attorney from Yellow Springs, has raised nearly $125,000 from attorneys at her own law firm, Thompson Hine, and more than $175,000 from lawyers across the country.

Neuhardt's most recent filing show that liberal interest groups from outside of Ohio are attempting to buy influence in this Congressional race:

- 51% of contributions from outside of Ohio

- 90% of contributions from outside of the 7th Congressional District

- More than twice as many contributions California and New York than in the 7th District

- Donations from ultra-liberal special interests such as Planned Parenthood, Emily's List, NARAL, NOW, in addition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Barney Frank.

Neuhardt also took $7,000 from embattled Rep. Charles Rangel and his PAC. Rangel is being investigated by the House Ethics Committee on the allegations of failure to pay back taxes and misusing official Congressional resources for the purposes of fundraising.

"Steve Austria continues to have strong support from the 7th District because of his record of service to his constituents. Voters are seeing that the Neuhardt campaign is one of smoke and mirrors, not a plan for the future," said a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC).

Senator 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.

New Austria Ad

This ad started running in OH-07 last week:



And here is a press release on the Bailout issue covered in the ad:

Springfield, OH – The bailout legislation passed by Congress and applauded by liberal Congressional Candidate Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) has had huge problems from start to finish. The bill was drafted behind closed doors and without regard for its long term effects. In addition, the amount of the bailout was set arbitrarily without a process for determining who would be bailed out. It also flat out rewards the very people whose lack of oversight put us in this position. Where does it stop? To date, the bailout has done nothing to turn around the economy and has been financed on the backs of the American taxpayer.

Senator Steve Austria's (R-Beavercreek) Democrat opponent, Sharen Neuhardt, most recently decided to align herself with Nancy Pelosi and the tax and spend liberals in Congress in support of this faulty legislation. It appears that Nancy Pelosi will be making decisions now for this first time candidate.

"We need someone with the experience and guts to disagree with his own party in order to protect his constituents. Steve Austria will use common sense when he gets to Washington to help make his decisions - not Nancy Pelosi or the latest poll numbers. Unlike his opponent, Senator Austria has opposed this bail out of Wall Street fat cats since it was first created in secret." said Brad Mascho, Steve Austria's campaign manager.

Neuhardt was quoted on the Politiker as saying, "I applaud the Senate for passing an economic rescue plan intended to save our credit markets, small businesses, and working families."

Senator Steve Austria is seeking election to the United States House of Representatives representing the seventh district of Ohio. The Congressional seat is currently held by Dave Hobson who announced his retirement late last year, and has also strongly endorsed Senator Austria's election. For more information on his election or to contact Senator Steve Austria, visit his campaign website at www.steveaustria.com.

RELEASE: Polls Consistently Show Strong Support for Austria

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- Recent polling shows that Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) holds a commanding lead in the race to replace retiring Rep. Dave Hobson in November. According to a new Tarrance Group poll commissioned by the National Republican Campaign Committee, Austria holds a 24% lead over his Democrat opponent with less than 27 days left until Election Day. The results show Sen. Austria retains the lead over his opponent that he had during a May poll by the Tarrance Group.

In a statement, Senator Steve Austria said, "I am very pleased with our poll numbers and I believe it reflects both the hard work I've put into this campaign over the past year, and the extensive grassroots efforts that are going on across the entire district. I am, however, disappointed that my opponent has decided to go negative this week instead of talking about the issues."

On Monday, just after the Columbus Dispatch endorsed Senator Steve Austria, the Neudardt campaign began running negative ads which suggests that she has reached the level of desperation. The constituents of the Seventh Congressional District want to talk about the issues. However, once again, Neuhardt has diverted away from the issues important to the constituents of the district and is instead running attack ads.

Dispatch Endorses Austria for OH-07

From the Columbus Dispatch editorial:

Austria, of Beavercreek, is preferred over political newcomer Sharen Neuhardt, a Democrat, because of his 10 years of experience in the General Assembly. He is completing his second term in the Ohio Senate and serves in the GOP leadership as majority whip.
...
Austria has built a reputation as a solid state lawmaker who's able to work with Democrats. As a fiscal conservative, Austria said, his goals in Congress include eliminating wasteful spending and ensuring that the federal budget is balanced.

Austria will find achieving those goals among his biggest challenges if he wins the seat. Many congressional candidates decry the sky-high budget deficits, but once in Washington find it politically difficult to raise taxes or reduce spending. Austria said a balanced budget can be reached through spending cuts, not increased taxation.

In the end, experience matters...

RELEASE: "Austria: Economy is Number One Issue"

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) released the following statement regarding the national employment figures released [yesterday]:

"Our economy is the number one issue we are faced with today. We must invest in our economy to ensure businesses grow and create jobs. That is why I have supported lowering gas prices through a comprehensive energy plan that includes drilling for American oil as well as making the temporary tax cuts permanent. Our economy is suffering from high gas prices and high energy costs and we cannot afford the tax increases the Democrat Congress and my opponent have proposed."

Because of his support of sound economic policies, Senator Steve Austria has been endorsed for Congress by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, The Business Industry Political Action Committee, The Ohio Society of CPAs, and the Ohio Farm Bureau among others.

RELEASE: Austria to Neuhardt: Time for Your Energy Plan

Release:

Springfield, Ohio- Senator Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) who has endorsed a comprehensive energy plan to tackle the nations' energy crisis is calling on his opponent to do the same. Sen. Austria has traveled the district discussing the American Energy Act which he endorsed in July. Since then, his Democrat opponent Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) has proclaimed "we can't drill our way out of this problem" (Dayton Daily News, July 28, 2008) and told Bremen voters drilling is, "a drop in the bucket." (Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, 8/20/08)

"Senator Austria has endorsed a comprehensive energy plan which includes responsible drilling, alternative energy, and energy conservation. While Senator Austria has been meeting with constituents in all 8 counties in the Congressional District who want lower gas prices and American energy, his opponent has denied real solutions to our crisis. Solving the energy crisis will take leadership, not sound bites," said Brad Mascho, Campaign Manager for Senator Steve Austria. "So far, Sharen Neuhardt has only opposed relief at the gas pump. Voters deserve to know if she will use responsible leadership in the way that Senator Austria has and fight for American solutions to our energy crisis."

The American Energy Act, which Senator Austria endorsed while his opponent declared that "we can't drill our way out of this problem" (Dayton Daily News, July 28, 2008) includes the following provisions:

- Allow oil and natural gas exploration on the Arctic coastal plain and deep water ocean while establishing a trust fund for revenues generated from this exploration;

- Cut red tape which has hindered the construction of new refineries;

- Provide tax incentives for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles and improving home energy efficiency;

- Further the expansion of nuclear power production;

- Permanently extend the alternative energy production tax credit.