Nathan Bailey (R), 2008 Republican PrimaryForgive me while I laugh some more at this pathetic campaign...
Tom Brinkman (R), State Representative and 2008 Republican Primary
Peter Fosset (R), 2005 Special Election Republican Candidate
Thor Jacobs (D), 2006 Democratic Primary
Nathan Noy (R), 2005 Special Election Republican Candidate
Jim Parker (D), 2006 Democratic Primary
Ed Rothenberg (R), Currently running for Hamilton County Commissioner
When people ask me why I think Tom Brinkman is a tool, I can now point them in the direction of this piece because it speaks for itself. It really does. Tom Brinkman, you sir, are a tool. An angry and bitter tool....but a tool nonetheless. Oh, and you got beat...twice...by a woman. Take that.
We've beat up Tom Brinkman pretty good around these parts, so when we see something good that the embattled state representative does, we like to take special notice of it. This is good work:Americans for Tax Reform applauds theOhio House of Representatives for passing H.B. 420 sponsored Rep. Tom Brinkman (R-Mount Lookout), a bill that would do much to empower taxpayers to track their tax dollars at a mouse click.Well done, Mr. Brinkman, and thank you...
The bill, which unanimously passed the house on May 6, 2008, would mandate the creation of a comprehensive website detailing information about state government expenditures including -- but certainly not limited to -- grants and contracts, require a searchable website for earmarks and provide for increased transparency in state real property tax management. Agency management standards and performance measures would also be implemented under this bill.
NOME, Alaska (AP) Defending champion Lance Mackey has won the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.So we've got that going for us...which is nice.
...I oppose Tom Brinkman because he's weak on terrorism and crime and punishment.
Check out this bit from Vic Wulsin (D-Millionaire) in the comments at a post over at FireDogLake (a digusting hive of ultra-liberal scum and villany):The 2nd District has some very interesting dynamics. Congressman Bob McEwen [OH-R] called this morning to congratulate me. He said that at his dinner table last night, the other six guests - all Republicans - had chosen Democratic ballots and voted for, yep, Vic Wulsin! He says the Repubs want her OUT (he barely lost to her in the ‘06 primary, so remember where he’s coming from) and want a reasonable alternative. So, I’d like to think some of the crossing-over comes from a desire to get Schmidt out. As an epidemiologist, I look forward to crunching some numbers to see where the biggest “crossing-over” occurred, and how that affected the Clinton:Obama ratio and the Wulsin:Black ratio.No wonder Tom Brinkman got his @$$ kicked...his biggest ally and bestest friend in the whole wide world (not to mention co-founder of the Jean Schmidt Kicked Our @$$e$ Club) was backing Vic Wulsin...
9:21PM - Very early results from the Secretary of State:Schmidt, Jean (R) 62.96% 1,538I'll be thrilled if the results end up looking close to these numbers...
Brinkman, Tom (R) 33.93% 829
Bailey, Nathan (R) 3.11% 76
(WITH 197 OF 200 PRECINCTS COUNTED 98.50%)10:33PM - I just got an email from a Team Schmidt staffer saying that AP has called the race for Schmidt.
NATHAN W. BAILEY . . 701 2.69 610 91
TOM BRINKMAN . . . 7,639 29.29 6,983 656
PHIL HEIMLICH . . . 3,505 13.44 3,257 248
JEAN SCHMIDT . . . 14,237 54.59 12,270 1,967
The uber-liberal Dayton Daily News has endorsed Tom Brinkman in OH-02. Here is the press release from Team Brinkman:I have to hand it to Tom Brinkman...he convinced these liberals on a whole mess of hooey... What a complete hitjob on the veteran Congresswoman and a disservice to any OH-02 reader that the DDN might actually have...
GOP Should Switch to Brinkman
Rep. Jean Schmidt's close calls in two elections are not the only reason Republicans in her district are well-advised to see if they can find a better candidate.
She has been known to speak favorably of having nuclear waste from around the world stored in Pike County. (That could bring jobs, but not the sort that would do the most for the county.)
When the scandal broke about wounded war veterans getting poor treatment at the outpatient facility at the Walter Reed complex in Washington, she said the whole thing was overblown in the media. (In time, though, President Bush decided heads needed to roll.)
She has circulated newspaper columns under her name that were not written by her or even her staff, but by a central Republican office.
And a state board ruled that she had exaggerated her education and falsely claimed two endorsements.
Add these embarrassments to the episode in which she publicly scolded decorated former Marine John Murtha, a congressman, that "cowards cut and run; Marines never do."
The 2nd District and Ohio need to be represented by somebody whose reputation is not connected to such bush-league mistakes.
As this year approached, there was much ferment within Republican circles about Rep. Schmidt's seat. Several names were mentioned as possible opponents. Now, however, the race is down to the incumbent and state Rep. Tom Brinkman, of Cincinnati.
Like the incumbent, Rep. Brinkman (who was one of the people she beat in 2005) is very intensely conservative.
However, in four terms in Columbus, Rep. Brinkman has earned an improving reputation. He likes to point to a magazine poll that labeled him the Statehouse's "most principled" legislator.
He supported moderate Jim Petro over right-winger J. Kenneth Blackwell for governor, saying, among other things, that Mr. Blackwell's anti-tax plan would have hurt local governments. (Some people say personal animosities were at play involving Cincinnati politics.)
Rep. Brinkman does show at least one sign of moderation. He says that when he ran for the legislature eight years ago, the main thing he wanted to do was cut taxes. He says he has since learned that there's a more important consideration in building an economy: improving the quality of education.
That's a sacrilege in his political circles. But he argues that places that are thriving more than Ohio - he notes Chicago and New York - don't have lower taxes, just a better work force.
Rep. Brinkman could represent the district better than the incumbent and probably be a stronger candidate in November.
Complete article:
http://www.daytondailynews.com/o/content/oh/story/opinions/editorial/2008/02/19/ddn0220082nddemsxxmg.html
"We were both invited to present our case for election," said Brinkman, "and I'm pleased they realize I am the stronger candidate in November and will restore honor to our district."
Over at Politics Extra, the Cincy Enquirer bloggers report that Tom Brinkman picked up the endorsement of the League of Conservation Voters.
In order to set this story up properly, I need to give you the press release that Team Brinkman sent out...Schmidt votes to stimulate economy... of MexicoSo...that sounds pretty devestating?
Cincinnati, OH - Conservative Republican Congressional candidate Tom Brinkman today blasted Jean Schmidt for her vote in favor of sending tax rebates to "resident aliens" who, under the bill, aren't required to prove they are legal residents of the United States in order to receive the rebate.
"This is just one more example of Jean Schmidt's inability to recognize a bad piece of legislation. Fortunately the Senate was a little more cautious," said Brinkman. "First she votes to bring a nuclear waste dump to our district and now this. We need to restore effective leadership for the citizens of Southern Ohio."
Cincinnati, OH. - State Representative and Congressional Candidate Tom Brinkman released his campaign finance reports for the end of last year. As expected, his cash on hand in his Congressional campaign account was just under $5500.
"I didn't enter the race until mid December", said Brinkman, "This is financial activity for only a couple of weeks through December. Fundraising has picked up significantly since then, and has been booming since Mr. Heimlich dropped from the race."
Campaign Coordinator Jason Gloyd felt confident about the race. "We are operating on a budget similar to the 2005 and that will make us very competitive. Tom's message has really been resonating with voters. This financial report is month old news, money and volunteers have been streaming in since. Let's face it", said Gloyd, "Having $5000 on hand feels better than $124,000 minus $277,000 in debt."
Who said this:"It comes down to the reason you get support. If you maintain Republican principles and never vote for tax increases, support less government and don't support pork, you will win. That is what people want to see in Republican candidates, not pretenders."If you guessed that this was the guy who finished THIRD in the special election in 2005, you're right.
WASHINGTON, D.C.- Tom Brinkman, a Republican vying for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District seat, recently signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform (ATR). The Pledge commits signers to "oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates."
ATR has offered the Pledge to all candidates for federal office since 1987. To date, President George W. Bush, 41 U.S. senators, and 194 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have signed the Pledge. Additionally, seven Governors and over 1,200 state legislators have signed the Pledge.
"Americans, now more than ever, need leaders committed to fiscal responsibility and pro-growth economic policies," said Grover Norquist, president of ATR.
"By signing the Pledge, Tom Brinkman demonstrates his allegiance to hard-working taxpayers nationwide, as well as dedication to taxpayers in Ohio. I applaud him for his leadership and dedication to the ideals of limited government."
"I strongly encourage every candidate for federal and state elective office to sign the Pledge," Norquist continued.
Copies of the Pledge are available at www.atr.org or by calling (202) 785-0266.
CincyPAC reports a statement from Phil Heimlich:Ever since the endorsement decision was made by the Hamilton County Republican Executive Committee on Friday, I have been discussing the future of my campaign with my wife, my family, my advisors and many of my supporters.Emphasis added.
In light of the outcome of the Hamilton County endorsement, and with the late entry of Tom Brinkman into the race, I am announcing today the end of my candidacy for Congress.
Mr. Brinkman’s candidacy serves no purpose other than to assure Representative Schmidt’s renomination. There is no reason to put the Republican Party through a tough primary battle when victory isn't possible. To do so would only lead to the ultimate benefit of the Democratic Party and its liberal agenda.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to all the donors, volunteers and grassroots activists who supported our effort to keep this district in Republican hands. Their generosity and commitment will always be deeply appreciated.
Finally, I am requesting the various Boards of Elections within the district remove my name from the primary ballot if possible.
Mr. Heimlich's departure from the race this morning has radically altered the election-day landscape, giving Tom Brinkman more volunteers, more money, and more attention - in short, all of the things a campaign needs to win. If Republicans in the 2nd District want a candidate who will control spending, limit government, and take a stand for life and liberty, Tom Brinkman is the clear choice, and his record proves it.No word on whether or not Team Brinkman plans on making some of his other awards in to centerpieces of his campaign...
"The news today doesn't change the fact that I am still the challenger in this race," Brinkman said, "but my record, after having twice earned the "Most Principled Legislator" title in Ohio gives me a clear advantage, and I will work tirelessly to earn that same title in Washington."
Tom Brinkman was twice given the honor of "Most Principled Legislator" by fellow legislators, members of the media, and government staff, and is making that honor the centerpiece of his campaign.
Kenwood, OH – I would like to commend former Commissioner Heimlich on his difficult and personal decision to withdraw from the race for the Second Congressional District.
Phil has an excellent and distinguished record serving the Republican Party and the people of Hamilton County.
I look forward to working with Phil in the future just as we have done in the past.
Now is the time for us to come together as a Party to address the serious issues that face Cincinnati and Southwestern Ohio.
Brinkman to Emcee Rosary Procession and Rally
Tom Brinkman will be leading the procession from Cincinnati City Hall starting at 11:00a.m. and ending on Fountain Square where there will be a rally at 11:45. Tom will emcee the event which will feature pro-life speakers.
"I am proud of my 100% pro-life voting record and activism", said Brinkman, "I have strived to support the sanctity of life from conception to natural death in my years in Columbus and will do the same in Washington."
MEMORANDUMBarry's analysis seems pretty solid to me. I'd still like to see a poll done that is balanced by number of likely voters rather than geographically, but I think we can get something of a snapshot of where we stand anyway.
TO: CONGRESSWOMAN JEAN SCHMIDT
FROM: BARRY BENNETT
RE: JANUARY POLLING RESULTS
DATE: January 14, 2008
I am happy to report that results of the opinion poll you commissioned last Thursday, January 10th. The poll was conducted by the Tarrance Group, a leading GOP pollster whose clients include President Bush, Senator Voinovich, and Ambassador Portman.
They surveyed 300 likely registered Republican voters from a geographically balanced sample of the Second Congressional District.
The poll showed no movement from polling last fall. Your name identification remains statistically universal (97%) and your approval rating remains in the 60’s which is quite strong compared to either President Bush (40’s) or either of your opponents. Your approval rating climbs to the mid 70’s with Conservative voters, voters outside of Hamilton County, and Straight Ticket Voters.
The purpose of the poll was to measure the race today with six weeks to go before the Primary. Per your instructions no information was provided to the participants other than the names of the candidates. The results were very similar to what we have seen in the past.2008 Primary Results
Mr. Brinkman remains a fringe player in the contest gathering only 9 percent in the ballot contest. He is largely unknown outside of his House District where it is fair to say he doesn’t enjoy your level of support. The voting groups that he performs best among are Un-Employed Men (15%) and Self Described Moderates (20%).
Former Commissioner Heimlich scores a comparably better 31 percent. His support has fallen slightly since last fall when he announced his candidacy. His best performing voter groups are Hamilton County Voters (40%) and Pro-Choice Voters (43%). Mr. Heimlich’s poorest group of support comes from Self Described Conservative Voters (22%) and Non Hamilton County Voters (14%).Hamilton County Voters (43 Percent of the District) Non Hamilton County Voters (57 Percent of the District)
Your support has increased slightly since our last survey. You continue to exhibit strong numbers with Straight Ticket Voters (62%) and Strong Conservatives (66%). Your lowest numbers are Hamilton County Voters (37%) where you still manage to beat Mr. Heimlich with our turnout model.Among Straight Ticket Voters (21 Percent of Sample) Among Very Conservative Voters ( 38% of District )
If the election were held today, given the low turnout we expect for the Presidential Primary you would easily win the Primary by some 25 to 30 percentage points.
With just six weeks before the Primary, you are very well positioned to easily defeat your opponents. That coupled with your monetary advantage or parity, your opponents will have no choice but to run extremely negative advertising similar to your last Primary.
Congratulations on your hard work paying off. It seems the GOP base deeply appreciates your efforts on their behalf.
The following is presented with the usual caveats that polls really aren't worth much. I have been assured that this is not a push poll, but the demographics nor the questions asked were not released with this statement (which is pretty typical for an internal poll actually). At any rate, here goes:Cincinnati, Ohio – Today the Campaign Committee of Congresswoman Jean Schmidt released their latest polling data in the upcoming March 4th GOP Primary. The data reveals that Schmidt goes into the final six weeks of the campaign with a massive lead over her primary rivals.This is interesting news when you factor in the news that COAST has decided to go with their founder, Tom Brinkman, over their flunky, Phil Heimlich.
Among all likely registered voters Schmidt defeats Heimlich and Brinkman by a wide
margin.
Schmidt 52%
Heimlich 31%
Brinkman 9%
“Obviously we are extremely pleased with the widespread support Jean is receiving from all across the district. With just a few weeks to go it is shaping up to be a massive win,” Bruce Pfaff, Schmidt Campaign Spokesman, said.
The poll was conducted by The Tarrance Group a national leader in GOP polling. It was conducted at the end of last week and the tabulation of the results is now finished.
Even better news for Schmidt was that among Self Described Conservatives her lead swells even further.
Schmidt 66%
Heimlich 22%
Brinkman 6%
“These results are quite gratifying but we will take nothing for granted. Congresswoman Schmidt has instructed us to run a campaign like we are 40 points behind instead of ahead. This is a big and diverse district and we plan to run aggressively in every corner of the district,” Pfaff added.
The Second Congressional District is approximately one third Hamilton County and the remaining two-thirds containing Warren, Clermont, Brown, Adams, Pike, and half of Scioto Counties.
COAST, a group affiliated with Phil Heimlich in the past, has decided to endorse his opponent Tom Brinkman in the race for Ohio’s 2nd congressional district. This is a huge loss to for the Heimlich campaign, as another segment of his base has decided that Phil is not the best candidate for the job. Jason Gloyd, who was recently selected as the new chair of COAST, serves as Tom Brinkman’s campaign manager. As such, he abstained from the vote, which was an otherwise unanimous decision.If the numbers from Team Schmidt are right, then it can be said that COAST represents about 6% of the district... What I want to know is what the 3% who are expressing a preference for Brinkman that aren't "self-described conservatives" are thinking.
