OH-18: Moll's Family Values

I haven't said a whole lot about the GOP primary for OH-18, but I simply can't let this go...

Tonight is the FOURTH debate between candidates vying for the right to smack around Zack Space in the general. Jeanette Moll is claiming that Bob Gibbs "backed out" of the event. The truth is that Gibbs is travelling out of state for his son's wedding.

Now we know all we need to know about Jeanette Moll and her family values...

RELEASE: Moll Thanks Supporters; Pledges Support for Ticket in General Election

This just in...

Zanesville, OH 3/5/07 - Following Tuesday's primary election Jeanette Moll thanked her supporters and pledged support for the nominee Fred Dailey.

Moll said that it was a hard fought race and thanked her supporters.

"We worked hard and I met so many great people throughout Eastern & Southeastern Ohio and I'm proud of the campaign of ideas we put forth," Moll said. "I thank my campaign volunteers and supporters for making this race very competitive."

Moll pledged to support Fred Dailey's campaign.

"I've spoken with Fred Dailey and offered any support I can give as our party comes together to defeat Zack Space in the fall," Moll said. "Fred Dailey is a good man and is the right candidate to defeat Zack Space.

"I look forward to remaining involved and seeking ways to help make this area of Ohio a better place to live, do business and raise a family," Moll said.

During the campaign, Moll traveled over 25,000 miles attended fairs and Republican dinners in all 16 counties and had a grassroots team of supporters district-wide. Moll raised over $100,000; much of it in small dollar amounts, including donations from each county.

RELEASE: Moll Focuses on Illegal Immigration

This just in...

ZANESVILLE, OH 2/29/2008 - As Ohio voters prepare to vote on Tuesday, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th congressional district Jeanette Moll spoke with voters regarding her views on illegal immigration. Moll's discussions with voters show that immigration continues to be an issue that voters are passionate about.

"As I campaign in the 16 counties of this district, the people I've met are concerned about illegal immigration," Moll said. "They want to secure our border immediately to stem the problem and they want illegal aliens in the United States deported and not given amnesty."

Moll also noted that communities in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio are adversely affected by illegal immigration.

"We see drugs illegally brought across the border that filter down into our communities from Columbus and Cleveland," Moll said. "It's a question of law and order."

Moll continued that she understands why people would want to settle here.

"America remains the land of opportunity," Moll said. "As long as people come here through the proper channels and are law-abiding citizens I welcome them to the land of the free, the home of the brave."

Moll also pointed to a problem facing Ohio in a few years.

"Illegal immigrants are counted in the census, which gives Texas and California artificially inflated numbers," Moll said. "With Ohio slated to lose two seats in Congress, we should make sure that Ohio's legitimate citizens aren't short-changed by the system."

Now we get stuff on the issues... Of course, all we are seeing here is that she recognizes the issue...what we don't see here is anything resembling a plan.

NOTE: WMD has endorsed Paul Phillips for this seat.

RELEASE: Moll Focuses on Jobs and Economy

This just in...

ZANESVILLE, OHIO 02/29/2008- Conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th congressional district Jeanette Moll shared her views about economic development in Eastern and Southeastern Ohio today.

Moll has invested much time into getting to know small business and industrial leaders through the district. She reports that jobs and the economy are consistently stressed by voters as their top concern.

During her campaign, Moll has stressed her belief that job growth must be propelled by the private sector.

"Job growth comes from the entrepreneurial small business owners who invest in their businesses, communities and employees," Moll said. "We need to create an environment for business owners so they can focus on what's really important - creating good, high paying jobs."

Moll said government could also take a lesson from small business owners.

"We need to make sure the government does what business owners do - live within their means," Moll said. "That means cutting spending, lowering taxes and stopping the practice of secret earmarks."

Moll continued that she looks forward to being an active participant in economic development.

"I've talked a lot about going to Congress to clean up problems like earmarks, high taxes on small business owners and the deficit," Moll said. "But I also look forward to being an active partner on projects that help to create jobs from recruiting new industries to ensuring that infrastructure is in place for growth."

This is not a plan. This is believing in hope and hoping in belief. Or something. I need to dig out my Obama to English dictionary...

NOTE: WMD has endorsed Paul Phillips for this seat.

OH-18: Chastising Jeanette

This just in from a leading Tuscarawas County Republican:

"It's ridiculous. Jeanette Moll is out there spitting press releases, touting support she does not have, and trumpeting issues that do not matter. Zack Space took a hotel suite. Relevant to the district? That's not improving anyone's lives and it's not a debate we should be having. She will forgo healthcare? Why don't we stop lying to our residents? Jeanette, your husband has health care. Americans, eighteenth district residents need solutions. They have problems. If Jeanette wants to run a campaign where character and substance are not relevant and words and stunts are prevalent, I hear Barack Obama needs a running mate."

This is precisely why WMD endorsed Paul Phillips. The Moll campaign seems more interested in theatrics than solutions. The healthcare ploy was particularly offensive because it comes right out of the far left uber-liberal playbook. What's next? Will Jeanette Moll pledge to do the Food Stamp Challenge?

RELEASE: Moll Denounces Space's Lavish Privately-Funded Trip

This just in...

ZANESVILLE, OHIO 2/28/07 - Conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th congressional district Jeanette Moll today denounced Zack Space for once again breaking the ethics pledge he made in 2006.

Space and his wife received an overnight trip to New York for which the Greek Orthodox Church picked up the tab totaling nearly $2,000. This is in direct conflict to the campaign rhetoric Space used in 2006 when he promised to avoid privately-funded trips.

"This is two strikes against Space," Moll said. "First was his decision to take campaign money from lobbyists, now we have Space taking lavish privately funded trips and that's before we even get to his votes for higher taxes and against small business owners."

The Majority Accountability Project (Majority AP) reports that the trip is receiving special notice because of the extreme cost. Majority AP reports that the hotel website lists rooms that range from $199 to $349 for a "romance" package, but Space reported $459 for the single night's stay.

Moll said that it's another example of Space being out of touch with the district.

"How many farmers, coal miners, and even small business owners do you think have ever paid $459 for a single night in a hotel?" Moll asked. "In Eastern and Southeastern Ohio that could cover many people's rent for a month."

Space has already been forced to pay for one trip which he had originally intended to pass on to the taxpayers. His proposed junket to Greece came under intense scrutiny until Space was forced to pick up the tab himself.

"I've always been fond of the quote 'principles only mean something if you stand by them when it's inconvenient'," Moll said. "The people of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio deserve someone who will go to Washington and act in an ethical manner rather than just talking about it during election years."

RELEASE: Moll Won't Take Congressional Health Care Until System is Fixed

This just in...

Zanesville, OH 2/27/07 - Jeanette Moll, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th congressional district, today expressed her stance that health care will be a top priority in Congress.

Moll, who has been traveling the district and meeting voters for over a year, believes health care is at the top of people's agenda - but she's does not believe government controlled universal health care is the answer people want.

"I believe health care solutions will stem from smart private-sector solutions including health savings accounts, plans that are portable between employers and further tort reform to minimize frivolous lawsuits," Moll said.

Moll went on to say that until the people of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio have the health care coverage they need, she'll forego congressional health care as an incentive to work hard on the problem.

Moll also pointed to existing bureaucracies as one reason she is resistant to government controlled universal health care.

"At the state level we have the BMV and at the federal level we have the IRS as perfect examples of slow moving, difficult-to-work-with, inefficient behemoth government entities, Moll said. "We simply can't stand in line and take a number when we need access to health care."

Campaign supporter and critical care Registered Nurse Barb Caffaratti applauded Moll's fight for efficiency.

"The percentage of time doctors and staff spend on health insurance and patient finances has grown enormously over the last two decades, and it's getting to the point where a practice has as many support personnel as there are medical professionals," Caffaratti said. "I wholeheartedly support Jeanette Moll's efforts to reform the system and bring increased efficiency - it will have a lasting positive affect on both patients and doctors."

Is this another Wulsin Maneuver where the candidate makes a pledge that doesn't matter because the candidate would be covered by the spouse? I suspect so... These sorts of pledges are useless unless the candidate is willing to forego health coverage at all...

RELEASE: Holmes County Endorses Moll

This just in...

Moll only candidate in primary with
multiple county endorsements

Millersburg, OH 2/26/07 - Jeanette Moll, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th congressional district, earned the endorsement of the Holmes County Republican Executive Committee.

The endorsement makes Jeanette Moll the only candidate with two county endorsements in the primary. She earned her home Muskingum County endorsement in December.

Party members cited Jeanette's endorsements by the Family First PAC and the Ohio Right to Life PAC and her strong advocacy for gun rights among issues that influenced them.

Moll said that the Holmes county endorsement was very important to her as both her second county endorsement and the last of the primary.

"Holmes County is the most Republican County in Ohio, and I am pleased to have their support," Moll said. "This is the only non-home county and also the last to endorse, so we're excited to have this last jolt of support as we head into the last week of the primary campaign."

Holmes County Republican Party Chairman Rob Hovis said that Jeanette Moll earned this endorsement with hard work.

"Jeanette Moll clearly impressed a majority of our Executive Committee members with her energy, her conservative positions on issues which matter to us, and her well-organized campaign," Hovis said.

Hovis added that Party rules require a two-thirds majority vote for an endorsement, which is further indication of the strong support enjoyed by Jeanette among the county's Party leadership.

Moll has a district-wide grassroots organization. She has raised money in every county; has volunteer support and endorsements in every county, including many elected Republican leaders; and has traveled over 25,000 miles around the district meeting voters and attending over 25 Republican dinners and every county fair.

OH-18: Phillips on Race, Gender, and Republican Politics

In response to this release published on WMD yesterday regarding a Jeanette Moll event, her opponent Paul Phillips says "I look forward to the day when Republicans can be blind to race and gender and simply support the best qualified candidate. My wife, a hard working mother and professsional, is also a minority (Asian). She is perhaps the most ardent opponent of any racial or gender preferences you will meet. I remember her looking at me with that "I don't think so" look when I first told her about the Offficer's Wives Club. She asked properly, "is there an Officer's Husbands Club"? She is also not a member of our county's Womens Republican Club. She will tell you she's happy being simply a Republican. Morgan Freeman said it well on a 60 Minutes interview when he was describing why he disliked Black History Month..it went something like this...."If you want to make race (or gender) a non-issue, don't make race (or gender) an issue."

Exit Question: I have to ask...has Joy Padgett endorsed Jeanette Moll? If not, why not?

RELEASE: Women Leaders to Stump for Conservative Republican Jeanette Moll

This just in...

ZANESVILLE, OHIO 2/25/08 - Conservative Republican Jeanette Moll will receive an infusion of support from a couple Ohio political leaders this week.

Former State Senator Grace Drake and current Senator Joy Padgett will headline an event for Moll on Saturday, March 1 in Zanesville.

Drake served in the Ohio Senate from 1984-2000 and currently serves as Director of the Ohio Center for the Advancement of Women in Public Service.

Padgett currently serves as State Senator that covers Coshocton, Muskingum, Guernsey, Morgan and Athens counties in the 18th Congressional District.

Drake said she's glad to support Jeanette Moll for all the right reasons.

"I have a keen interest in seeing women get involved in public service," Drake said. "But Jeanette is a special case - she's a conservative Republican which makes her a uniquely qualified candidate for the people of eastern and southeastern Ohio who overwhelmingly share her values."

Jeanette Moll is running on a conservative platform of pro-life, pro-gun, pro-traditional marriage values; and also a fiscal platform of job creation and lowering both taxes and spending.

Moll said she was pleased to have the support of Republicans throughout the area.

"As a participant of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute I have learned much about being a female seeking to become more active in public service," Moll said. "Most important, though, is that I share the conservative values of this district - that is the reason I have built a large grassroots campaign team."

The event with former Senator Drake and Senator Padgett will be held at Schultz Manson in Zanesville on March 1 from 1pm-3pm. A minimum donation of $25 is requested.

Jeanette Moll is a practicing attorney and former Magistrate in Guernsey County, Ohio. She helped found the Washington, D.C. office of Ducks Unlimited before moving back to Ohio to attend law school and raise her family. Wife and mother of two daughters and adoptive mother of three children adopted through Muskingum County Children's Services, Moll has focused much of her life on family, faith and community.

Side note: I should have some important news from Team Phillips, her opponent in the primary that matters, at some point...maybe tonight, possibly tomorrow...

WMD Blast: Magnificent Monday Edition

Here are a few items that I wanted to pass on, but don't have time to develop in to full fledged posts:

The Ohio Right to Life PAC has endorsed Jean Schmidt for the Second Congressional District.

I am VERY close to having a side by side contrasting of issues, and an evaluation of the GOP primary, in OH-16.

The latest "Why Support Jeanette?" from the e-newsltter:

This week Republicans in Congress attempted to put a stop to earmarks. Those efforts were rebuked by the same democrats who said they wanted to "clean up government" and "change Washington" in 2006. Zack Space was among those voting against the measure that would have created a commission to set rules for earmarks while stopping them entirely until those rules could be implemented.

Space ran to change Washington, but today he's running away from changing Washington. Once again voting in lock-step with San Francisco liberal Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Space reminds us that his campaign was all talk and no reform.

Earmark reform needs to happen now. Jeanette Moll enthusiastically supports fellow Ohioan Republican Leader John Boehner in the fight to stop earmarks cold. No more secretive funding for bridges to nowhere, Woodstock concert museums and cowgirl museums (yes, those are all real recipients of our hard earned tax dollars).

Projects should be debated and those found worthy should receive consideration by Congress, but that's just it - they should be debated openly and with names of sponsors attached. Zack Space doesn't understand that Ohioans don't want back room secret line items or anonymous slush funds for pet projects.

Jeanette Moll's position is clear on earmarks - she wants them stopped now. With a war on terror to fund and an economic stimulus package being debated, we must make sure our domestic spending isn't subject to millions of dollars in secret pork spending.

And in other OH-18 news, Paul Phillips scored the endorsement of State Senator John Carey:

On Friday, February 1, 2008, State Senator John Carey announced his support for Paul Phillips, a Republican candidate for US Congress in Ohio's 18th District.

Senator Carey stated, "I'm proud to endorse Paul Phillips to represent us in Ohio's 18th US Congressional District. A native to our area, Paul has a true understanding of what we value and a proven track record of successful leadership. A former Air Force pilot and veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Paul came home to practice law and raise his family. He is strongly focused on increasing our employment opportunities and will fight to bring new jobs to our area. He is also a strong advocate for lowering taxes on families and small business, stopping illegal immigration, affordable health care, and strong national security. I will be voting for Paul Phillips and encourage you to do the same."

OH-18: Ohio Right to Life PAC Endorses Jeanette Moll

This just in...

Columbus, OH 2/7/08 - The Ohio Right to Life PAC, which actively promotes pro-life legislation and supporting pro-life candidates, today endorsed conservative Republican Jeanette Moll. Moll is the only candidate to receive this endorsement in Ohio's 18th Congressional race.

Moll has always been a stanch supporter of pro-life and pro-family ideals.

"My life's work has always been and will continue to be centered on family values, and that includes doing my part to protect innocent life and the most vulnerable among us." Moll said.

In the organization's endorsement letter, the Ohio Right to Life PAC extended its appreciation for Moll's strong pro-life commitment.

About being the only 18th District Republican candidate endorsed by the Ohio Right to Life PAC, Moll expressed that the endorsement represents her commitment to represent the values of the citizens of eastern and southeastern Ohio.

"As I've traveled the district, I've said that I don't just talk pro-life, I live it," Moll said. "This endorsement is further proof that the values I share with the people of this district make me uniquely suited to represent them in Congress."

Moll is a wife and biological mother of two daughters. After witnessing broken homes and more importantly broken families during her time as a Magistrate, Moll and her husband Gary decided something had to be done. Today, in addition to their two daughters in college, Jeanette and Gary are the adoptive parents of three children.

Jeanette Moll is a practicing attorney and former Magistrate in Guernsey County. She helped organize the efforts of Ducks Unlimited in our nation's capital before moving back to Ohio to attend law school and raise her family. In addition to the Ohio Right to Life PAC, Moll is endorsed by the Family First PAC, the Muskingum County Republican Party, State Representative Jimmy Stewart and numerous elected officials from throughout Eastern and Southeastern Ohio.

OH-18: Jeanette Moll on Eminent Domain

Last week, I mentioned that eminent domain was an issue that Jeanette Moll had a very big point to make and that I wanted to devote an entire post to the issue.

Background:

At a Holmes County Central and Executive Committee meeting, the candidates for the 18th were each given time to speak briefly about themselves. The floor was then opened for questions. Dave Hall is a Holmes County Commissioner and the Republican candidate for State Representative in the 97th District. Hall is also the President of Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) which is the local development district for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). Hall’s questions focused on infrastructure needs and eminent domain. Moll was the only candidate who spoke about these issues as they relate specifically to the 18th district. Hall has subsequently endorsed Moll for Congress.

The ARC is a regional economic development agency representing a partnership of federal, state, and local governments. It is composed of the governors of the 13 Appalachian states and a federal co-chair, appointed by the President. Local participation is provided through multi-county local development districts with board made up of elected officials, businesspeople, and other local leaders. (www.arc.gov)

Issue:

In Guernsey County, Route 209 was expanded from the intersection of Interstate 70 south towards Byesville. The widening of this route lead to the Ohio Department of Transportation taking numerous family homes. These cases then came before the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas. The Judge referred the case to mediation to try to resolve the disputes between the landowners and ODOT. I mediated many of these cases and therefore, understand the impact felt by the citizens of the 18th District.

Southeastern Ohio is a place where family histories run deep. Often, the family home is passed on from one generation to the next. When the state took these homes, there was more than an economic impact. Many of these families were losing part of their family history. Homes that had been lived in for decades and homes that were intended to be passed on to the next generation were affected. Thus, the mediation of these cases involved more than an understanding of the law and economic values but also an understanding of the region and the values of the region.

When the government uses its power of eminent domain (or takings), it is important to realize that there are personal impacts felt. A house of a certain monetary value in an area does not necessarily directly correspond with another home of the same monetary value in that region when family history and stability is at issue. Efforts must be made to improve communities while weighing the impact on individual rights. A balance must be reached. Such a balance was the goal of the mediations I conducted. The mediation process focused on all aspects of the takings to reach resolutions that were fair and equitable. As a member of Congress, I will represent the people of the 18th in a manner that reflects the values of the district while striving to improve the communities within the District.

I invite Paul Phillips to weigh in, on the record, on this issue because I believe that this could be a sleeper issue in OH-18.

OH-18: PR-Moll Prepares Brief for 2nd Amendment SCOTUS Case

This just in...

Columbus, OH 2/1/07 - Jeanette Moll, conservative Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th Congressional District, offered a "friend of the court" brief to legal counsel in the important Second Amendment case District of Columbia v. Heller currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The brief, which Moll prepared on her own behalf and on the behalf of similar Ohio Concealed Carry Permit holders outlines her belief in the sanctity of individual gun rights under the U.S. Constitution.

Moll submitted the brief to the legal team preparing arguments before the Supreme Court in order to cooperate and assist with their case. Moll, an attorney and former Magistrate, is credentialed to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I applaud the diligent work to protect the individual rights of American gun owners consistent with the Second Amendment." Moll said. "It's a valuable and unique opportunity to be able to share my legal views on this essential issue and, most importantly, to be a strong advocate for the empowered citizens of the 18th District who value gun rights as protected under the U.S. Constitution."

Moll further stated her clear beliefs on the Second Amendment.

"The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental God-given right. It's our duty as Americans to ensure such rights are not infringed upon," Moll said.

Moll is a life member of the National Rifle Association and an Ohio Concealed Carry Weapons permit holder. She helped organize Ducks Unlimited in Washington, D.C. and continues to enjoy the outdoors with her family.

Jeanette Moll is a practicing attorney and former Magistrate in Guernsey County. Wife and mother of two daughters and adoptive mother of three children adopted through Muskingum County Children's Services, Moll has focused much of her life on family, faith and community.

OH-18: A Reaction to Moll Conference Call Coverage

In reference to last night's conference call with Jeanette Moll, a Republican strategist with knowledge of OH-18 emails:

“It is reassuring that Jeanette Moll has discovered the internet. However, one conference call and a few press releases doesn’t constitute outreach. You look at a candidate, for example, Paul Phillips, he has two published interviews that I have seen and more that are apparently pending. That’s outreach.”

“You can't toss the bloggers table scraps and call that outreach. You have to serve them a complete meal. You have to air your views and respect them, just as you would provide your time to any newspaper or television outlet.”

“No one should be impressed with her prepping for one conference call. Where is her intricate command on the trail? She’s pro family? Who isn’t? She supports the troops? Who doesn’t? She supports the Fair Tax? Obviously, she caught a Mike Huckabee rally. Bottom line, momentary depth is meaningless. Daily, consistent issue discussion is what the district needs.”

I don't blame a campaign for not treating the blogosphere like media, especially when there aren't any established blogs in the district anymore...

I will say this: while Jeanette's knowledge of the district and its issues certainly is wide, I am not sure just how deep that knowledge is...but then again, I am not overly sure if the issues that face the district are as complex as some would make them either.

At the moment, I probably do lean in the direction of one candidate over the other but am not ready to divulge my preference just yet as I continue to gather information and evaluate what I am seeing and hearing. This is a hard choice, as both candidates bring unique qualities to the race that the other does not possess, but neither candidate has an Ace up their sleeve...at least, not that I have detected so far.

This much I can say with authority: Fred Dailey has a brilliant career ahead of him as a writer (I can see him becoming a Republican version of Garrison Keillor), but he ought to withdraw from this race. If all Fred has to say about the issues facing OH-18 are on display on his issues page, then Fred might as well hang 'em up and hit the hay.

UPDATE: Justin has a "high-ranking" Ohio Republican source who says, among some things that do actually make sense, this:

Ms Moll has no idea how to bring jobs to the area, nor has she (until now) recognized the need for it, but then someone neither born, nor raised in the district wouldn’t.”

Because you have to be born and/or raised in OH-18 in order to know how the economy works and how job creation works...or something.

Look, I get what this source is trying to say: that Moll is weaker on the jobs issue than Phillips; but there has GOT to be a better way of approaching that issue than this. The other day I approached this "residency" issue by saying this:

Paul Phillips is a veteran who was born in the district, but now works outside of the district and is on a "leave of absense" from that gig while he campaigns. Jeanette Moll is a legal eagle who wasn't born in the district, but has lived there for the last 15 years.

Let's call that one a draw...

I am actually offended by the notion that somebody who has lived somewhere for fifteen years is somehow incapable of understanding the district or its needs. If that is the case, I guess I had better resign my position on Central Committee in Butler County because I've "only" lived there for seven years.

OH-18: Conference Call with Jeanette Moll

I just spent about a half hour on the phone with OH-18 candidate Jeanette Moll and a few members of her campaign team. First impression: She is very likable and pleasant. She comes across as very friendly and easy to talk to, which has to be an asset when you are campaigning in a district as large as OH-18. She impressed me with a few things that we talked about and I want to share those with you.

Before I do that, I need to warn you, gentle readers, that when I am on a conference call, I try to focus on the call and the conversation; so I don't take detailed notes and therefore what you are about to read represent my recollections. Which means that what you read here is what "stuck" with me the most and not necessarily an exhaustive listing of each and every topic and/or detail covered in the call.

As she was talking about the district, she demonstrated a working knowledge of the constituents and the issues that matter most to the average citizen. I have never had a candidate mention infrastructure on a conference call before, and Jeanette took time to address something that may not be as sexy as military hardware or as cliche as taxes. It shows that Jeanette has a pretty impressive understanding of what the district needs. While Zack Space is talking about broadband access, Jeanette Moll is talking about making sure that there is water in Hocking County, where tourism is the draw. I did not know this, but Jeanette did: 70% of America flows through a corridor (the I-77 / I-70 interchange) in the 18th District every year and that has got to take a toll on the roads in that area; but the funding for transportation projects is based on population, not usage.

Clearly, the biggest issue facing the district is jobs. Jeanette is of the opinion that no one answer will fit the entire district. Government jobs aren't the answer and telecommunications jobs are not necessarily a match with the district's workforce. Two areas that the district thrives on is tourism and transportation and it is those two areas that Jeanette sees as the backbone of the district.

Let's cover the basics in lightning round style:

Taxes: Jeanette is a supporter of the Fair Tax.

Social Issues: Jeanette is pro-life and pro-family.

Iraq: Jeanette believes that the troops should be fully funded and they should come home when the commanders are satisfied that the mission has been completed.

Healthcare: Jeanette suggested that real tort reform is among the best ways to reduce the cost of healthcare. She thinks that moving these medical cases from juries to panels of judges would do much to lower the costs associated with healthcare.

And most interestingly, imminent domain came up as an issue that seperates her from her opponents, but that is topic for another post.

I close this post with a press release touting the endorsement from Lori Viars...

Columbus, OH 1/29/07 - Family First, a political action committee (PAC) dedicated to supporting candidates who are pro-life, pro-marriage, and pro-family, today endorsed Jeanette Moll, conservative Republican candidate
for Congress in Ohio's 18th Congressional District.

Moll has always been a stanch supporter of pro-life and pro-family ideals. Moll is herself a wife and biological mother of two daughters. After observing firsthand the impact of broken homes from her place on the bench as a Magistrate in Guernsey County, Moll knew there was more that could be - and had to be - done. Today, Jeanette and her husband Gary are the adoptive parents of three children.

"I want to represent the 18th Congressional District in a way that is consistent with the values and ideas of the citizens of eastern and southeastern Ohio," Moll said. "I'm well-prepared to represent them because I share their values and I'm ready to go fight for our conservative values, lower spending, lower taxes and job creation."

Moll has traveled throughout eastern and southeastern Ohio sharing her vision with the people of the district. Her dedication, combined with her views, made the decision easy for the Family First PAC.

"Jeanette doesn't just talk pro-life and pro-family, she lives it every day," Family First PAC Executive Director Lori Viars said. "She's shown her passion and eagerness to take solid values and apply them in Washington on behalf of the people of eastern and southeastern Ohio."

Jeanette Moll is a practicing attorney and former Magistrate in Guernsey County. She helped organize the efforts of Ducks Unlimited in our nation's capital before moving back to Ohio to attend law school and raise her family. Wife and mother of two daughters and adoptive mother of three children adopted through Muskingum County Children's Services, Moll has focused much of her life on family, faith and community.

Why Support Jeanette?

This just came in as part of the weekly update from Team Moll:

Why Support Jeanette?

Over the course of the campaign, we will use this space to highlight an issue of particular importance.

It seems like eastern and southeastern Ohio has sometimes taken longer to feel an economic downturn and even longer to come out of one. We need strong leadership on jobs now. Washington reacts too often in the academic model - look at the issue, study it, maybe throw some money at it and then put the study on a shelf someplace and forget about it. They have a lot of meetings, but they never get around to creating good legislation which protects small businesspeople - the backbone of our economy. We need good legislation - like business tax cuts and incentives. We need to reduce the burden on them as well - business owners spend too much time collecting money and doling out mandated benefits from the federal government. It's time a strong leader went to Washington to free small business owners from big government, allowing them to do what we need them to do - create good, high-paying jobs for eastern and southeastern Ohio.

Here is what she has to say about Jobs on her website's Issues page:

The 18th district has a great mix of resources - High quality of life, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a skilled and proud blue collar workforce. The transportation system is second to none with airports, the intersection of two major interstate highways and the nearby Ohio River all preparing Eastern Ohio to excel. Good, high-paying, jobs are not a thing of the past and many opportunities exist for recruiting new companies to the area. Jeanette will be a leader for small businesses. While some in Congress seek to destroy the ability of small business owners to stay in business, Jeanette will work on common sense legislation that strengthens rather than weakens small businesses - the backbone of American business.

Anybody see a problem here? The problem that I see is that there is an awful lot of rhetoric and not a whole lot of solutions being put on the table.

I criticized Paul Phillips the other day for alluding to what I call defense industry earmarking disguised as a Jobs program, but at least he is putting forth an idea. If Jeanette has an idea about how to bring Jobs to the district, I'm not seeing it in the material I've seen so far. On this issue, I am seeing an awful lot of style and not a whole lot of substance. The issue is too important to the district, as Jeanette well knows, to leave it that way...

Revisiting Social Issues in OH-18

In last night's post, I said:

This is a Republican primary. Jobs are vital, and Jeanette is talking about them, health care, illegal immigration, spending and taxes. But, this is a Republican primary... pro life, pro-gun, pro-traditional marriage and anti-bathroom sex are both policies and political stances that work in republican primaries. Look, there's another side to this... in the political environment of the GOP primary, it makes sense to be taking about the economy and the ACLU.

Social issues are important to Republicans. We can argue until we're blue in the face whether or not Jeanette's stand was an attempt to "scare gay-fearing conservatives" to the polls or if it was a serious attempt to illustrate her values and views. Either way, the discussion of the ACLU press release has generated has brought some light on an issue that otherwise may never have see nthe light of day in this campaign. Is there an epidemic of gay sex in the public restroom at an airport in the district? Not likely...but that isn't the point. The point is this candidate has declared a position on the subject.

What I failed to say is this: I find it rather weak to issue a press release on this subject without doing so on other issues that more directly effect the district. I would like to see more substantive issue statements from Jeanette on matters of concern to potential voters.

That Team Moll chose to issue the press release tells me is that they feel that they need to shore up support with the evangelical voters in the district. Which is a good strategy if they are feeling that that block may be the deciding factor in the race. Alternatively, if Team Moll thinks that her opponents have left this demographic behind then this strategy makes sense as well.

What doesn't make sense is that the campaign issues so few press releases (at least I don't get that many hitting my email box) that this one did kind of stick out as odd.

My personal opinion is that diverting into this "debate" has detracted Team Moll from addressing the more important issues facing the district. Not that Moll doesn't have ideas...it is the fact that the focus needs to be there and not in a Minnesota restroom.

...but then again, social issues really aren't my forte either...

A First Look at OH-18's Republican Primary

NOTE: I am still looking at both of these candidates and do not have a favorite at this point. Really, I'm just playing a little devil's advocate in a point-counterpoint style with Justin... No matter who wins the primary, that Republican WILL have my full support against Zack Space... Sometimes it is easy to take the eyes off the ball, but I'm not in a habit of doing that...

I see two serious candidates and a guy who wishes he hadn't bothered... Paul Phillips is a veteran who was born in the district, but now works outside of the district and is on a "leave of absense" from that gig while he campaigns. Jeanette Moll is a legal eagle who wasn't born in the district, but has lived there for the last 15 years.

Let's call that one a draw...

Jobs

Justin quotes a Paul Phillips interview:

“We can’t live in the past and have to adapt to a changing world. This isn’t bad, just new. Germany dealt with this problem when the wall fell, as cheap labor and manufacturing went east into Poland, Hungary and the rest of the former Soviet Union. The Germans adapted and changed to focus on jobs that they were well suited for, including precision manufacturing and high-tech. We must have the same philosophy. I like defense industries as these are not as easy to farm out to other countries (and I’m very familiar with this area). I like high-tech jobs that take advantage of our high quality of life in our rural, beautiful district, that will attract companies looking for low cost of living and a happy productive work force. Boise, Idaho and Jackson Hole, Wyoming are examples of growth areas based on a similar marketing approach. The telecommunications of today make this possible…(as long as the infrastructure is in place).”

Defense industries key to job growth -- I guess we'll be staying away from an earmarks debate in this race. I really think that real market-based solutions are the answer...not more government handouts...what I read Phillips as advocating here is corporate welfare...and I classify that as pork... Basically, Phillips is saying that he'll bring home the bacon...and don't we have enough of that in Congress already?

[SEE UPDATE 1 BELOW]

Social Issues

I've been hearing a some chatter about that ACLU press release that Moll issued (and WMD published and commented on).

This is a Republican primary. Jobs are vital, and Jeanette is talking about them, health care, illegal immigration, spending and taxes. But, this is a Republican primary... pro life, pro-gun, pro-traditional marriage and anti-bathroom sex are both policies and political stances that work in republican primaries. Look, there's another side to this... in the political environment of the GOP primary, it makes sense to be taking about the economy and the ACLU.

Social issues are important to Republicans. We can argue until we're blue in the face whether or not Jeanette's stand was an attempt to "scare gay-fearing conservatives" to the polls or if it was a serious attempt to illustrate her values and views. Either way, the discussion of the ACLU press release has generated has brought some light on an issue that otherwise may never have see nthe light of day in this campaign. Is there an epidemic of gay sex in the public restroom at an airport in the district? Not likely...but that isn't the point. The point is this candidate has declared a position on the subject.

NOTE: I am still looking at both of these candidates and do not have a favorite at this point. Really, I'm just playing a little devil's advocate in a point-counterpoint style with Justin... No matter who wins the primary, that Republican WILL have my full support against Zack Space... Sometimes it is easy to take the eyes off the ball, but I'm not in a habit of doing that...

UPDATE 1: It occured to me on my way home that I needed to clarify something... This post was constructed by patching together a few IM conversations and in the process, I missed an important piece... I am unable to discern whether or not Phillips is actually advocating for corporate welfare or earmarking; the clip that Justin gave us may not be the full context. However, based on what Justin gave us, I don't think that my conclusion is not unreasonable...

UPDATE 2: Justin updates his post with a link to my "devil's advocacy" and says, "I don't see that as the case at all, rather, that he's looking to make the district friendly to defense technologies." My response: Okay, then why didn't he say that. Also, what's his plan? Meaning, how does he plan to achieve this paradigm shift for the entire district while sitting in an office in DeeCee?

UPDATE 3: I would like to clarify why I'm engaging in devil's advocacy in this post. First of all, I think that a dialogue between the center-right blogs in Ohio is a good thing. Second, I think it is important that we get the best candidate possible for all of our races, including OH-18. Third, I view this sort of open conversation on the strengths and weaknesses of our candidates to be a good thing for our readers and for potential voters. Fourth, I am just as likely to shred Jeanette Moll today as I am anybody else... And lastly, I'm not in the business of shilling for candidates on this blog.

Some Thoughts on Moll and the ACLU

Previously on WMD, I published a press release from the Jeanette Moll camp that blasted the ACLU for finding public restroom sex in the Constitution and for defending Sen. Larry Craig (R-Scumbag) having tried to engage in said activity.

Our friends on the left side of the Ohiosphere are all in a tizzy and I think we ought to take a look at what they have to say. Plunderbund, Buckeye State Blog, and Ohio Valley Politics.

A few thoughts, if you, the kind reader, will indulge me...

This is about two dudes in a men's room, but the liberals are up to their usual "it's gay-baiting" if homosexuality is even mentioned. This is not gay-baiting.

I am pretty sure that Jeanette Moll doesn't think a man and a woman, woman and a woman, man and a dog or any other combinations of the animal kingdom have a right to have sex in an airport bathroom. What is the ACLU's view on that?

BSB calls the release "civil liberties demagoguery." I don't even know what that means... In my view, the release is about common sense. As Jeanette says - it was a public official soliciting a public official in a public restroom. Citing Supreme Court precedents doesn't change the fact that the ACLU's position is just horrible. As we all know, the Supreme Court has NEVER been wrong before...

Finally, BSB creates a list of things Jeanette Moll should "denounce" as a Republican. How about a list of things the ACLU stands for - besides bathroom sex - that BSB might want to consider before coming to the aid of that group:

1. They're anti gun. (Unlike their beloved right of bathroom sex, the Second Amendment is actually a part of the Constitution.)

2. They advocate open borders and are pro-amnesty.

3. The ACLU -- under the theory of separation of church and state -- is wildly anti-Christian.

4. The ACLU has defended the PLO, Quadafi, Club Gitmo detainees, and they refused money from groups who instituted rules to ensure non-profits monies didn't go to aid the enemy.

5. The ACLU defends child porn saying its distribution is protected by the Constitution.

...and lots more over at Stop the ACLU...

The ACLU ain't exactly credible as a bastion of integrity and sound policy. Yelling "gay-baiting" is fun blog talk, but the reality here is that Jeanette Moll shares her values with the vast majority of the citizens of the 18th district and having sex in airport bathrooms ain't one of them. Let's see how that plays out in a poll...

Over at Plunderbund, Joseph writes:

I’m writing because I don’t think Jeanette Moll is the least bit sincere in her press release.

She has only one purpose: scare people into voting for her by invoking two themes that always get wingnuts riled up: hatred of the big, scary ACLU and fear of icky gay people who are trying to corrupt our children.

I think Moll sent out the release because the ACLU took a position that offended her values and as such I find it refreshing that a politician would take a risk and let her actual thoughts on a controversial subject like this be known BEFORE THE ELECTION. That's right...if you don't like Moll's position on this, and you happen to live in the 18th district, you can vote against her and support gay-baiting sex-in-bathrooms to your hearts content. I don't see this release as a method of scaring people...I see it as a method of expressing her opinion; which, the ACLU ought to still support too...

As usual, your mileage may vary...and for the lefties in the vast WMD audience, it probably does...

1/22/08 UPDATE: Welcome to the ACLU...please check us out...you might learn something...