Super Patriot USA Brad Not Looking Good in First Round of AFP Scorecard

Mr. super Conservative Brad Wenstrup scored a whopping 50% so far on the Americans for Prosperity scorecard.  That vote for the fiscal cliff deal must really S - U - C - K.

For the record, Jean Schmidt scored 90% on that last scorecard and has an 88% lifetime rating from AFP.

GUEST COLUMN: "It Has Been an Honor and a Privilege to Serve You"

Rep. Jean Schmidt

By: Rep. Jean Schmidt

The two case workers in my office estimate that they have received a total of about 6,300 requests for constituent services since I came to Congress in 2005. That’s not counting the hundreds of questions that the case workers have answered each year for constituents without having to open case files.

Responding to the needs of the people who live in the seven counties that make up Ohio’s Second Congressional District has been one of my top priorities as your representative in Washington over the last 7½ years.

My current term will conclude January 3. My Hamilton County and Adams County offices are wrapping up several cases involving constituent services, but future requests for such help will be referred to the offices of Ohio’s two senators, Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown.

My staff has done an extraordinary job of navigating the federal bureaucracy on behalf of the thousands of people who have telephoned or written to request help over the years.

Some cases, such as requests to expedite passports or visas, can be handled in a few days or weeks. More complex matters, such as those involving immigration, can take six months to three years to resolve. “It can be frustrating at times, but it’s always rewarding,” one of my case workers said.

Many times, my office has been the last hope for people facing financial difficulties. Common issues have included delays by the Internal Revenue Service in processing tax refunds, or demands for additional paperwork to process the payment of Medicare bills. In one case, we helped a constituent get long-overdue Social Security benefits that totaled $68,000.

Other times, my office has helped veterans or their families obtain the medals earned years ago for military service. My office has also cut through red tape to help veterans or their widows obtain tens of thousands of dollars in overdue VA benefits. Other times, my office intervened to help resolve pay or retirement issues for active-duty members of the military.

My case workers also have helped constituents with claims involving thousands of dollars in compensation and medical benefits related to the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act.

People who have waited on claims for months or even years have been amazed that something could be done to speed things up once a congressional office made a phone call or sent an email.

I’ve also worked closely with local and state officials to obtain federal funding for public works projects that have benefited residents throughout Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which encompasses Adams County, Brown County, Clermont County, Pike County, and parts of Hamilton County, Warren County, and Scioto County. These include the Interstate 275 interchange improvements in Eastgate and Cincinnati’s central riverfront street grid project.

I’m particularly proud that I was able to help line up federal funding for the Banks project along the Ohio River, which is a vital part of the redevelopment of downtown Cincinnati.

Other beneficiaries include Shawnee State University, the Parker House in Brown County, the Portsmouth Industrial Park redevelopment, Talbert House drug treatment programs in Warren County and Hamilton County, and the Cincinnati Police Department.

I’ve gone to battle for farmers in Southern Ohio, opposing undue regulations and pushing for programs that ensure that our nation has the safest and most stable food supply in the world.

I’ve pushed for reforms for the food stamp program, but argued against drastic cuts that would force many Americans to go hungry. Child-nutrition issues have been a major concern of mine.

I also have championed many projects related to jobs and getting our economy back on track, including the lengthy fight to prod the administration of President Obama to support the USEC uranium-enrichment plant in Pike County.

The importance of constituent services is something I recognized long before becoming the first woman to represent Southern Ohio in Congress. Previously, I spent four years as a state representative in the Ohio House, and I was a Miami Township trustee in my native Clermont County for 11 years.

For each of those 22 years, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve you.

Statement of Rep. Schmidt on Death of Tina Meranda

Release:

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt made the following statement Tuesday, October 2, 2012, regarding the Monday death of Tina Meranda, former Brown County clerk of courts.


“This is a very sad time for the residents of Brown County because we lost Tina Meranda,” Congresswoman Jean Schmidt said. “She was a great American who served her community with pride. She was a wonderful and loving wife and mother. Most of all, she was a child of God – with all her heart and soul. The world is a better place because of Tina Meranda. May she rest in peace.”

Schmidt on SCOTUS Decision

Release from Rep. Jean Schmidt:

I'm disappointed by the Supreme Court ruling. Two years ago, when the Democrats who then controlled the House passed the so-called Affordable Care Act, they were adamant that it wasn’t a tax. President Obama was adamant that it wasn’t a tax. Now, the Supreme Court says it’s a tax. Regardless of how it’s labeled, the law should be repealed.

I was among members of the House who voted to repeal the so called health-care reform law at the beginning of the 112th Congress. That action has been blocked by Democrats in the Senate. Clearly, Congress needs to revisit the matter.

While President Obama claims the law would help control costs, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that it could cause premiums on the individual market to rise. The Congressional Budget Office has also reported that the health care law could actually reduce job opportunities by some 800,000.

Our nation has the best doctors and hospitals in the world, but I'm concerned that this law won't ensure better care for patients. Instead, it could dictate how doctors practice medicine – and it could reduce treatment options for patients on the basis of cost.

I’m particularly troubled by the fact that President Obama’s health-care initiative would force religious institutions to offer their employees services such as birth control, sterilization procedures, and abortions, which might be contrary to a church’s moral precepts. That would infringe upon our religious liberties as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Lawsuits stressing that point have been filed by Catholic institutions.

GUEST POST: "House Bill Would Spur Production of Energy and Jobs"

By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt,
Ohio’s Second Congressional District

It has become an annual ritual. Each summer, gas prices spike – further burdening American families and causing outrage across the United States. President Obama says there is no “magic wand” that will bring oil prices down – and that we need to discuss long-term energy strategies. Instead, we usually resort to a short-term gimmick, like opening the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Summer turns to fall, and we move on to another topic.

Unfortunately, this is no time to move on. Today, the national average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is around $3.40. And, some 13 million Americans are out of work. Establishing a long-term energy plan can help change all of those numbers for the better.

The fact is that our nation has far more untapped oil than what is in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. There is great potential to develop our own domestic energy sources on federal lands, but we keep getting in our own way. The federal government is making it more difficult to tap the sources of energy. And, once those sources are available, the government throws up road blocks to bringing that energy to consumers.

Last week, the House of Representatives considered a bill, the Domestic Energy and Jobs Act, that seeks to harness our domestic energy resources. It also would help put Americans back to work, lower gas prices over the long term, and reduce our dependence on foreign sources of oil.

More specifically, this bill seeks to stop the Obama administration from hindering domestic oil and natural gas production on federal lands – while cutting bureaucratic red tape and streamlining the federal permitting process.

It also would require the federal government to set longer-term production goals – using an “all of the above” approach to meeting our nation’s energy needs. And, it would make the Environmental Protection Agency consider the effects of its rules and regulations on domestic energy consumers.

This is a common-sense approach for the government to maintain a steady hand in promoting reliable and affordable access to energy.

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt Statement on American Centrifuge Plant Agreement

Statement:

Statement of Congresswoman Jean Schmidt regarding the U.S. government-private sector agreement that will enable the research, development, and demonstration project at the American Centrifuge Plant in Southern Ohio.

“This is the right thing to do for our country,” Congresswoman Jean Schmidt said. “Jobs are one of my top priorities, and this will support our hardworking, skilled labor force in Southern Ohio.

“But it is also critical to our national security,” Schmidt said. “The American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon will provide an unencumbered domestic supply of enriched uranium, which is necessary to support our nuclear arsenal and nuclear Navy.

“This agreement and technology will allow the United States to maintain a leadership role in non-proliferation efforts by ensuring an adequate supply of nuclear fuel to encourage countries to forego their own enrichment programs,” Schmidt said. “The American Centrifuge Plant will be our nation’s only source of enriched uranium, and it will be the basis of peaceful nonproliferation agreements.

GUEST COLUMN: "Budget Disaster Looms If We Don’t Reduce Spending"

Rep. Jean Schmidt

By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt,
Ohio’s Second Congressional District

The Congressional Budget Office released its long-term budget outlook last week. The report didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know. In short, the nonpartisan CBO provided us with yet another warning that continuing down our current budget path will result in disaster.

The CBO is concerned about our rising level of debt. At the end of 2008, federal debt held by the public amounted to 40 percent of Gross Domestic Product (the value of all goods and services produced in the country). That is “a little above the 40-year average of 38 percent,” according to the report. By the end of this fiscal year, debt held by the public will be about 70 percent of GDP – the highest since around the time of World War II.

Unfortunately, the near-term future is going to make matters worse. “The aging of the baby-boom generation portends a significant and sustained increase in the share of the population receiving benefits from Social Security, Medicare, (and) long-term care services financed by Medicaid,” the CBO said. “Moreover, per capita spending for health care is likely to continue rising faster than spending per person on other goods and services.” In other words, if we maintain our current policies, the federal debt held by the public will reach 200 percent of GDP by 2037.

Since President Obama took office in 2009, federal spending has gone up by approximately 25 percent each year – and the federal government has run annual deficits of more than $1 trillion for the last four years. In that same time, total federal debt has grown by some $4 trillion. According to the CBO, “the explosive path of federal debt … underscores the need for large and timely policy changes to put the federal government on a sustainable fiscal course.”

If we don’t stop our deficit spending soon, the United States will face higher interest on the money it’s been borrowing and will have fewer options in responding to the next financial crisis, the CBO said.

The time is now to put the federal budget on a sustainable course. We simply cannot afford to continue throwing money at every problem that arises. I hope President Obama will work with Congress to make the changes necessary to avert a foreseeable budget disaster.

GUEST COLUMN: "Who Will Decorate Graves of Our Fallen Warriors?"

Rep. Jean Schmidt

By Rep. Jean Schmidt

Many of the graves of veterans in Southern Ohio are marked with American flags each year in observance of Memorial Day. In the past, such flags have usually been placed by veterans groups. But the ranks of some groups have been diminished as members became infirm with age or died themselves.

Veterans service commissions in most of the seven counties in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which I represent, remain committed to placing new flags on the graves of those who served our great nation in the military.

In Adams County and Clermont County, the veterans service commissions have contacted local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops as well as 4-H groups to request help with this task, I was told. It can qualify as a community service project for the youth groups.

The tradition of placing flags on the graves of our veterans is something that should be passed down from generation to generation. This small measure of respect shows thoughtfulness and compassion.

Most of us will never know the terrors of war, but almost everyone has been touched by someone in the military. Memorial Day began as a way to honor Union troops who died in the Civil War. Now, the last Monday in May is a national holiday on which we remember all of our fallen veterans.

You might want to call your local veterans service commission to see if you can help place flags. (In addition to Clermont and Adams, Warren County would appreciate having more volunteers, I was told. Some others, such as Hamilton County, aren’t currently seeking help.)

Some veterans service commissions provide flags, as well as the names and locations of cemeteries that have yet to be decorated. The graves of veterans are sometimes indicated by metal placards, and some graves might still be decorated with faded American flags from last year. Some veterans service commissions will take the old flags back for an official disposal ceremony.

While it is good and proper that this Memorial Day we salute those who have died, let us also remember the veterans we are blessed to still have among us.

For example, volunteers are sometimes needed to drive veterans who live in Adams County to the VA Medical Centers in Cincinnati or Chillicothe. Not all counties need drivers. In Clermont County, the Veterans Service Commission can arrange for a van to take veterans to their medical appointments, I was told.

Helping veterans is a great way to say thank you for their service to our country.

Veterans service commissions in Southern Ohio can help veterans obtain benefits to which they are entitled. Not all local commissions need volunteers, but some would appreciate help: Adams County, (937) 544-5005; Brown County, (937) 378-3155; Clermont County, (513) 732-7363; Hamilton County, (513) 946-3300; Pike County, (740) 947-2766; Scioto County, (740) 353-1477; Warren County, (513) 695-1363.

In Memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan

Email:

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt floor speech in memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Jean Schmidt today (Wednesday, May 9, 2012) made the following speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in memory of Brown County Commissioner Rick Eagan, who died unexpectedly on May 8.

*** Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and in memory of a very dear friend of mine – and a very dear friend of Brown County – County Commissioner Rick Eagan. Rick’s passion for community service spanned his entire life. He was a member of the Ripley Fire Department for almost 30 years. He served 14 years in local law enforcement. He was also a former council member and vice mayor of Ripley, Ohio. But Rick didn’t stop there. He wanted to do more. He wanted to be county commissioner – because he felt he could lead the county forward. And so he ran for commissioner (but lost two times). They say the third time is the charm, and Rick decided to (run again). And so in 2010, he threw his hat in the ring. Unfortunately, very early (in the campaign), he was involved in a very tragic automobile accident – one that nearly took his life. It took (a) leg, it took his ability to breathe. And he had a tracheotomy until a few weeks ago. He was in the hospital for nearly a year. He came out … campaigned, and miraculously won the election. His dream came true, and he began to serve his community in another way. He loved his community, he loved his country, and he loved his family. He fought every day to make the world a better place. … I am so sad for our community to have lost such a dynamic and wonderful individual. Public servants like Rick are hard to come by. But I’m saddened even more by the fact that his wonderful wife, Margaret, and his children, Douglas and Tiffany, will no longer be able to live with that remarkable man – will no longer be able to love him and hug him. And so I ask this body to remember those like Rick Eagan, who … work hard to make our country a better place to live, work, and raise a family. And I ask that the Lord allow Commissioner Rick Eagan to be in his hands. And may my dear friend, and my community’s (dear friend), rest in peace.

Mark's Remarks

Rick was a dear friend. I remember working with him and helping on all three of his campaigns. When others were looking at maybe he should bow out, Rick stayed strong and worked hard to beat his injuries as well as the stiff competition (some of it underhanded) by the incumbent commissioner he defeated. He loved serving the people of Brown County. He loved his family, and they loved him. He was not a politician, but a citizen servant. Godspeed, Mr. Commissioner. You will be missed.

OH-02: Indian Hill High School Student Wins Art Competition

Release:

An Indian Hill High School senior won this year’s art competition sponsored by Congresswoman Jean Schmidt. Natalie Thorsen of Sycamore Township in Hamilton County used china marker to create a portrait that will be exhibited in the U.S. Capitol for a year. Each of the 435 members of Congress is allowed to submit one work of art by a high school student for the annual exhibit.

Thorsen’s portrait of a friend, titled “Maddie,” was deemed the best of the entries in Ohio’s Second Congressional District, which includes all or parts of seven counties. The competition was judged by prominent local artists Lonna Kingsbury of Clermont County, Deborah Ridgley of Hamilton County, and John Ruthven of Brown County. “I appreciate the effort of all the students who entered this year’s competition, and I’m grateful that the three distinguished judges took the time to review the entries,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “It’s amazing how many talented students are in Ohio’s Second Congressional District.” Congresswoman Schmidt congratulated Thorsen during a reception at the Union Township Civic Center in Clermont County, where all entries were displayed last week. Thorsen said she plans to attend the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) in the fall.

GUEST COLUMN: "Tax Freedom Day Useful, But Doesn’t Tell Whole Story"

Rep. Jean Schmidt

By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt,
Ohio’s Second Congressional District


Tuesday (April 17) was not just the deadline to file federal tax returns. Ironically, it was also Tax Freedom Day.

That means the typical American has spent every working day so far this year earning just enough money to pay off his or her federal, state, and local tax bills, according to the Tax Foundation.

While Tax Freedom Day is a useful measure of the average tax burden, it doesn’t tell the entire story.

Unfortunately, the federal government spends far more than it receives in tax revenue. This year, the budget deficit is projected to be more than $1 trillion. The Tax Foundation estimates that if we were to raise taxes to actually pay for all federal spending, Tax Freedom Day would not arrive until May 14.

Working 107 days just to pay taxes is too much. But if President Obama gets his way, it will not get better any time soon. Under the administration’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2013, we will have our fourth consecutive budget deficit surpassing $1 trillion. In fact, federal spending in 2013, under the president’s budget, would be 27.5% more than it was in 2008.

And, the president would increase the tax burden from 15.4% of gross domestic product in 2011 to 20.1% in 2022. The gross domestic product is the total value of goods produced and services provided in our country in a year. What that boils down to is this: The president’s budget would impose a $200,000 debt burden on every American household.

This isn’t the time for gimmicks like the so-called Buffet Rule, which is designed only to gain a political advantage. We need to begin discussing serious proposals to bring federal spending under control.

The House, with my support, passed a budget resolution that would put the country on firmer financial ground. It would, among other things, cut spending by $5 trillion relative to the president’s budget and eliminate the budget deficit in 10 years. The president, on the other hand, has offered only more of the same, feckless proposals – wasteful stimulus spending, increased deficits, and higher taxes.

To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, we have a budget problem not because we tax too little, but because we spend too much.

And the best way to fix deficits, and debts, is not to tax more, but to spend less.

Slate Card Shenangians: Nick Owens, Stand Up Guy, Responds

In a previous post at WMD, I discussed how one of the things that cost Jean Schmidt the election was the printing of slate cards that ticked off the Clermont County Central Committee and brought a fractured committee together with the purpose of defeating Jean and those who were thought to be in collusion with her, like Don White. I intimated that Nick Owens, since his name was on the ballot, was in simpatico with Team Schmidt. This is not the case. Nick Owens, a young man whom I am respecting more and more based on his integrity and frankness, replied to me and gave his side of the story:

I was just reading your post on Weapons about the March 6th elections. First of all I want to make it clear I was not involved in any way regarding the sample ballot fiasco and my name being put on it. I have heard like you have from countless people that Paul Hall was asked to be on the slate card. I was not asked and nor did I ask to be put on it. People don’t have to believe me. But again I state, I was not asked nor did I ask to be placed on the card. (As I was also not asked if I wanted to be in Jean’s last commercial. For the record, my answer would have been no because the footage was old and although I think highly of the Congresswoman – I was running my own race.)

Admittedly, I had heard rumblings of such a slate card from both my former colleagues and friends of Jean’s office and from within the Clermont County Republican Party. Frankly, the first time I heard of a possible alternative slate card was from Chairman Tim Rudd during a Central Committee meeting in January. At that meeting he mentioned that a group might be putting one together and that they were beefing up the design of the current slate card to more adequately reflect the source of the slate card and to differentiate it from any potential knock offs.

It’s unfortunate if anyone because of this is associating me with any type of dirty campaigning. I spoke with Rick Herron about this Friday night at the Clermont Lincoln Day as he mentioned it to me. I hope to have a successful career in politics and I certainly don’t want to be known from the beginning as a dirty campaigner. I have heard from many people who think the slate card hurt me. I don’t know if it did or didn’t. Regardless, slate card or no slate card the results reflect I wasn’t going to beat Doug Green with two people fracturing the Clermont County vote. Frankly, I take solace in finishing second and beating the Clermont Tea Party candidate. The same candidate who was considered well qualified by the Clermont Republican Party.

I believe other candidates many unopposed ones were used unknowingly on the slate card to try and give it more of a authentic look. (For example, all the unopposed races were listed, which included some candidates that supported Vince Faris etc.) Also, Vince Faris was my t-ball coach at Batavia. I have known him for more than 23 years – the most of anyone in politics. On the day of the election, my supporters only handed out my literature or emery boards.

I believe Nick Owens. He did not have to share his intel with me or write back in any way. However, he took the time and did the stand up thing. Nick, indeed, is young in age, but I think he has a good future if we don't throw him out with the bathwater in this mess. The slate card shenanigans was a bad idea by White and Team Schmidt, and I hope that Nick is not a victim of this internecine warfare among factions in Clermont County. Nick is a good young man with strong conservative values. I thank him for taking the time to reply.

Brown County GOP Update: The Return of Paul Hall...and Revisiting Schmidt v. Wenstrup

Last night the Brown County GOP Central Committee held its post-election reorganization meeting. Officers were elected. Paul Hall, who originally was not going to seek a return to the chairmanship, was nominated and elected to continue as chair. Mariah Votel was elected vice chair. Roxanne Malone elected secretary. Steve Luerke elected treasurer. Business discussed included rewriting the by-laws, as well as meeting to recommend that Clark Gray, winner of the primary for clerk of courts, be hired in that capacity this month when interim clerk of courts Michelle Harris will be leaving. Summer plans were discussed, as were finances.

However, at this meeting and in talking to boots on the ground in Clermont County, I now have a new take on the Schmidt v. Wenstrup race. I still stand by what I said post primary (see archives), but there is indeed a big mistake made by team Schmidt. It involves some information I will borrow from Tom Blumer over at Bizzyblog. Here is the link to his article pre primary day regarding slate card chicanery.

In my investigation, it was revealed to me that indeed the Schmidt camp took a gamble and sided with Don White (then incumbent prosecutor, now defeated) and produced this slate card. Team Schmidt also got Nick Owens to go along and have his name put on the card. Rumor has it Paul Hall was asked but said no, because he said doing such a thing might destroy the party. Actually, it had the opposite effect.

The slate card silliness galvanized the fractured Clermont County GOP into an all out assault on Jean Schmidt, and to a lesser extent, Don White and Nick Owens. One person whose name was on the slate card who didn't get any grief was Joe Uecker, who narrowly it appears has defeated Paul Hall to be state Senator. So, instead of further fractionalizing the party, the tactic by White and Team Schmidt served as a rallying cry to get the party unifed to go after these two and anyone (except, evidently, Uecker) who sided with them on the slate card.

So, in addition to the dirty tricks by Wenstrup and his lies, Team Schmidt pulled a last minute blunder by seeking to take advantage of a confused and disjointed party. Instead, it only served to galvanize them into defeating Jean, even at the cost of possibly losing the seat in the general election.

My exit question is: why was Joe Uecker spared the wrath? Was it because he was endorsed by the party, even though he apparently went along with Schmidt and White in having his name on the slate card. Shouldn't Joe Uecker be criticized a bit for playing both ends? Just curious. So, this adds a further explanation to the loss.

Congresswoman Schmidt Presents Medals to Local Veterans

Release:

Congresswoman Jean Schmidt recently presented medals to two Vietnam War veterans and the family of a deceased World War II veteran, who had requested her help in obtaining the commendations.

“The men earned these medals during their service with the U.S. military, and I was happy to help them obtain this long-overdue recognition,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “I offered my thanks and gratitude to them on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Recognized during a ceremony at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown were:

George William Morgan III of Ripley in Brown County, who received the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with one bronze campaign star attachment, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1960 device, the Driver & Mechanic Badge with driver bar, and the Expert Badge & Rifle Bar.

John Brockhoeft of Peebles in Adams County, a Navy veteran who received the National Defense Service Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

The late A.J. Clark, whose family accepted on the Navy veteran’s behalf his World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with one silver battle star and two bronze battle stars, the Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia Clasp, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Discharge button, and the World War II Honorable Service Lapel Pin.

Mr. Clark entered active duty in the Navy on Nov. 10, 1943. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 22, 1945. Mr. Clark served aboard the USS Denver and participated in at least five major conflicts with enemy forces throughout the Pacific. Accepting the medals on his behalf were his children, George Clark of Amelia in Clermont County, Mildred Partin of Batavia in Clermont County, and Jerry Clark of Aberdeen in Brown County.

Mr. Morgan was inducted into the Army on May 24, 1966. He was honorably discharged from active duty on May 23, 1968, and later from the reserve component on May 23, 1972. Mr. Morgan completed basic training at Fort Dix and received combat engineer training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being shipped to Vietnam. Mr. Morgan was attached to Headquarters Company’s 18th Engineer Battalion and spent a year in Vietnam at various locations and in harm’s way.

Mr. Morgan and his wife, Janet, have one son. Mr. Morgan has been a full-time DJ on local radio stations since 1982. He currently holds down the fort at WAGX-FM (101.3) in Maysville, Ky.

Mr. Brockhoeft began serving in the Navy on Aug. 14, 1969, and was honorably discharged on Jan. 30, 1973. He was trained as an aviation maintenance administrator and was assigned to the USS Ranger with the 7th Fleet in the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Brockhoeft was attached to Attack Squadron 25 and in charge of production control, quality assurance, and data analysis.

Mr. Brockhoeft and his wife, Joanne, have nine children. He is a long-distance truck driver.

Congresswoman Schmidt Announces Art Competition

Release:

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt has invited all high school students who live in Ohio’s Second Congressional District to enter an art competition. The winner’s creation will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington for a year.

Local entries in the 2012 Congressional Art Competition will be displayed 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 23, at the Union Township Civic Center, 4350 Aicholtz Road in Clermont County. The winner will be determined by expert judges selected by Congresswoman Schmidt.

“This annual art competition is a great opportunity for a student to show his or her creative side,” Congresswoman Schmidt said. “Entries can focus on almost any subject, ranging from patriotic themes to self-portraits to local landmarks.”

The competition is open only to high school students who live in the district, which includes parts of Hamilton, Warren, and Scioto counties and all of Clermont, Brown, Adams, and Pike counties. Entries are permitted from students who live in the district but attend a school elsewhere. If students are unsure whether they live in the district, they can visit www.house.gov and enter their ZIP plus 4 code (such as 45236-2929) in the upper right corner to find out.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. April 18. Each entry must be no larger than 28-by-28 inches to the outside dimensions of the frame. The artwork cannot be more than 4 inches in depth or weigh more than 15 pounds – including the frame.

Categories: Painting (oil, acrylic, or watercolor); drawing (pastel, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, marker); collage (must be two dimensional); print (lithograph, silkscreen, block print); mixed media (no more than two mediums, such as pencil and ink); computer-generated art; photography.

Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution. Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission, which prohibits exhibits depicting subjects that are gruesome, sensationalistic, or focus on contemporary political controversy.

Entries must be accompanied by a release form signed by the student and art teacher. Forms and guidelines have been mailed to high school art teachers. Students who are home schooled or unable to obtain copies of forms and guidelines from a teacher at their school should call (513) 791-0381 or email sara.dreier@mail.house.gov.

I *LOVE* these art competitions...these are some of my favorite press releases of every year.

Mark's Take on Primary 2012 OH

Fear, loathing, and adherence to "conventional wisdom" ruled the day in Ohio, especially in SW Ohio. Also, I learned that the disgusting, fear/hate mongering, misrepresenting of records in radio ads used by the slimeball Mark Weaver are more powerful than truth, because people in a certain congressional district evidently are too stupid and lazy to use google. I also learned that good races can be run, as in my home county of Brown the Republican primary was fought honorably with all four candidates running a respectable race, unlike the dirty lame, easily disproven rhetoric in the 2nd congressional race.

The Good

Brown County Clerk of Courts Race was fought honorably, and appears to have been won by Clark Gray on the Republican side. No mudslinging, no craziness, just good old fashioned campaigning.

The Ohio 66th district would have been represented well with either Nick Owens or Doug Green, but Congrats go to my friend and soon to be former county Auditor, Doug Green, for his victory. The good news is that Nick Owens is a young guy, earned a lot of political street cred, and is not going anywhere. Nick is a great guy, and many who voted for Doug told me that Nick was their 2nd choice. The other jokers just took votes from the fringes.

Friend of WMD and TIB John Becker handily defeated his primary opponent in the 65th Ohio house district. Congrats to a great guy and better friend!

The race for state senate 14th district remains up for grabs. While either candidate is acceptable, my hope is that Paul Hall wins. I have known him longer and respect him a great deal.

The Bad

Mitt Romney wins in a narrow fashion of Rick Santorum. Ohio republicans seem to be afraid of everything. Too conservative? Not conservative enough? So we frequently get squishes...(See Voinovich, George; Taft, Bob; Portman, Rob) So, Ohio let the lamestream media, which castigates Rush Limbaugh for calling a person who lied about her age to college officials, lied about her agenda and does want others to pay for her sexual exploits a whore, while saying nothing about Bill Maher calling Sarah Palin a c*nt or Michelle Bachmann the same or worse. You ask me where the war on women is, it is in the democratic party, where you are asked to be either a multi divorcee, a never married strumpet, or some type of weird hybrid in order to be considered a real woman. Ohioans did not cowboy up. Shameful.

The Ugly

Ohio GOP sell out Jean Schmidt to save Steve Chabot's a$$. Hamilton County killed Jean Schmidt. Clermont didn't help much. But it was the redistricting done by the state to save supposed conservative (just don't film my supposedly public meetings) Chabot that helped do in one of the most conservative members of Congress.
Here is what I learned from this ugliness that makes this seat up for grabs for the first time since Rob Portman left it a few years back:

1. Dirtbag Mark Weaver's negative, slimy, slanderous radio ads work. Even though they were largely untrue and factually inaccurate, they turned enough heads in Clermont and other counties so that she couldn't stand the swelling from Wenstrup's home area of Hamilton County.

2. Alex T. is a douche. What about needing to get behind our incumbents. My sources tell me Alex T. was a wenstrup guy all along. Douche.

3. Ohio 2nd district voters are too lazy to use the computer or consult real sources. Rather than going to lame sites like USAbrad.douchebag, they could google things and see the real news...or come to WMD. No, instead, you believe whatever you hear on 700wlw. Pathetic.

My projections on The Implications if Wenstrup wins:
1. Brown, and the other eastern counties will never see Brad Wenstrup. Jean Schmidt bent over backwards to attend every large and small event in our counties or send someone from her office. Don't look for that from Brad. Until election time.

2. Voters in Brown and the other eastern Counties should have to be IQ tested before voting. Seriously, you voted for a foot doctor who likes to give money to baby killers over someone who is one of the top conservatives according to numerous sources?

3. The 2nd district will become a joke. Goodbye to any thoughts of getting the right thing done for the people of Piketon. This was a crusade for Jean Schmidt. That kiss that the slimeball slanderer Mark Weaver used in the radio ads? Each one of those damned kisses had the whisper of "remember and honor your promise about Piketon, Mr. President."

Last word to you Dr. Wenstrup. You better damn well be the 2nd coming of Captain America, my friend. Whether this blog continues after this election cycle or not, Matt and I have a saying....Tall grass.....tall grass.....we will be watching. You better never vote for a damn bill put forth by a democrat or Obama, or so help me I will nail your lying in public and giving money to baby killers arse to the wall with the language of your slimy campaign commercials. Welcome to the jungle....let's see if you can stand the heat. Oh, and I will not be campaigning for you in the fall....I won't campaign against you, but I am not campaigning for you. You have to earn that.

Primary Analysis

Kind of a mixed bag, really...

The Good

Dennis Kucinich can now return to his home planet a loser

In Butler County, Mary Swain crushed Cindy Carpenter: The Next Generation by a score of 60 - 40

Over in Brown County, Doug Green wins for State Rep. Nick Owens ran a great campaign, is a young guy, and will be back.

73rd OHD: Jarrod Martin is done. Would have preferred Eric Spicer for the win, but Rick Perales will have to do

The Bad

Multiple opponents wasn't enough to keep Chuck Furmon as Commissioner in Butler County

Peggy Lehner defeated her primary opponent for State Senate.

The Ugly

USA Brad defeats Jean Schmidt in OH-02. Let's hope he gets to take on David Krikorian in the general. COAST won't know who to endorse......

Mitt Romney. Looks like I'll be voting AGAINST Obama, but not FOR the Republican...again. *()&$%$)&*^&%^#@

Tea Partiers Endorse Client of Anti-Tea Party Mark Weaver

OK, the Tea Party in Ohio is officially dead. There, I said it. It has been killed by vendettas between individuals and leadership that thinks, like the evangelicals in the 2000s, that they are the only voice that matters. In a release, the Ohio Liberty Council chose to endorse Dr. Brad "I will say no money to abortions organizations on surveys but will give tons of money to Planned Parenthood on the Cincinnati Board of Health" Wenstrup. Tom Z, a guy I used to respect, sings the praises of someone who:

1. lied to pro life groups about being against giving taxpayer dollars to any abortion agency under ANY circumstances
2. used a George Soros attack group that has called Rick Perry, Rick Santorum, and tea partiers corrupt to besmirch Jean Schmidt
3. Has lied at a county endorsement meeting about conversations about the abortion issue with a member of the central committee of said county
4. Has used a friendly gesture by Schmidt toward Obama to make it seem like she supports Obama, when every time she meets the President that kiss is followed by "honor your promise to Piketon, Mr. President"
5. Was such a poor steward of Public Money that Cincinnati lost a health grant they had had for the previous 30 years because of his poor management and the rest of teh board of health

Somehow, to Tom Z, who evidently walks on water and has never ever sinned, this is a conservative candidate. Here is Tom Z and the OLC's idiotic endorsement:

The Ohio Liberty Council today announced that it is endorsing Dr. Brad Wenstrup for Congress in the 2nd District Republican Primary on March 6th. The endorsement is based on the recommendation of three OLC member groups in the 2nd Congressional District including Liberty Alliance Cincinnati, Clermont County TEA Psarty, and Anderson TEA Party organizations.

In making the endorsement, Tom Zawistowski, President of the OLC, said “An important part of the TEA Party movement is taking the time and making the effort to personally meet candidates and evaluate them in order to determine who will best represent our communities. I congratulate our TEA Party member organization who have done just that and have decided that Dr. Wenstrup is the best candidate in the field. Dr. Wenstrup's commitment to our nation through his military service, and commitment to his community through his involvement with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and other local charities, are unquestioned. It is the opinion of the Ohio Liberty Council that the citizens of the 2nd Congressional District would be well served if they voted to send Dr. Wenstrup to Washington to represent our conservative, constitutionally based values. We urge all Republicans to vote for Dr. Wenstrup either by absentee ballot or in person on March 6th.”

In accepting the endorsement of the OLC, Dr. Wenstrup said "I'm proud to earn the support of Ohio Liberty Council. As a small business owner and doctor, I believe it's time for a new representative to go to Washington. Someone who will stand for conservative values. Someone who will fight for economic freedom. And someone who will demand real solutions, real growth and real jobs. I look forward to being a voice for conservatives across Southwestern Ohio."

Even if they are not pro life, I know of few conservatives who think giving TAXPAYER MONEY to planned parenthood is a good idea. Then you compound it with lies about there being NO OTHER provider of testing services. Compound that with his poor stewardship as well as his mudslinging ads, and I don't see a conservative. Tom Z and his little OLC have truly jumped the shark, and it is self important asshats like these who have taken the tea party movement in Ohio and made it a frigging joke. Now, let's throw this in..remember how the OLC and other tea partiers were gung ho about taking over Ohio's GOP State Central Committee? Guess who was hired and willingly slung mud on behalf of Kevin DeWine against the tea party? Mark Weaver, that's who. And guess who is getting paid by Weaver to engage in lies and distortion against Jean Schmidt? Mark Weaver! From campaign expenditure reports from Team Wenstrup:

Communications Counsel, Inc.
37 West Broad Street, Suite 325
Columbus, Ohio 43215
10/03/2011 Invoice Wenstrup 22-1 $1800.00

Communications Counsel, Inc.
37 West Broad Street, Suite 325
Columbus, Ohio 43215
10/09/2011 Consulting and Advertising - Period 9/2 $10199.60

Communications Counsel, Inc.
37 West Broad Street, Suite 325
Columbus, Ohio 43215
11/22/2011 Consulting & Reimbursements - for period $4096.57

Communications Counsel, Inc.
37 West Broad Street, Suite 325
Columbus, Ohio 43215
12/17/2011 Dec 2011 & Sub-Consulting $11381.02

IF the tea partiers would get their heads out of their arses and quit thinking every incumbent is evil, they would see that they are throwing in with the guy who destroyed their chance at any right to work legislation he also was working with Kevin DeWine when he shot down their chances to get Tpers on the State Central Committee.

The OLC has become nothing more than an anti-incumbency group, a fringe organization that if it has any hope of being worth a damn, needs to get rid of people so strident who think we need to get rid of one of the most conservative members of Congress from Ohio. Someone who has gotten high rankings from industrial and business groups, as well as family groups. And, Jean never ever used a Soros attack group to besmirch a fellow Republican. But, I guess all that matters to Tom Z and the folks at OLC is Brad wore a uniform, has a penis, and spews all their rhetoric with very little proof in the pudding.

I am saddened and disgusted, despite the opportunity to meet Herman Cain, to have ever gone to Tom Z's convention or be associated with it. If this is his idea of looking into a candidate, I suggest he revisit things a bit.

Now, let's look at Jean Schmidt:

_Endorsed by the NRA victory fund
_Endorsed by Ohio Right to Life PAC
_Family Research Council and Citizen Link 100% Rating
_Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-OH) received the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence
_Americans for Prosperity 100% rating
_Campaign for Working Families 100% rating
_Endorsed by Cincinnati Right to Life PAC
_Endorsed by Buckeye Firearms Association
_Congresswoman Jean Schmidt has been recognized as a ‘Taxpayer Hero’ by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste.

I guess To Tom Z and the OLC, these organizations don't know what they are talking about...but I tend to go with organizations with actual track records over flashes in the pan any day of the week...But, your mileage may vary....

NRA Political Victory Fund endorses U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt

Release:

The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund has endorsed Congresswoman Jean Schmidt in the Republican primary election on March 6.

"We urge our members, gun owners, and sportsmen in Ohio to vote for you," James J. Baker, director of federal affairs for the NRA Political Victory Fund, wrote in a Feb. 7 letter to Congresswoman Schmidt. "Based on your solid and consistent pro-gun voting record, you have earned an 'A' rating from the NRA-PVF."

Congresswoman Schmidt, a Clermont County Republican who represents Ohio's Second District, said she was honored to receive the endorsement.

"I'm one of about 4 million members of the NRA, so I'm especially pleased to receive the support of the NRA Political Victory Fund," Congresswoman Schmidt said. "I'm proud to represent the interests of gun owners. I grew up on a farm and learned to shoot a gun at an early age. I have first-hand knowledge of the issues that arise in Congress because I'm licensed to carry a concealed handgun in Ohio, and I've participated in tactical defense training."

Before becoming the first woman elected to represent Southern Ohio in the U.S. House, Congresswoman Schmidt was a lawmaker in the Ohio General Assembly. There, she fought for passage of legislation to allow Ohioans the right to carry concealed weapons.

"Thank you for your unwavering support of the Second Amendment," Baker wrote on behalf of the NRA Political Victory Fund.

Congresswoman Schmidt has also been endorsed by the Buckeye Firearms Association, a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohioans to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense and hunting.

Update and Corrected: Dr. Brad Wenstrup Must Have Thought They Said Hypocrite Oath Instead of Hippocratic...

Here's why....


















But then why did he do this?????

Cincinnati Board of Health

Board of Health Meeting

May 24, 2011

Dr. Wael Safi, Chairperson, Board of Health called the May 24, 2011 meeting of the

Cincinnati Board of Health to order at 6:15 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Board members present: Ms. Joyce Kinley, Dr. Jeff Lange, Dr. Wael Safi, Dr. Richard

Schwen, Dr. Donna Shambley-Ebron (left at 7:40) and Dr. Brad Wenstrup,



Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio—Sub-grantee award (Attachment

No. 9)

Up to $85,000 June 1, 2011-December 31, 2011

The Health Department is requesting reallocation of funding from Stop

AIDS, which is defunded from the state. The funds will go to Planned

Parenthood for HIV/AIDS prevention. The funds will be strictly used for

HIV/AIDS testing and prevention. The same health counselors from Stop

AIDS will be working for Planned Parenthood .

“That the Board approve the subgrant of up to $85,000 to Planned

Parenthood of Southwest Ohio with remaining funds from grant awarded

to Stop AIDS for HIV/AIDS prevention.”

Second:

Discussion: Dr. Lange

Vote/Action: Motion passes unanimously and is approved.

Last time I looked, Planned Parenthood does abortions and promotes abortions.. As an aside, they also have been accused of covering up child rape. Just sayin'. And, this appears to satisfy ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. Therefore, is Dr. Brad:
A)illiterate
B)untruthful
C)didn't read the question and understand it fully, showing he doesn't do due dilligence in filling out paperwork, like, you know, when under his tenure Cincinnati lost a health grant they had previously held for 30 years due to bad stewardship?

Whichever it is, it means he shouldn't be representing us in the 2nd district. Unethical, illiterate, poor stewardship.....Not getting my vote....

And his buddies in COAST are not blameless either:

Despite a claimed fiscal crisis, on Monday of this week liberal democrats Todd Portune and David Pepper voted to approve funding of Planned Parenthood to the tune of $26,255. COAST joined Cincinnati Right to Life and Citizens for Community Values in e-mailing their members against this misuse of tax funds. An outcry from more than 1,500 residents nearly closed down business in the County administrative offices with calls and e-mails.

Posted by COAST at 10/24/2008 07:01:00 AM

Why are they not blameless? Because this supposed fiscal conservative group endorsed Brad Wenstrup for Congress....

Nuff said....