« US Senate 2006: Pennsylvania - A First Look | Main | DavidNYC -- Remember Him? »
Monday, December 06, 2004
Democrats Fighting For Us: Sherrod Brown (OH-13)
Posted by Tim TagarisThe first time I met Congressman Sherrod Brown (Dem. OH-13), he was speaking to a relatively small group of 40 people at a barbecue in Medina, Ohio. Of all the candidates/electeds I met while working on the Seemann campaign (OH-16), I left Ohio impressed with none more so than Sherrod Brown.
He spoke eloquently and calmly about the importance of the 2004 Presidential Election. Then his focus shifted, his voice rose, and his passion increased as he started talking about Republicans holding the Medicare vote open until 6 A.M. to gain the votes necessary in the House to pass the prescription drug bill.
He gave us the inside baseball you rarely read in the papers or watch on the television. Blow by blow about ranking members coercing, threatening, and strong-arming Republicans opposed to the bill until they collected enough votes for passage. Stories like Congressman Nick Smith (Rep. MI) being offered money for his son's Congressional campaign if he would switch his vote.
He spoke about economic injustice and wondered aloud how corporations like The Timken Company could post record profits one month, and threaten to lay of 1,300 workers and close 3 plants in a city that they have operated in for over a decade. While that message obviously plays well in Northeast Ohio, an area decimated by job loss, he stands up for his principles on the tough issues as well.
You see, even in the socially conservative areas of Ohio, Congressman Brown is an outspoken supporter of not only civil unions, but opposed to restricting marriage to just a man and woman. If you needed to see a sense of humor from the Congressman, on his Project Vote Smart NPAT test he was asked about Instant Run-off Voting. He took that opportunity to challenge President Bush on the 2000 election; insinuating that if there was IRV, we would have a President Gore right now.
Congressman Brown is against the Patriot Act, and always has been. Russ Feingold gets props for voting against the act in the Senate, but Brown was one of sixty-six House Members to vote against it as well.
I can't urge you enough to check out his positions on the NPAT, in full. For my money, he is my kind of Congressman. Willing to cast the tough votes, and willing to speak out-loud on the tough issues -- because he believes in them.
Then I stumbled upon this piece today, which inspired me to blog about the Congressman. The Congressman took the debate about the Montreal Expos moving to Washington, D.C. and put his own spin on it. Brilliant...
A team's name should reflect a city's heart. Since we lost that particular organ some time ago -- right around the time Newt Gingrich took out a Contract on America -- we ought to at least find a team name that reflects our government's values. If you think about it, the choice is obvious: The Washington Lobbyists.
...Now, some of these new rules will rile the traditionalists, but again, everybody's doing it. Washington Lobbyists will change the fan experience, too. Instead of the oh-so-boring Ball Day or Bat Day, the Washington Lobbyists and their corporate partners will offer:
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blanket Day: Fans get blanket product-liability waivers.
- Timber Industry Bat Day: Made from 100 percent old-growth forest.
- Halliburton Gasoline Night: A tank of gas for the first 1,000 fans, at the patriotic Halliburton price of $3.95 a gallon;
- The Enron Doubleheader: Fans get in early with promises of a big win, but then the team kicks you out and takes your pension away
I have no idea who is going to run against Mike DeWine in 2006 for Ohio's other Senate seat. I am probably saying that because I am in a bit of denial that our nominee might be Jerry Springer. But I can think of two names that jump to the top of my head when I consider who I want in a Democratic nominee for the seat. One is Tim Ryan. He is another fighter, as we all saw from his floor speech about the potential for a draft. The other is Congressman Sherrod Brown.
In 2004 he carried his seat with 67% of the vote. As a matter of fact, people used to call the Seemann campaign to complain that he was running against Sherrod Brown. Republicans attempted to make Brown's seat more competitive in re-districting, leaving portions of Medina County in our race. The citizens didn't know this, and would actually call us to complain.
This is a popular man, a good man. I don't know if he has any intention to run, but he is a candidate we can all be proud of should he ever throw his hat into the ring. In fact, Congressman Brown has won statewide office before. In 1982 and 1986 he was voted in as Secretary of State in Ohio. He can win in a state-wide election. He has before. It is my most sincere wish that he try it again. And soon. Say 2006?
Posted at 06:27 PM in Ohio | Technorati
Comments
And a wonk to boot! He just published a book called Myths of Free Trade: Why American Trade Policy Has Failed. I haven't read it yet, but public officials who take the time to write real books on policy (as opposed to fluffy biographies) deserve to be commended. It's on my reading list now!
Posted by: Cindy at December 6, 2004 08:10 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
And he has another book. "Congress from the inside."
http://upress.kent.edu/books/Brown_S.htm
Posted by: Tim T. at December 6, 2004 10:59 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Are you guys going to be keeping us posted on recounts? I've been scrounging sites for info, but if you are, I will just wait till I see it posted here.
I've heard some candidates had to "raise money" to get a recount. And in others it's "requested" (by Sec of State?).
Does anyone know how this works?
Posted by: Pamela at December 7, 2004 02:42 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
If it is something people want to see, sure. I would guess we will start discussing that more in-depth once official recounts begin in Ohio.
I have a tough time relying on Wayne Madsen and Bev Harris alone as of now.
Tim
Posted by: Tim T. at December 7, 2004 03:18 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
Rep Brown has always been a fighter even in high school! He and I went to the same high school together!
Posted by: Russ Ford at December 7, 2004 04:44 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment
As far as recounts, you should still be focusing on Florida 2000. Ha! Speaking of playing politics. Why not mention the Unconstitutioal filibuster of judicial nominees by the Democrats. The constitution says a 51 vote majority is needed to confirm. The lawlees dems have trashed the constitution and created a 60 vote majority. Dirty pool but they are left-wingers. Dishonest tactics are a tool of the left
Posted by: RA at December 8, 2004 11:16 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment