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Thursday, October 20, 2005

RON: Fighting Like Their Jobs Depend On It

Posted by Tim Tagaris

Because for as many as six congressional Republicans in Ohio, they do. Three and a half weeks to go, and it's time to start the discussion about Reform Ohio Now in earnest. Before I get into today's update, if you are from Ohio, visit the website and volunteer. A bit of big news in the past few days when it comes to State Issue Four, the measure that would create nonpartisan redistricting in Ohio. From The National Journal (subs.)

GOPers "have begun trolling for several hundred thousands dollars" in soft money, "in hopes of defeating" an 11/05 redistricting initiative "that could imperil their political careers." The proposals would appoint an independent commission to redistrict, instead of the state legislature. Senior GOP aide: "I think most every member of the delegation has been involved." Supports and opponents of the proposal "are expect to spend several million dollars" on that and other ballot referendums.

Some lawmakers have "already begun asking" D.C. corporate lobbyists for "as much as" $25K written out Ohio First, which is leading the "anti-reform effort." Rep. Kevin Dewine (R) leads Ohio First, and told the Akron Beacon Journal last week he expects his group to spend "at least a million (dollars) a week." Ohio First hired Stevens Reed Curcio & Potholm to produce its ads (Pershing, Roll Call, 10/17).

Stevens, Reed, Curcio, and Potholm are better known to some as the creators of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ads ran against John Kerry in 2004. You now know that for the GOP, desperate times call for desperate measures. So far RON has run three different ads, the first two running in targeted cities (Dayton/Toledo) and the third running statewide. This is the first television piece for opponents of reform in Ohio, and to be honest, it is entirely inaccurate and misleading, but a great commercial. You can watch it here. RON's third commercial can be seen here.

In other news, Ahnold came out and endorsed State Issue Four in Ohio, all the way from the Pepsi Co. Governor's mansion in California. Many of you might know that he has a similar redistricting measure up for vote in California's election later this year. And while you might think, "who the hell cares?" you would be wrong. Arnold is actually a champion in Ohio, and I suspect it has a lot to do with the national body building championships that were held in Columbus year after year when he was a competitor. George Bush brought him out here during the 2004 elections to stump for his presidential campaign. If nothing else, the endorsement received a ton of press today locally.

In a recent poll, of the four amendments, only the redisctricting measure trailed, while the other three held leads outside the margin of error. Daily Kos and Swing State Project contributor, Pounder, sent me an email asking me why we haven't seen any internal polling on the amendments, and the fact that it's been asbsent is causing him some consternation...I tend to agree; that's worries me as well. The absentee balloting and campaign contribution provisions are going to pass, and pass by ridiculously huge margins. The two that worry me most are the redistricting (probably the most important of the lot) and the Secretary of State amendments.

Posted at 11:30 PM in Reform Ohio Now | Technorati

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Comments

Two and a half weeks to go, not three. :-)

Posted by: njdem at October 21, 2005 08:10 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Ugh. I saw their commercial last night, or one of them. It was the guy with the tape over his mouth. I didn't think it was all that effective; it was mostly confusing. It did have all my pro-RON friends in a complete freak-out panic, just the fact that they are even seeing these commercials. I seem to spend most of my time trying to convince them that just because they are seeing anti-RON commercials and not pro-RON commercials does not mean all is lost. But where ARE the pro-ROn commercials? Haven't seen a one.

Posted by: Ansatasia P at October 21, 2005 11:05 AM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Glad to see Arnold came to give this bi-partisan credibility. I'll be interested in evidence his endorsement is making an effect and if Arnold is willing to do further efforts (a commercial)? How about Arnold and Jesse Ventura? With redistricting reform so critical for this country, I think the reform supporters have to stick together regardless of which party may gain or lose out at the moment.

Posted by: mcittone at October 21, 2005 01:06 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment

Ugh! Arnold is NOT a reformer Mcittone, whatever you may think.

Posted by: Matt Lockshin at October 21, 2005 08:51 PM | Permalink | Edit Comment | Delete Comment