OH-16: Alliance for Retired Americans Endorses John Boccieri

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The Alliance for Retired Americans says John Boccieri is the best choice to succeed retiring Rep. Ralph Regula in the race for Ohio’s 16th Congressional District.

The organization, which has nearly 271,000 members in Ohio and represents over 3.5 million seniors across America, wrote in their endorsement that Boccieri’s “election to the House of Representatives will enhance the quality of life for older Americans.”

The Alliance cited:

“Boccieri’s leadership on issues such as fighting Social Security privatization and strengthening the Social Security and Medicare systems… In addition, our members can support your candidacy because of your belief in the need to provide more affordable health care for older Americans, to create a Medicare drug program that benefits seniors, not insurance and drug companies, as well as the need for stronger retirement and pension security, and quality long term and nursing home care.”

Boccieri thanked the group for its endorsement and reiterated his commitment to standing up for seniors.

“If you’ve worked hard, played by the rules, and given back to your community your entire life, you deserve your pension benefits, affordable health care, and financial security in retirement. That’s the dream that has made America strong, and that’s the promise that I will fight for in Congress.”

Boccieri has a strong record of supporting seniors in the state legislature and has committed to use his voice in Congress to address the plight of local retirees like those from Republic Technologies who have been denied much of their promised pension benefits.

In stark contrast, when Republic Technologies retirees invited State Sen. Kirk Schuring to an October 11 meeting about their pension struggles, Schuring never showed up. And this Tuesday, the editors of the Akron Beacon Journal noted that Schuring has expressed “willingness to consider privatizing a portion of Social Security” if elected to Congress.

In 2001, Schuring cast the only Ohio House vote against creating the Golden Buckeye discount prescription drug program [“Legislation Would Give Seniors Drug Discount,” Dayton Daily News, 6/6/01], and more recently voted to raise the retirement age and strip half a billion dollars from state pension funds. [127 SB 148]

OH-16: John Boccieri Needs 15 More Votes

Boccieri Breaking News:

John is Just 15 Votes from the Final Round – Vote Now!

BoccieriBiden

From the Akron Beacon Journal:

VP candidate draws 2,500 in Canton

“…Gov. Ted Strickland and state Sen. John Boccieri, the Democratic candidate for the Canton-based 16th Congressional District, introduced Biden to the Canton crowd, with the three of them locking hands in a victory pose. Strickland called Boccieri one of his ”closest personal friends.”

Boccieri, D-Alliance, told the audience: ”It is time we elect change. That is why we need Barack Obama and Joe Biden. ”

Boccieri said Biden is from a middle-class family and is a ”tough, smart and realistic leader.”

Read the full article…

There’s more…

John only needs 15 more votes by midnight on Saturday to advance to the final round in 21st Century Democrats online contest!

If you haven’t voted, please vote now. If you have, please urge all your friends to vote, too.

Again, the winners of this contest will receive an additional staff member for their campaigns. That extra organizer could lead to dozens of extra volunteers, thousands more phone calls and door-knocks, and a winning margin of votes on Election Day.

The deadline for Round 1 voting is midnight on Saturday. Please vote ASAP!

Thanks for Your Support,

Team Boccieri

OH-16: Boccieri Receives “Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year”

Boccieri Receives “Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year” from the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council

State Senator John Boccieri, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District, was selected as the recipient for this year’s Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council’s “Veteran Advocacy Award of the Year.” The award is presented by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Buckeye State Council annually to the individual who best advocates for issues affecting active duty, retirees, injured, and fallen soldiers in Ohio.

Senator Boccieri has been a tireless advocate for veterans since first elected to the Statehouse in 2000.  He has been successful in working with both Democrats and Republicans to pass legislation benefiting Ohio’s veterans.  Recently, Boccieri passed legislation like the Military Injured Relief Fund which sends grants to injured soldiers.  He also led efforts to bolster job protections for veterans in the workplace after many were losing them while serving abroad, and Boccieri also worked to strengthen enforcement of a 300 foot perimeter for protesters at military funerals.

In his presentation, Buckeye State Council President Thomas R. Burke, stated:

“You listened to veteran issues and followed through to do something about it.  All veterans in Ohio are better off this year than they were last because of you.  The entire membership of Buckeye State Council congratulates you.”

Accepting the award, Senator Boccieri said:

“This is truly an honor. I am humbled the Vietnam Veterans of America selected me when there are so many deserving candidates. I am proud of my record in the Statehouse and have always made veteran issues a top priority. But the real heroes are the brave men and women who have put their lives on the line for our blessed nation, and didn’t make it home. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that soldiers receive the resources they need the moment their boots hit the ground. I’ll also continue to fight for the benefits in medical aid and the education benefits they earn when they return home.”

Senator John Boccieri is currently a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is a pilot and flies C-130 cargo planes.  Senator Boccieri has fourteen years of experience in the United States Air Force and has been on four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those missions were flying the wounded and the fallen out of Baghdad, Iraq.

OH-16: One More Day to Vote!

Cross-posted from OH-16: John Boccieri for U.S. Congress

We’ve had a great response from our friends and supporters so far, but tomorrow is the last to vote in Russ Feingold’s Progressive Patriots Fund’s “Pick A Patriot”.Major Boccieri is one of only ten Congressional candidates selected for the Pick a Patriot competition. So, please, if you haven’t already, take a minute to vote for John on the Progressive Patriots Fund’s “Pick a Progressive Patriot” site.

If you voted earlier this week, send a note to your friends and family – ask them to cast their vote too. The Progressive Patriots Fund is the leadership committee set-up by Senator Russ Feingold to promote a progressive reform agenda, and to support Democratic candidates across the country.

Thanks again for supporting Major Boccieri in the Progressive Patriot competition. These are the latest RESULTS!





I want to thank Butch, Brian, and Diane for all pulling together on my Birthday Wish for Bo! C’mon OH-16 get “The Boots on the Ground”!

OH-16: John Boccieri Mobilizes Campaign Five years after “Mission Accomplished”

Cross-posted from OH-16: John Boccieri for U.S. Congress

I love days like today…a blogger’s dream! The campaign just pounded so much Mojo at me today I had turn it into a major round-up. It’s a quite fitting run of “Ground Mobilization” by our candidate, the Ohio State Senator Major John Boccieri. Boots on the ground! It’s time to rock Ohio’s 16th Congressional District out of the tired funk from “The Hillary, Barack, McCain Diary Train”. Get ready for the battle brewing here in Northeast Ohio!

Out of Headquarters…Ground Mobilization!

Greetings Friends,

Efforts are already picking up in the 16th Congressional District to get the word out about Major John Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket.

On Saturday, May 3rd, Neighborhood Leaders and volunteers from across the state will engage in the first of many canvass days dedicated to talking directly with voters about the importance of electing Major Boccieri and the Democratic Ticket in this year’s election.

The morning starts with a statewide conference call and strategy session, featuring ODP Chairman Redfern and other special guests. Please make the commitment to join with us on May 3rd – you can organize a group of people to work together, or, if you prefer, materials will be available in advance at Boccieri HQ so you can canvass during the week.

The statewide goal is to knock on 10,000 doors on May 3rd – and we want to add as many doors to that total as we can. Every door we knock on means that more of our neighbors will hear about Major Boccieri and his message to change direction in Congress.

We hope you will be able to join us in this important effort Saturday.

Here are the details:

Goal: Knock on 10,000 doors statewide

When: Saturday, May 3rd, 10:00 AM

Where: Boccieri for Congress HQ, The Metropolitan Center, 601 Cleveland Ave., N.W.,

Canton Conference Call Time: 10:30 AM

Call in Number: (800) 394-7217, Pass Code 813 789 1547

Organizer: Megan Joyce, ODP NE OH Field Rep., 330-285-8745; megan@ohiodems.org

Please RSVP to Megan Joyce at 330-285-8745 or megan@ohiodems.org.

Thanks again for your support. We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Ian Walton

Boccieri for Congress

John Boccieri for Congress

Campaign Headquarters

The Metropolitan Center

601 Cleveland Ave., NW

(corner of 6th & Cleveland)Downtown Canton

(330) 754-0534

Visit our website for more information on how you can help change direction in Ohio’s 16th Congressional District.

— Paid for by John Boccieri for Congress —

Five years after “Mission Accomplished”,” many other missions left unaccomplished

State Sen. John Boccieri, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement on the fifth anniversary of President Bush’s declaration of ‘Mission Accomplished:

State Senator Major John Boccieri said:

“Five years after President Bush declared ‘Mission Accomplished’ and an end to combat operations in Iraq, we find many things left unaccomplished in Washington.”

We still see our brave men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and in harms way, being injured and killed. It’s clear after 5 years of civil war we need to bring our troops home safely,honorably and soon.

Once those soldiers return we must give them everything they need from healt hcare to education.

We need strong leadership that will bring our troops home safely, honorably and soon. The war in Iraq is costing Americans $12 billion a month, and the cost to our troops and their families is incalculable. Not expending $12 billion a month on the war would enable us to meet our obligations to our troops when they return, including the long-term health care so many will require as a result of their injuries.

Bad trade deals have devastated the 16th Congressional District, shipping thousands of good paying jobs overseas. It’s time to vote ‘no’ on trade policies that take away Ohio’s workers’ ability to compete fairly in the global market and trade deals that don’t protect the environment or workers’ rights

Hundreds of families in our area don’t have health insurance. The families of the 16th Congressional District deserve a leader in Washington who will put their needs first and accomplish an expansion of affordable health care to more Ohioans.

The cost of fuel is crippling our economy as our families confront choices between putting gas in their cars and other necessities. It’s time for a change to an energy policy that puts families’ needs before big oil profits. We need to invest in alternative and renewable energy, investments that would help create good jobs and sustainable economic growth and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.

Bocieri laid it out like he always does:

“Throughout the 16th Congressional District, families are hurting! The cost of everything is skyrocketing, and our families feel like no one hears their calls for change. It’s clearly time for a new direction and leadership with a new vision. Our families literally cannot afford to wait any longer!”

I’ll tell you what if that’s not enough to get your blood pumping; I caught more information coming out of the Boccieri Headquarters!

OH-16: State Senator Major John Boccieri for U.S. Congress

Fighting for his constituency, everyday!

Boccieri applauds Energy bill for stabilizing prices, emphasizing renewable and alternative sources

State Senator John Boccieri and candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 16th District today applauded Governor Ted Strickland’s signing of Senate Bill 221, Ohio’s energy bill.

Boccieri was one of several Senate co-sponsors of the energy bill, which ensures stable, reliable electricity prices and sets principles to make Ohio a leader in renewable and alternative sources of energy.

Boccieri let his voice be heard, again:

Northeast Ohio companies and manufacturers use a lot of energy, and access to reliable and affordable electricity will allow them to remain competitive and successful. Without this energy bill, we would have faced skyrocketing electricity prices that would have financially strapped Ohio families and cost our state jobs.”

Boccieri also voiced his support for a bill introduced by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown on Wednesday that would invest $36 billion over five years in green energy manufacturing and the use of new energy technologies in Ohio and across the United States.

Speaking of Senator Brown’s efforts State Sen. Boccieri said:

“Senator Brown’s energy plan has the potential to greatly impact Ohio with our large energy consumption and manufacturing base. Senator Brown’s proposed plan, coupled with Ohio’s energy bill, represents the kind of forward-thinking that our country needs to regain our energy independence and keep and create jobs in America.

With a skilled manufacturing workforce already in place, Northeast Ohio could be a leader in Ohio’s renewable energy efforts.”

Leading by example, Boccieri’s campaign headquarters is the first LEED-certified building in Canton. The headquarters, located at the corner of 6th and Cleveland, uses geothermal heating and solar energy.

John Boccieri added to his statement of support:

“In Washington, I will work to make long-term changes in our energy policy and tackle the sky-high fuel and energy prices which the Bush Administration failed to address.I’m committed to leading efforts in Congress that make Ohio – and America – more energy independent, while also increasing our use of alternative and renewable energies.”

I know that is a factual statement! Ohio State Senator John Boccieri and I have been talking for sometime about the great opportunities just inside the 16th District boundaries, not to mention, feasible nationwide programs in alternative energy sources. This is THE guy to have in the “Mix”!