Left Of Ohio

Left of Ohio Is Done

2007-10-26T16:43:00.001-04:00

Just a quick note to remind everyone that Left of Ohio is ending it's run. New posts can be found at http://www.ohiovalleypolitics.com/.

The cross posting also didn't work out so well.

Rep. Steve Chabot Still Hates Children

2007-10-25T21:27:00.001-04:00

The group "American's United for Change" has sent out a press release slamming Ohio Rep. Steve Chabot (R- 1st district) over his vote against today's SCHIP bill.

In the release Jeremy Funk, a spokesman for the group, had the following remarks on Chabot's vote:

“No thanks to Rep. Steve Chabot, today 122,000 more kids in Ohio are one step closer to receiving the health care they need. Not illegal immigrants -- not adults and children from high-income families. These are kids whose parents work but can’t afford private insurance and are not disadvantaged enough to qualify for Medicaid. Yet, plum out of excuses and grasping for straws, Rep. Chabot still stood with Bush over the thousands of parents in his district who go to bed every night praying their children don’t get sick or hurt.”

“Serious questions about Rep. Chabot’s priorities need to be asked. How is that that, without question, Rep. Chabot can continue to vote to give this President hundreds of billions of dollars for a failed policy in Iraq and then can turnaround and without justification oppose a fraction of that on healthcare for kids in need?”

Zack Space's Reaction To New SCHIP Veto Threat

2007-10-25T18:31:00.001-04:00

Congressman Zack Space of the 18th district has put out a press release criticizing House Republicans for continuing to block efforts to extend the SCHIP program after efforts were made to address their previous concerns.

In the release Space says:

“No matter how hard we try, it appears as though nothing will make a majority of House Republicans change their minds on providing health insurance to our children.

“I find it unconscionable to believe that, for the third time, a handful of Republicans would place their own political goals over the health and well-being of our nation’s children. 145,000 children in Ohio are at risk of losing their health insurance because Republicans are so eager to score points with the insurance industry. This is not only inappropriate – it is astounding.”

-- Rep. Zack Space

As I mentioned earlier, the new compromise bill passed by a margin of 265-142 (the veto override attempt on the last bill had a vote of 273-156 and had a higher turnout). President Bush has already announced his intention to veto this bill as well.

SCHIP Passes Again, Going To Get Vetoed Again

2007-10-25T18:05:00.001-04:00

Once again President Bush is threatening to veto the SCHIP bill, despite the fact that the bill was changed to alleviate prior concerns with the bill.

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- President Bush will veto a revised bill for the State Children's Health Insurance Program, the White House said Thursday, as the new plan doesn't meaningfully address prior objections.

The revision still calls for a hike on tobacco product taxes to fund a $35 billion expansion over SCHIP's current $25 billion five-year funding baseline.

"Of course [Bush] would veto it -- in some ways this bill is worse than the previous bill," said Tony Fratto, White House spokesman. "It raises taxes on working Americans in order to move people from private insurance to public assistance. No tax increase of any kind is needed to fund this program."

Today's proposal passed by a margin of 265-142, but still isn't enough to override a veto.

Source: Bush threatens to veto revised health insurance plan - MarketWatch

The Only Constant Is Change

2007-10-25T17:03:00.001-04:00

It's time to get serious for a second. Over the last year this blog has honestly changed my life. It's opened up opportunities that I'd never imagined I'd have. It's also been a learning experience, through my efforts here I've been able to see some of what goes on behind the scenes of the political process.

Because of all this it's with some regret that I'm announcing the end of Left of Ohio. I'll still post here for a little while (days, maybe weeks), but it will no longer be the priority for me that it has been in the past.

But...

It's not all bad news. In fact it's not really bad news at all (unless of course you hate me, then it's extremely bad news). The reason I'm phasing out Left of Ohio is because I'm moving on to something new.

After the last election it seemed clear that Ohio was turning into a blue state, therefore I was no longer to the political left of the rest of the state and the name had to go (plus I've always hated the name "Left of Ohio").

I've also started to feel limited by the Blogger platform and the challenges presented by not having my own hosting. If I wanted to upload a file other than a picture or video I was always forced to look for an outside service. If I wanted a new feature I had to wait for Blogger to develop it instead of just being able to install a plugin. Eventually looking for all these creative solutions started to take up so much time that I just threw posts and drafts out rather than find ways to make them work.

Back in June I finally decided it was time for a change. At that point I set up a local (only available on my computer) version of WordPress and started playing around with it. I was impressed by how easy it was to use and the wide array of features it offered (both by itself and through plugins) and worked out a plan to switch over to a new blog by early 2008. Since then I've been slowly building a site offline.

As my frustration with Blogger built up and news seemed to slow down recently the plan was accelerated. I also realized it might not be a good idea to try and make such a switch during an election year might not be the best idea in the world.

To make a long story short; the new website, Ohio Valley Politics, is live and waiting.

Some Important Notes:

The email address david@leftofohio.com will still work and be checked regularly for at least a year (probably more). My new primary email address is david@ohiovalleypolitics.com.
I own the LeftofOhio.com for a few years yet, so links will still work. I also may renew the domain if traffic still persists.
As of this point OVP will be my primary blog, if something goes horribly wrong I'll fallback here.
For a little while I'll cross post here until everything is completely setup.
The new RSS feed is http://www.ohiovalleypolitics.com/feed/.

Governor Strickland Is Throwing A Party

2007-10-24T21:16:00.001-04:00

Governor Ted Strickland will be stepping out of his official role next month to hold a fundraiser aimed at making sure Ohio continues it trend towards blue during next years presidential election.

The event, called "The Circle of Friends Reception", will take place in Columbus on November 16th. Tickets to the event will cost $150 and you must RSVP by November 2nd. If your rich you can also buy tickets to a private reception with the Governor for $2500 per couple. You can find more information at the event RSVP page.

John Ratzenberger Coming To Columbus To Talk About Trade

2007-10-23T23:02:00.001-04:00

John Ratzenberger, known for playing the postman on Cheers, will be in Columbus early next month to host a town hall forum called “Keep it Made in America”. The town hall will focus on preserving American manufacturing.

If your interested in going the event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 8, at The Columbus Athenaeum, 32 N. Fourth Street. Doors open at 6 P.M., the event starts at 6:30. Admission is free and is open to the general public.

The conference will also visit these other cites as well:

Tuesday, September 25th - Manchester, NH
Wednesday, October 17th - Des Moines, IA
Thursday, November 8th - Columbus, OH
Tuesday, November 13th - Pittsburgh, PA
Thursday, November 29th - Buffalo, NY

They've also got plans for stops in Chicago and South Carolina, though dates haven't been announced yet.

More information on the events can be found on the "Keep It In America" page of the Alliance for American Manufacturing website. There's no word as to whether or not everybody at the conference will know your name.

Table Gaming Comes To The Ohio Valley

2007-10-19T12:39:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to quickly mention that today marks the start of table gaming in two Northeastern West Virginia counties.

With a snip of a ribbon, poker games were officially under way at Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center Friday morning.
Both Wheeling Island and Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort were given the official OK to start poker play Friday.
About 80 new employees at Wheeling Island began their first eight-hour shift after a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. Bob Marshall, president of Wheeling Island Racetrack, said the poker room will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Earlier in the morning, people lined up waiting to put on their poker faces and win big. Some, like Leroy Waddell and his wife, drove from Columbus for the debut. Others, like Terry Kadan, came from Pittsburgh to be one of the first to play cards at the facility.
While most of the focus was on Friday's unveiling, there is still much more to come, Marshall said. Construction continues on the main gaming floor, where they will have games like craps, roulette and blackjack. Marshall said if all goes well, opening the main gaming floor could come as early as Jan. 1, 2008.

The Wheeling Island racetrack and Gaming Center is also reporting that all of it's hotel rooms are booked for the weekend.

I'm sure these table games will bring some problems to our area but I'm also extremely hopeful. I think that they could, when added to other recent developments, be exactly the shot in the arm that the local economy needs.

Source: Poker Players Lay Down Their Chips In Ohio Valley - News Story - WTOV Steubenville

Zack Space Not Ready To Give Up On SCHIP

2007-10-18T21:56:00.001-04:00

Today's attempt to override the SCHIP veto may have fallen 13 votes short but 18th district Rep. Zack Space isn't calling it quits just yet.

“The President and his Congressional allies have sunk to a new low. Providing health insurance to kids in working families seemed like a no-brainer, but apparently I was wrong. I am sincerely worried about the health of those currently enrolled in the program and those who would have been enrolled had this bill passed.”

“I will not give up this fight. Continuing coverage for the 145,000 children in Ohio and making sure everyone eligible has the funds to join the program will remain one of my top legislative priorities.”

A press release from Space's office yesterday included the following:

SCHIP Reality vs. Rhetoric

White House Rhetoric:

Under the bipartisan SCHIP legislation, families making $83,000 per year would be eligible to be enrolled in the SCHIP program.

Reality:

The bipartisan SCHIP bill vetoed by the President does not raise the eligibility level for SCHIP. In addition, no state currently offers SCHIP coverage to families making $83,000. The state of New York applied to do so -- and was denied by the Bush Administration. Under the legislation the President vetoed, the Bush Administration would continue to have the ability to determine New York eligibility levels.

White House Rhetoric:

“Poor kids first”

Reality:

We agree. That’s why we cover them with Medicaid, that’s why we fixed the states’ constant shortfalls under this administration, and that’s why 90% of families covered by SCHIP are living under 200% of poverty.

White House Rhetoric:

The bipartisan SCHIP legislation covers illegal immigrants.

Reality:

The bipartisan SCHIP bill states clearly that “Nothing in this Act allows Federal payment for individuals who are not legal residents.” In fact, the bipartisan SCHIP bill does not provide benefits for legal immigrant children.

White House Rhetoric:

The SCHIP measure will lead to government-run socialized medicine by taking children out of private health care and put them in government run health care.

Reality:

77% of children in SCHIP receive their health care through private insurance companies. The American Medical Association, the Association of Health Insurance Plans, and PhRMA – hardly advocates of socialized medicine – all support the bill.

While today's release contained the following poll numbers:

STRONG MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVOR BIPARTISAN SCHIP BILL

CBS Poll: Four out of Five Americans Support SCHIP Bill. According to polling this week from CBS News an overwhelming majority of Americans, 81%, favor the bipartisan plan to cover more uninsured children through the state children’s health insurance program. [CBS News, 10/17/07]

NPR Poll: 70% Support SCHIP Bill. According to a survey released this week by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health 70% of Americans support adding $35 billion to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. [NPR, 10/17/07]

AMERICANS STRONGLY SUPPORT OVERRIDING BUSH’S VETO

NPR Poll: Nearly Two Thirds Favor SCHIP Veto Override: According to a survey this week by NPR, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health 64% of Americans favor overriding the president's veto of the children’s health insurance bill and 67% disapproved of the President’s veto. [NPR, 10/17/07]

CNN Poll: Over 60% Favor SCHIP Veto Override. According to a CNN poll this week, 61% of Americans say Congress should override the President’s veto. [CNN, 10/17/07]

I definitely wouldn't call this fight over yet.

Charlie Wilson Still Votes To Override SCHIP Veto

2007-10-18T17:05:00.001-04:00

Rep. Charlie Wilson followed through with his promise to vote to override President Bush's veto of the SCHIP bill despite his recent surgery.

The override vote tally was 273-156, short of the two-thirds needed. According to Wilson:

“I’m disappointed we weren’t able to override the President’s unconscionable veto. This vote was so important; I had to stay to cast it.”

Wilson was pushed onto the House floor in a wheelchair by fellow Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan. Wilson will now head home to rest and recover.

Reprinted below is an Op-Ed piece Wilson wrote a few days ago on the subject.

CHIP is Crucial for Our Future

Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-06)

October 15, 2007
I just got out of the hospital after a 6 night stay. Nothing makes you appreciate the value of good healthcare like a near-death experience.

I didn’t know I was going to need that level of care on Monday, yet on Tuesday, there I was, in the hospital, in desperate need of quality care. By Thursday I underwent emergency surgery to correct a problem caused by a routine screening colonoscopy.

I have always supported the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Still, as I lay in my hospital bed getting ‘round the clock care from the best doctors and nurses a patient could have, I grew angrier that the president would think it’s OK that I have care and that he has healthcare, but that millions of children don’t. Everyone deserves quality healthcare in this country.

The bipartisan plan will cover 10 million children. That’s 10 million children who wouldn’t have insurance otherwise. And we’re paying for it; we’re not putting this on the credit card.

It’s going to take some doing – and I may even need to be wheeled onto the floor of the House to cast my vote – but I will do everything in my power to vote to override the president’s unconscionable veto to reauthorize funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

This is a bipartisan plan that insures 10 million children whose families are struggling to make ends meet. This program was created to provide health coverage for children in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance. In other words, these are the children who fall through the cracks.

It’s no wonder that 69 Senators including 18 Republicans, and 43 governors including 16 Republicans support this program. This bill preserves coverage for 6 million children currently covered by CHIP and extends coverage to 4 million more that lack insurance. There are 122,000 uninsured children in Ohio who would gain health coverage.

The president says the program is too expensive and we can’t afford it. He’s wrong. First, it’s paid for. Second, we can’t afford not to. It costs less than $3.50 a day to cover children through CHIP. Insuring kids is much more cost-effective than emergency room care. And we all know a healthy child is more likely to succeed in education and life.
This vote on Thursday is a vote for children and for our future. I want to reassure the citizens of Ohio’s Sixth District that far from preventing me from voting, my recent emergency hospital stay will propel me onto the House Floor to cast that vote for children.

Jeb Bush Jr. Apparently Forgot To Stop And Think

2007-10-18T16:26:00.001-04:00

The Rudy Giuliani campaign announced a huge endorsement today according to MSNBC. Apparently they've secured the support of Jeb Bush Jr., the son of former Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

Why is this news? Look at the following MSNBC story, specifically the part after the big green "Update".

From NBC's Mark Murray
The Giuliani campaign announced today that Jeb Bush Jr. -- the son of the former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who is President George W. Bush's brother -- has endorsed Giuliani.

But there appears to be a split in the family. Jeb Bush Jr.'s more famous brother -- George P. Bush -- previously endorsed Fred Thompson.

*** UPDATE *** This is the same Jeb Bush Jr. who was caught having sex in a car in a Tallahassee, Fla., mall parking lot in 2000 when he was 16 (no charges were filed) and charged with public intoxication and resisting arrest in Austin, Texas in 2005.

You know, you'd think that they'd check on stuff like that before announcing an endorsement.

Source: Jeb Bush Jr. backs Rudy - First Read - msnbc.com

You Can't Leave A Child Behind If No One Is Moving Forward

2007-10-16T16:04:00.001-04:00

It's not real often that I write a post just to highlight someone else's post. In fact it's something I specifically try to avoid unless I have something to add to it.

Anyway's I'll just get right down to it, you need to read this post about the effect that "No Child Left Behind" is having on our schools. I have a lot of relatives that work in schools and I've heard a lot of similar stories, but never anything that bad.

Church Sends Silly String To Soldiers In Iraq, Saves Lives

2007-10-15T16:37:00.001-04:00

When the students in the Wintersville (near Steubenville) Church of Christ Vacation Bible School decided to include silly string the care packages they sent to soldiers in Iraq they probably had no clue how useful it would be.

Shortly after sending the care packages they got a letter that included the following:

“I want to mention that your package contained a can of Silly String. I don’t know if you knew this but many soldiers use Silly String to find trip wires on bombs when searching houses. I gave your can to our patrol and they found a bomb the very next day. So you likely saved several lives with your box. Isn’t God cool?”

Source: Herald Star Online

Charlie Wilson Is Released From The Hospital

2007-10-15T16:16:00.001-04:00

Earlier today Representative Charlie Wilson was released from the hospital following his emergency surgery to repair a perforated colon.

I have to say that Wilson has earned a whole new degree of respect from me today when his office announced that he would be staying in D.C. so he could vote to override the Presidents SCHIP veto. After the vote is cast he'll be heading back home to rest and recover for a few weeks.

“I have always supported the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but there’s nothing like a week’s stay in the hospital to highlight just how crucial good healthcare is. Everyone deserves quality healthcare in this country.”

-- Rep. Charlie Wilson

I have to respect that kind of conviction and dedication from anyone, no matter what the issue was.

As for his recovery, Wilson said:

“I want to thank everyone who has sent along their good wishes and offered up prayers for my recovery. It really means a lot.”

Rosemary Palmer Still Wants Dennis To Debate

2007-10-15T14:57:00.001-04:00

I know it's sad, but for some reason the Rosemary Palmer campaign still thinks it's possible for them to arrange a debate between their candidate and the incumbent Dennis Kucinich. Don't you people get it? Dennis has moved on to bigger and better things, his ten year stand with your district is over.

Okay, so maybe I went a little too far with that intro (but it was so much fun!). The point, however, remains that Dennis seem to have forgotten his House seat to once again pursue his long shot presidential bid.

The Palmer campaign, which has been trying to get Kucinich to agree to a debate, put out the following press release today.

Forty days after Rosemary Palmer, candidate for the Democratic nomination for the 10th Congressional District of Ohio, issued her challenge to Congressman Dennis Kucinich to hold a series of five debates, the silence from the Congressman is deafening.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kucinich has continued his long-shot presidential campaign with events across the country, including a slew of late night talk show appearances. Today, Congressman Kucinich will be in New York City as a guest on The Colbert Report.

Host Stephen Colbert issued a challenge of his own to the Congressman- to empty his pockets and reveal their contents on the show. Mr. Kucinich accepted Colbert’s challenge within days and immediately scheduled an appearance on Comedy Central's highly rated satire show. “Once again the people of the 10th District are left without a dedicated, full time Member of Congress,” Palmer said of his latest publicity stunt. “He is continuing in search of celebrity instead of a committed pursuit of results for Northeast Ohio,” she said.

Palmer Campaign Manager Anthony Fossaceca said “the challenge to debate still stands. We’ve been waiting for over a month, and still no response.” Fossaceca also criticized the Congressman’s pursuit of the limelight. “His jet-setting about the country to make these appearances is like throwing salt in the wound,” he said. “Not only are we expected to tolerate an absentee Congressman, but then he goes on national television to be exposed as the butt of late night jokes. It’s painful to watch.”

The Palmer campaign has released a satirical YouTube video which chronicles Congressman Kucinich coast-to-coast traveling and his irreverence to the people in the 10th District. To view the ad, visit www.rosemarypalmerforcongress.com

I wish them the best of luck getting Kucinich to agree to a debate but I'm not holding my breath.

And just for archival purposes, the video mentioned in the press release can also be found here.

Update: I didn't watch the video before this post (dial-up, remember?) but it definitely fits with the first paragraph's style.

China Considering Shutting Down Heavy Polluters

2007-10-15T11:07:00.001-04:00

One of the biggest arguments against working to reduce global warming in this country has been that developing countries like China were also creating pollution. I've always thought of this as a really lame excuse, we do a lot of things that China doesn't.

In any case, the excuse my soon be thrown out the door if China implements the new pollution rules that they are considering. Under these new rules companies violating environmental regulations would have their foreign trading licenses suspended for a year or two. These companies would also be able to get their licenses back by showing that they have brought their company back into compliance of the regulations.

Source: China reportedly to consider suspending polluters' licenses - MarketWatch

Charlie Wilson Undergoes Emergency Surgery

2007-10-11T14:42:00.001-04:00

Rep. Charlie Wilson underwent emergency surgery this morning to repair a colonic perforation he suffered after having a routine colonoscopy on Monday in Ohio.

According to a release from Wilson's office, Wilson flew to Washington on Tuesday and wasn't feeling well shortly afterwards. He then met with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress who recommended that Wilson be hospitalized and accompanied him to George Washington University Hospital where he the colonic perforation was diagnosed.

This morning a decision was made that Wilson would require surgery. The surgery was viewed as a success and Wilson is currently in stable condition. He will be hospitalized for 5-7 days followed by a few weeks of rest at home.

After the surgery Wilson told his family and staff “I’m optimistic. I want to go back to work as soon I can".

I'd like to wish Wilson a speedy recovery and promise him and his staff that they won't be hearing any complaints from me while he takes time off to recover.

The full press release:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Charlie Wilson (OH-6) is in stable condition today following emergency colon surgery performed in Washington early this morning.

Wilson underwent a routine screening colonoscopy on Monday in Ohio. On Tuesday afternoon he flew to Washington. After arriving in Washington he wasn’t feeling well and followed up with the Attending Physician of the United States Congress.

The attending physician recommended that he go to the hospital and accompanied Wilson to George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Doctors there admitted Wilson after they determined he sustained a colonic perforation following the colonoscopy. This morning Wilson’s doctors determined surgery was necessary.

“The surgery was successful and we did what we needed to safely treat his condition,” said Farshid Araghizadeh, M.D. Associate Professor of Surgery and Colorectal Surgeon at the George Washington University Hospital. “Congressman Wilson remains in the Intensive Care Unit in stable condition. Considering his initial presentation his progress is very encouraging.”

Wilson is expected to be in the hospital for the next five to seven days and then will continue to rest at home. He hopes to return to a light Congressional schedule within a few weeks. All of his offices remain open for business.

In the recovery room Wilson reassured both family and staff that he was fine. “I’m optimistic,” Wilson said. “I want to go back to work as soon I can.”

Well wishers are reminded that cards and flowers will not be accepted at the hospital.

It's Time To Turn Up The Heat On SCHIP

2007-10-11T10:39:00.001-04:00

Here are some of the recent developments in the SCHIP veto override fight:

Zack Space Writes A Column

Representative Zack Space published the following column in Tuesday's edition of the Newark Advocate.

When I initially made up my mind to run for Congress, the motivations behind that decision were very simple – I wanted to help people and make our great country even greater. Regardless of political affiliation or ideology, I am sure those are the same motivations that compel everyone into public service. It was hard to leave behind daily life in Ohio, but it was harder to sit idly by while our country went in the wrong direction. I wanted to be part of the effort to bring about historic issues that will make life better for all Americans.

Recently, both the House and the Senate on a bipartisan basis overwhelmingly passed one of those historic pieces of legislation that would extend health insurance coverage to 10 million children. Yet President Bush has vetoed this effort to get our children their care. This administration has not made the health of our children a top priority, and he acted quickly to dash the hopes and safety of our children.

The State Children’s Health Insurance Program or SCHIP provides 145,000 children in Ohio with health insurance because their parents cannot afford it. I was proud to join with the other 264 Members of the House and with the 67 Senators to renew and extend this vital program. Created by a bipartisan effort in 1997, this program provides 6.6 million underprivileged children with the health coverage they need to become healthy adults.

When this legislation was originally passed, it was crafted by a bipartisan group who were focused on protecting our children. Now in 2007, we have reached the deadline to renew this vital program. The bill we passed would have renewed SCHIP and made funds available to ensure that 10 million children currently eligible will actually have the funds necessary to provide coverage. Yet the President chose to veto the legislation.

I never thought I would see the day when a President would veto legislation because it offers health insurance to too many children.

I worry that some Republican Members of Congress have lost sight of the real-world impact of sustaining this veto. The health insurance coverage of 145,000 Ohio children is in jeopardy. Your child, your neighbor’s children, or that child down the street who just fell off his bike will not be able to go to a doctor because the program they rely on for insurance will cease to exist if the Members siding with the President do not relent in their opposition. Using our children as a political football is simply unconscionable to me. It is not why I came to Washington.

I sincerely hope that the few Republican Members of Congress who have vowed to sustain Bush’s veto remember why they got into politics in the first place.

Let’s overturn this veto and make sure Ohio’s children get every chance possible to lead healthy, productive lives.

Congressman Zack Space

New Ad Campaign Launches

Several groups (including AFL-CIO, AFSCME, SEIU, MoveOn.org, Americans United for Change, USAction, and True Majority Action) have banded together to launch an ad campaign against a few members of Congress who voted against SCHIP. Among their targets is Steve Chabot of the 1st district as you can see in the ad below. The rest of the ads are available here.

Kucinich Quits His Moral Stand

And finally Dennis Kucinich has came out and promised to support overriding the SCHIP veto, despite the fact that it doesn't include the children of legal immigrants. While I tend to agree with him about the need to include them (after all, aren't we all immigrants except for the Native Americans?) I still think you should take what you can get first and then work from there.

Ann Coulter Losses All Grip In Reality, World Shocked & Stunned

2007-10-10T21:09:00.001-04:00

Okay not really, we all already knew she was crazy.

I just took a look at my feed reader and saw something interesting- at the top of the list in last Google Trends item was "john edwards affair". Now of course I had to check that out.

It turns out that conservative hatemonger Ann Coulter went on the MSNBC show Tucker and claimed that presidential candidate John Edwards had an affair while his wife was undergoing cancer treatment. When pressed on the subject she claimed she's put proof of the affair on her website later in the day. And what was this proof she claimed to have? A link to a National Enquirer story.

So there you have it folks, a woman who's been caught lying several times (including on her voter registration card) is citing supermarket tabloids as irrefutable proof. Could some of you Republicans please shut this woman up? It's the Democrats job to make Republicans look bad.

Conference Call With Robin Weirauch

2007-10-10T20:30:00.001-04:00

Tonight I took part in a conference call with Robin Weirauch, a Democrat running in the special election to replace the late Paul Gillmor in the 5th congressional district.

Now I want to be up front about this, I've probably only been in the 5th Congressional District only once or twice in my life (it's pretty sad how little I've seen of my own state in the last few years) and even then I was just passing through. Furthermore I live about as far away from the 5th district as possible within Ohio. Basically I have no first hand knowledge about the problems affecting that specific area.

I do, however, know the issues that our state faces. Working from that I feel confident in saying that Robin Weirauch seemed like very sincere and friendly person with a good grasp on those issues. While the 5th district is seen by many as too solidly conservative to change hands but with the Republicans going at each others throats and a good candidate like Robin on our side I think it's way too soon to give up.

You can contribute to the Weirauch campaign here and view her campaign site here. They've also launched a campaign blog with a unique twist.

Glass City Jungle also has a great write-up on the call.

BREAKING: School Shooting In Cleveland

2007-10-10T14:35:00.001-04:00

MSNBC is reporting that a school shooting has taken place at a high school in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND - Police said that at least three people were shot inside the SuccessTech School on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, a male was shot on the school's third floor and another person was possibly shot on the fifth floor.

Cleveland fire, police and emergency medical services were at the scene, Cleveland television station WEWS reported.

Police said that they were searching for a 14-year-old suspect.

I know there's a lot of bloggers and readers up there, is everyone okay?

Source: ONN, Ohio News Now - Shooting Reported Inside Cleveland School

The Return of the Macaca Moments?

2007-10-08T18:21:00.001-04:00

Conservative columnist Robert Novak seems to think that ex-Virginia Senator George Allen might be hoping to make a political comeback.

George Allen, whose Republican presidential dreams were shattered by his upset defeat for re-election to the Senate in 2006, is considering a comeback by running for governor of Virginia in 2009.

You might remember Allen from his famous YouTube moments (like when he used the obscure, prejudicial remark "macaca" or when two of his supporters beat up a blogger) that cost him his reelection to the Senate last year and crushed his hopes of running for President. Ya, those are going be tough to recover from.

Allen has previously served as Governor of Virginia from 1994-1998.

Source: GOP House leader in federal probe keeps key post on Appropriations Committee :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Robert Novak

Hiring Mercenaries Is Always A Bad Idea

2007-10-07T16:07:00.001-04:00

As the Blackwater investigation continues there have been more and more horror stories coming to light. Below is an account published in the L.A. Times from a former U.S. official.

One particularly infuriating time, I was in the town of Irbil in northern Iraq, being driven to a meeting with a Kurdish political leader. We were on a narrow stretch of highway with no shoulders and foot-high barriers on both sides. The lead Suburban in our convoy loomed up behind an old, puttering sedan driven by an older man with a young woman and three children.

As we approached at typical breakneck speed, the Blackwater driver honked furiously and motioned to the side, as if they should pull over. The kids in the back seat looked back in horror, mouths agape at the sight of the heavily armored Suburbans driven by large, armed men in dark sunglasses. The poor Iraqi driver frantically searched for a means of escape, but there was none. So the lead Blackwater vehicle smashed heedlessly into the car, pushing it into the barrier. We zoomed by too quickly to notice if anyone was hurt.

Until that point I had never mentioned anything to my drivers about their tactics, but this time I could not contain myself.

"Where do you all expect them to go?" I shrieked. "It was an old guy and a family, for goodness' sake. Was it necessary for them to destroy their poor old car?"

My driver responded impassively: "Ma'am, we've been trained to view anyone as a potential threat. You don't know who they might use as decoys or what the risks are. Terrorists could be disguised as anyone."

"Well, if they weren't terrorists before, they certainly are now!" I retorted. Sulking in my seat, I was stunned by the driver's indifference.

And we can't figure out why we aren't winning in Iraq?

It's Time To Play "Who Wants To Be A Delegate?"

2007-10-05T20:52:00.001-04:00

The Ohio Democratic Party is now taking applications from people seeking to be a delegate at the 2008 Democratic Convention. You can get more info and download the required forms here.

Anyone interested? If so, you've got until 1/1/2008 to get your paperwork in.

[UPDATED] Zack Space Holds Conference Call On Foreclosure Tax

2007-10-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday afternoon Rep. Zack Space of Ohio's 18th district held a conference call with reporters to discuss some of his tax break proposals he's introducing as part of his "Tax Week" campaign.

Now I know what you're thinking, "what's 'tax week'?" I haven't had time to post about it yet, but Space has dubbed this week "Tax Week" because he was introducing several tax related bills in the House.

Yesterday's call dealt specifically with legislation before the House yesterday that would eliminate the foreclosure tax. A press release from Space's office describes the tax as follows:

As it stands now, the IRS taxes families on debt that the bank is unable to recover after foreclosing on and selling their houses. For example, a family takes out a mortgage on a home for, say, $100,000. They lose the home to foreclosure, and the bank sells the property for $70,000. The remaining $30,000 counts as “phantom income” on which the family must pay taxes.

You can listen to almost the entire conference call below. It's been divided into three parts.

This first part is Space's opening statement. It's followed by the stories of Janet Gibbs and Peggy Tanksley and the financial hardships they've been through.