The continuation of
Ohio Candidate Forum 2/1/06...
Mary Jo Kilroy arrived late, and had to leave early for Washington. There was little doubt that the Democratic challenger for Deb Pryce in the 15 Congressional District was the night's featured star. She used notes, and wasn't fiery, but was practical and reasoned with digs at her opponent. She said, Ohio needs to send a message to the powers that be, and "their crony, Deborah Pryce." Pryce was linked to House corruption and debauched chief Tom DeLay, who she votes with 95% of the time. She referred to kickbacks and service cuts, as "hidden taxes." That phrase needs to be used more often.
Pryce is running scared.
Ed Nyhan was the other candidate present for Ohio House-20. He ran unsuccessfully for Mayor in Bexley. He touched on that experience. His approach was very affable, but lacked focus. He admitted his "platform is under construction."
Nyhan seemed like a nice guy, but did not compare well to Campbell. He name dropped a bit, going so far as to use a photo with Howard Dean on his candidate sheet.
Jean Herendeen Ackerman is a teacher of 17 years who is running for Ohio House-21. She spoke from notes and extemporaneously. She had three points, our failure to protect small businesses, fund schools, and run finances responsibly. Each point was backed with personal experience, the most striking was how her school didn't have the budget to replace a broken stapler. Her presentation was passionate and intelligent.
Herendeen Ackerman has a website at jeanforohio.com. She's running against Linda Reidelbach, who even my Republican friends refer to as "bat shit insane." Evidently, Reidelbach has never met an issue she couldn't turn into a gay bash or creationist screed. This seat is attainable and would eject a politician of the lowest kind.
At 7:50, House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty gave a great fire-up speech without demonizing. She just stated that Democrats are right. She talked about how House Bill 3 was a Trojan Horse rationalized by only four cases of fraud in the state. She said HB 3 will be challenged in court. Furthermore, she promised to call for Ken Blackwell's resignation as Secretary of State if he is the candidate for governor. In the end, she spoke of Republicans using social issues to divide communities, while Democrats are committed to tolerance and unity.
Dean Hernandez was the other candidate present for Ohio House-21. He had to follow Beatty, but fared well with a humorous, charismatic approach. Hernandez also spoke about Democrats unifying, while Republicans need wedge issues. Hernandez also spoke from notes and extemporaneously. When he mentioned his service in the Reserves 5th/28th Field Artillery Battalion, the crowd applauded. Of course, no one applauded the teaching profession earlier. But in nice guy fashion, Hernandez spoke nicely of Herendeen Ackerman and the need for public education. He was the first candidate to mention environmental concerns. "Every American is entitled to know its government stands for it, not against it."
Hernandez was polished and relaxed. Ohio House-21 has two excellent candidates here, and needs to be a focus for the '06 elections.
Unfortunately, I had to leave at this point (and no, I wasn't thrown out). Again, I have to say what a great experience I had. My own personal involvement didn't begin until 2004, and this was the first event I've attended devoted to local candidates. I know not everyone can turn out in February for stump speeches, but it was inspiring. I just want to say again, how much I appreciate each of these people standing up and giving of themselves. It eases the misanthropic pains.
LICOPAC has a great rundown of the Saturday events. In the meantime, Plunderbund is being all timely with his post on the Hackett shinding. I'm serene in the knowledge that no one expects me to be punctual.
(posted earlier at Grandpaboy)