OH-16: Boccieri Speaks the Truth to Wingnuts

State Sen. and Iraq Veteran John Boicceri was scheduled to hold a rally in Canton at a gas station with Rep. Rahm Emanuel. But Rahm-bo's flight was delayed and Boicceri went to the event solo...only to find some wingnuts already camped out waiting for him with right-wing talking points. The Stark GOP YouTubed it (click here for the video)and it seems like they kept asking him about oil refineries and drilling...ideas that don't have a prayer of working because they won't affect worldwide oil supply and demand. Boicceri spoke truth to wingnuttery, and here's one blogger looking forward to a campaign of him doing the same. 

Here's how the Canton Repository summarized it:

CANTON State Sen. John Boccieri hoped this morning to be talking about high gasoline prices with top ranking U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Chicago.

Instead Boccieri, the Democrat challenging for the 16th District seat, found himself fielding questions from Republican loyalists who have a different opinion as to how gasoline prices can be lowered.

About a dozen Republican loyalists already had positions on both sides of Tuscarawas Street W when Boccieri arrived at about 11 a.m. to meet with residents buying gas at the Sunoco convenience store at 1601 Tuscarawas Ave. W.

The opponents also joined in a press conference, asking Boccieri why he opposed proposals for new drilling in the United States.

Boccieri countered that drilling won't solve current gasoline problems. He suggests the government should focus on developing alternative fuels to lessen dependence on foreign oil.

"The clear cut answer is to move away from oil," Boccieri said.

He talked with several people buying gas at the station.

But Emanuel didn't make it to Canton. His flight from Chicago was delayed.

Emanuel did arrive in time for a fundraising reception at Bricco, a restaurant in downtown Akron. About 30 supporters paid anywhere from $2,300 to $125 to attend.