Buckeye State Blog - District 12

Boots on the ground, Folks on the Phone

Shamansky for Congress — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 10:18:56 -0700

the polls have been open for nearly 6 hours - and Team Shamansky is still rocking the phones. Every line in our Columbus office is full, and we've made hundreds of calls this morning to supporters urging them to get out and vote. Folks keep stopping by with food and other goodies - and I'm beginning to wonder if you can actually survive on coffee and brownies alone.

Bob's neck-and-neck and quite a few national pundits are calling his race the possible upset of the cycle. We're not gonna take that lying down. Our volunteers will be calling and knocking right up until the polls close.

Go vote. Tell your friends to go vote. GET OUT THE VOTE. And vote for change.

Criticism Vs. Attacks Vs. Smears

Shamansky for Congress — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:24:44 -0700

In a letter appearing in today's Dispatch, Shamansky Campaign advisor Dale Butland takes on Tiberi's assertion that Bob or his campaign have in any way smeared Pat.

To date, Shamansky has run five different television commercials, only three of which mentioned Tiberi at all. The three criticized Tiberi for his role in piling up huge federal budget deficits and for being a rubber stamp for the Bush administration. Since Tiberi did, in fact, vote to cut taxes while fighting a war, as well as for the creation of a $700 billion Medicare prescriptiondrug entitlement program, and since the nonpartisan Congressional Quarterly says Tiberi has voted with President Bush 92 percent of the time, there is certainly evidence for Shamansky��s assertions. In any event, the charges unquestionably revolve around issues and Tiberi��s congressional voting record. How, exactly, is that a smear?
Tiberi��s ads, by contrast, invariably have been ad hominem character attacks. They characterize Shamansky as a tax-cheating carpetbagger who "can��t be believed." They childishly make fun of Shamansky��s name, asserting that he��s a "sham" and a fraud. And they attack Shamansky��s age with subtle filming techniques and thinly veiled suggestions that he is hard of hearing, senile or an Alzheimer��s victim. Since the dictionary defines smear as the defamation, sullying or soiling of a reputation, Tiberi��s ads appear to qualify on all counts.

There's no doubt that it's Tiberi that's been running the nastiest of nasty campaigns. Ever since Pat stopped "Ignoring [his] opponent" Pat's been on the attack. Some of Pat's little gems ...

All those pictures and footage of Bob walking that you took from Bob's own ads. Are you trying to make fun of the way Bob walks? He crushed both legs in the Army during the Korean War and spent a year in military hospitals. Is that really something you want to make fun of someone for Pat?
Ads that imply Bob's an old coot, that he "doesn't even know where he lives." Well Pat. You've met Bob. You've been schooled by Bob. You know that's not true. As for "[not knowing] where he lives" - Bob knows. He knows where he's from, and who his friends and neighbors are, and what they need in Washington. You, Pat, seem only to care about what your Big money special interests want.
Saying Bob was "Fired" from Congress. Just like you're about to Pat, Bob lost an election. That was 24 years ago - and unlike you - it wasn't because of incompetence and party toadyism. In fact, Bob stood up to one of his own party leaders, and refused to go back on his word to support Vern Riffe and his candidate for governor. For his honesty, Mr. Riffe redistricted the 12th, and Bob lost in the new district. He wasn't fired. He stood up for what he believed in, bucked his own party, and paid for it.
Misrepresenting 24 year old votes to scare voters. From reading, hearing, or watching all Pat's nonsense, you would think Bob sat there raising taxes until last year. Bob served in congress from 1981-1983 - while Reagan was president. Pat's "conservative" hero signed those bills into law. And more than a few of the votes that Pat claims are the reasons Bob was "fired" happened after Bob lost his Bid for reelection - when he could just throw politics out the door and do what was right for the people of the 12th district.

Pat Tiberi is desperate. It's starting to show - but we can't get complacent. We need your help to get out the vote, and to make sure people know that Pat's lies JUST AREN'T TRUE.

Video: Bob Shamansky and Mary Jo Kilroy with Sen. Max Cleland

Shamansky for Congress — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 18:45:54 -0700

Bob Shamansky and Mary Jo Kilroy welcomed Sen. Max Cleland to town yesterday for a press conference on national security, the Iraq war, and veterans issues.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

New Shamansky Ad: Iraq

Shamansky for Congress — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 06:01:59 -0700

Bob Shamansky launched a new television spot last night, focusing on the administration's failed Iraq policy ...

Bob's previous ad, an animated spot called "anvil", has received more than 16,000 views on the popular video sharing site YouTube.com.

A Facebook Election

Shamansky for Congress — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 09:29:20 -0700

Pat Tiberi's Facebook friends are so worried about Bob's popularity on the burgeoning social networking site that they've blocked folks from seeing the their group. For those of you know familiar with it Facebook, is a social network of more nearly 9 million college high school and graduate students.

Bob's Facebook group has 153 members as of this posting. Last we checked - before Pat's friends decided to go into hiding - Pat had just 53 Facebook friends.

However, Bob's lagging just a little in Facebook's new elections category - so if you're a facebook member, stop by and add your support.

VIDEO: Bob Shamansky On Healthcare Reform

Shamansky for Congress — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 16:44:57 -0700

Bob Shamansky joined Rep. Marcy Kaptur, as well as other Ohio congressional candidates Lew Katz, Mary Jo Kilroy, and Robin Weirauch at today's Democratic Congressional healthcare event in Columbus.

Watch via YouTube or download the QuickTime Movie

Our healthcare system is in crisis - and rather than working together to fix it, the Republican administration and rubberstamp representatives like Pat Tiberi simply bend to the will of for-profit medicine, and big PhARMA. It's time for a change. Democrats like Bob and other Ohio congressional challengers have a plan. When they're elected this November, they will:

... make healthcare coverage affordable for all Americans.
... work to contain the growing costs of healthcare.
... guarantee that patients can choose their doctors and care givers.
... prioritize preventative care to cut costs, and keep Americans healthy.

With your help, we can make a real difference this November - but Bob, Robin, Lew, Mary Jo, and all the other challengers do need you help. Signup at Shamansky for Congress, or call our office at (614) 849-0260 to find out how you can help enact real healthcare reform, and how you can help Bob win this November.

It's Time for a Change

Shamansky for Congress — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 07:26:21 -0700

Pat Tiberi's doing his best to distance himself from the president - despite voting G.W.'s way 85% of the time. But you know, we thought we would remind you just a few of the things Pat Tiberi's done for you in the last 5 years.

Watch our new web ad on YouTube.com, or download it in QuickTime format.

Consider making a contribution, or sign up at ShamanskyforCongress.com to find out how you can help Bob bring REAL change to central Ohio.

Shamansky Campaign Weekend Update

DrewTappan — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 07:56:25 -0700

With fewer than 100 days left until the November general election, the Shamansky campaign is building momentum, and getting ever closer to our goal - replacing do nothing Pat Tiberi with a real leader, and bringing real honest leadership back to Washington. And we're not alone�Ķ

Bob and Team Shamansky had another great weekend, joining Democrats all over central Ohio for the DNC's "Democratic Reunion" events. In Pataskala, more than 20 Western Licking county activists gathered to write post cards, knock on doors, and make calls to their friends and neighbors so that we can get the message out that Bob and other Democrats like Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown are the forces of change that Ohio needs in Columbus and Washington. Tom Holiday (candidate for 71st District Ohio House of Representatives) brought along a huge group of supporters, and Bob dropped in to thank them for their help, and to encourage everyone to get even more involved.

As activists in Licking County headed out the door to canvass, Bob headed back into Columbus - where more than 100 devoted Democrats had gathered at The Ohio Democratic Party headquarters. Quick speeches, and incredible energy from state house candidates Dean Hernandez (21st District Ohio House of Representatives ) and John Patrick Carney (22nd District Ohio House of Representatives) led off before Bob rallied the crowd, and introduced Sherrod Brown, the next Senator from the great state of Ohio.

After Sherrod's rousing speech, Team Shamansky headed up to our third, and final, event of the day - Delaware County's reunion event in Orange Township. Around 30 local democrats gathered to hear Bob speak, and to talk to their neighbors about real leadership, real change, and how we can do better. Bob hit the streets with some of the volunteers, knocking on doors and talking to voters about his plans to make affordable healthcare available to all Americans, bring our brave troops home safely, and clean up the ethical mess the Republicans have made in Washington.

Supporters Meeting in Pataskala

Shamansky for Congress — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:07:58 -0700

This is going to be a light posting as I have to run off to a volunteers meeting, but I wanted to tell you about our event last night.

I drove out to Pataskala to meet group of Democratic Activists. I have to say, I didn't expect this kind of crowd on a Monday night. I couldn't fit everyone in the shot, so this is as close as I came.

I was impressed to see so many folks show up on a Monday to hear about Bob and some of the other candidates. I was amazed to see this many motivated people coming out to show thier interest in Bob and our race. Clearly people are ready for a change. The growth in groups like this one prove it. The volunteers you see here and others like them are going to help us send Pat Tiberi home in November and give central Ohio the leadership we deserve in Washington D.C.

Shamansky Campaign Update

Shamansky for Congress — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 15:53:59 -0700

I have to apologize for being off of BSB for a week or so. Last week was a great one for our campaign. As you all know, Bob hammered Tiberi on this and this, and I didn��t even have time to stop and post about the weekend. I wanted to tell you about our parade this weekend as well.

We went to Alexandria, a small town in Licking County. I had expected a one or two people to show up. Instead we had all of these supporters come out to walk for Bob

There were more that were camera shy, but just counting the volunteers in that shot, we had more than ever before. Now, let��s compare and contrast. This was Pat Tiberi and his staff.

Notice a difference? I thought so.

(On a side note: If you feel that you need a Bob news fix, you can always visit the blog for more news about the campaign)

Hope is in the Minimum Wage

Shamansky for Congress — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 14:48:11 -0700

The fact Congress has not increased the national minimum wage since 1997 is simply inexcusable.

As Ted Strickland said in this great NPR piece this morning, the Minimum wage is a values issue. As Democrats we believe that if you work hard, and play by the rules, you should be able to provide for your family and get ahead. Seeing as a full-time minimum wage earner makes $10,712 a year, which is 35.5 percent below the official 2006 federal poverty level for a family of three, that is hardly the case today.

Rep. Pat Tiberi said that he would be ��hard-pressed to find a central Ohio employer who pays so little.��

That Pat Tiberi truly doesn��t know anyone in Central Ohio who pays the minimum wage is astounding. According to the Economic Policy Institute, there are an estimated 14.9 million American workers, or about 11% of the workforce, who would benefit from a raise in the minimum wage. In Ohio alone, some 700,000 workers would profit if we were to change this state��s minimum wage laws.

Is Pat Tiberi so disconnected from reality that he doesn��t know any of these workers, let alone their employers? Needless to say Tiberi and the rest of the do nothing congress have voted against increasing the minimum wage every time.

Meanwhile, Pat Tiberi and his friends have simultaneously given themselves seven raises over the past nine years.

To quote Plunderbund, "the contrast could not be clearer. Pat is a follower. Bob is a leader."

I Love a Parade

Shamansky for Congress — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 08:40:20 -0700

Part of the Conventional Wisdom of Ohio Politics is that there are certain weekends where you better show up big, or just not bother to show up at all. July 4th is, of course, one of those weekends, and man did Bob show up BIG.

We started out on the 1st, going to visit the Granville Fourth of July festival. When we arrived before 10 am, there was already a group of dedicated Bob supporters, waiting to greet us. Bob said hello to the faithful, and then proceeded to walk around the festival grounds. I think that he shook hands and took the time to talk to every eligible voter there.

I would love to be able to show you pictures of Tiberi��s folks. But I can��t. They simply didn��t bother to show up. I asked the volunteers why the Republicans didn��t even have a booth. They told me that the Republicans and Pat Tiberi hadn��t had a booth in years because they assumed that that area was a lock. We��re going to prove them wrong.

Everyone that Bob talked to, including numerous Republicans, told us that they were looking for leadership and a change.

Bob zipped back to Columbus around 3, and spoke to the Ohio NOW board. He got a warm reception there, and spent hours talking to members and answering tough questions. Red, White and Boom events dominated the weekend. Volunteers showed up on Monday in droves for the parade. We had no idea so many folks would show up to walk for a Monday evening parade.

Tuesday, the 4th of July, was parade madness. It was pouring, but Bob was ready to go at 8 am sharp. We ran out to Bexley, where Bob talked to some of his fellow War Veterans.

After that was over, we rushed to the Gahanna parade. People all along the parade route were excited to see Bob and our supporters threw out more than 40 lbs. of candy. After the parade, Bob ran into a Retired General. The General immediately recognized Bob. Turns out they��d actually gone on a trip to Ft. Knox together in the 80��s.

Finally we went to Westerville, perhaps the biggest parade in Central Ohio. The Parade route was packed, so much so that kids poured out in the street to get candy. I was so busy throwing candy and passing out lit, I didn��t have time to take pictures. But this was the team of Shamansky supporters at the beginning.

At one point we ran out of candy and I started throwing Shamansky t-shirts. Suddenly I was the most popular person on the parade route. A group of about 20 kids ran down the street behind me begging for t-shirts. It was absolute Bob-Mania.

This is what it��s going to be like all summer folks. I hope Tiberi is ready for what��s coming his way.

New Poll: They'll vote, and they won't vote for more of the same...

DrewTappan — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 07:28:09 -0700

From the forums - staff

Crossposted at Shamansky for Congress

According to a new USAToday/Gallup Organization Poll 7 out of 10 American's are "very motivated" to get out an vote this year - and in case you're wondering, they're NOT motivated to vote for more of the same.

The survey asked 1000 people about their voting intentions, what was motivating them to vote, and -yep- what they might do if they were to vote today. The results aren't surprising to us.

Asked which party's candidate they would choose, 54% said they would select the Democrat while only 38% would choose the Republican.

Asked if it would be better if the Democrats or Republicans controlled the congress, only 18% thought our nation would be better off with GOP control, and only 21% said they were likely to vote for a candidate who supported President Bush compared to 39% who preferred someone who opposed Bush's agenda.

For the record, Pat Tiberi is a Republican, he is part of the GOP controlled congress, and he does vote to back Bush's agenda 85% of the time. I wonder who's going to be a little worried this morning?

The American people want a real change, not more of the same.

Disclaimer: I am campaign manager for former Congressman Bob Shamansky, Candidate for U.S. House in Ohio's 12th Congressional District - and the guy who's going to send Pat packing

October Energy in June

Shamansky for Congress — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:35:35 -0700

Also: Bob squares off against the Stormtroopers

I don��t know what else to say but wow�Ķ

Team Shamansky rocked the Johnstown Volunteer firefighters parade this weekend, and let me tell you, it was something to see. Not only did we have two cars, and more than a dozen volunteers, Shamansky supporters easily outnumbered Tiberi and his paid staff, who seemed to be the only folks that had come out for him.

On the other hand, Bob had a hearty group of volunteers who braved the heat and the sun who came out to support him.

You can see here the contingent of cars and volunteers in our group as the parade took off.

After Bob finished walking the miles long parade route, we ran over to Columbus�� ComFest. Bob liked this car in particular (��Its Ohio Corn! How can you not like it?��).

Bob was on a roll and I��d rattled off more than 100 photos by midday. So of course my second set of batteries gave out (notice a trend?).

We ran over to the Columbus Pride event, and met more volunteers there as well. I had to resort to my camera phone and I was literally running to catch up with Bob, but I managed to snap a shot or two on that as well.

When I went back to ComFest without my Shamansky for Congress t-shirt and walked around I overheard a number of people talking about Bob and our race. This man is moving and Central Ohioans are getting excited about the campaign. They��ve started to see what our supporters have been saying for a while; Bob is a leader, Tiberi is a follower.

Oh, almost forgot�Ķ Bob and Stormtroopers�Ķ

p.s. If you haven��t done it yet, go over and vote for Bob in the Mapchangers contest. It��s a fast and easy way to show your support for Bob and our efforts to turn Central Ohio Blue again.

Update: Pat Tiberi Fails Middle Class, Gives Self Raise

Shamansky for Congress — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 08:58:34 -0700

Rep. Pat Tiberi (R) has had a bang up couple of weeks. He not only managed to make sure that the proposed minimum wage stayed at an abysmally low $5.15, he also received a failing grade for his total lack of support of the middle class. You might ask how Pat Tiberi has managed to fail in such spectacular fashion. It��s quite impressive actually. You see, Tiberi sits on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, you know, the Committee that would approve bills that would do things like raise the minimum wage. But that hasn��t happened since 1997.

Because of this inaction, Democrats on the Appropriations Committee, along with seven Republicans, decided that they would go ahead with a wage hike of their own, pushing forward a bill that would raise the wage from $5.15 to $7.25.

Now, I don��t think I have to tell you all that this bill failed on the floor, but the interesting part is why it failed. This bill will likely never have the ��up or down vote�� that the Republicans call for so often. Rather Tiberi��s Committee Chairman has called for the provision to be stripped because it didn��t come from their committee. Instead of taking the chance to do what��s right for America��s workers, these congressmen would much rather bicker about committee assignments and use technicalities to stop the bills that might favor someone other than the rich special interests that line their pockets.

Meanwhile, the Drum Major Institute gave Tiberi a failing grade for his votes on key middle class issues. According to the Report,��Congress at the Midterm: Their 2005 Middle Class Voting Record��, Tiberi voted against the middle class in seven out of eight votes, earning him an F grade. Some of the bills Tiberi voted for included massive slashes in Medicare and Medicaid spending, increased healthcare costs for small businesses, and made it harder for consumers to file for bankruptcy.

But Tiberi and his friends weren��t done yet. They also pushed for a repeal of the estate tax, and voted to exempt from taxation individual estates up to $5 million and couples' estates up to $10 million. This measure will now go on to the Senate.

So what does Tiberi do after failing the middle class and denying a minimum wage hike? He does what every sensible Republican would do; He gives himself a raise. That��s right, at the same time that the House was blocking a raise in the minimum wage, Pat Tiberi and his friends are giving themselves a $3,300 wage. As Lou Dobbs pointed out last week,

With no Congressional action on raising the minimum wage since 1997, inflation has eroded wages. The minimum wage in the 21st century is $2 lower in real dollars than it was four decades ago and now stands at its lowest level since 1955, according to the Economic Policy Institute and Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Also, since the last time Congress increased the minimum wage for our lowest-paid workers, buying power has fallen by 25 percent. Yet over that time our elected representatives have given themselves eight pay raises totaling more than 23 percent.

So, while workers continue to toil in minimum wage jobs that don��t even get them above the poverty line, Congress decides to again cut taxes for the rich and put more of our tax dollars in their pockets. It��s amazing that Pat Tiberi can even get up in the morning.