Buckeye State Blog - District 16

OH-16: Small Donors Back Record-Breaking Boccieri Quarter

Greg Roach — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:52:27 -0700

Schuring Bought by Big Oil, Corporate Executives that Slash 16th District Jobs

Canton, OH – 16th Congressional District Candidate John Boccieri raised $391,237.61 in the second fundraising quarter of 2008, bringing his total raised this cycle to $1,081,509.40 and his current cash on hand to $531,015.15.

Boccieri has a broad base of small donors. More than half of his contributions this quarter were $100 or less, and three in five of those small donations came from within the 16th District.

Schuring, who raised the state gas tax, has taken over $20,000 from oil executives, and fully two thirds of his funds this quarter came from big-money backers like Hoover and Timken who have laid off thousands of area workers within the past five years.

Senator Major John Boccieri(D), of Alliance, Ohio stated:

“I’m getting grassroots support from people who are fighting to keep their jobs while my opponent takes checks from the executives who are shipping their jobs away. The more people find out that Kirk Schuring is bankrolled by big oil executives and corporate job-killers, the more excited they get about our campaign. My supporters know that I’ll fight for lower energy costs, better health care, and the good jobs that our middle class families need.”

OH-16: Senator John Boccieri Salutes Troops and Military Families in National Democratic Radio Address

Greg Roach — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:48:45 -0700

Promoted from the forums --David

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

Senator John Boccieri salutes troops and military families in national Democratic radio address for Memorial Day

State Senator John Boccieri, a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve and C-130 aircraft pilot as well as a candidate for Congress in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, will deliver the national Democratic radio address for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 24 at approximately 11:05AM.

Boccieri has served in the Reserve for 13 years and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on four rotations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

In his address, John reflects on the solemn holiday and the service and sacrifices made by our soldiers and military families. He also calls upon leaders in Washington to change direction on policies effecting our economy, jobs, veterans, health care, and Iraq to put America and our middle class families first again.

Visit http://www.johnforcongress.com/ for the audio.

Transcript of Radio Address:

"Good morning.
My name is John Boccieri and I'm a state Senator from Ohio who's running for Congress in the 16th District. I'm also a Major, Aircraft Commander, and C-130 pilot in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. And, I've proudly served our nation while flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.

During those four deployments, I airlifted wounded and fallen soldiers from Baghdad. I ask you to join me this Memorial Day as we salute our soldiers' duty, sacrifice and commitment for our country. Whether we agree with this war or not, we must thank the families of our soldiers' for their sacrifices here at home, and remember the great honor American soldiers bestow upon our country by placing themselves in harm's way.

While our brave soldiers honor America by standing up and fighting for us around the globe, we must honor them by standing up and fighting for them here at home. The best way to honor their service and sacrifice is to ensure they have the benefits they deserve and the resources they need to succeed when they come home.

If our veterans want to go to college, they should be able to do so the minute their boots hit the ground. I applaud leaders in Washington for passing the bipartisan 21st Century G.I. Bill to give today's new veterans the same educational benefits as our World War II veterans.

Sadly, President Bush has threatened to veto the bill. Senator John McCain, who hopes to take his place, not only opposed it, but when given the opportunity to support his fellow veterans on the eve of Memorial Day weekend, didn't even show up to vote nor express his concerns. Our veterans need to know that leaders in Washington have their back, and vetoing this measure will send a clear message that politics has defeated patriotism.

And while our soldiers fight abroad, their friends and families are fighting for economic relief here at home. As we spend billions on the war, hardworking middle class Americans are losing their jobs, paying more for food and gas, and going without health care.American families are frustrated with unfair trade agreements that have cost Americans tens of thousands of good paying jobs. We need a change so that our troops can return to a robust and vibrant economy.

I am running for Congress to be a voice for change in Ohio and for our country. In the state legislature, I fought to create the Military Injury Relief Fund that helps injured soldiers transition back into civilian life and assists them with medical expenses. I've also fought hard to make sure National Guard and Reserve troops come home to their jobs when they return from battle.

I've witnessed first-hand the human costs of this war, and in 2005, I had the privilege of flying Senator McCain from Baghdad after visiting with the troops. We both saw the same situation on the ground; and I respectfully disagree with Senator McCain's approach to Iraq. I can't see how we can sustain a presence in Iraq for 100 years.

We need strong leaders in Washington who will bring our troops home from Iraq safely, honorably and soon. Neither President Bush nor John McCain has offered an exit strategy.

While the Iraq war is costing us greatly in human terms, the money American taxpayers are pouring into that country is staggering. We're spending more than $10 billion a month on the war while the quality of life for millions of Americans goes from bad to worse. We're building brand new roads and bridges, and schools in Iraq when we need the same things right here in Ohio and in communities across our country.

Millions in America live without adequate health care coverage yet our government has paid the bill to cover every Iraqi man, woman, and child. We can't afford four more years of the same failed policies.

It will take new leadership to bring real change to Washington.

We need a president and a Congress who will take care of our veterans and find a responsible way to leave Iraq so that we can invest in the American people and in American jobs.

We're proud of our troops fighting for us abroad. Let's make them proud of us by fighting for them here at home. They deserve nothing less.

I'm John Boccieri. I wish you and your family a blessed Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for listening."

::Loud Applause and Cheers::

OH-16:Senator John Boccieri supports legislature's movements on Attorney General

Greg Roach — Wed, 14 May 2008 06:02:22 -0700

In a post last week, OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri: AG Dann should resign immediately State Senator John Boccieri expressed his "outrage" over the the behavior of Attorney General Marc Dann. On May 6, 2008, Senator Boccieri stated:

"I am outraged that the Attorney General of the state of Ohio has neglected the duty and honor of public service," Senator Boccieri said. "The cronyism and lack of attentiveness to protocol and detail in Attorney General Dann's hiring practices has led us to this tragic moment in Ohio's history. I feel for his wife Alyssa and his children, who must endure the embarrassment he has caused to them, and the people of the state of Ohio.
"We support the ongoing investigation to determine whether any criminal lines have been crossed. However, after combing through the sordid details of the investigation transcripts, it is clear that ethical and moral lines have been disregarded. For this reason, I call upon Marc Dann to resign immediately."

I was proud of Senator Boccieri for being thorough, reading the transcripts, and getting the facts straight before jumping to any conclusions. After he was sure of the facts, he made his initial call for Dann to resign immediately. Over the course of the week, Dann has tried every play in the book to avoid resignation, even while knowing the "dirt" would continue to pile up on the entire office and staff. Boccieri was chided for being slow to jump on the "Dann Bandwagon", but was simply applying a reasonable fact checking methodology.

Today, May 13, 2008, just one week later, State Senator John Boccieri, candidate in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, issued the following statement from his Senate office today:

"I fully support the actions taken by both the Ohio House and Senate today. As I have said before, Marc Dann cannot continue as Attorney General of the State of Ohio. It was my hope last week that he would recognize that reality, resign the office, and bring this shameful ordeal to an end. Because that has not yet happened, members of the Ohio House today brought articles of impeachment against Marc Dann, an action with which I agree completely.

"Also today, a motion was introduced to initiate an Inspector General's investigation of the Attorney General's office. I support that move also, and I would urge the Inspector General's office to be swift and judicious in their work. A lengthy investigation will benefit no one - least of all the citizens of this state.

"As I have previously stated, I am outraged and disappointed by Marc Dann's behavior. I am dismayed that he has refused thus far to resign his office and accept the findings of an Inspector General's investigation. Marc Dann has again chosen to do the wrong thing and is attempting to negotiate the details of his departure. Marc Dann should be given absolutely no latitude to negotiate a more favorable exit from office on the heels of his admitted wrongdoing.

"It is my sincere hope that either through resignation or impeachment, this sordid episode will be concluded quickly, allowing us to move forward with the important business of the state. There is too much work to be done in Ohio for us to be distracted by such scandals. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature and our statewide elected officials as we move forward with the people's business."

At every turn, State Senator John Boccieri has shown the deliberate pragmatism of true leadership through thorough examination of the available facts and his strong desire to do the bidding of his constituency even in the face of adversity. State Senator John Boccieri shows the thoughtful leadership skills the electorate of Ohio's 16th Congressional District deserve to have represent them in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. Our District is fortunate to have State Senator Major John Boccieri offer his service at the next higher level of representation.

OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri: AG Dann should resign immediately

Greg Roach — Tue, 06 May 2008 02:04:05 -0700

This whole Attorney General Marc Dann situation gets harder and harder to stomach with each passing day. I'm glad this statement hit my desk before I read it somewhere else.

State Senator John Boccieri: Attorney General Marc Dann should resign Immediately

Today State Senator John Boccieri, Democratic candidate in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, called for Attorney General Marc Dann to resign from office:

"I am outraged that the Attorney General of the state of Ohio has neglected the duty and honor of public service," Senator Boccieri said. "The cronyism and lack of attentiveness to protocol and detail in Attorney General Dann's hiring practices has led us to this tragic moment in Ohio's history. I feel for his wife Alyssa and his children, who must endure the embarrassment he has caused to them, and the people of the state of Ohio.
"We support the ongoing investigation to determine whether any criminal lines have been crossed. However, after combing through the sordid details of the investigation transcripts, it is clear that ethical and moral lines have been disregarded. For this reason, I call upon Marc Dann to resign immediately."

Ohio has been subjected to statement after statement from Dann defending his staff and himself. As a "reasonable person", and that will matter. I have to stand with Senator John Boccieri on this whole case...It is what it is! One doesn't comb transcripts and walk away with some false sense of reality. Personally, I think Ohio's 16th Congressional District Democratic Candidate State Senator Major John Boccieri has done the smart thing...he held back and read the facts before coming to a conclusion and he has distanced himself from the epicenter of the after-shocks yet to come.

Sen. John Boccieri Testifies on Behalf of Fallen Hero Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker

Greg Roach — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:33:17 -0700

John Boccieri hears "hero" attached to his name often enough, but on Tuesday, April 23, 2008, the Ohio Democratic Senator gave sponsor testimony before the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee in support of Senate Bill 238. The bill will dedicate a portion of U.S. Route 62, in Alliance, to Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker, one of the "Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom".

The section of Route 62 in Daniel's hometown of Alliance, Ohio, will called the "Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker Memorial Highway", in honor of the 20 year old Marine, who was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and was attached to Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). He died on October 6, 2005, while driving security detail near Al Quaim, Iraq.

According to the Alliance Review, Sen. John Boccieri, D-New Middletown, testified before the Senate Highways and Transportation Committee on behalf of the West Branch Warrior, who enlisted on his 18th birthday in 2003 in response to 9/11.

State Senator John Boccieri(D) testified:

"During the course of his young life, Daniel McVicker served his school, his community and his country with pride. Daniel was a courageous soldier, son, brother and friend whose loss is deeply felt by his family and within his community. It is only fitting that we seek to preserve the legacy of this brave hometown hero."

Boccieri, finished his testimony adding,

"It is soldiers like Lance Cpl. Dan McVicker that gives us all comfort that American freedom will live on."

Some give all! Lance Cpl. Daniel McVicker was a true American Hero.

OH-16: John Boccieri(D) Continues to Build Momentum

Greg Roach — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 06:57:04 -0700

Campaign to Put Ohio's Middle Class First

I just love it when Ian drops these Press Releases in my lap. I can't catch enough news about "Bo", because he is on the move non-stop! It must be a residual affect of that NCAA-I "Stolen Base" title he held in college!

Democratic State Senator Holds Commanding 2 to 1 Fundraising Lead Over Republican Opponent

(Canton, OH) Congressional candidate and State Senator John Boccieri(D) continues to build momentum for his campaign to put Ohio's middle class first by holding a commanding 2 to 1 financial lead over his opponent State Senator Kirk Schuring. Boccieri has a more than $200,000 fundraising advantage over Schuring and has out-raised him in all of the reporting periods this election cycle.

"John Boccieri has built a strong campaign that speaks to voters' demands for promoting policies that put Ohio's middle class first, invests in jobs and health care here at home, and ends tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas," said Boccieri for Congress Campaign Manager Ian Walton.

According to reports filed with the Federal Election Commission this week, the Boccieri campaign reported raising roughly $307,000 from the period starting January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008. This brings his fundraising total to over $692,000 for the cycle-more than the all previous Democratic candidates in the 16th district combined over the last 25 years. By comparison, his Republican opponent Kirk Schuring raised just $221,000 for the quarter and roughly $490,000 for the cycle. Boccieri ended the reporting period with roughly $251,000 on-hand versus Schuring who has only about $103,000.

"Our commanding fundraising lead is yet another signal that John Boccieri continues to win over Ohioans from across the political spectrum that are demanding change in Washington," Walton said. "At the same time, despite being highly touted by Washington Republicans, Schuring's fundraising like his primary performance, has been surprisingly lackluster."

Also an Air Force Reservist, John Boccieri still serves after 14 years in the United States Air Force, obtaining the rank of Major and was deployed in four rotations in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the legislature, John has been a tireless advocate for Ohio's veterans, working families and the jobs and industries that have built our state. In Congress, John Boccieri is someone who will put partisanship aside and fight to defend our country from terrorists, make health care more affordable and ease the economic crunch for Ohio families.

The Canton Repository has said:

Boccieri's particular interests in the Legislature - education and veterans issues - would translate well to Congress, as would his desire to promote Ohio's potential for alternative-energy research and industry.

The Fix, a political blog on The Washington Post's Web site, had the 16th District as No. 3 on its list last week of seats most likely to change political party control in the U.S. House of Representatives. Retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula, a Navarre Republican, has held the seat since 1973.
State Sen. John Boccieri enjoys a financial advantage over his Republican opponent in the open 16th Congressional District race.

We've got alot of work to do moving forward, but man isn't it awesome when a Democratic contender, in a Congressional District that has gone Republican for 60 long years, is beating the "heir appearant" in the early money race! We'll be bringing you more highlights as news breaks

OH-16: State Senator John Boccieri(D): Fix the illegal immigration problem in Ohio

Greg Roach — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:42:39 -0700

Cross-posted from EENR Blog

I just received a press release from Ian Walton, Sen. John "Bo" Boccieri's Campaign Manager. It was odd timing, because I was just getting ready to e-mail Ian. He had asked me to commit to being their "resident blogger" last night, so, here we are!

Ian Walton reports:

Today, State Senator John Boccieri(D), Candidate in Ohio’s 16th Congressional district offered an amendment on the Senate floor addressing the immigration problem in Ohio. The amendment was adopted unanimously and has become a part of SB 260 – Immigrations Violations Bill. Here is his statement:

Finally, a man that will implement a bold solution. "Bo's" Statement:

"The immigration issue is deeply personal to my family and me. My grandparents are first generation Americans who came to this great Nation with little more than the clothes on their backs. They came to America to pursue the great promise of the American Dream and to try to make a better life for their children and future generations. My grandparents, like millions of others, immigrated to this country and do so safely and legally.

"Illegal immigrants come to this country for the same reasons my grandparents did so many years ago. They come looking for jobs, to be reunited with family, and a better way of life. Many put their own lives at risk just to pursue opportunities.

"Today, the current immigration system in the United States is broken. By all best estimates there are about 12 million undocumented immigrants living and working in the US today. Illegal immigrants represent about 5% of the nation's workforce.

"Ohioans are also impacted by the illegal immigration problem. The US Census reports that nearly 72 percent of the population increase in Ohio over the last ten years is directly attributable to immigrants.

"The Pew Hispanic Center estimates that in 2005 there were an estimated 75,000 to 150,000 illegal aliens living in Ohio and we rank 20th in the nation among illegal alien populations in the United States.

"The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates in 2004 that Ohio taxpayers spent $183.2 million per year on illegal aliens and their children in public schools.

"Illegal immigration is a serious problem facing our nation, our state and our families. We are in need of leadership and few, if any, solutions have been offered.

"That's why I proposed an amendment on the Senate floor today that would hold businesses that break the law and engage in hiring illegal immigrants accountable.

"More and more states across the country are adopting similar pieces of legislation. Just as we hold individuals who break the law accountable, we can no longer afford to ignore punishment for those businesses who also engage in illegal activities. It is not fair to law abiding businesses. It is not fair to our workers. And is it not fair to the taxpayers in this state to allow this practice to go unchecked any longer.

"Ohio jobs and our economy are under duress. More and more businesses here are shipping jobs overseas. Now businesses are breaking the law to hire illegal workers who take jobs from suffering Ohio working families.

"The immigration system is broken and we must do more to bring this problem under control. My legislation provides this leadership and I look forward to engaging in this conversation in the weeks and months ahead."

There is a back-story. Kirk Schuring(R) his opponent was a Co-Sponsor. The Democrats in Columbus, OH, couldn't muster a majority against this Bush Proto-type Bill. Instead of letting it pass, John made a last minute move to include this Amendment. It allows Boccieri(D) the opportunity to keep dragging the "As Passed" Bill back to Committee to strip it down. Crazy like a fox, no?

Keep an eye on John Boccieri(D) as he brings bold Progressive Change to an Ohio District that has been under Republican control for...count them, 60 long years!

I hope the Progressive Community will embrace Sen. Maj. John Boccieri(D) as he moves us forward in our fight against Rep. Ralph Regula's(R) heir appearant, Kirk Schuring(R).

OH's Fighting 16th!

Cirelli's Progressive

liberalnancyinoh — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:18:56 -0700

Mary Cirelli is a progressive candidate. If you are progressive yourself or support Hillary/Obama's campaign, you'll want to support candidates w/similar views. Mary Cirelli is progressive and deserves your support in District 16.

OH-16 - Regula to retire tomorrow

jump23 — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 14:01:20 -0700

From Roll Call:

Republican sources confirmed Thursday that 18-term Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio) will announce his retirement imminently, perhaps as soon as Friday. A Regula spokesman would not confirm the retirement announcement.

Not entirely surprising, but yet another good sign. Sen. John Boccieri is going to be strong in this one. District was 53-42 Bush in 2000 and 54-46 in 2004.

What's with this "Sara Bradi" On The DU

raz — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 14:06:03 -0700

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=172x22280

This is one of the big problems our Democratic party has. In this persons case it seems like she from a different part of the district , doesn't like the candidate and hasn't done her homework on Mr. Boccieri.

So he's an outsider, damn funny to me because I've shook his hand more times then Ted, Lee, Marc, Jen & Rich. He will be taking up residence in Stark County and in time you'll get to know him and be glad that we have someone like John wanting to stay in Politics and work for your family as well as his.

Senator Boccieri received the Merle Shoemaker award for integrity in office by Ohio Democrats, and was recognized as the Legislator of the Year by the AMVETS and East Central Ohio Education Association in 2004. He received the Legislator of the Year (2006) award from the Ohio League of Sportsman for state conservation efforts. Oh yea, if you were an Air National Guard Officer and flew as many missions into combat you'd have the NARA endorsement to.