Why I am Running for United States Senate
Everything that I've done in my life -- as a wife, a mother, a small business owner, a judge, and as secretary of state -- has taught me that you can't wait for someone else to fix the problem. And I have a solid record of finding solutions - from the drug court I started as a judge in Franklin County, to the uniformity I implemented in election procedures that affect voting rights, to the technology we put in place at the Secretary of State's office to make it easier for businesses to interact with the state and focus on creating what we really need: Jobs.
We must fix the damage that has been done to our economy. It is felt by everyone in Ohio and it can't measured in some political poll -- it's felt by Ohioans losing their homes, losing their jobs, and facing the rising cost of health care. Now, more than ever, we need someone who will fight for everyone across the state and stand up to those in Washington who would rather bail out Wall Street CEOs than main street homeowners.
We just can't afford to send the same people who got us into this crisis back to Washington.
When I decided to run for Secretary of State after Ohio's election problems in 2004, I left a judgeship in Franklin County where I was doing important work reducing drug crime and recidivism; I knew that we had to restore trust in our elections and fix the damage that was done. After I was elected, I worked to improve the election system by eliminating long lines, implementing smooth and accessible early voting for more than 1.7 million Ohioans, and making sure that Ohio voters had available to them a multitude of ways to vote. That work resulted in a markedly improved election process, with a record number of Ohioans voting, and earned me a Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
I am excited about the work I have done as Secretary of State - but I also see a greater need for principled solutions at the next level. Ohio needs a Senator to work with President Obama and Senator Sherrod Brown in these difficult economic times. Senator Voinovich joined every other Ohio Republican member of Congress when he voted against the president's economic recovery package last week and Ohio's Republican candidate to replace him, Rob Portman, applauded that vote.
Leadership is not about saying "no"; it's about having the humility to listen, the creativity to see opportunities, and the persistence to enact solutions.
We can strengthen our schools for all Ohio's students to compete for 21st century jobs. We can make sure banks spend the bailout money on things that really matter - loans to small businesses and home ownership - not extravagant executive perks. We can create new jobs that improve our communities by generating cleaner energy. We can lower health care costs and make sure that everyone has access to health care. We can strengthen our national security while bringing our troops home safely from Iraq and protecting every American's constitutional rights and liberties. We can work to institutionalize and improve upon best practices for future elections.
Washington doesn't need another Senator who just shows up to vote. Ohio deserves a public servant in Washington who will generate ideas, show bold leadership and work with her colleagues to advance solutions. I am pleased with what we've done for Ohio so far; and I know I can do even more for our state in the United States Senate.
When I announced my candidacy last week, it generated an impressive amount of support on blogs and through people joining our campaign at http://www.JenniferBrunner.com. On Monday, I was proud to receive the endorsement of Laborers Local #310, a Cleveland affiliate of the Laborers' International Union of North America. We share a common belief in respecting the rights of working men and women, to fair wages, a safe workplace, and a secure future. I look forward to continuing to work with them to make these rights a reality for all Ohioans.
Now I find myself with a Democratic primary opponent. Lee Fisher and I don't agree on everything, but neither of us has any doubt that it would be a lousy idea to send Rob Portman back to Washington DC, where, as a Congressman, he voted for the Bush tax cuts and the Iraq war that are bankrupting our country and where, as George Bush's Budget Director, he watched billions of our taxpayer dollars disappear into the corruption on Wall Street.
I'd like to take this opportunity to say that I will be seeking the support of all Ohio Democrats, regardless of prominence, and as Party Chair Chris Redfearn requested of all of the candidates, I will not ask the Ohio Democratic Party for an endorsement in the primary. I'll make my case directly to the voters, and feel confident that they'll make the right decision about who has the qualities we need to make a difference in Washington.
Over the next weeks and months, I look forward to working with you—and all Ohioans—who are ready to come together to find solutions to the problems we face.
The issues today are too serious for us to be distracted from our goals. Let's keep our focus on beating Rob Portman next November and in the meantime work together to find solutions the problems facing Ohio.
I will be back at 7 PM to answer the questions that you have posted throughout the they day in the comments.
Secretary Brunner, I work for a progressive issues-advocacy organization. I've asked my co-workers and colleagues around Columbus about who they like in the U.S. Senate race.
The universal reply is this: "Brunner or Fisher - I don't really care, but if we lose the apportionment board, we're screwed."
The flawless operation of the 2008 election process is the shining accomplishment of the full administration that was elected in 2006. Yet, you've been virtually silent about the job that you did. Reelection should be lock.
My question: How do you justify risking the Democratic Party's control of redistricting and elections for the next decade?
My only concern is redistricting...I think I said that before.
I do not and have not worked/volunteered/donated any time/money toward either candidate. I don't care if Lee Fisher wins/loses/retires.
I just want us to control redistricting. The Senate seat is a secondary concern.
Here is the question: My question: How do you justify risking the Democratic Party's control of redistricting and elections for the next decade?
One of the toughest aspects of my decision to run for the U.S. Senate was the Secretary of State's constitutional role as a member of the state apportionment board. As you may know, the legislature conducts redistricting of congressional districts.
There are a few important points to be made here. I am not currently on the Board; the members will be decided by the voters in 2010. I think Ohio Democrats will nominate a strong candidate, and we'll elect another Democratic Secretary of State. The state party's infrastructure is much stronger in 2009 than it was in 2005 when I began my race for SOS.
As Congress moves to make voting laws more uniform for federal elections, Ohio and the country need experienced leaders to protect voting rights while making election administration common sense and doable for election officials. There is much I can do in this regard.
Much of what my staff and I have done in 2007 and 2008 is to create a stronger election infrastructure in Ohio. As we move into our March 12 and 13 Ohio Election Summit, we will gain a consensus among election officials, reform activists, academics and others as to what legislation will be needed to make Ohio's elections stronger to avoid so much concern about the party affiliation of the SOS. Hopefully, the legislature will act in a fair, bipartisan manner to effectuate this.
First Question, on CAFTA generally:
Sec. Brunner, Given that Rob Portman pushed CAFTA through the House in his role in the Bush White House (esp. w/Steve LaTourette), how do you stand on CAFTA? If you oppose CAFTA, what is your biggest concern over the agreement? If you support CAFTA, why?
Second question, if you oppose CAFTA:
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 helped to concrete the global depression. I anticipate that Portman would compare any opponent of CAFTA to someone in support of the protectionist measures that exasperated the Great Depression. How would you respond to the charge that Democrats in general and you specifically--if you oppose CAFTA--are mere protectionists whose opposition to "Free Trade" will stunt any future growth?
I know the types of answers I want a Democratic nominee to have to these concerns and I hope to see you express some of them.
Properly crafted, CAFTA could have benefited the economies of both the U.S. and the countries affected in Central America. CAFTA doesn't expand trade in the right way. It doesn't protect rights of workers in the affected Central American countries, and labor conditions remain poor there. Also, a lack of enforcement against employer noncompliance and abuse has contributed to CAFTA's problems and failures.
In studying the various ways to tackle the need for affordable and accessible health care for all Americans, there are a variety of ways to approach this. Trying to sort this out can be likened to trying to build a new freeway through an already established residential neighborhood--it's complex, slow going and requires the balancing of many competing interests.
President Obama is starting from the point where we are currently, with much of our health care being employer supplied. I support President Obama’s plan to strengthen employer coverage, but I recognize that Medicare has ways of requiring lower health care costs and efficiencies that must be provided if we are to ensure universal coverage. I will be developing more detail on this as the campaign progresses.
Hello Secretary Brunner, -My first question is about gifted and talented education. As you may know, there is currently a mandate in Ohio to test for gifted and talented, but no mandate for schools to serve these students needs. What does this say about our state? Do you support a (hopefully funded!) mandate? If yes, why? If no, why? Do you believe that gifted students have a right to a program in public schools that meets their needs?
- As a student at Kenyon College, I know how important voting protections are. I have heard stories about what happened in 2004. What will you do to ensure your successor is as big a voting rights supporter as you? Will you endorse in the primary, or recruit someone strong. Jon Husted is one of my 5 least favorite politicians and I would HATE to see him win statewide. Finally, it would be especially awful to have both Husted and Taylor (another of my bottom 5) on the apportionment board.
-Finally, if I were to want to start a group to help your campaign at Kenyon/ in Knox County, or at my home in Summit County how should I go about that? Good Luck!!
Some might say that we should prioritize at-risk youth over gifted and talented youth, or that maintaining a minimum standard that keeps students from falling behind is more important than spending on a program that helps the most talented students "get ahead". That would be an oversimplification of the system. There are students who are gifted and talented and at risk. There are students who are at risk who would connect better with our schools if we offered more art and music programs. I would like to provide incentives to local districts that offer creative programs to engage students with special needs and interests. There are as many kinds of student as there are students. Ohio's children are wonderfully diverse, and our schools should celebrate that diversity not just in word, but with support for students with all sorts of gifts and talents.
Secretary of State Brunner,
Thank you for taking time to answer these questions. I am interested in knowing your position on a variety of federal issues. Below are my questions:
-What is your position on federal legislation that would end discrimination in employment and housing based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity?
-What changes, if any, would you propose to the PATRIOT Act and the FISA Amendment Act to better protect civil liberties?
-What is your stance on the death penalty? What do you think about increased incidents of exonerees and reports finding possible race and class bias in our justice system?
-I'm glad you mentioned your work with drug courts in Ohio. How would you rate the federal government's success in the "War on Drugs?" How would you work to change the U.S. stance on drug policy, if at all?
I am for federal legislation that would end discrimination in employment and housing based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
I am opposed to the death penalty. As a former judge, as hard as we may try and for as many safeguards as exist, the justice system is not perfect. When the death penalty is imposed, a mistake in the process cannot be corrected. Accepting that fact, I support and have applied strong penalties such as life in prison without possibility of parole for a repeat murderer under a new Ohio law that allows prosecutors to indict for aggravated murder without the expense and delay of a capital case.
The PATRIOT ACT and the FISA Amendment Act are both examples of the Bush Administration's failures outside the economic arena and why Ohio and Americans turned to change in 2008. I don't have a list of the changes I would make tonight, but I hope to soon. I say for sure that as a Senator I would work with Sherrod Brown to make changes that need to be made in a way that respects our civil liberties and protects Americans. The two are not mutually exclusive.
I believe the federal government's "War on Drugs" suffers from what a lot of problems face in Washington: Many people are long on rhetoric, but short on solutions for real problems we face in our communities. As a Judge I started the first felony drug court in Franklin County, as a Senator I will work to increase funding for treatment and other solutions that work, especially in our criminal justice system.
Ms. Brunner,
What policies would you champion in the area of women's reproductive health and reproductive rights?
How do you feel that we can best prevent unintended pregnancies and lower STD rates among teens?
I believe in reproductive choice and will work to preserve women's rights under Roe v. Wade. I oppose any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case. At the same time, I support efforts to expand access to contraception, health information, and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. I would find it difficult to compehend that many people believe that abortion is an optimal choice in the first instance, but I don't believe that the government or I have the right to tell a woman what she can or cannot do regarding her own health care decisions.
Adequate measures taken to prevent unwanted pregnancies are the "higher ground" for this discussion, and I would support the Prevention First Act that was introduced in Congress in 2007 would increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education. It would also end insurance discrimination against contraception and improve awareness about emergency contraception.
While we still have a long time to go before the primary (or even the general election), I was curious as the best way to contribute my time to the campaign. Some information on the website, or even just a place to send resumes would be helpful.
But this is a Q&A about policy, so my other question would be....what steps can be taken to fix the current immigration problem? Ohio has increasingly become the destination of undocumented workers and due to the inadequacies of the system, they operate in a ghost economy. What can be done to alleviate the problems that these workers face?
Jennifer, Thank you for everything you have done as Secretary of State, both for bringing back any semblance of fair elections, but even for what you did to TRY to prod the Legislature to open up elections (even to the Constitutional requirements of open access/minor parties).
Although I can see how important the Senate is next year, with us possibly losing one seat due to the morass that is Illinois politics, wouldn't you say that keeping the Secretary of state, and therefore the makeup of the Redistricting board in a progressive favor exceedingly important with the understanding that we are losing one seat in the US House of Reps, and there are ways I can imagine that seat being safely Democratic, as well as who knows how many Ohio Senate and House seats that could be reconfigured giving the conservative realm control of this state for the next 10-12 years?
Also, though with your excellent track record I assume I know the answer to this one, will you be managing the 2010 Elections in the same vein you ran the 2008 and the few 2009 partisan elections? This is mainly to the point that if once again the legislature doesn't pass an election bill with a fair signature requirement (Say 5,000 for statewide access in a good timeframe), will you issue the same directive you did this year that authorizes all candidates of third parties to file a slate to achieve ballot access?
One other question, is it allowable for one candidate to run for 2 offices in a primary? If it is in Ohio, would you be willing to consider the possibility?
Again, thank you for all you have done for us.
OK, Most of mine were inside, let me try these to go along with those, although those are important to me as well..
What is your view of the pre-privitazion of the probable insolvent banks (Citibank, Bank Of America, et al.. )?
Since there is no way any candidate for Ohio politics cannot be in favor of subsidy of GM and Chrysler and get elected, let me try: What would be your definition of successfully supporting those companies, and if that plan fails, what would be your next step?
Are you in favor of fast tracking the Ohio Hub train system? What other goals would you have in the transportation area, and would you be in favor of releasing the tariff on Brazilian ethanol?
Assuming we are not completely out of Iraq and Afghanistan when you are elected, how soon would you expect ALL of our troops be withdrawn?
WIth the dwindling population and national importance of the state, how would you counteract that and make sure Ohio gets what it needs, and for that matter, what would be its primary needs in your opinion?
As a Senator, will you commit to passing legislation that finally fixes finance reform, and limits the influence of large campaign donations?
What are your views on the Patriot Act and the AEDPA?
As a former judge, what kind of standards would you set for viewing potential judicial nominations to the U.S. Supreme Court under an Obama administration, but also potentially after his administration ends?
1) Is it ever acceptable for the U.S government to imprison U.S. citizens and/or foreigners indefinitely with zero access to neutral courts?
2) Is it ever acceptable for the U.S. government to engage in extraordinary rendition of terrorism suspects to other countries?
3) Is it ever acceptable for the U.S. government to engage in telephone & Internet surveillance of its own citizens without a warrant?
I understand our current president is having "problems" with these issues.
1. What is your opinion of our current plurality system and alternative voting systems (eg, instant runoff voting)? What would you do as a Senator to fix the problems with our democracy?
2. What did you do as Ohio Secretary of State to fix Ohio's election problems that include the controversy in '00 and '04 and ballot access problems (but are certainly not limited to that)? Do you think optical scan machines are an ideal solution, or just an improvement over DRE machines?
3. What is your opinion on the role that initiatives and referenda should play in our democracy? Would you be supportive of Congressman Jared Polis's bill to expand them to the national level (which would be similar to the National Initiative for Democracy, which can be read at http://www.ni4d.us )?
4. Do you support the "28th Amendment" that would require special elections for interim senators?
Thanks very much,
Ross Levin
Many Americans have grown weary of Congress exerting its influence on their lives in ways which the legislature has dubious authority to do so. From what type of light bulbs may be purchased to the establishment of a national health care database, there seems to be no limit on the aspects of their lives in which Congress sees fit to mettle.
Would you support the Enumerated Powers Act, a proposed law that would require all bills introduced in the U.S. Congress to include a statement setting forth the specific constitutional authority under which the law is being enacted? In every Congress since the 104th Congress, U.S. Congressman John Shadegg has introduced the Enumerated Powers Act, although it has not been passed into law.