Peterson Runs for Congress

Meteorologist and progressive activist Palmer J. Peterson of Aurora is running for Congress. Peterson, 31, is inspired by his father and mother who served as mayor and clerk-treasurer, respectively, of the Village of Reminderville in Summit County.

"I learned valuable political lessons as I grew up, but the most important one I learned was that of service. To be elected is to be a steward of the people, one who is looking out for the people's best interests. Being elected is a bond. A bond of trust between the elected and the electors," explains Peterson.

Peterson feels that our current congressman, Steve LaTourette, has broken that bond with his constituents. LaTourette has become a "creature of Washington".

Peterson is joined in the Democratic primary by Lewis Katz, a law professor at Case Western.

To learn more about Palmer J. Peterson, visit www.PalmerJPeterson.com.

PD: Jeers to LaTourette

From Friday's Plain Dealer Editorial:

"Jeers...

to Rep. Steve LaTourette, first for shelving his conscience and second for insulting his constituents. After letting the House GOP leadership twist his arm enough to gain his support for a budget bill he had described as "lousy," LaTourette offered this flippant response when
questioned about his constituents' likely reaction: "Chardon's under 12 inches of snow, so they're really not worried about what happened here tonight." Congressman, the folks in Chardon are perfectly capable of shoveling their driveways and thinking about politics at the same time."

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lake County Democratic Party would like to wish
you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Marc Dann Runs for Attorney General

State Senator Marc Dann is no stranger to Lake County. Representing neighboring Ashtabula County in the Ohio Senate, Marc Dann has made a name for himself as a government watchdog. He is leading the charge in the investigation of the Republican Coingate Scandal that has rocked state government. Last week Senator Dann announced his candidacy for Attorney General.

"I'll represent the people by doing everything in my power to destroy the vile pay-to-play system that has infected state government, eroded the public trust, and damaged our state," proclaims Marc Dann. "I know that those who benefit from the status quo will stop at nothing to preserve it, but I am confident that with your support and that of the millions of
Ohioans who know in their hearts that we can and must do better."

Marc Dann means business. He is currently the plaintiff in a law suit against Governor Bob Taft. Dann is demanding that Governor Taft release documents to shed light on Coingate. The case is currently before the Ohio Supreme Court. As Attorney General, Marc Dann will take anyone to task, even the Governor of Ohio, if they stand in the way of justice for the people of Ohio.

For more information on Marc Dann, visit DannForOhio.com

Katz to Challenge LaTourette

Lewis Katz, a respected law professor at Case Western, has decided to run for Congress. Katz, 66, has a long history of public service. He began his career as a JAG lawyer in the Naval Reserves. Over the years he has offered his legal expertise to help numerous causes.

"Our country is built upon ideals that inspire people all over the world," declares Katz. "It is time to return to those ideals and assure opportunities for all Americans."

The public is invited to meet Mr. Katz at two Town Hall Meetings in the area. The meetings will be:

Tuesday, November 29th at 7 PM
Mentor Beach Park Pavilion
7779 Lake Shore Boulevard, Mentor

Tuesday, December 6th at 7 PM
R.B. Chamberlin Middle School
10270 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg

Learn more about Lewis Katz at www.katzforcongress.com

How Mr. LaTourette Stole Christmas

The Christmas Season is supposed to be one of compassion and generosity, but you'd have a hard time trying to convince Congressman Steve LaTourette (R-Concord) of that.

Stephen Koff of The Plain Dealer explains:

[LaTourette] voted early Friday for a budget bill he calls "lousy." It was so lousy that when he walked into the chamber from the pre-dawn darkness, he said he was going to vote against it. [...]

In the early morning, LaTourette told a public radio reporter that he was voting "no" because people in his district "don't understand why, when we achieve savings, it comes from programs that help people that are disadvantaged."

It came as a surprise, then, that LaTourette voted the opposite way. He soon acknowledged that Republican leaders convinced him that they needed his support.

How does LaTourette think his constituents will react?

"Well, Chardon's under 12 inches of snow, so they're really not worried about what happened here tonight," LaTourette replied.

"Pooh-pooh to the Whos!"

Congressman LaTourette thinks we're not paying attention. He thinks he can get away with this vote, a vote that cuts programs for the disadvantaged while giving tax breaks to millionaires. What do these program cuts mean for Ohio? This bill:

-Cuts heating bill assistance for 35,700 poor Ohioans

-Cuts food stamps for 5,500 Ohio mothers and children

-Cuts housing assistance vouchers for 2,500 Ohioans

-Cuts $458 million dollars for Child Support Collection in Ohio over the next five years

Mr. LaTourette, to the people in your district under a foot of snow, it matters if the heat is on, it matters if there is enough food on the table, and it matters if there is enough money to pay the rent.

Why is Mr. LaTourette stealing Christmas from Ohio's poor?

"It could be that his head wasn't screwed on quite right.
It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight.
But I think that the most likely reason of all
May have been that his heart was two sizes too small."

If you're interested in saving Christmas for Ohio's least fortunate, we recommend donating to the News-Herald's Clothe-A-Child charity. Every penny donated goes to children in the area. Checks can be written to The News-Herald and sent to 7085 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, OH 44094.

Cassell & Fende Endorse Strickland

Columbus - Lake County's two state representatives joined 25 other state legislators at the Ohio Statehouse to endorse Congressman Ted Strickland for Governor.

"I know Ted Strickland to be a man of integrity who has high morals and is very honest," says RepresentativeLorraine Fende (D-Willowick). "Ohio needs a change of leadership in the Governor's Office."

"Ted Strickland is the best man for the top job in Ohio," says Representative Tim Cassell (D-Madison). "Ted is no stranger to Northeast Ohio. His record of fighting for working people is unmatched. Ted has a genuine love for Ohio and as governor he'll restore dignity and integrity to our great state."

Listen to Representative Lorraine Fende's Endorsement.

Listen to Representative Tim Cassell's Endorsement.

Strickand & Coleman: Vote YES On Issues 2-5

COLUMBUS - The two leading Democratic candidates for governor urge voters to support state issues 2,3,4, and 5. The issues, a non-partisan response to the current scandals in state government, are an attempt to reform the election process in Ohio.

"In light of what has unfolded at the Statehouse in recent months, I believe these reforms are both timely and necessary if we are to restore public confidence in state government," says Coleman.

The four amendments (#2) enable no-excuse absentee voting, (#3) reduce campaign contribution limits, (#4) create an independent board to draw competitive legislative and Congressional districts; and (#4) create a state board of elections to run Ohio's voting process.

"These amendments attempt to bring fairness back to a system that is heavily tilted toward protecting incumbent politicians, and perpetuating an ineffective voting system," adds Coleman. "Reform Ohio Now offers common sense alternatives to make elected officials responsive to the voters who elect them."

"Of special importance is Issue 4, ensuring that we have fair and competitive legislative districts," emphasizes Congressman Strickland.

Strickland's district was drastically re-drawn in 2002 in an intentional effort to force him out of Congress. Strickland defeated this under-handed move and is seen today, along with Mayor Coleman, as one of Ohio's rising stars.

The Lake County Democratic Party has not taken a position on these issues. For a brief summary of the pro's and con's of each issue, visit the Plain Dealer.