Text: Sen. Barack Obama Speech in Canton, Ohio | ‘One Week’ | The Closing Argument – October 27, 2008
(Source: Obama for America)
(Photo: The Plain Dealer)
As Prepared for Delivery
One week.
After decades of broken politics in Washington, eight years of failed policies from George Bush, and twenty-one months of a campaign that has taken us from the rocky coast of Maine to the sunshine of California, we are one week away from change in America.
In one week, you can turn the page on policies that have put the greed and irresponsibility of Wall Street before the hard work and sacrifice of folks on Main Street. Read more
Ted Stevens Guilty on All Counts in Ethics Trial – News Coverage
6 p.m.
- Alaska Senator is Convicted of Ethics Laws Violations – New York Times
- Sen. Stevens Guilty on all Counts - Washington Post
- Stevens conviction enhances Dems’ chances - Washington Post
- U.S. Senator Stevens found guilty – BBC
- Stevens guilty in corruption case - Associated Press
- Stevens guilty of concealing $250,000 in gifts - Bloomberg
- Stevens found guilty on all seven corruption counts – CQ Politics
Just When I Start to Like The Arnold …
According to WOSU this a.m. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California is going to help McCain and Co. pull a play out of the Bush 2004 playbook – appear in Columbus, probably this Friday, with John McCain. The Los Angeles Times confirms. I wonder if Sarah Palin will be there. According to a website called the California Chronicle, the Governator’s endorsement of Palin is less than ringing.
What’s to like about Arnold? Mainly it is his forward thinking on energy policy and the promise of investing in a “green” economy. From afar, California appears to be years ahead of the rest of the country in the laws, policy and investment which will help the U.S. kick the foreign oil habit and clean up the environment. At times, it’s seemed downright refreshing to imagine Schwarzenegger as somewhat of a – well – maverick in Republican circles.
If Schwarzenegger cares about fostering the moderate or even progressive reputation he’s earned on some issues, appearing with McCain, a politician with policies rooted in the 1980s, seems a bit counter intuitive.
Anchorage Daily News Endorses Obama – Alaska’s Largest Newspaper
Filed under: Barack Obama, Presidential Campaign 2008, Sarah Palin
Obama for president
Palin’s rise captivates us but nation needs a steady hand
Alaska enters its 50th-anniversary year in the glow of an improbable and highly memorable event: the nomination of Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential candidate. For the first time ever, an Alaskan is making a serious bid for national office, and in doing so she brings broad attention and recognition not only to herself, but also to the state she leads.
Alaska’s founders were optimistic people, but even the most farsighted might have been stretched to imagine this scenario. No matter the outcome in November, this election will mark a signal moment in the history of the 49th state. Many Alaskans are proud to see their governor, and their state, so prominent on the national stage. Gov. Palin’s nomination clearly alters the landscape for Alaskans as we survey this race for the presidency — but it does not overwhelm all other judgment. The election, after all is said and done, is not about Sarah Palin, and our sober view is that her running mate, Sen. John McCain, is the wrong choice for president at this critical time for our nation. Read more
Video: John McCain on Meet the Press | October 26 | 10 Days to Election
Ohio Sunday Papers October 26 – Politics, Elections
Filed under: Barack Obama, Gov Strickland, Jennifer Brunner, John McCain, Ohio Economy, Presidential Campaign 2008, State of Ohio Govt
Politics & Elections News
- Endorsement: Obama better choice to lead U.S. – Youngstown Vindicator
- Ohio Dems outspend Republicans in Ohio House races – The Plain Dealer
- $1 million bail set in Brunner death threat – Columbus Dispatch
- Is Ohio doomed to elections battles?
– Columbus Dispatch - Ballot dispute history
– Columbus Dispatch - Changes proposed to state’s constitution – Toledo Blade
- Obama, McCain must commit to job creation in NE Ohio
– The Plain Dealer - War fades as voters’ central issue
– Dayton Daily News - Op-Ed, Thomas Suddes: Handicapping the next Ohio House
– The Plain Dealer - Strickland stumps for Ohio House race – Cincinnati Enquirer
- Op-Ed, Dennis Willard – Bigotry, hate polarizing Americans
- Akron Beacon-Journal - Op-Ed, Jonathan Riskind: Big victory could could quell cries of election fraud – Columbus Dispatch
- Op-Ed, Joe Frolik: Obama is battered but not bruised – The Plain Dealer
- Op-Ed, Joe Hallett: McCain’s gamble on Palin looking like iffy bet in Ohio – Columbus Dispatch
- Op-Ed, David Skolnick: Republicans brace for political thrashing – Youngstown Vindicator
- Campaigns plan presence at polls
– Columbus Dispatch - McCain slams Ohio snooping on ‘Joe’ – Columbus Dispatch
- It only feels like candidates visit daily
– Columbus Dispatch - Odds against no tax casinos
– Columbus Dispatch - D.C. Dispatches
– Columbus Dispatches - Voters weigh limits for payday lenders – Toledo Blade
- Endorsement: Vote to keep curbs on payday lenders – Columbus Dispatch
- Endorsement: McCain for President – Warren Tribune-Chronicle
Other News
- Op-Ed, Mike Curtin: Ohio leads in state government fiscal restraint – Columbus Dispatch
- Ohio leads service effort
– Columbus Dispatch
- Toledo Mayor proposes 3-day government shutdown
– Toledo Blade
Husted’s Residency Fraud Could Remove Him From the Ticket
Filed under: Jennifer Brunner, Presidential Campaign 2008, State of Ohio Govt
… Might Jennifer Brunner Get to Cast the Deciding Vote?
This article from the Dayton Daily News which ran nearly a week ago may have started a chain of events that could end with a delicious ironic twist for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.
Put simply, because it looks like Husted lives in Columbus with his family, the Montgomery County Board of Elections would vote on whether or not Husted is a valid, registered voter of Montgomery County. According to the DDN:
The deadline has passed to challenge a person’s place on the ballot. However, the board can question the validity of a person’s registration, said Steve Harsman, board of elections director.
Ohio law on residency for voting purposes says a person’s residence is the “place where the family of a married person resides.”
A legislator may be forced to forfeit his seat if he is not a legal resident of the district he represents.
Inevitably, the board would tie in any such vote. Who gets to break the tie? Brunner.
Why is this ironic? Ohio is getting attention this presidential election year for all the usual reasons: Ohio has voted for every winning presidential candidate every cycle save two for the past century, the race here is still tight, and the 2004 presidential race between George W. Bush and John Kerry came down to Ohio early in the morning on the first Wednesday in that November.
Ohio is getting even more attention this election year because of the smoke screen the Ohio Republican Party has been laying all over our election process. Bogus court case after bogus court case has come and gone, attacking our Secretary of State for implementing election laws passed by a Republican legislature. They’ve even been embarrassed by the Supreme Court of the United States. Along with the legal challenges has come a low to mid-grade domestic terror campaign which has included cyber attacks and death threats against Brunner and her office. This is fueled by the Republican slime machine here and nationally.
What political insiders in Columbus know is that the campaign against Brunner isn’t about fighting Barack Obama’s Ohio GOTV juggernaut. What we’ve been witnessing is the preparation of the 2010 election battleground. It’s a campaign with Jon Husted at the heart of it all. Husted, knowing he doesn’t have a chance in hell of competing with Governor Ted Strickland in 2010 has his sights set on the Secretary of State’s office. The SoS will hold a seat on the apportionment board, another plum for career politician Husted.
Remember what a nightmare Republican Ken Blackwell was as Secretary of State? That’s how they want to paint Brunner. The problem is where Blackwell disgraced the office with naked partisanship, mismanagement, and by proving to all of us he’s just not that bright – Brunner has cultivated an image as a thoughtful public servant who respects the office. If she’s not Blackwell, the Republican thinking goes, let’s raise so much hell in the election system during this super-charged presidential cycle and leave the impression that Brunner’s bollocksed it all up.
Currently things stand with the Montgomery County Board of Elections attorney conducting a review of residency laws.
The Board is considering a full investigation of Husted which could end in the aforementioned vote.
I hope Brunner gets her chance to have the last laugh in the saga of Slick Jonny.
Ohio Sunday Papers – Plain Dealer Obama Endorsement | Politics & Elections News
Filed under: Barack Obama, John McCain, Ohio Economy, Presidential Campaign 2008
Politics & Elections News
- Endorsement: Obama for President – The Plain Dealer
- Endorsement: McCain for President – Columbus Dispatch
- Presidential campaigns get in voters’ heads – Columbus Dispatch
- Husted: Just where does he live? – Dayton Daily News
- Husteds taking property tax breaks in two places – Dayton Daily News
- New suit over voter registrations goes to Ohio’s top court
– Dayton Daily News - Plenty of puzzles in Ohio voter registration data – Cincinnati Enquirer
- McCain returns to Ohio with Joe on his mind
– Toledo Blade - Op-Ed, Jonathan Riskind: Barring unforeseen, Ohio won’t be key to White House – Columbus Dispatch
- Op-Ed, Joe Hallett: With plenty of ugliness to go, let’s get this over with – Columbus Dispatch
- Op-Ed, Thomas Suddes: Ohio should beat casinos to the punch – The Plain Dealer
Toledo Blade Special Report: State of Distress
Homepage for Day 1 of 3: Job losses, poverty sting Ohio over last 8 years
Ohio GOP Loses Supreme Court Battle
Filed under: Presidential Campaign 2008, State of Ohio Govt
News Roundup
- SCOTUS: Justices rule against Ohio GOP – New York Times
- Ohio Democrats Win at Top U.S. Court – Bloomberg
- High court rejects GOP bid - Associated Press
- U.S. Supreme Court backs Brunner – Columbus Dispatch
Ohio News Roundup – October 1: Obama leading, McCain Complaining, Payday lenders, Brunner, Bailout, Sherrod Brown, Voinovich, Gov Approval Rating, Strickland establishes economic growth group
Filed under: Barack Obama, Gov Strickland, John McCain, Ohio Economy, Presidential Campaign 2008, State of Ohio Govt, U.S. Congress
Presidential Politics and Election News
- Quinnipiac: Obama lead widens in Ohio, other states – Columbus Dispatch
- Race, unfamiliarity could defeat Obama in Southeast – Columbus Dispatch
- Ohio House battle taking shape – The Plain Dealer
- Kilroy attacks Stivers’ history as bank lobbyist – Columbus Dispatch
- Payday lenders: 200k more signatures – Columbus Dispatch
- McCain’s remarks at Capital U. spark bailout blow – Columbus Dispatch
- McCain interview with Dispatch on Bailout – Columbus Dispatch
- Endorsements: Celeste and others – Columbus Dispatch
- Editorial: PD slams Members who voted against bailout – The Plain Dealer
- Brunner backed by courts – The Plain Dealer
- McCain defends role in Bailout – Dayton Daily News
Other News
- Voinovich to vote for bailout, Brown undecided – Columbus Dispatch
- Strickland establishes economic growth group – Columbus Dispatch
- Poll: Strickland approval rating slips – WHIO-TV
- State budget cuts will affect county programs – Dayton Daily News
- Economic crisis yields many opinions – Columbus Dispatch
- New law benefits bankrupt Ohioans – Columbus Dispatch
- Capital Notes – Columbus Dispatch
Video: Murphy, Noonan Caught on Live Mic Dissing Palin
Filed under: Presidential Campaign 2008, Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin
Neither Mike Murphy nor Peggy Noonan are known for being anything other than Republican stalwarts. Listen to what they have to say about Palin in a moment of candor.
Ohio News Update – Austria Plagiarizes, Boehner on Palin, OH Guard to LA, Grocery Tax No More, Dispatch RNC Coverage, Payday Lenders, Cordray
Filed under: Marc Dann, Ohio Economy, Presidential Campaign 2008, Republican National Convention, State of Ohio Govt
Austria accused of plagiarism in local paper – Dayton Daily News
Boehner: Palin Critics Elitist – Politico
Ohio Guard Sending 1,500 Troops to LA – Columbus Dispatch
Appeals Court throws out CAT tax for grocers – Dayton Daily News
Court Voids State Grocery Tax – Columbus Dispatch
Party is muted but Palin news isn’t – Columbus Dispatch
Cordray, Dann find little in common – Columbus Dispatch
Minnesotan fires up Ohio delegates – Columbus Dispatch
Corporate cruise able to double as storm fundraiser – Columbus Dispatch
Editorial: Lose it or pay – Columbus Dispatch
Ohio fills abandoned mines to avoid collapses – Cleveland Plain Dealer
Payday lending issue step closer to ballot – Dayton Daily News
Full Text: Sen. Fred Thompson Speech, Republican National Convention, Minneapolis
Filed under: Presidential Campaign 2008, Republican National Convention
ST. PAUL, Minnesota (CNN) — Tonight our thoughts are still with our friends and fellow citizens in the Gulf Coast area, and our thanks go to those who have worked so hard to keep them safe. There can be no more important work than this. Read more
Video: Sen. Fred Thompson Speech to Republican National Convention, Minneapolis
Filed under: Presidential Campaign 2008, Republican National Convention
Ohio’s Voting Machines Have Glitch – I Hate Diebold
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner sued Premier Election Solutions (formerly Diebold) because they sold Ohio counties faulty machines. They said they didn’t. Guess, what they admit their machines have a problem in the “source code.” The source code is like, well, the brains of the damn things. A lot of people were critical of Diebold’s election machine business. It looks like for good reason. Oh, and why did they change the name of the company? Don’t want to soil Diebold’s reputation in other businesses? It’s one thing for Microsoft to put out buggy software. That’s just a pain in the ass and a reboot. But election software and hardware that can’t be trusted? That’s a WTF. What if everything got turned around because of technical error with voting equipment and we were all toiling under Governor Blackwell? That’s a ROTF WTF. The jobs in Hebron. Now this. I hate Diebold.
From the Columbus Dispatch, filed tonight:
Premier, formerly Diebold Election Systems, initially speculated that the problem was a conflict between its system and anti-virus software.
But in a letter Tuesday to Brunner, Premier President David Byrd admitted that further testing showed a source-code error that can cause votes not to be recorded when memory cards are uploaded to computer servers under certain circumstances.
“We are indeed distressed that our previous analysis of this issue was in error,” Byrd wrote.
Brunner is suing to recover the millions of taxpayer dollars spent to buy Premier touch-screens after she said an investigation this year showed that votes in at least 11 counties had been dropped in recent elections.
You Can Read the Entire Story Here.
