Zack Space Joins The Blue Dogs

Zack Space announced today that he has been elected to be a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscal conservative Democrats. In the announcement release Space had the following comment on his new position.

“The Blue Dogs have a sterling reputation for working with members of the other party and forging the kind of compromises that are necessary in the legislative process.  Considering my staunchly independent voting record, I am sure I will fit right in.  I look forward to working with my fellow Blue Dogs to reign in our ballooning deficit”

Space was one of 5 new members added to the coalition to bring the group up to it's full capacity of 47 members. He'll join previously elected member Charlie Wilson to represent Ohio in the group.

I'd normally be a little weary of something like this but Space has consistently proven to me that he's a great fit for his area and I see no reason to revise that opinion now. Besides, it might help convince some of his more conservative constituents to consider more than just the "D" after his name when they cast their votes next year.

Zack Space Blogs At Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

Just came across this in a Google Alert. It seems that freshman Rep. Zack Space made a brief foray into the blog world with a post on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's "Children's Congress" blog.

I would like to thank the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for inviting me to contribute to their Children's Congress blog. Children's Congress is an important way to raise awareness among elected officials about the issues surrounding juvenile diabetes. This blog will be an excellent opportunity for those involved in Children's Congress and everyone in the diabetes community to share their experiences. We all know that when we come together, we are better able to face our everyday challenges.

Of course I wouldn't get that excited, they let Lieberman do it too.

Source: Congressman Zack Space - Ohio - You are truly an inspiration - Blog | Children's Congress - JDRF

This post mentions one or more candidates on Left of Ohio's ActBlue fundraising page. Please consider making a donation to support them.

Rudy's 12 Commandments

It seems that Rudy "9/11" Giuliani has gone all biblical and written up "12 Commitments" for his campaign.

Rudy's Commitments:

1. I will keep America on offense in the Terrorists' War on Us.
2. I will end illegal immigration, secure our borders, and identify every non-citizen in our nation.
3. I will restore fiscal discipline and cut wasteful Washington spending.
4. I will cut taxes and reform the tax code.
5. I will impose accountability on Washington.
6. I will lead America towards energy independence.
7. I will give Americans more control over, and access to, healthcare with affordable and portable free-market solutions.
8. I will increase adoptions, decrease abortions, and protect the quality of life for our children.
9. I will reform the legal system and appoint strict constructionist judges.
10. I will ensure that every community in America is prepared for terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
11. I will provide access to a quality education to every child in America by giving real school choice to parents.
12. I will expand America's involvement in the global economy and strengthen our reputation around the world.

I suppose all that's left now is for him to come down off the podium, smash them, put the pieces in an ornate box, and have Steven Spielberg direct an action movie about Nazi's trying to find it. Actually Rudy might want to hold off on that last part, Spielberg endorsed Hillary Clinton today. 

Are My Padgett Problems Almost Over?

Could it be possible? Is there hope for Ohio's 20th Senate District? Can I ask any more rhetorical questions? Yes I could, but instead I'll ask a real one: What's up with (ironically named) Joy Padgett?

During her failed attempt to take the 18th district Padgett closed down her reelection account and transferred the balance to her new campaign account. Earlier this year YDS pointed out on an earlier incarnation of his Ohio Daily Blog that Padgett never reopened her reelection account after her loss, and last I checked that was still the case.

Translation: She's not raising money.

Campaign's tend to be expensive things and since Padgett has a bit of trouble with her own finances one would expect that she'd be reluctant to sink her own cash into one. Does this mean she's not running? We can only hope. Like all things evil though I expect she won't go out peacefully.

It's Back: The Political Calendar

It never really left (I've always tried to keep it up to date) but it did disappear from the sidebar. I had to remove it because of a problem with the feed not updating. I think I've got it fixed now though.

If anyone has an event that they would like added feel free to contact me. If any other bloggers would like in on this I'd be more than happy to drop "Left of Ohio" from the title and give them access to it. All you need is a Google Account.

This isn't about promoting this blog, it's about creating a comprehensive list of events in one place.

This post mentions an item in the Political Calendar. You can view the calendar as a webpage here or subscribe to it through RSS or iCal feeds.

Wheeling, WV Get's Table Games

The special election is over and the results are in. Wheeling, West Virginia really want's those table games.

FINAL RESULTS:

YES - 7,568 (66%)

NO - 3,956 (34%)

100% Precincts reporting

36% Voter turnout

Will I head up there for a game of poker or blackjack? Probably, though only once or twice a year with friends. The real excitement is all the jobs (estimated at 400 to start out) and money that this promises to bring to the area.

I'm not completely naive however, I know that gambling will bring both good and bad things to the area. I just hope that with all the other things going on in and around Wheeling it will work out. 

Source: Table Games Are Coming To Ohio County - News Story - WTOV Steubenville