Sherrod Brown Finally Get's Around To Launching A Website

After months of only having a placeholder website, Sherrod Brown has finally launched an actual Senate website. It's been a while since my last check though, so it's possibly been up for a while.

The site itself looks nice and even has an RSS feed. It doesn't excuse how long it took them to get it online, but it's definitely a start.

Read More: Senator Sherrod Brown | Senator for Ohio: Home

Charlie Wilson Wants To Reconsider FISA [UPDATED]

Rep. Charlie Wilson sent a letter to Nancy Pelosi yesterday urging her to make considering a new version of the controversial Protect America Act a top priority. In the letter he claims the current bill has "many deficiencies" that need corrected and says that he feels "uncomfortable with the legislation because it removes crucial oversight over intelligence-gathering activities".

I'm sure this won't satisfy everyone, but for me the wait and see approach has paid off.

The letter can be downloaded as a PDF file here.

I also finally got the letter converted to text, here it is:

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker of the House
H232-US Capitol Washington, DC 20515

September 6, 2007

Dear Madame Speaker,

I am writing to urge you to bring a new version of S. 1927, the Protect America Act of 2007 to the floor for a vote as soon as possible. We must address the many deficiencies of the bill.

During the night of August 4, I cast a very difficult vote for S. 1927. I understood that this vote was an interim response to the Administration's request for changes to FISA, and that this bill covered the purported intelligence gap. I believe that it was important to close this gap. Nonetheless, I remain uncomfortable with the legislation because it removes crucial oversight over intelligence-gathering activities. We must work together to find a way to protect this nation while protecting our Constitutionally-guaranteed civil liberties.

Because of these concerns, I was heartened that the duration of this legislation was limited to six months. I do not believe, however, that the Congress should wait until the legislation nears expiration to begin the process of revising it. I look forward to considering new legislation as soon as possible, and I urge you to move this legislation quickly.

I've sincerely appreciated your leadership and I look forward to working with you on this issue. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact my Legislative Director, Joan Gregory, at ###-###-####.

I gave it a quick read through but it might not be perfect. I also removed the header, signature, and phone number .

A Look Back On Joy Padgett: Too Horrible To Subtitle

Where to begin... I guess with a short biography.

Joy Padgett, a former teacher, started out in politics in 1993 as a member of Ohio's House of Representatives. She continued to hold this seat until 1999. At this point Padgett's good friend and political idol* Bob Taft appointed her Director of the Office of Appalachia.

In early 2004 Padgett was appointed to finish out a term in the Ohio State Senate representing the 20^th district. This is where we all learned not to like her. In her bid to get elected to this seat later that year faced Democrat Terry Anderson. Padgett quickly showed her true form by sending out a mailing showing her opponent shaking hands with a member of Hezbollah calling him part of the "Blame America crowd". Of course she forgot to mention that the man Anderson was shaking hands with had held him as a hostage in Lebanon for 7 years. Padgett went on to win that election with 54% of the vote.

Padgett increased her profile last year by winning a special election for the Republican nomination in the race for the 18th congressional district after her other friend and political idol**, Bob Ney, plead guilty to corruption charges and dropped out of the race. Her chances at winning that election were spoiled when it was discovered that Padgett had some financial problems. Padgett had apparently defaulted on two small business loans totaling about $837,000 and she also filed personal bankruptcy claiming to have $1.16 million in debts against $202,143 in assets. The final nail in her political coffin was when it was discovered she'd transferred her third of her family farm to her two brothers shortly before declaring bankruptcy without receiving anything in return, even though the transfer was against Ohio law.

So now it looks like Padgett is finally going to leave politics behind. All I have to say is this: It's about time.

For more on Joy Padgett you can browse this sites old posts about her here.

*Okay I just made that part up. It's possible though.
** Once again I made that up. She did however get Ney's endorsement.

Open Left: Breaking All The Rules And Proud Of It

I've held off posting this for a day but I know there's no way for me to publish this without sounding like a hypocrite. I also don't think it's right to just give Open Left a free pass on this. It's a perfect example of why I believe these people are unfit to hold the position of power that they do.

Yesterday something tragic happened, a Representative of the state of Ohio died. It doesn't matter whether there was a D or R after his name, it's a tragedy either way. The folks around the state on both sides of the political line have handled this situation with dignity though. The focus has been on reflecting on this mans life and accomplishments, not on the fact that there's a new open seat.

Outside of Ohio things haven't been handled so gracefully. At 12:41 this afternoon Chris Bowers of Open Left published a post titled "Open Seat In OH-05" where he talked about the prospect of getting a Democrat into that seat.

Sure that not great but it's what came next that infuriates me. After a few people left comments calling the post premature Chris shot back with:

Update: OK. Fine. Whatever. I am sorry that some guy I never heard of until now has died of natural causes at an advanced age after a long, successful and prosperous life. If I prayed, I imagine I would say something like my prayers go out to his friends and family, who I also do not know.

Yes, the special election is the first thing I thought of. Call me heartless if you want, but that election will be of far greater impact to the nation and to my own life than offering sympathy to a group of people who are entirely unknown to me. I don't even know who I would be offering sympathy to, in this case.

You know Chris I didn't know his family either, but I still feel for them. Any decent person would.

Read More: Open Left:: Open Seat In OH-05

Post #1000: Probably 3 Of Them Were Worth Reading

And this isn't one of them, so let's keep the discussion on Padgett. I just couldn't waste my 1000^th post on her though.

Comments are disabled.

No Joy Padgett Reelection Bid After All

The Dispatch's "Daily Briefing" blog is reporting that State Senator Joy Padgett won't be running for reelection.

Update: The same Dispatch blog is now reporting that State Rep. Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany) will run for her seat. I've also heard rumors in the past that a Democrat from the southern part of Padgett's district was considering running against her. This one is definitely going to be competitive.

President Bush Releases Statement On Gillmor's Death

Just saw this in the feed reader but it's way to late for me to even attempt a comment on it.

Congressman Paul Gillmor's life was an extraordinary example to service and leadership. From working as an Air Force Judge Advocate during the Vietnam War to championing legislation in the halls of Congress, Paul devoted his career to strengthening his state and his Nation. He was a good man and dedicated public servant who represented the people of Ohio with distinction for four decades. In Ohio, he served as President of the State Senate for three General Assemblies. In Washington, Paul was well respected for his leadership of a wide range of issues before the House Financial Services and Energy and Commerce Committees. We will always remain grateful for his service.

Laura and I are deeply saddened by his death. We pray for his wife Karen and their family.

Source: President and Mrs. Bush Deeply Saddened by the Death of Congressman Paul Gillmor

Ted Strickland On Gillmor's Passing

Gov. Strickland's office put out the following statement about the death of Congressman Paul Gillmor.

“I am very saddened by the loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. Frances and I offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends and constituents. Paul was a friend and a colleague. I count myself as fortunate to have served with him on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Ohio has lost a truly decent and devoted public servant.”

He also issued the following proclamation ordering flags to half staff:

Ohio grieves at the tragic and sudden loss of Congressman Paul Gillmor. For more than 40 years -- from the Ohio Statehouse to the United States Congress -- Congressman Gillmor devoted his life to serving the people of Ohio.

Therefore, in observance of the life and service of Congressman Paul Gillmor, I hereby proclaim, by the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Ohio by the Ohio Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flags of the United States of America and the State of Ohio shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the State of Ohio until sunset on September 6, 2007.

Charlie Wilson's Statement On Paul Gillmor's Passing

I just received this statement from Charlie Wilson office about the passing of Representative Paul Gillmor.

“I am saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Paul Gillmor. He was a friend, a colleague and an asset to Ohio. We came from different parties, but Paul Gillmor welcomed me to Congress last January with open arms and that characteristic warm enthusiastic greeting of his.

I was proud to have served with him on the Financial Services committee. He routinely reached across the aisle and we worked closely together on roundtable discussions about banking and housing in Ohio. It’s that type of bipartisan effort that gets things done and that’s what I’ll remember and celebrate about Congressman Gillmor.

My heart goes out to Congressman Gillmor’s wife Karen and their children.

Representative Gillmor has left behind a distinguished public service legacy. He will be missed by the entire Ohio delegation and by the state of Ohio. It’s a terrible loss.”

-- Rep. Charlie Wilson

Jerid at Buckeye State Blog left a comment over there about how Gillmor's seat will be filled in case anyone is curious. Like Jerid says though, it's inappropriate to begin talking about the political issues of all this.

Space Bill To Name Post Office After John Glenn Passes In House

Zack Space's bill to name the Cambridge post office after John Glenn has made it passed the House of Representatives today.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to honor the achievements of one of America’s greatest heroes, Congressman Zack Space’s (OH-18) bill to rename the Cambridge, Ohio post office after Senator John Glenn passed the House of Representatives today.  Congressman Space’s resolution would rename the post office in Cambridge, Ohio the “John Herschel Glenn, Jr. Post Office Building.” 

Senator Glenn was born in Cambridge.  He attended high school in New Concord and later attended Muskingum College.  He then went on to be a Marine pilot, astronaut, and a U.S. Senator.

“Senator Glenn’s commitment to this country serves as inspiration for each subsequent generation,” Space said.  “Senator Glenn is a personal hero of mine and a hero to millions of Americans.  He is truly an outstanding example of selfless dedication to service and an embodiment of the ideals that make America great.”

Senator Glenn said of Space’s resolution, “I am truly honored and humbled by the action taken by the House today, and to be thought of in this regard - particularly because of what I owe to Cambridge.  It is not only my birthplace but also where, a few days after Pearl Harbor, my military career started in the recruiting office in this very same post office building.  This brings back a flood of memories.”

This resolution will now go to the Senate for consideration.

I think it's safe to say that it'll pass the Senate.

Rep. Paul Gillmor Found Dead In His Apartment

Ohio Rep. Paul Gillmor (2/1/1939-9/4/2007 or 9/5/2007) was found dead in his apartment this morning. No cause of death has been released.

Here it is from MSNBC:

The aide said the body of the 68-year-old Republican was found by staff members who went to his apartment after he failed to show up for work. There was no immediate word on the cause of his death. Gillmor's office did not respond to a reporter's call.

Gillmor, who represented Ohio's 5th District in the Bowling Green area of the state, was first elected to Congress in 1988.

My condolences go out to his friends and family.

Open Left Strikes Again

My god, with Democrats like these who needs Republicans? Matt Stoller at Open Left has yet another post up involving Ohio Rep. Zack Space. In this one he says:

Now, I'm very worried about a possible attack on Iran.  In many ways, it's the single most destructive policy choice remaining before the Bush administration, one Democrats are unwilling to stop because of Bush Dogs like Zack Space and power centers like AIPAC.  Highly connected foreign policy experts have been warning about the possibility of Cheney consolidating his influence and pushing Bush towards another war.  Regardless of whether you think an attack on Iran is a good idea or not, there is a possibility of war at the behest of this White House.

Is Matt a complete idiot?!? Space already has several Republican's lined up to run against him, how do you think they feel about Iran? They'd probably make McCain's "bomb Iran" parody into their campaign theme song. Space, on the other hand, just called Iran "one of the most threatening entities of our day", something many people on both the left and the right believe. That's a far cry from the call for nuclear annihilation you've made it out to be. 

Though by far my favorite line in the post had to be:

My bottom line, and I think the reason the liberal blogs have a market of readers, is honesty in politics.  If you support Obama or Space in their criticism of Iran as a dangerous threat, then you are effectively supporting the use of American military force in Iran.

Sure he goes on to explain that it isn't the way he want's it, it's just that we can't trust Bush. I'm calling B.S. Matt, they can speak out against Iran while still refusing to vote to send troops there. You know that, I know that, Space knows that, and even Bush knows that. Why act like they don't? So you push your beliefs upon everyone else?

So Matt, if you read this I want you to understand something - this sort of black and white logic is why Bush is one of the most hated presidents in history, it isn't going to work out much better for you. If you succeed in getting another Bob Ney seated in the 18th district I swear I will do everything I can to tear you down from your soapbox before you screw something else up. You have the right to have an opinion but that doesn't mean we have to let you be the mouthpiece for all the left leaning blogs. Now for the last time, stay OUT OF OHIO!