by Jeff on 06.15.2009
Readers may have heard a story on National Public Radio this morning in which reporter Ina Jaffe visited a drug court with President Barack Obama's "Drug Czar," Gil Kerlikowske.
Consistent with an increased emphasis on prevention and treatment in the nation's drug policy, President Obama has called for doubling the funding for drug courts. Although there are now more than 2,000 drug courts around the country, they serve only about one half of those eligible. Drug courts save taxpayer dollars and reduce the overcrowded prison population by diverting non-violent substance-abusing offenders from prison and jail into treatment. Studies confirm that drug court graduates are much less likely to reoffend than those who serve prison sentences for their drug crimes.
As a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Jennifer started the county's first drug court in April 2004 after several years of research. Jennifer described this achievement in a live blog at Fire Dog Lake:
"When I was a judge, I was passionate about the need for a new program to address drug-addicted and mentally ill nonviolent offenders' needs as a means to reduce recidivism, make the community safer and save tax dollars. Working with 60 people from the community on our lunch hours for 2 years, we built a drug court docket and mental health court docket between 2 courts that still operate today. It took strong leadership to do it, but strong and effective leadership empower many to do what they did not think possible when they contemplate doing it alone."
Drug courts are now increasingly recognized as a successful and important component of a sound and effective drug policy, but in 2004 it took vision and dedication for Jennifer to create and manage the drug court in Franklin County.
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by Tiff on 06.15.2009
It was another wonderful weekend celebrating Pride for the Brunner Committee.
The Columbus HRC dinner on Saturday was an amazing event. The room was packed with activists and allies, friends and family, and Lynn Bowman was honored for her years of hard work on behalf of the LGBT community.
The fun continued on Sunday at the Cincinnati Pride march. It was a hot and humid day in southern Ohio and the whole city seemed to turn out to celebrate inclusiveness and diversity. After a two-mile (!) march, we braved a torrential downpour to get participants to sign postcards urging the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, two very important pieces of legislation. These Acts will help to insure that all employees have a right to organize to protect their rights in the workplace and that discrimination based on sexual preference or gender will no longer be allowed under the law.
We will be in Cleveland and Columbus next weekend celebrating Pride. We want to show our Pride with huge groups at each of these parades as the month comes to a close. Please join us if you can. These are wonderful events that allow us all to be seen and heard as members of, and allies for, the LGBT community. I can be reached at 614.562.2342 if you need any information.
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by Jeff on 06.15.2009
I enjoyed reading this post on the blog TheSkeptikOne by Cincinnati freelance writer Jo Anne Moore. It is the first of two entries about the 2009 Pride March last weekend, commenting that she is not inclined to vote for candidates who do not personally march in the parade and ask for her vote. However, although Jennifer Brunner was unable to march in person, Jennifer's stirring Huffington Post essay on marriage equality last week is enough to secure this blogger's support:
I will vote for Jennifer Brunner ... she wasn't there, but after that letter of support she wrote on marriage equality ... can't say no to the lady, and she has to cover the whole state ...
Thank you, Jo Anne!
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by Rick on 06.15.2009
I began composing this entry on June 13, 2009 because it was the 32nd anniversary of the day I met Jennifer. I remember it was slightly
before 8:00 a.m. on the first day of my internship which completed my
master's degree and I noticed this striking woman in a white jumper
engrossed in an earnest conversation with my grad school classmate
Mary. Jennifer had this air of confidence about her as she looked up
from that conversation briefly . . . perhaps noticing I had entered the
room and definitely noticing that I had been "checking her out." She
was so self possessed and calm and assured then and later when we were
introduced that I, at 23, was sure she was 27. My initial thought
seeing her across the room was that "this one is out of my class."
Later in the day we had our first extended conversation about politics,
religion, current events and popular culture and I was "hooked" . . .
on those conversations. I had not often met such a mind nor a woman
that was so in touch with her own thoughts nor with her ability to
express them nor such a wide ranging curiosity and genuine interest.
Then there was this passion for and interest in people and humanity in
general and even then this burning desire to make the world a better
place.
(Continued in the extended entry)
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by Tiff on 06.11.2009
This Sunday, June 14th, we are heading down to
Cincinnati with a group of volunteers and staffers. The Columbus crew will
leave HQ (at 115 West Main) at 9:30 a.m. If you are already in
Cincinnati, we will be meeting at Burnet Woods for the 11:30 pre-Parade Pep
Rally (Yay alliteration!). We will provide you with a lovely handmade sign
(once again, thanks Alix!) and a t-shirt to wear in the parade.
On Saturday June 20th, there are 2 places to be
to celebrate Pride with the Brunner Committee: Cleveland or Columbus. The
Cleveland marchers will meet at West Third Street at 11:30 for a noon step-off.
In Columbus, we will meet at HQ and have a mini-parade up to the State House
for the step-off. We will start the procession at 10:30.
I can be reached at 614.602.6532. We are so excited to be a
part of these events all over Ohio. Jennifer is such a courageous advocate for
equality, it is a great chance to publically show our support for Jennifer and
Pride!
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by Jeff on 06.11.2009
Cleveland Pride has announced participants in the 2009 Parade and the Jennifer Brunner Committee is proud to be on the list!
The parade is on Saturday, June 20th at noon. (Click here for a map of the parade route.) Volunteers are needed to march with the Brunner contingent, which is a guaranteed fun time for all. Contacct Outreach Director Tiff Wolf at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 614.602.6532.
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by Jeff on 06.11.2009
Wonderful news from Geauga County! The Geauga Democratic Women's Caucus voted to endorse Jennifer Brunner at its monthly meeting held yesterday evening, becoming the first county Democratic women's caucus to formally endorse a candidate in the race. The caucus also decided to make an immediate contribution to the Brunner campaign and to hold a fundraiser on July 26th at a park in Burton, Ohio, details to be announced.
"We feel she is the best, most qualified candidate," said Luanne Dvorak, Chair of the Caucus. "She brings new energy, ideas and I know she will work tirelessly for the people of Ohio." Noting that Jennifer will be the first woman from Ohio to serve as US. Senator, Luanne declared that "We are on the threshold of making history right in our own backyard."
Luanne also expressed the hope that more of the county women's caucuses will soon join Geauga in supporting Jennifer.
UPDATE: Following her visit to the Cobasys battery plant in Dayton this morning to talk about supporting new types of manufacturing jobs for Ohioans, Jennifer had this to say about the endorsement:
"This is wonderful. As the state's only Democratic woman holding statewide office, I feel the responsibility to encourage and help other women become involved in the political process to help better the lives of all Ohioans. Organizations such as the Geauga County Democratic Women's caucus are doing a great job working toward these ends. I am proud to have their support, and I look forward to working with them to get more women involved and elected to public office."
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by Jeff on 06.10.2009
As her fans and supporters are well aware, you don't get triangulation or equivocation with Jennifer Brunner. When something strikes her as simply the right thing to do, she takes a bold stand.
This morning Jennifer posted a stirring essay on Huffington Post expressing unqualified support for marriage equality. "I continue to simmer when I think of the recent legislative and constitutional amendments specifically denying equal rights to LGBT citizens that were initiated by political operatives to stoke the fires of hatred and division among ordinary citizens who would otherwise be living without this heightened and unnecessary rancor and dissension," she writes. "I continue to simmer as I recognize that these actions were initiated primarily for the purpose of retaining power by a small group of people who have hurt many innocents, LGBT and straight alike, for their selfish and greedy purposes."
Jennifer also supports immigration equality for bi-national LGBT couples, as reflected in the "Uniting American Families Act" sponsored by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) in the House and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) in the Senate, although as she points out such legislation would be unnecessary if marriage equality was the law of the land.
"We must move toward the simple, human dignity of fairness, equality and respect for all persons in our laws, our policies and our actions," Jennifer declares. "Marriage equality's time is now."
Read the whole thing.
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by Jeff on 06.09.2009
Recently Jennifer swamped Lee Fisher in a non-scientific straw poll at Ohio Daily, collecting 62% of the votes cast compared to 30% for Fisher and 8% for "someone else." The fact is, Jennifer has legions of avid supporters all across the Buckeye State. Use the comment thread to this post to tell us why you support Jennifer. Is it her courageous leadership as Secretary of State? The depth of her experience, having served as a judge as well as an executive official? Something she said or did that struck a chord? Don't be shy, tell us all about it!
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by Jeff on 06.09.2009
Have you been thinking that you'd like to do something to help Jennifer Brunner become our next Senator but weren't sure what? Here's an opportunity that's fun and easy, and it's something you enjoy doing anyway. Just invite friends over to your backyard for a barbecue on Sunday, June 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and during the party yuou can introduce your friends to Jennifer via a conference call. How cool is that?
Sign up to host a Brunner barbecue and you'll receive a campaign literature and fund-raising packet, and help with preparing and getting in touch with Jennifer supporters in your area. Just contact Alisha Woodward at (614) 602-6536 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Jennifer is running a people-powered campaign, and she needs ordinary folks from all around the state to get involved. Donations of just $20.10 really add up when lots of people join in, and who knows your fired-up guests may get inspired to chip in $120.10 or $200.10. The goal for each barbecue is $500, and you'll be amazed how easy it is to beat that goal.
The weather has turned gorgeous and you've been wanting to have a party in your yard. Here's your chance to host that party and support a wonderful cause at the same time! And if you want to attend a Brunner Barbecue at the home of someone nearby, just call or email Alisha and ask for a list of events in your area.
UPDATE: Just click on the graphic at right to go to our online sign-up form to host or attend a Brunner Barbecue!
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by Jeff on 06.09.2009
Notable author and political commentator Daniel Nichanian of CampaignDiaries.com has just posted his second ranking of 2010 U.S. Senate races, and he has moved Ohio up from 10th to 3rd in his ranking of the hottest takeover prospects, behind only New Hampshire and Missouri. In his analysis of OH-Sen, Nichanian confirms some things that lots of Jennifer's supporters already know: that the Democrats are fielding "top contenders" in Jennifer Brunner and Lee Fisher, that Rob Portman's ties to George W. Bush cast doubt on GOP claims that Portman is a formidable candidate on the other side, and that the contested Democratic primary is unlikely to hurt and could very well could help in the general election:
3. Ohio (Open) Last ranking: 10
George Voinovich's retirement ensured that Ohio will be one of the most important battlegrounds for the fourth cycle in a row: An open seat in such a closely divided state is sure to be competitive, but Democrats start the race with a narrow advantage. First, Ohio has trended blue over the past few years and the GOP will have to reconquer voters that decisively turned against them; early polls showing the Democratic candidates posting a healthy lead suggests the electorate has not warmed towards Republicans.
Second, I remain skeptical that former Rep. Rob Portman will be as formidable a candidate as the GOP is claiming. The former president will not be as powerful repellent in 2010 as he was in 2008, but Portman’s ties to Bush are too extensive for time to simply wash them away: As trade representative and head of the OMB under the Bush administration, he helped craft the economic policies of Bush’s second term. Third, Democrats have two top contenders in the race: Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. Ohio’s primary will be held early enough (May 2010) that this should not hurt them in the general election; if anything, it could keep Democrats in the news at a time Portman will struggle for attention.
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by Jeff on 06.08.2009
Here's an update from Outreach Director Tiff Wolf:
Jennifer Brunner Committee Pride events kicked off this
weekend with the Dayton Pride March on Saturday morning. It was a gorgeous day and everyone in the
parade, and watching from the street was in a great mood. Jennifer’s
unwavering support of total equality for all Ohioans was received with
enthusiastic applause and shouts each time a new group saw our banner and
beautiful signs (thanks, Alix!)
We will be participating in more Pride activities around the
state throughout June. Hopefully all of them will be as successful and spirited
as the parade and rally in Dayton this weekend. If you are interested in
participating in any of the other Pride events we will be attending, please
feel free to give me a call at 614.562.2342.
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by Jeff on 06.05.2009
She's been a public proponent of marriage equality since 1989. She just received the new Stephanie Tubbs Public Service Jones Award
from the NE Ohio chapter of the American Constitutional Society for Law
and Policy as the person who best reflects the late congresswoman's
commitment to justice and her passion for the equal rights of all
people. And today, Jennifer Brunner has issued a strong statement of support for pending state and federal legislation to ban employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
At the state level, it's the Equal Housing and Employment Act,
House Bill 176, which is jointly sponsored by Rep. Dan Stewart
(D-Columbus) and Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield). In Congress it's
ENDA, or the Employee Non-Discrimination Act, expected to be introduced
by this year. Jennifer is calling on legislators to pass both measures.
In her statement, Jennifer says that "we must become a more
tolerant society, respecting one another and guaranteeing equal rights
to the freedoms and prosperity of our society to all." She notes that
discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender is already banned
by the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies and by many cities,
non-profits, and labor unions, and that she adopted a policy against it
at the Office of the Secretary of State as soon as she assumed that
office. "Congress has the power to break down one of the last vestiges
of discrimination left in America," she said. "When I am in the U.S.
Senate, I will continue to push for the best public policies that
promote fairness, equality and respect."
According to information from the Human Rights Campaign,
enactment of HB 176 would add Ohio to the 12 states that currently
prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or
gender identity (including rapidly growing states like New Mexico,
Oregon, California, and Washington), and the 20 states that ban such
discrimination based on sexual orientation. Joining those states would
help make Ohio a leader in workplace equality and help attract both
employers and employees who seek a progressive state that embraces
diversity.
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by Jeff on 06.05.2009
Jennifer's team has been working hard to build the foundation of a winning campaign, and tomorrow (Saturday, 6/6) you and all of Jennifer's supporters are invited to help celebrate an important milestone: the official grand opening of the Jennifer Brunner for Senate Campaign Headquarters.
The party starts at 1:00 pm and lasts until 4:00 pm at 115 W. Main Street, Lower Level, in Columbus. For a map and driving directions, click here. Drinks and food will be served, and Jennifer will be on hand to greet you and your friends and family. I will be driving from Cleveland to enjoy the festivities, and I'm hoping to meet lots of Jennifer fans from around the state.
So come and share the excitement as the momentum of Jennifer's campaign continues to grow. This office opening is the kind of event that you'll enjoy remembering when Jennifer takes the oath of office in Washington in January, 2010. Don't miss it!
Use this handy link to RSVP.
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by Jeff on 06.05.2009
You've found the official campaign blog of Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's quest to represent Ohio in the United States Senate. She is running for the Senate seat that I like to call the John Glenn Seat, recently borrowed by retiring incumbent George Voinovich. When Jennifer takes the oath of office in January 2011, she will become the first woman to represent the State of Ohio in the U.S. Senate ever, and will be a great leader and a strong advocate for Ohioans in that chamber.
My name is Jeff Coryell, and readers might remember me as the founder and editor of Ohio Daily Blog, a leading blog on Ohio politics and public affairs. I covered issues and campaigns across the state from January 2006 until Obama's historic victory last fall, after which I turned over the blog (now called Ohio Daily) to a capable successor.
In particular, I wrote extensively about Jennifer's stirring campaign for Secretary of State, a hard-fought race in which she prevailed over Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Greg Hartmann by nearly 15 percentage points. Voters across Ohio responded enthusiastically to Jennifer's plain-spoken style, her bedrock values, and her sensible goals for improving Ohio's elections. In the following two years I wrote often about Jennifer's ground-breaking and ultimately successful efforts to prepare Ohio's election system for a relatively smooth presidential election in 2008. As Ohioans know, she displayed tenacity and strong leadership in that effort, defying partisan critics and tackling difficult problems with an unswerving dedication to doing what was right rather than what was easy or politically expedient. And as a result, she was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
From now until Jennifer's victory on November 2, 2010, I will be the editor and most frequent contributor to this blog. However, mine will not be the only voice you will find here. Although Jennifer will be too busy with her duties as Secretary of State and the demands of a vigorous campaign to post on a daily basis, you can expect posts by the candidate to appear here as often as her schedule permits. Jennifer's staffers and supporters from around the state will be invited to make guest posts as well.
This blog will be continually updated, reflecting the energy and excitement of Jennifer's campaign, so check back often for new posts. This blog will report on campaign activities and developments, highlight upcoming events, provide information on how to participate in the campaign, present interviews with the candidate and her staff and supporters that you won't find anywhere else, and note and comment on coverage of the campaign in traditional and new media. Check the sidebar becuase we will be adding photography and video streams and social media links.
Comments by readers are welcome, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas about the campaign! Please note, however, that we reserve the right to remove or deny future access to posting for disrespectful comments such as those featuring profanity, name-calling, insults, or rude or hurtful remarks regarding anyone, even regarding one of Jennifer's opponents in either the primary or general elections.
If you have not already done so, please be sure to sign up on the Volunteer page and check out the About Jennifer, Issues, News, and Video pages!
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