by Jennifer on 03.28.2010
Last fall, I hosted a series of Women's Forum Panel Discussions throughout Ohio to hear from women and men their views and experiences on:
* Women's health care,
* Job and workplace flexibility,
* Child care and
* Elder care.
So many of you attended, talked to me from the heart and told me what you thought about the present state of affairs in Ohio and the nation, especially in the economic climate of job loss and how it affects families. While many remain less than satisfied about how the new national health care legislation resolved deficiencies in women’s reproductive health care, there is hope that many other situations that hit women and children the hardest will start to be addressed.
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The Shriver Report
We know from findings of a study conducted by the Center for American Progress, "The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Changes Everything," that for the first time in our nation's history, women are more than half of all U.S. workers. Mothers are the primary breadwinners or co-breadwinners in nearly two-thirds of American families. In this recent recession, three out of every four jobs lost belong to men. Women also continue to be the primary care giver for their families whether its for small children or aging parents.
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So just where do we stand as a nation on integrating women’s—and men’s—responsibilities in the workplace and at home? How do they balance these and keep their families healthy while caring for their children and aging parents? The United States has no national child care or elder care policies, though they are standard in many other countries. These issues affect jobs and worker productivity and well-being.
We’ve gathered information from so many throughout Ohio. We’ve put together what we’ve learned with research and common sense. Now it’s time to discuss policy.
Join me as I proposes workplace, child care and elder care policies to help today’s working families with the security and flexibility they need for a productive workforce, healthy families and a better quality of life in America.
The first Women's Forums are set for this week:
Lucas County:
Tuesday, March 30th
7:30 - 8:30 pm
Lighthouse Community Center
1849 Ottawa Dr.
Toledo, Ohio 43606
Geauga County:
Wednesday, March 31st
7:30 - 8:30 pm
12428 Kinsman Rd
Newbury, OH 44065
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by Jeff on 03.26.2010
Everybody please come to the money bomb site today - read the endorsement message scroll, watch the videos, chat with the staffers and supporters on the chat box, and watch the Rosie the Riveter Thermometer go up and up!
Please, please, please spread the word - on email, on Facebook, on Twitter, on blogs. Bring everybody in! It's not how much you contribute, it's how many people you get in here so THEY can contribute!
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by Jeff on 03.24.2010
Jennifer's acclaimed Innovation Tour for Ohio Jobs continues tomorrow (3/25) with its eleventh stop, this time at Cleveland-area solar energy company GreenField Solar.
GreenField Solar's goal is to drive solar energy into mainstream adoption through lower costs. It has developed a radically different approach to solar energy, using high intensity concentration based on a unique combination of cell technology and innovative system design. This technology was developed to be highly scalable, allowing rapid increase in production at low cost. Unlike conventional photovoltaic arrays and even other concentrator photovoltaic systems, GreenField Solar's products are able to provide electric power and heat at the same time in the same place using the same equipment, providing the unique advantage of two valuable energy forms simultaneously. Earlier this month GreenField Solar opened new corporate headquarters and production facilities in Oberlin.
Click here to see an interactive map of Innovation Tour stops and to nominate Ohio projects or businesses for inclusion in the Tour.
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by Jennifer on 03.24.2010
We achieved a crucial victory this week when you spoke out against an Ohio Democratic Party endorsement in the U.S. Senate primary and my primary opponent withdrew his endorsement request. You did this, and it makes me proud to be with you.
Early voting for the primary election begins in just six days. And today a new independent poll confirms the momentum you've created. We're performing at nearly a dead heat with GOP candidate, Rob Portman, while our primary opponent is down by 5 points in the same matchup.
Let's celebrate! On Friday, March 26th, let's join together for a special one-day celebration of a victory for courage. Will you visit VictoryForCourage.com today and make a pledge to help us get the party started?
Here's the plan for Friday: We'll call on supporters around Ohio and America to help us launch a fantastic Ohio get-out-the-vote push. We'll ask them to make online contributions and spread the good news through their online networks that Primary Election voting is upon us in Ohio. We'll engage voters and progressives everywhere to join us.
We've arrived at this point because of you. We are poised to be the first to sprint across the finish line on Primary Election Day because of you. Together, we are strong and ready to fight with courage and tenacity for the issues at the center of our lives. You can visit VictoryForCourage.com right now and make a pledge to help us get this party started.
Will you forward this email and help us spread the word about VictoryForCourage.com? If you are on Facebook, please join the Facebook Victory for Courage event and send an invitation to your Facebook friends. Updates on Twitter are a great way to reach out, too.
I'm committed to making Ohio a better state, no matter how hard, no matter how much the forces against change want to keep prosperity for themselves, because I know the great people of my state deserve every ounce of courage I have to give.
Thank you.
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by Jennifer on 03.23.2010
This weekend, Ohioans were empowered in two important ways. Courageous votes in favor of health care reform in the U.S. House of Representatives will empower Americans to take control of their own lives. They will be better able to care for their families, to start small businesses and to move from unemployment to jobs that create a sustainable future for our state and nation. In Ohio, your amazing efforts to keep the Ohio Democratic Party neutral in the U.S. Senate primary will give Ohio Democrats the best candidate to compete against the Republican Party’s standard bearer in the fall. Americans are seeking a new kind of politics that demands courage to challenge the ways of the establishment that favor a few and leave behind many. You are changing that with courage.
Sunday night, President Obama thanked “every member of Congress who stood up with courage and conviction to make health care reform a reality.” He thanked those who “worked tirelessly over the past year with Americans of all walks of life to forge a reform package finally worthy of the people we were sent here to serve.”
This weekend, when we alerted you that my opponent was angling for an 11th hour endorsement, you knew that violated fair play and would damage needed party unity after the primary election. You signed our online petition and sent over 74,000 emails to members of the Ohio Democratic Party Executive Committee, asking that they respect the candidates and their supporters in the U.S. Senate primary and make no endorsement.
Yesterday morning more of you signed our petition and wrote letters to editors of newspapers throughout the state urging my primary opponent to drop his bid for party endorsement. Your voice was heard, and an important victory was won when my opponent withdrew his request for that endorsement. As the Dayton Daily News reported yesterday, the Ohio Democratic Party announced my opponent's campaign “has informed us that, in the spirit of Party unity, they will not pursue an Ohio Democratic Party endorsement, . . . The party remains neutral in the primary and united toward defeating Rob Portman and winning at all levels in November.”
When people work together for fairness and a better way, we can achieve real change. Whether it's making health care a universal right in America or ensuring fairness in an election to give Ohio a strong voice in the U.S. Senate, courage is needed for fundamental and beneficial change.
Continued in the extended entry
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by David on 03.22.2010
On Saturday, Jennifer Brunner asked you to go to www.handsoffourprimary.com to tell the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) not to endorse in the U.S. Senate primary. You have spoken collectively with strength and vigor. In the first 48 hours you sent over 74,000 e-mails to members of the ODP's Executive Committee and added your names to our online petition. Some of those on the committee have talked to us since your emails and said they don't want to see an endorsement process go forward on Wednesday, and we're glad.
Your voices are being heard. Now, Jennifer's opponent needs to withdraw his request for endorsement. Shouldn't Democrats be focusing even now on what it will take to beat a Cincinnati Republican who is the epitome of Washington elite and has the banking and special interest money to prove it? Please send a message to Jennifer's opponent to withdraw his request for endorsement. If you have not already done so, sign the petition to demand a clean primary election where the voters decide. If you have already signed the petition, please click here to send letters to the editors of Ohio newspapers.
Please also consider making a contribution of $100, $50, or even $25 now to help us ramp up the fight against a state party endorsement.
Jennifer Brunner was elected Ohio Secretary of State in 2006, beating her Cincinnati opponent in his own county and winning 52 of Ohio's 88 counties with a 15% statewide margin of victory in a 4-way race. She cleaned up our maligned election system and made sure Ohio elections are fair and accessible. A record number of Ohioans voted in 2008 to elect President Obama. Ohioans now trust their elections. Jennifer's opponent was last elected in his own right 20 years ago in a race decided by 1,234 votes by the Ohio Supreme Court. The last thing Ohio Democrats should do is "stack the deck" against a competitive primary.
Democrats need to be smart and let this process move forward without an endorsement. We'll have enough challenges in the fall. Jennifer's opponent must not tear our party apart with a painful endorsement fight. Please stand with Jennifer for a fair primary.
Please forward this to your friends and family and have them sign the petition, too! Keep spreading the message that our opponent must withdraw his request for ODP endorsement. Sign the petition and send letters to the editors today.
Thank you.
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by Jeff on 03.21.2010
Show the Ohio Democratic Party and Jennifer's primary opponent that you object to any state party endorsement in the U.S. Senate primary by replacing your Facebook and Twitter profile photo with this image. Just right click the image at right and select "download image," then upload it to your Facebook and Twitter accounts as a new profile photo.
Take a stand with Jennifer - NO ODP ENDORSEMENT!
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by Jennifer on 03.20.2010
On May 4th, I am competing against the state's Lieutenant Governor for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by retiring Sen. Voinovich. Polls show each of us has strong support for the nomination.
The Ohio Democratic Party has so far remained neutral in this primary. Just last week my opponent delivered a letter to the state party asking for its endorsement.
The Ohio Democratic Party Executive Committee meets Wednesday, March 24, 2010, and its bylaws require endorsement consideration to move forward. Early voting begins in just 10 days on March 30th.
Until now, the party has remained neutral. We need your help to keep it that way--not just for me, but for Ohio.
A state party endorsement at this late date provides no conceivable benefit for anyone but my opponent. As Democrats, we're all in this together. A party endorsement would alienate supporters of the candidate not endorsed and hurt party unity after the primary election.
Let's face it, the real fight here is against electing Rob Portman, whose record of free trading and hard core conservative voting as a Washington insider in Congress has lost jobs for Ohio and will take us backward not forward. Help us keep the Democratic Party unified and stop an endorsement in the U.S. Senate race in Ohio. Please sign our online petition for NO ENDORSEMENT in the U.S. Senate primary on May 4th!
Please forward this to your friends and family and have them sign, too! Tell the Ohio Democratic Party to let the voters decide. Sign the petition now.
Many thanks.
Jennifer Brunner
Ohio Secretary of State and
Democratic Candidate for U.S. Senate
PS - Remember history: In 1982 there were contested Ohio Democratic primaries for Governor, Secretary of State and Treasurer. The state party decided not to endorse in any of these races. Democrats went on to capture all statewide offices in the fall. But in 1994 the party broke with tradition and endorsed Joel Hyatt over Mary Boyle in the contested U.S. Senate primary. Mike Dewine defeated Joel Hyatt. It took 12 long years to get this seat into the capable hands of Sen. Sherrod Brown.
After signing the petition, please volunteer, tell your friends, contribute to our campaign -- and vote in the primary election on May 4th!
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by Jeff on 03.19.2010
Yesterday evening the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats voted to endorse Jennifer in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. Coming on the heels of her endorsement by the Stonewall Democrats of Summit County, this endorsement is particularly significant because Cleveland is the home of her primary opponent and the endorsement was actively sought by both candidates. According to the by-laws of the organization, the endorsement required a 60% or higher vote.
Jennifer has long been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality and against employment and housing discrimination on the basis of gender identification or sexual orientation, and she has called for the repeal of the Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy. She received the RISE (Recognition in Strengthening Equality) Award at a candlelight vigil for equal rights for the GLBT community last July in Worthington, Ohio.
Upon learning of the endorsement, Jennifer described it as "fantastic news" and said she was "extremely grateful."
UPDATE: Here is a statement from Robert Rivera, President of the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats:
"After serious and thoughtful discussion and debate that reflected support for both candidates, the members of Cleveland Stonewall Democrats voted to get behind Jennifer Brunner, an advocate for full LGBT equality her entire political career, and to work for her victory on May 4th and in November."
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by Jeff on 03.18.2010
Congratulations to Jennifer on her induction into the Hungarian Hot Dog Bun Walls of Fame at Tony Packo's! Awards and recognition are nothing new for our courageous Secretary of State, but enshrinement of one's signed hot dog bun is a rare honor indeed.
Tony Packo's is a legendary Hungarian-themed restaurant in Toledo, world-famous not only for it's chili cheese fries and cabbage roll combos -- and as the spiritual home of Corporal Max Klinger (the M*A*S*H character played by the late Toledo native Jamie Farr) -- but for its collection of hot dog buns signed by celebrities, duly framed and proudly displayed on every available square inch of wall space.
Although Farr triggered the restaurant's world-wide fame by working it into several episodes of M*A*S*H, the bun-signing tradition actually began when the owner's daughter lured Burt Reynolds into the establishment while he was in town to film "The Rainmaker" in 1972. Burt signed his hot dog bun on impulse, and the tradition began. Now there are hundreds upon hundreds of celebrity-signed buns on display, from Hollywood stars to presidents -- and soon the first woman to represent Ohio in the U.S. Senate.
The next question is, what will be featured in the hot dog combo that gets named for Jennifer?
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by Jennifer on 03.16.2010
Yesterday I was at the rally in Strongsville where President Obama eloquently and passionately exhorted Congress to pass health care reform. He pointed to the hand-wringing going on among Democrats in Congress over the political consequences to them of voting for health care reform. A woman in the audience shouted out, "We need courage!" The President paused and flashed one of his fierce smiles. "That's what we need," he agreed, as the crowd roared its approval. "That's why I came here today. We need more courage."
I agree. The President needs more courage in Congress.
Monumental challenges like the health care crisis cry out for solid, decisive action by our government. The voice of one woman in the crowd captured the essence of what all of us must do--stand with courage and move forward. Yet, at this historic moment, when fundamental health care reform is almost within our grasp, Democrats across the country watch in stunned disbelief as their elected Democratic representatives dither and fret, worried about the consequences of their votes for their reelection. With voting set for this week, many Democratic members in Congress are still hedging on whether or not they will vote for health care reform.
This is a time for courage. A courageous leader does all that he or she can for the good of the American people, because it is for people that we work, not for our reelection. A courageous leader pushes forward with a focus like I saw in the President yesterday, on getting things done to make people's lives better--because we must. A courageous leader stands up for the millions who can't afford and can't get decent health care coverage, or whose insurance has been canceled, even when they're sick. A courageous leader is armed with the facts and stands strong against the attacks that are aimed at just one thing--to preserve the power of the few for the demise of many.
This is a time to lead, and leadership takes courage.
Continued in the extended entry
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by Jennifer on 03.16.2010
After President Obama's speech about the health care reform plan yesterday I spoke to a couple from Strongsville who are strong, well-educated Democrats. They loved the speech but one was having difficulty remembering the three major points that he made about the plan, and we agreed that a visual listing would be a helpful part of presenting it. Here is a simple, clear list:
THE PLAN:
1. Reform health insurance
a. Pay less for health insurance (up to $3000/year/person)
b. Lifetime ban on disqualifying children for pre-existing conditions
c. Can't drop you when you're sick
2. Choices for insurance
a. Keep your present insurance if you like it
b. Buy a new plan
i. plan is as good as Congress gets
ii. if you need help, you get a tax credit to help you pay for it
c. If you buy a new plan, you get:
i. freedom from lifetime or annual coverage limits
ii. free checkups for preventive care
iii. Coverage for your son or daughter until age 26
3. Regular Medicare coverage and cost stays the same + no doughnut hole
HOW TO PAY FOR IT:
1. Going after fraud, abuse & waste extends Medicare solvency 10 more years
and pays $1 trillion of deficit in 20 years
2. Get rid of tax payer subsidies going to insurance companies
3. Fees on insurance companies that make money on new buyers of insurance
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by Jeff on 03.11.2010
Visit our new Brunner Bazaar page on ActBlue to get your Brunner for Senate gear. Lapel stickers, Courage cards, bumper stickers, and T shirts - all featuring our Courage logo with Rosie the Riveter.
T shirts come in Medium, Large, Extra Large,and Extra Extra Large.
Get some for you, and get more to hand out to your friends and neighbors. Show the world that you stand with a Senate candidate with courage!
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by Jeff on 03.10.2010
Here is a letter from Jaladah Aslam, President of the Youngstown Warren Black Caucus, fourth from the left in the photograph, endorsing Jennifer in the race for the U.S. Senate:
Dear Secretary Brunner,
It is with deep pride and affection that I can announce to you that the members of the Youngstown Warren Black Caucus have decided to endorse your candidacy for United States Senator from Ohio.
Very few public officials have embraced and encouraged diversity like you have in your professional career. Whether it was your time on the bench in Franklin County or your excellent service to our great state as Secretary of State, you have proven yourself an advocate for civil and human rights of all people.
We are proud to stand with you in this campaign and are committed to assist in any way we can. Please feel free to call on us as you continue your journey to victory on May 4 and then in the General election this coming November.
Sincerely yours,
Jaladah Aslam, President
Youngstown Warren Black Caucus
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by Jennifer on 03.08.2010
Right now, there are only 17 women in the U.S. Senate out of 100 Senators. Ohio has never had a woman U.S. Senator--not even one nominated in a contested primary. We have a chance to change this.
Of the admirable women who have run in the past, none has held statewide office before running for the Senate. I do--elected in my own right with a 15% margin of victory and winning in 52 of Ohio's 88 counties. I've been told, "It's not your turn." But I know differently, and I believe you do, too.
A woman in the U.S. Senate from Ohio, the nation's 7th most populous state, will mean:
* Stronger representation on health care concerns unique to women,
* Practical, collaborative and focused approaches to helping small businesses and to creating jobs,
* A zeal for public service to help retool our manufacturing and construction economy to make Ohio a leader in clean energy jobs, and
* Fighting for the working conditions and concerns of our growing group of service workers in the health care and retail industries, many of them women.
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| People and horses draped in black walk in a procession of 100,000 in memory of the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of March 25, 1911 in New York City. |
Today, March 8th, is designated as International Women's Day. It is observed officially or unofficially in many countries throughout the world. In the U.S., it has been a basis for commemorating the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City in which 146 garment workers, most of them women, lost their lives as a result of the fire and 70 others were injured. Most of the factory's 500 workers were young Italian and Jewish immigrant women who normally worked nine hours a day during the week and seven hours a day on Saturdays. It was the worst workplace disaster in New York City until the horrific events of September 11, 2001.
International Women's Day is not officially celebrated in the U.S. Yet, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire brought the increased political involvement of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and it helped inspire Frances Perkins, who had actually witnessed the fire from the street below, to push for comprehensive safety and workers' compensation laws as the future U.S. Secretary of Labor in Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential administration and an early woman leader in U.S. government.
We need more women in the U.S. Senate. And we need more women who understand that things in the Senate must change. Politics is not a game--it is how we get things done for real people--to help them provide for their families, to make sure our food is safe to eat, our water clean to drink, our workplaces safe and our homeland secure.
And maybe the U.S. could even begin to recognize International Women's Day. Please help me get to the U.S. Senate by volunteering, telling your friends, contributing and voting.
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