Optimism High as Dems Convene Part 1

I attended the Ohio Democratic Party State Convention today in Parma. Clearly there is a lot of optimism in the party ranks yet still a great deal of determination to make sure the trend holds.

I will try to give you some highlights of the day, forgive me for paraphrasing more often then quoting. I took notes as fast as I could.

State Chairman and State Representative Chris Redfern called the Convention to order at approximately 3:30 pm. In his comments he stated the goal to take those that have taken advantage of us and hold them accountable.

Soon after Reverend Jeff Jemison prior to his invocation led the crowd to repeat the phrase we should tell our friends and neighbors, “You hold the key, its up to you and me.”

One of the highlights of the day was Sherrod Brown’s address to the convention. It was preceded by a video of Sherrod talking about his background and parents. Frankly I’d like to see this aired on television as I found it effective and a very positive message.

Congressman Brown spoke about 2006 being a very different year. One reason being that every time they go after us, we are going to hit them back harder and harder and harder.

He warned that there would be a big money attack on the issue of Terrorism by the GOP and allies. He made it clear that there is a serious threat from Terrorism and that we all know that, but that this Administration has failed.

Brown spoke of the 25 million in tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans. Meanwhile they cut 850 million from homeland security, voting against tighter security on the Borders, Nuclear Plants, Water and Chemical plants. He said and I quote, “They tell grandma to take her shoes off at the airport while only 6% of the cargo coming into the country is inspected."

He said “Don’t Tell me Democrats Can’t do better then that!” He continued. “Republicans say they are tough, Democrats are tough and smart.”

He asked the delegates to each go out and find 5 people and educate them. Then Sherrod Brown predicted the following headlines on November 8th. “Dems Win House and Senate” and “Ohio Turns Blue”

Richard Cordray candidate for State Treasurer followed soon after Congressman Brown. He promised Ohioans as Treasurer he would protect out money and never invest it in rare coins or collectables. Rather, her said he would, "Invest in our communities to help young people build their futures here. "

Also predicting negative GOP campaigning, Cordray said, " Republicans can't talk about their record, because their record is nothing to talk about." Cordray promised the Democrats would give us a government Ohio can be proud of.

(to be continued)