Flag City Politico

FCPolitico recommends...

Kudos to Mark Shrider for beating me to a post using the title "I Got Issues". In retrospect, perhaps it's better that I didn't get to use it...family, friends and co-workers could have a field day with that.

OHIO ISSUE 1
If approved by the voters, the measure would change the deadline for submitting initiative petitions in the state, moving the deadline backward from its current 90 days before the election to 125 days before the election.

Supporters say Issue 1

• Prevents waste of taxpayer dollars
• Helps maintain voter confidence in elections
• Promotes efficient and effective elections

Opponents say Issue 1

• Creates delays in new laws taking effect
• Means more expensive state issue campaigns

With earlier voting, there is an increased burden on state and local boards of election to make sure everything is in order. Whether counting/confirming signatures on petitions and referendums, or concluding legal battles so ballots can be printed, giving our election officials some extra time to do their jobs is not unreasonable. Anything the public can do to assure that voting is done fairly and accurately should be encouraged and supported.

Politico recommends voting YES on Ohio Issue 1.

OHIO ISSUE 2
If approved by the voters, the measure would authorize the state to borrow $400 million for environmental conservation, preservation and revitalization purposes.

Supporters say Issue 2 will

• Keep our drinking water clean and safe
• Keep our drinking water clean & safe
• Clean up and redevelop polluted abandoned industrial sites
• Protect our lakes, rivers and streams
• Conserve wildlife habitat
• Preserve working family farms
• Expand outdoor recreational opportunities
• Create new jobs and economic development
• Ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy Ohio’s land, water, and natural habitats – now and for generations to come

Opponents say Issue 2

• Would authorize the government to spend more on bond money
• Means taxpayers will have to pay back these bonds

This measure has bi-partisan support, with Governor Strickland, House Speaker Husted and Senate President Harris as co-chairmen of the campaign. In September, a Columbus Dispatch poll has the issue being favored 56%-22%, and almost all major Ohio newspapers are recommending passage. This measure will not raise taxes, but will create jobs. I cannot find anything to argue against this.

Politico recommends voting YES on Ohio Issue 2.

OHIO ISSUE 3
If approved by the voters, the measure formalizes in the Ohio constitution the right of property owners to groundwater on their land, says that property owners have a property interest in the groundwater and non-navigable waters located on or flowing through their land and that water cannot be held in trust by any governmental body.

Supporters say Issue 3 will

• Affirm that a property owner has a property interest in the reasonable use of ground water under the property owner’s land
• Affirm that an owner of land along lakes and watercourses has a property interest in the reasonable use of water in that lake or watercourse located on or flowing through that land
• Ensure that Ohio law continues to protect these water use rights for all Ohio citizens

Opponents say Issue 3

• Is an unnecessary addition to the Ohio Constitution
• Makes changes to the Constitution so specific that they mention legal doctrines that are not contained in the Constitution
• Gives private property owners the false sense of security that their land cannot be taken away at a later date

When the biggest argument I can find against an issue is not about what it aims to accomplish, but whether it should be a constitutional amendment, what else can you say?

Politico recommends voting YES on Ohio Issue 3.

OHIO ISSUE 4
If approved by the voters, the measure would force businesses with 25 or more workers to provide employees that work full-time (32 hours a week) to earn 7 rollover paid sick days per year.

Ohio Issue 4 has been REMOVED from the ballot.

OHIO ISSUE 5
If approved by the voters, the measure would approve section 3 of Ohio House Bill 545 which caps Ohio payday loan industry's interest rate at 28%, maximum loan amounts would be $500 and borrowers would have at least 30 days to repay the loan.

Supporters say Issue 5

• Keeps the 28% interest rate cap
• Forbids lenders from charging 391% APR on a typical two-week loan
• Helps breaks the cycle of debt
• Gives borrowers more time to pay back loans and helps create more affordable small loans
• Does not take a good credit choice away from borrowers
• Does not mean an end to 6,000 jobs

Opponents say Issue 5

• Preserves a short-term loan option that is simple, reliable, and confidential - and often the cheapest available
• Ensures that those who need short-term financial help will have a choice
• Guarantees your right to access practical credit
• Preserves financial choices, confidentiality and privacy in personal borrowing and the retention of up to 6,000 jobs for Ohio workers
• Approval eliminates a valued credit choice for many hardworking Ohioans who need temporary financial help, and jeopardize thousands of Ohio jobs
• Approval infringes on personal privacy and require that everyone taking out short-term loans be listed by name in a government database
• Approval limits consumers to four short-term loans per year and deny consumers access to other affordable choices

If our state government wants to protect us economic predators, then they should create a bill the not only limits the fees that payday lenders charge, but they need to limit ATM fees, bank fees, cable fees, phone surcharges, late fees for an overdue library book...everything across the board.

I believe that a potential interest 391% is too high, but then the potential of losing 6000 jobs is too high.  I believe that if someone uses a payday lender, the potential is there for debt to spiral out of control, but some people have no other place to turn. It is trendy to be for Issue 5. It is supported by both major political parties, as well as a good portion of major newspapers across the state.

However, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce ("not the way to revitalize Ohio’s economy"), Ohio Grocer's Association (OGA’s members could be hurt through an increased number of bounced checks, fraudulent checks and even theft") and National Taxpayer's Union ("there could be additional political pressure to boost government assistance programs when Ohioans can no longer help themselves because the most common – and often only – method to help cover unplanned expenses has been eliminated") are against it.

Will these loan businesses close their doors if Issue 5 passes? Probably not. But taking away an option from Ohioans, not to mention the potential impact on our economy and other sectors of our business community, is not worth mandating a change.

Politico recommends voting NO on Ohio Issue 5.

OHIO ISSUE 6
If approved by the voters, the measure would approve an Ohio constitutional amendment that authorizes the building of one privately owned $600,000,000 resort/casino.

Supporters say Issue 6

• Will allow a $600 million first class gambling and entertainment destination casino resort to be built in southwest Ohio
• Will create up to 5,000 new jobs in Ohio with average projected salaries of $34,000 – Jobs that cannot be outsourced
• Will generate thousands of new construction jobs required to develop and construct the casino, hotel, restaurants, golf course, live theater and other amenities one finds at a first class casino resort
• Will annually generate an estimated $200 million dollars from a special tax that only the casino operator will pay
• Will allow Ohio to compete with the 38 other states that currently allow casino
  gambling

Opponents say Issue 6

• Will drain billions from Ohio’s economy and cost jobs
• Creates a private monopoly for a single casino owner
• Does not guarantee even a minimum number of Ohio jobs or other amenities
• Language promising money to counties is filled with loopholes; there is no guarantee that the counties will see any revenue and could end up with nothing when another casino opens in Ohio
• Will make Ohio a Class III gambling state, making it easier for Indian casinos to
  open, which will reduce or eliminate proposed funds to Ohio counties
• Will create new gambling addicts, ruining thousands of lives
• Will not stop Ohioans from traveling to gamble
• Will hurt honest businesses in Clinton County and the people of Wilmington
  who voted overwhelmingly against casinos in 2006

Ohio has a history of rejecting gambling initiatives, but as we know, the times - they are a changin'. A SurveyUSA poll in September show that Issue 6 is favored by Ohio voters 62%-31%.

I don't believe that if Ohioans allowed gambling, we would see nearly the number of problems that opponents continuously state would occur. With a lottery system in place, keno and bingo readily accessible, and poker tournaments springing up everywhere, we have already implied that wagering money is a social norm and given tacit approval.

I want to see Ohio pass a resolution that makes gambling possible. With the correct legislation, the potential is there for thousands of jobs to be created, tax money can be routed to county treasuries, and revenue stays within Ohio. Unfortunately, I don't think that Issue 6 is the correct legislation.

What's the old saying about 'if it walks and talks like a duck'? Well, there are just too many signals that something isn't right with this amendment. If there is a tax loophole, close it. If there is the potential for a monopoly to be built, stop it. There is plenty of time to do this, and do it correctly. Get the language right and put it in front of voters next year.

Politico recommends voting NO on Ohio Issue 6.

OTHER REPRESENTATIVES
Sometimes the best sign that a public official is doing a great job is when you don't hear anything about them. If they were doing something wrong, then there would be all sorts of reasons to bring in someone new.

I know that these individuals have been doing their jobs well, and their opposition has not made the case for change. We have some outstanding local leaders, and they deserve to be returned to office.

Politico recommends CLIFF HITE for Ohio House of Representatives - 76th District.

Politico recommends MARK MILLER for Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney.

FINDLAY RIVERPLACE ISSUE
If approved by the voters, the measure would repeal the ordinance regarding the development of city property (Brandman/Swale) and make sure that any potential commercial or residential development on the property is put before the voters.

If you have not heard both sides of the issue by now, then where have you been hiding? Instead of electing leaders to make decisions, the citizens sometimes want to make the call. If it is important enough to people to make it to the ballot, then a vote like this is truly democracy in action.

Instead of two minutes at a council meeting, the public wants to have their say via the ballot box. The issue may pass, and face legal challenges in court. The issue may fail, and Burgess and the city may get their development. There has been enough opposition, and enough signatures, to get this on the ballot. It's important to let all voices be heard, and in a deal of this magnitude, the public wants a vote on whether to proceed.

RiverPlace is the issue that will not go away, but perhaps that is for a good reason. I'm not against the development of retail, restaurants, housing, an arts center and new ball fields, but what wisdom is there in still wanting to deal with an individual who does not have the common decency to return even a phone call from our city's leaders?

It has been a year since Tony Iriti and council at the time gave approval and entered into an agreement with Brad Burgess. Looking back, you almost get the impression that this project was rushed through. Since then, the lack of payments from Burgess to the city, let alone any sort of regular communication, are now taking on legendary status.

I understand that Burgess may be hesitant about spending money on a project that may never come to fruition, but organized opposition came long after payments were due. Why hasn't the money been put into some account that could be drawing interest on the city's behalf; at a minimum, the principal could be refunded to Burgess if the project never proceeds.

Remember what I said for Ohio Issue 6 about the duck? Well, this issue is similar. There is just something not right about what has been going on, and if we start over from the beginning, perhaps that is for the best. As a part of a deal with any developer, the city could mandate the costs for cleaning the area. Should we build anything before the Army Corps of Engineers issues their report? Too many issues, and not enough answers (or even phone calls/e-mails from a certain someone) make me want to take a step back and make sure we get this right.

Politico recommends voting YES on the Findlay RiverPlace issue.

FINDLAY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TAX LEVY ISSUE
If approved by the voters, the measure would institute a replacement tax levy for Findlay City Schools.

As an alum of FCS, and with two children currently going to Glenwood, I think that our school system is headed in the right direction. Despite some issues that have come up over the past few years regarding the building of schools, security, and the district stuck at an 'effective' rating, the schools need to receive our support. Since this is not a new levy, and just the continuation of an existing one, I can get behind that.

Politico recommends voting YES on the Findlay City School District Tax Levy issue.

As always, your comments are always welcome. Show me the error of my ways.  ;-)

-RSKnopfJr

For Congress, FCPolitico endorses...

"Over time, I developed a 'filter question' that still helps guide my decisions to this day. That question is: 'Will this decision benefit families?' If it does, then I will stand up and fight for it, no matter who is against me."

Findlay, Hancock County and other northern Ohio residents have been well served by Jim Jordan's philosophy, and I encourage you to send him back to Washington as representative of the 4th district.

Jordan has only missed 22 votes over the past two years, and his record of fiscal conservitism has earned him the endorsement of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. The National Taxpayers Union has given Jordan an 'A' rating, and he has supported the issues of Americans for Tax Reform 100% of the time.

With the economy being the most important issue of this year's election, I appreciate that Jordan wants to do everything he can to keep taxes as low as possible and eliminate government waste. Additionally, Jordan has introduced legislation to permanently ban Internet access taxes, as well as to extend lower federal income tax rates.

According to his campaign website, Jordan has co-sponsored legislation to give the President the line-item veto, create a constitutional balanced budget amendment and stem the rise of earmarks.

Being conservative, however, Jordan sometimes tows the standard Republican line. He does not agree with 'advertising a withdraw date for Iraq (because of the problems it could raise), but Jordan is still committed to providing our military the resources they need.

Jordan represents over 625,000 people from Ohio. I hope that he doesm't lose his Midwestern sensibility and forget that we really need someone who will be our voice in Washington. Jordan is a quality individual and I am confident that he will continue to be an outstanding representative. FCPolitico endorses Jim Jordan.

-RSKnopfJr

For Ohio Attorney General, FCPolitico endorses...

If you glance at his picture too quickly, you would swear that Richard Cordray was a twin to Kenneth on "30 Rock". Despite his youthful appearance, Cordray (who is 49) is the best choice to become Ohio's next attorney general.

As Ohio's treasurer, and one of the the new generation of Democrats that took office in 2006, Cordray has already earned the public's trust once, and there is no reason to believe that he could not bring honor back to the position that was stained by former AG Marc Dann.

It is impressive that Cordray is endorsed by a great cross-section of our state's media, including

• Columbus Dispatch "Crites is a worthy public servant, but cannot better Cordray's resume and long record of integrity and competence."
• Cincinnati Enquirer "Seldom have we seen a race in which the two contenders are both as highly qualified and capable, which makes an endorsement an extremely tough call. Our nod goes to Cordray by the slimmest of margins, but we believe Ohio would be very ably served by Crites as well. It's a shame one of them has to lose."
• Cleveland Plain Dealer "It's a close call, but we give the edge to Cordray, based on his formidable knowledge of state government -- and the hope that he will stay in the job long enough to make a difference."
• Dayton Daily News "Mr. Cordray is seasoned, able and devoted to serving in public and political office for the right reasons. He is the superior choice."
• Akron Beacon Journal "Pull together all of Cordray's strengths, including his many campaigns and his time in private practice arguing before the U.S. Supreme Court, and you have a most promising candidate for attorney general, one suited for what the job actually requires."
• Toledo Blade "The time has now come for voters to make that choice and The Blade believes that Democrat Richard Cordray, the current state treasurer, has the breadth of experience necessary to complete the job Mrs. Rogers has so ably begun."

I like the fact that Cordray has served as treasurer, a state representative and state solicitor. This breadth of experience gives him a unique background, one that will benefit him (and us) as he advises our state government.

He does not come across as a career lawyer or politician; the only apparent drawback is that his political ambition might have him looking to run for another job instead of fully investing himself into this position.

However, if Cordray is as good as advertised, this is a chance I am willing to take. For Ohio Attorney General, FCPolitico endorses Richard Cordray.

-RSKnopfJr

Newspaper Endorsements

Our local newspaper, The Courier, endorsed John McCain for President late last week. Vote in the poll to the right to show whether you agree or disagree with their decision.

How are the candidates doing nationwide? Check out some recent endorsements below and then look at the list (compiled by Editor & Publisher) to see how Obama is dominating more than opinion polls.

'Chic Tribune' Makes History, Backs Obama -- 'L.A. Times' Does the Same, Breaking Long Endorsement Ban
The Los Angeles Times, breaking a decades-long policy of not endorsing any candidate for president, threw its support behind Barack Obama today. The editorial will appear in print this weekend, but went online this afternoon. >>
Editor & Publisher

Barack Obama for President
The nominating process this year produced two unusually talented and qualified presidential candidates. There are few public figures we have respected more over the years than Sen. John McCain. Yet it is without ambivalence that we endorse Sen. Barack Obama for president. >>
Washington Post

Barack Obama for president
It is inherent in the American character to aspire to greatness, so it can be disorienting when the nation stumbles or loses confidence in bedrock principles or institutions. That's where the United States is as it prepares to select a new president: We have seen the government take a stake in venerable private financial houses; we have witnessed eight years of executive branch power grabs and erosion of civil liberties; we are still recovering from a murderous attack by terrorists on our own soil and still struggling with how best to prevent a recurrence. >>
Los Angeles Times

Barack Obama for president
However this election turns out, it will dramatically advance America's slow progress toward equality and inclusion. It took Abraham Lincoln's extraordinary courage in the Civil War to get us here. It took an epic battle to secure women the right to vote. It took the perseverance of the civil rights movement. Now we have an election in which we will choose the first African-American president . . . or the first female vice president. >>
Chiacgo Tribune

MVN endorses Senator McCain and Governor Palin
The time has come for us to come forward with our opinion of the current race that will place one person in the most powerful, most influential and most important position in the world, as we know it. >>
Mountain Valley News

-RSKnopfJr

FCPolitico endorses...

Here they are, my picks for Hancock County Commissioner, Sheriff, Treasurer and Coroner. Your feedback and comments are suggested and encouraged. You can agree or disagree with who and why - just keep it civil when telling me (and others) where I went wrong and how I failed you. Now, without further delay...

For Hancock County Coroner, FCPolitico endorses JOHN P. ZIEGLER. Even though challenger Mark Fox has been working under the current coroner, Leroy Schroeder, for the past seven years, I think that a fresh perspective and a clean start are sometimes more important that continuity.

Ziegler operates a private practice (versus working for Blanchard Valley Medical Associates), and also believes that the county should look at saving a little money by doing autopsies here instead of paying Lucas County. Just the idea of doing that, and not keeping the status quo in place because it is working, gets my vote.

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For Hancock County Treasurer, FCPolitico endorses J. STEVE WELTON. Even though he has taken a lot of criticism for closing the treasurer's office over the lunch hour, he explained it as a result of limited personnel and security concerns...two things that he should not be faulted for. Now that he has enough people to keep the office manned, people will be looking to make sure that opening back up over the noon hour was more than a political maneuver.

While in office, Welton has implemented ways to pay taxes via the computer and telephone, showing a move into the technological arena. Larry Settlemire has experience running a company (as President of Imperial Construction), but I am not sure how well that translates into being the treasurer for the county (he is young and could run again in four years). For now, I will stick with Welton, and make sure he delivers on what he promises.

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For Hancock County Sheriff, FCPolitico endorses THOMAS L. RENNINGER. I appreciate the job that Michael Heldman has done over the past 12 years, especially considering the financial limitations he has faced, but perhaps a change in management style will help address some of these issues.

Thomas Renninger has the experience to do the job, and can take what he learned handling a large budget and staff as Findlay police chief and apply it on the county level. I am not suggesting that the change WILL make a difference, but as someone who pays taxes, I think that a new course of action should be looked at - and that means a change in leadership.

The duties of the office will remain the same no matter how much the county is bringing in and giving the departments, so it is important to spend money wisely. I am sure that Sheriff Heldman has done what he thinks is correct (and I cannot fault him for any specific action), but I think that someone else may be needed to take the office to 'the next level', especially when it comes to jail expansion and allocation of resources. That is why I am willing to give Renninger the opportunity to show us what he thinks he can do.

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For Hancock County Commissioner, FCPolitico endorses ROBERT J. KUHLMAN and EMILY A. WALTON.

I am selecting Kuhlman over Ingold for two reasons: communications and credibility. Ingold may be a brilliant man with a knowledge of finances and operations that surpasses those of the common citizens...and he would be the first to let you know of it. On three occasions, I have had the opportunity to watch him answer questions from people just like you and me, and every time I have come away disappointed. He is smart, and he does his best to prove it to you. Instead of being empathetic about your situation, be is emphatic that it is not the county's fault. Yet despite whatever skills or intentions Ingold has, the county is pretty much in the same position it was in when he took office...and that's not good.

Kuhlman may be brash sometimes, but he gets to the point. He knows be might be better than others...but it is usually directed at those who are in the positions of responsibility, not those paying the salaries. I believe Kuhlman would be a better communicator, and in my opinion, anything coming from him is instantly more credible than his opponent. I appreciate that he is willing to look at technology to keep citizens engaged (one look at the Commissioners website tells you all you need to know about their technical skills), and he would bring a no-nonsense attitude, and a conservative fiscal policy, when it comes to managing county resources. He may not be an ideal candidate, but I think he is a better option than who currently holds the office.

For the other seat, we are left between selecting an incumbent, a commissioner who has been voted out (and lost in a comeback bid), or a political newcomer. First, let's take Brad Griffin out of the mix...not necessarily because he does not have any experience, but because the time just is not right for someone new with good intentions and a willingness to learn. That time was two years ago, and someone filled the position. I would encourage Griffin to remain involved (attend meetings, write letters to the editor, become a trustee) and come back in two (or four) years. If nothing else, the experience of running for office will help him if he decides to try again.

So that leaves me to choose between Oman and Walton...and let me put it this way - back in 2004, even I was thinking about running for commissioner so we could get Oman out of office. I do not harbor any ill will toward him personally, but I do not think that he did a good job while he was commissioner, and I am not willing to give him another opportunity at the expense of removing Walton (he picked the wrong person to run against). Walton, on the other hand, is a tireless worker who has come to understand the nuances of the position. I was impressed by her at the candidate's forum, and also believe that she provided the most thoughtful set of answers to the questionnaire I sent out.

Also, I like how the commissioners office shapes up if everything happens the way I want

• Emily Walton, a older female, with four years of experience
• Philip Riegle, a younger male, with two years of experience
• Robert Kuhlman, an older male, bringing new ideas to the group with a wealth of experience from other boards and Findlay City Council

It is a nice mix of young and old, both genders, different backgrounds and philosophies, working together with our best interests in mind. Now, if it only works out that way in real life instead of in my politically idealistic world.

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No matter what party you are from, or whether the weather is going to be icky, make sure you get out and vote tomorrow. Polls are open from 6:30a to 7:30p. If you are not sure where to vote, click here or call the Hancock County Board of Elections at          419-422-3245       . As always, if you need a ride, e-mail me and I will hook up Xavier and Snowflake to the sled and come get you. Democracy...it's fan-tastic!

-RSKnopfJr

More from New Hampshire, including new polls

Two new polls out of New Hampshire, and more good news for McCain and Obama...

USAToday/Gallup
New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Obama - 41%
Clinton - 28%
Edwards - 19%
Richardson - 6%

New Hampshire Republican Primary
McCain - 34%
Romney - 30%
Huckabee - 13%
Giuliani - 8%
Paul - 8%
Thompson - 3%

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CNN/WMUR
New Hampshire Democratic Primary
Obama - 39%
Clinton - 29%
Edwards - 16%
Richardson - 7%

New Hampshire Republican Primary
McCain - 32%
Romney - 26%
Huckabee - 14%
Giuliani - 11%
Paul - 10%
Thompson - 1%

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New York Daily News
Former Sen. Bill Bradley endorses Obama for president
"Bill Bradley, a former presidential hopeful and senator, on Sunday endorsed Democrat Barack Obama for president." >>

Concord Monitor
Clinton's with the kids on the bus
"It was an intimate conversation between Hillary Clinton, her daughter and four young undecided voters - save for the two reporters listening in." >>

SeacoastOnline
Edwards in Portsmouth: Fight 'with everything we've got'
"Douglas Marino of Newfields isn't old enough to vote, but that didn't stop him from standing in Market Square on a cold Saturday morning for his favorite presidential candidate." >>

WMUR
McCain Continues Strong Push In New Hampshire
"Republican Sen. John McCain is hoping to capitalize on his recent time in New Hampshire with a strong showing on primary day." >>

New Hampshire Union Leader
Romney casts himself as the outsider
"Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney told voters yesterday that he's the candidate who can change Washington, casting himself as an outsider and criticizing his chief opponent in Tuesday's primary, Sen. John McCain." >>

Boston Globe
Huckabee handles heckler
"Mike Huckabee today calmly handled an angry heckler, turning the confrontation to his advantage and winning applause from a packed crowd that turned out to hear him speak at a local school." >>


I'm off to watch the Republican Forum on Fox.

-RSKnopfJr

Presidential Endorsements IV

Sheet Metal Workers International Association (joining with the United Transportation Union) endorses HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

The Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association today added our voices to those of our union brothers and sisters in the United Transportation Union (UTU) in making a SMART choice by announcing our joint support for Hillary Rodham Clinton as the next President of the United States.

More than 500 SMART members and their families clad in  golden ‘Hillary 2008’ t-shirts gathered at the SMWIA Local 88  union hall to show their rousing support of the endorsement.

According to General President Michael J. Sullivan:

"The SMART union candidate, Senator Hillary Clinton, knows that all working Americans and their families want new leadership and new thinking on both the domestic and international fronts.  She will bring to this high office the intelligence and common sense necessary to guide our nation to its destiny as a strong and compassionate society.

Hillary Clinton understands our issues.  She knows the importance of sound policies and programs and will deal fairly and intelligently in addressing the energy crisis, fair trade, affordable health care, funding college and technical education and training, and will protect retirement security."

read more here & here

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National Right to Life endorses FRED THOMPSON

Marking the first major endorsement by a national grassroots organization in the Republican presidential contest, National Right to Life, the nation’s largest pro-life organization representing pro-lifers in fifty state affiliates and more than 3,000 local chapters, today announced its endorsement of former Senator Fred Thompson for President of the United States.

"€œAs the first major grassroots organization to enter the Republican presidential race, National Right to Life is proud to endorse Fred Thompson," stated Wanda Franz, Ph.D., president of National Right to Life.  "Our endorsement is a testament to Senator Thompson’s long-standing pro-life record, his commitment to unborn children, and our belief in his ability to win."

read more here

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Chuck Norris endorses MIKE HUCKABEE

-RSKnopfJr

For Mayor of Findlay, FCPolitico endorses...

When I started this blog in May, I knew that tonight was coming. And let me be totally honest with you...for the past several months, I have not been looking forward to this moment. Since the mayoral forum, people have (jokingly) been asking me who I was going to vote for, and the answer has always been the same - honestly, I didn't know. Friends of mine, as well as the FCPolitiGal, have suggested that I just explain to everyone the situation I am in, and not make a recommendation for mayor (especially since the holidays are coming up, and family gatherings might be a little strained if I make the wrong decision).

For Findlay City Council, FCPolitico endorses...

Flooding, Towne Center, Port Authority, Sidewalks, Building Code...there are quite a few issues that city council needs to deal with over the next two years. It is always important to have the right mix of individuals in order to be effective when working toward solutions, and with a new administration coming in, city council will be relied on more than ever to provide leadership, guidance and support. For city council, I am only covering races that are being contested.

For Findlay School Board, FCPolitico endorses...

When I got home from work on Monday, I asked my wife if she wanted to go with me to the Findlay School Board candidate forum being held that evening. The look I received let me know that she would rather not, but knowing how important things like this are to me (especially at this time of the year), she agreed to come along. We arrived at Findlay High School, made our way to the library (which I last saw in the late 80s when I graduated from FHS), and joined the 48 other citizens (I counted twice just to make sure) who had assembled to listen to this year's crop of school board candidates.