2009 Election Post-Mortum

It is very easy to draw the wrong conclusion from these odd year elections. Reality is each cycle is different and the set of circumstances on the ground in those states may not be the same next year let alone three years out in 2012. Virginia and New Jersey will each be replacing a Democrat governor with a Republican one. However, that is where the similarities end. In Virginia it was an open race whereas in New Jersey an incumbent, Jon Corzine was running for reelection. Corzine was hampered by various scandals and a growing resentment of New Jersey's high taxes and unemployment rate. In Virginia, Deeds was a poor candidate who didn't appeal to voters. We do not know how much the mood in the country regarding the stimulus spending and the attempts to overhaul our health care system played into these races. There is no denying it played a role to some degree.

Democrats, particularly those up for reelection next November, have to weigh that public sentiment as they cast votes going forward. Do they vote faithfully with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid only to find themselves out of office? Do they buck their party leaders and then find campaign funds drying up and end up out of office anyways?

Republicans have to learn how to properly respond to the anti-stimulus, anti-incumbent, dissatisfied with government mood. For decades Republicans have said things like "I'm for smaller government" or "I'm for lower taxes." That may make sense to those of us who can make the connection between tax burden and the overall economy. However, we are approaching the point where half the population pays no income taxes and thus don't understand the problem. Republican leaders and spokesmen need to find a way to convey to the populace at large how higher taxes hurts everyone whether they are personally paying those taxes or not. Currently, a large segment of the voting population believes tax cuts only benefit the rich. Many don't believe the ever increasing national debt is a threat to them. Overcoming those misconceptions is the biggest job of the Republicans going forward. Additionally, they need to admit that they were wrong to overspend when in power last decade and have learned not to act like Democrats.

The media tries to play up social issues. However, as strongly as some of us may feel about hot button social issues they will not drive large number of voters from one side to the other. A percentage of the population may correctly believe abortion to be evil. A different percentage may believe killing a child is no big deal as long as the mother makes the choice. However, to most voters those issues have no direct impact on their life. Massive national debt that will inevitably lead to inflation affects everyone. The great majority of us will never be affected by whether boys marry other boys or girls marry other girls, but we will all be impacted by our share of the national debt. Each individual's share is currently over 38 thousand dollars and that isn't per taxpayer - no, that is per person. Republicans should stick to their principles on the social issues, but must also ensure voters understand the difference between the parties on fiscal issues which is of more immediate concern to most voters.

On the local issues, as I thought, all the Ohio statewide issued passed and the candidates I supported lost. Oh, well can't win them all. As Norma explains, we are going to regret issue number three most of all. Unfortunately, local candidate Chris Lyons lost. There was just not enough difference position wise to drive voters to back her over the incumbent. This was not her time, but I hope she tries again in the future.

Today is the first day of the 2010 race. Should be interesting. The Obama administration can claim that last night was not a reflection on the unpopularity of the president's policies. Next year that claim won't hold water.

Polling Place Report

I just returned from doing my civic duty of voting. Polling place was predictably uncrowded. There was a lady in the parking lot advising people to vote against the three state-wide issues and a couple teenagers were holding signs for one of the trustee candidates. I was in an out in less that five minutes. On my way out one of the sign holders asked "did you vote for my dad?" Sorry, kid you need to influence people before they vote not after.

Oddly enough, I have a sense that candidates I voted for will lose and the issues I voted against will pass. Oh well, no matter what happens the results can not possibly be as bad as last November.

Someone Needs to Ask Gingrich, Boehner Among Others About This News

Newt Gingrich and other Republicans who supported Scozzafava need to explain how the person they characterized as a loyal Republican did this:

SCOZZAFAVA THROWS SUPPORT TO OWENS

It was obvious to many of us that if elected Scozzafava would have voted with Pelosi more often that not and likely would have pulled a Specter and switched to Democrat. This race is exhibit one for why you should never give to the RNC, NRSC or the NRCC. Pick and contribute candidates who will most closely match your political views individually.

Upcoming Elections

Next Tuesday, 3 November is election day. Unfortunately, we don't get a chance to vote out of office the various folks in D.C. who are spending like crazy and doing their darnedest to destroy our health care system in the name of reform. Nationally the only races getting any attention are the usual off year governor's races in New Jersey and Virginia and a special election to fill a congressional seat in upstate New York. In Ohio the race getting the advertising dollars is Issue 3 which deals with legalizing gambling. While we do not have major offices being contested, it is still important to study the candidates and issues being voted on.
Here are some links:
Links to text for the three statewide issues and arguments for and against.
Butler County local issues
Butler County candidates for various offices
You're not from Butler County? Look up your own county board of elections here.

Recommendations:
Statewide Issues:
Issue One: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO AUTHORIZE THE STATE TO ISSUE BONDS TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO VETERANS OF THE PERSIAN GULF, AFGHANISTAN, AND IRAQ CONFLICTS

I recommend voting no on this proposal. The federal government decides how much compensation is necessary to attract sufficient number of people to enlist in the military. It is not necessary for the State of Ohio to supplement that compensation. The best thing Ohio can do for veterans is to create a positive business environment so they can find jobs upon return to Ohio and spending 200 million dollars doesn't make that happen.

Issue Two: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO CREATE THE OHIO LIVESTOCK CARE STANDARDS BOARD TO ESTABLISH AND IMPLEMENT STANDARDS OF CARE FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

I recommend voting no on this issue. Sounds like an unnecessary expansion of state government. Also, the measure appears to favor the massive factory farms over the smaller family farms.

Issue Three: PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT - TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR ONE CASINO EACH IN CINCINNATI, CLEVELAND, COLUMBUS, AND TOLEDO AND DISTRIBUTE
TO ALL OHIO COUNTIES A TAX ON THE CASINOS

I strongly recommend voting no on this issue. There are probably a dozen reasons to vote against this amendment to our State Constitution. The first thing that turned me off this issue was the advertising in favor of its passage. I was particularly irritated by the ad featuring the guy from the Ohio FOP. Additionally, we can not ignore the damage that gambling can do to a community. Yes, people are responsible for their own actions, but as we all are well aware, the entire community bears the cost of cleaning up after others when their irresponsibility leads to tragic results. I'm not getting moralistic about gambling. I've visited casinos in the past. However, when you have to travel to Vegas or the Bahamas to gamble it is a special event or a vacation, not a nightly trip to blow your paycheck trying win back last weeks losses. One of the arguments in favor of Issue Three is why let Ohio gambling dollars go to Indiana, West Virginia or elsewhere. That is a ridiculous argument. People visit other states for hundreds of entertainment purposes. Some travel from Kentucky or Indiana to Ohio for sporting events. Canton Ohio is home of the NFL Hall of Fame. Should Pennsylvania build their own football Hall of Fame so their residents wouldn't keep taking dollars out of state? Lastly, each time gambling is put on the ballot (which seems to be every year) the language is written to favor individual gambling entities rather being open to competition. I have a feeling this time it passes. If it does, it won't be because of my vote.

Local Issues:
There are a lot of issues in Butler County. However, the only one that I can vote on based on my residence is a question about whether WalMart can sell alcohol during certain hours. Who cares?

Local Races:
WEST CHESTER TWP.- TRUSTEE - (2 to be elected)

Keith Denning
Chris Xeil Lyons
Joseph B. Mansour
Christy Miller
Sean M. Rogers
Roger Sexton
Randy Stanifer
Catherine Stoker *
Lee Wong *

* Incumbents

Our township has three trustees of which two seats are up for elections. I endorse Chris Lyons and Lee Wong for Trustee. Chris Lyons is a bright, enthusiastic, conservative who has committed to reining in spending. If there is an event going on in West Chester Chris and her family will be a part of it. She has been endorsed by our congressman, Rep. Boehner. Lee Wong is just finishing his first term as a trustee and based on my observation deserves another term. Lee was an Army Warrent Officer and is an active member of our VFW Post. Stoker, another incumbent, has been a trustee far too long. George Lang the third incumbent is not up for reelection. I endorse his opponent whenever his seat does come up for election. My guess is the large slate of candidates will spread out the challenger's votes and ensure the incumbents win due to greater name recognition.

We also have five candidates running to fill three Board of Education seats. Never heard of any of them. No endorsement.

Remember, if you don't vote then you forfeit the right to complain later. I intend to complain so you know I'll be voting.