Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Wickliffe, Ohio – Democratic congressional candidate Bill O'Neill released the following statement today on the hospitalization of Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones.

"My heart and prayers go out today to the family, friends, and colleagues of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Stephanie is a legend and a hero not just to the people of the 11th district of Ohio, but across the nation. She has been a dear friend and inspiration to me, and is the gold standard for all those who aspire to public service. Godspeed, Congresswoman Tubbs Jones."

Justin Barasky
Press Secretary

Help Support a Great Cause

Bill wanted us to give a shout-out to his lovely cousin Carole Young.

Carole’s participating in a program sponsored by the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer research, where she will be walking 20 miles for three days (60 miles total) in hopes of raising more than $2,000 to fight to end breast cancer forever.

On Carole’s 49th birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer by the same doctor who had found her mother’s cancer the same month. After an eleven and a half hour surgery, treatment could begin. Carole and her Mom would go hand and hand to each of their chemotherapy treatments and doctor’s appointments. They had the same doctors, surgeons, oncologists and supported each other every step of the way.

Not only is Carole a survivor with a truly inspiring story, but she lost her mother to breast cancer in 2002, and she has a sister-in-law who is also a survivor. No doubt you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Please click here to learn more about the Breast Cancer 3-Day, and consider making a donation to help Carole, and promote breast cancer research and awareness.

Thanks,

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary

Debate Season

Hosted by the News Herald, Bill O’Neill and Steve LaTourette met yesterday for the first debate of the election season. (Bill, of course has challenged Steve LaTourette to an energy debate, but so far Steve LaTourette appears to be dodging it.)

In the debate, Bill talked about how we need to stop sending tax breaks to Big Oil and instead start providing tax incentives for alternative energy to help lower gas prices. Bill also addressed the health care crisis, and the war in Iraq, highlighting Congress’s failure to lead and Steve LaTourette’s inability to bring about change after 14 long years in Washington. Instead of a vision for the future, Steve LaTourette merely blamed his ineffectiveness on being in the minority – which only accounts for the past two years of his career. And he proudly championed his record of bringing money back to the district, even though Taxpayers for Common Sense ranked him in the bottom 1/3 of Congress.

The forum was yet another glaring reminder of why we need change in Washington. And it was clear that Bill O’Neill is ready to bring that change.

The debate should be on local television in the near future. To read the News Herald story on the debate, click HERE.

Justin Barasky
Press Secretary
O’Neill for Congress

A Few Good Men

Friday night, Subodh Chandra graciously held a reception to benefit Bill’s campaign at his home in Cleveland. We were further honored by our special guest, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher. Both men voiced their support for Bill’s candidacy, touting his service to our country in Vietnam, his service to Ohio as a Judge, and his service to the community as an emergency room nurse.

Click HERE to view pictures from the event.

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary
O’Neill for Congress

Happy Birthday Social Security!

"Steve LaTourette is willing to let our seniors’ well-being be tied to the ups and downs of Wall Street. I’m not."

Today, on Social Security's 73rd birthday, Bill pledged to always fight against any efforts to privatize what so many of our nation's seniors rely on. Click on this link to see Bill's statement.

Justin Barasky

Press Secretary

It’s my (House) Party and I’ll contribute if I want to! (Please Do)

Last night Bill and I attended a House Party in support of the campaign in Moreland Hills. As you can see , our hosts even made special invitations. The event was a big success with 20 people getting to learn more about Bill, why he’s running for Congress, and why he so strongly believes that Northeast Ohio deserves change. The best part of the evening was the hour-long question-and-answer session between Bill and the attendees. The topics ranged from energy and gas prices, to the war in Iraq, to taxes, and I think there was a question or two about the Cleveland Indians pitching staff.

These house parties are a great opportunity to meet and get to know Bill, learn more about what he believes, and talk to Bill on a personal level about the issues that most affect your daily lives. Contributions to the campaign are welcomed at house parties, but aren’t required.

If you would like to host a house party with Bill O’Neill, give us a call at 440-943-2897.

Justin Barasky
Press Secretary

Painesville Parade!

Last night we were in Painesville for the Lake County Fair Parade. While the staff and our great volunteers passed out candy and O’Neill 08 stickers, Bill walked the parade from Harvey High School to the Fairgrounds, shaking as many hands and meeting as many people as possible.

I’ve noticed that on other campaigns, some candidates ride in cars, or walk in line with their supporters, but Bill goes up and down the street talking and meeting people, often engaging them to the point where the campaign car starts to leave him behind.  You wouldn’t think it, but these parades have become a great way for Bill to hear real stories from real people about gas prices, their jobs, and other issues affecting their daily lives. 

Bill really enjoys meetings the voters in the 14^th Congressional district and hearing what’s on their mind. I can honestly tell you that it wasn’t easy getting Bill to leave the event last night.

We’ve added some more pictures from parades to our Flickr, you can take a look by clicking here.

See you at the next parade,

Ben Barasky

Deputy Press Secretary