O'Neill/Fingerhut '92

Check out this 1992 photo featuring Bill O'Neill and former Congressman Eric Fingerhut, in what was the first election for the 14th Congressional district.

All-Star Rally for Change!

Bill O'Neill is joined by Hillary Clinton and Ted Strickland today at Lakeland Community College.

Bill on Daily Kos!

A diarist at Daily Kos highlighted Bill's race today, you can check out the diary HERE. They specifically mentioned the great article from Cleveland Scene magazine profiling Bill which came out yesterday.

Our Closing Argument

Take a listen to our newest radio ad by clicking HERE, and chip in a contribution to help us keep it on the air.

The Change We Need

Bill O'Neill speaks in Willoughby last Friday about the need for universal healthcare.

Bill has been dubbed a healthcare hero by the California Nurses Association and the National Nurses Organizing Committee for his championing of universal healthcare. To check out more pictures from the event, click HERE.

Shawn O'Neill

Shawn O'Neill carries on the family tradition, serving with honor in Iraq.

What Would YOU do for a Million Dollars???

Listen to our new radio ad HERE and find out what Steve LaTourette was willing to do...then feel free to let us know what you would do!

Justin B
Press Secretary

Watch Bill on Channel 5!

Bill was featured on ABC 5 this week to talk about the campaign. To watch, click HERE.

Justin B
Press Secretary

You're Invited!

Click on the image for a larger view or click HERE to see the invite online.

Radio, Radio

Listen to our radio ad, click HERE.

Getting the Facts Straight

If you didn’t listen to WCPN last week, then you missed Steve LaTourette accusing Bill of having been tainted by rulings in favor of those who had contributed to his judicial campaigns. Allow us to set the record straight.

The Facts About Bill O'Neill's Record

As a judge and a judicial candidate, O'Neill was hailed for his courageous stances self-limiting campaign contributions. In his campaigns for Ohio Court of Appeals and the Ohio Supreme Court, O'Neill limited his campaign contributions to $10 from individuals and $1,000 from organizations, figures drastically under the maximum allowed under state law.

In his 10-year judicial career, O'Neill ruled on more than 3,000 cases. Only nine (9!) of those cases involved a contributor (0.003 percent). In those nine cases, he ruled nearly as often against his contributor (3 times) as in favor of (5 times), with one split decision. (Ohio Secretary of State's Office)

The Facts About Steve LaTourette's Record

In 14 years in Congress, LaTourette has taken nearly four million dollars ($3,994,807 as of June 30, 2008) from special interest PACs; he has taken nearly $300,000 ($287,970) from individuals and PACs in the oil and energy industries, and over one million dollars ($1,196,373) from individuals and PACs in the financial services industry. (Center for Responsive Politics)

In LaTourette's first campaign for Congress, LaTourette criticized his opponent for taking money from PACs, calling him the "prince of PACs" (Plain Dealer, May 5, 1994). Now PACs make up 46% of his lifetime contributions and 59% of his contributions this cycle. (Center for Responsive Politics)

According to Oil Change International's Follow the Oil Money site, which LaTourette's staff has cited, LaTourette votes with Big Oil 82% of the time. Last night, he cast another vote against a bill that would have ended tax subsidies for Big Oil companies.

A comparison of records shows that the record is clear. Steve LaTourette is in the pocket of special interest PAC’s.

Justin Barasky
Press Secretary

Bill Calls out Steve LaTourette for Once Again Siding with Big Oil

Wednesday night, Steve LaTourette once again stood firmly on the side of Big Oil, as he voted against a comprehensive energy bill that ended tax breaks for oil companies, invested that money in alternative energy, lowered gas prices and opened up more drilling opportunities.

Bill was disappointed, but not surprised, and said-

“He’s been saying he’s for ‘all of the above.’ And now that he’s voted against this comprehensive energy plan, I guess he meant ‘none of the above.’ When I’m a congressman, I will do everything in my power to fight for lower gas prices and reduce our dependence on foreign oil,”

Bill also went after Steve LaTourette for taking nearly $287, 970 from the oil and energy industries since he went to Washington (Center for Responsive Politics).

It’s clear where Representative LaTourette’s loyalties lie, and it’s not with the people of Northeast Ohio. It’s time for a Congressman who will fight for us, and not for big oil. It’s time for a change, and it’s time for Bill O’Neill to be our next Congressman.

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary

LaTourette Criticized for Involvement in Financial Crisis

Yesterday, we issued a press release asking Steve LaTourette to stand up and take responsibility for his role in the economic crisis facing Northeast Ohio and the nation.

"The people of Northeast Ohio deserve an explanation and, quite frankly, an apology," O’Neill said.

Bill’s statement has been receiving some nice reviews in the blogosphere. Ohio Daily Blog said “we came out swinging” while Buckeye State Blog notes that Bill O’Neill has “a track record of “standing up for working families.” Open Left, a national blog noted our press release here, and PolitickerOH wrote a great story highlighting Steve LaTourette’s connections to Phil Gramm, who infamously called America “a nation of whiners” recently.

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary

Had Enough?

"I'd like to know why Steve LaTourette is on the side of Phil Gramm and the banking lobbyists who are to blame for this crisis instead of the working families of Northeast Ohio. He's taken their money his entire career, and he's done their bidding in Congress, and last year Ohio had the sixth highest foreclosure rate in the nation to show for it. Steve LaTourette is out of touch, out of excuses and out of time, and working families have had enough of this lack of leadership in Congress. It's time for a change."

Fixing Healthcare in America

Last week Bill did a radio interview about Universal Health Care. To listen or download in a variety of formats, click HERE.

Justin Barasky
Press Secretary

The Newest Member of the O'Neill Campaign

You have to read about our newest staffer! Here's the release we sent out

O'Neill Campaign Hires Cocker Spaniel Named "Lucky"

Dog Enrolled in Same Obedience School Oil Companies Sent Steve LaTourette to

Wickliffe, Ohio – Democratic congressional candidate Bill O'Neill brought on its newest paid staffer as of this past Saturday. "Lucky" the dog will now be in charge of volunteer amusement and assist on debate prep. Lucky, who hails from the world famous Logan Farm in Trumbell County, is two years old, which in dog years is 14, the same number of years Steve LaTourette's been in Congress. Unlike the congressman, she hasn't yet worn out her welcome.

"Lucky follows Bill around wherever he goes, she's very loyal," said O'Neill press secretary Justin Barasky. "She's as good a friend to Bill as Steve LaTourette is to Big Oil and Big Energy.

"Yesterday Bill taught Lucky how to roll over", said Justin. "We all know Steve LaTourette learned long ago how to roll over for Big Oil and Big Energy. Just look at this year's vote to keep the tax breaks for Big Oil instead of investing that money into alternative energy sources. Unfortunately for us, you can't teach an old dog new tricks."

"And that's why Bill O'Neill is running to bring change to Washington."

The Numbers

-According to Oil Change International's "Follow the Oil Money" site, which the LaTourette campaign cites, LaTourette has voted in the oil industry's favor 82% of the time.

-Lucky has received 2 meals a day from Bill O'Neill, along with love, attention, and a warm place to sleep.

-OpenSecrets.org reports LaTourette's career receipts from the oil and energy industries at more than $283,000.

-Bill O'Neill reports Lucky's career receipts at about 100 dollars so far.

Justin Barasky, Press Secretary

Down on the Farm

Above: Bill w/ Bob Boggs and State Rep. Deborah Newcomb

Saturday afternoon, our gracious hosts, Andy and Gwen Logan held a reception to benefit Bill’s campaign at their farm in Trumbull County. Our special guest, Secretary of Agriculture Bob Boggs, further honored us. Secretary Boggs voiced his support for Bill’s candidacy, touting him as the voice for change that Northeast Ohio needs.

Click HERE to view pictures from the event.

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary
O’Neill for Congress

Reception to Feature Sec. of Agriculture Bob Boggs

We are always so thankful for the help and support we receive from Ohio’s dedicated public officials. Here at O’Neill for Congress, we’re honored to have the Ohio Secretary of Agriculture, Bob Boggs, in town tomorrow as our special guest at a fundraiser to benefit the campaign.

Over the last 34 years, Bob Boggs has served the people of Ohio as a representative, senator and a county commissioner. During his career in public service, he used his agricultural background to make decisions on dozens of rural issues including linked deposits, ethanol tax credits, soil and water conservation funding, OSU cooperative extension, and rural development.

The reception will be held Saturday, August 23rd, from 4-6pm at the home of our gracious hosts Gwen and Andy Logan.

To RSVP, call Ben at (440) 554-4844. With a large host committee and many RSVP’s already, this is shaping up to be our best and biggest event so far.

Click HERE to see our event mentioned on Buckeye State Blog.

Hope to see you there!

Ben Barasky
Deputy Press Secretary

We'll Miss You Congresswoman

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

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and colleague Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. This is a tragic loss for the people of Northeast Ohio. I will forever remember her smile, her laugh, and the passion she brought to the halls of Congress. She will be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family this evening."

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