Mon 16 Apr 2007
From the Wulsin for Congress gmail account:
Democrat Victoria Wulsin Will Challenge Schmidt in ’08
Pledges to Bring Integrity Back to Ohio’s Second Congressional District
(Cincinnati, OH) – Citing the need for responsible and honest leadership, Dr. Victoria Wulsin announced today that she would challenge Jean Schmidt again in 2008 to represent the people of Ohio’s Second Congressional District in the United States Congress.
“When Americans are fighting in Iraq, going without affordable health care, and struggling to support their families, we need an independent voice in Congress, not a rubber stamp for special interests and the Bush Administration ,” Dr. Wulsin said, adding, “The people of the Second District deserve a Congresswoman who will be honest with her constituents.”
A life-long Ohioan, Dr. Wulsin is a public health doctor who has dedicated her career to public service, serving as an Epidemiologist for the city of Cincinnati and starting a non-profit AIDS prevention organization. She came within one percent of beating Schmidt in 2006, receiving more votes than any Democrat in the history of Ohio’s Second District.
Schmidt has already been placed on Karl Rove’s list of the most vulnerable Republicans in 2008 because of her low approval ratings and controversial record.
“The people of Ohio’s Second District deserve a congresswoman like Vic who will stand up for them and represent their values in Washington and won’t let politics get in the way of serving her constituents,” said Todd Portune, President of the Board of the Hamilton County Commissioners.
Victoria lives with her husband, Dr. Lawson Wulsin, Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at the University of Cincinnati . They have raised their four sons in the 2nd District.
Wulsin’s in… Jim Parker’s in… Russ Aery seems to be in… not so sure what’s going to happen with this place.
You need to correct your comments. As of right now, I am not a candidate for US Congress.
I know that I could win the Ohio 2nd in November. Jean Schmidt knows it too. Unfortunately, my biggest challenge is the Democratic primary. I live 100 miles away from most of the people who vote in our primary but I have proven my ability to share a positive Democratic message with thousands of people. So, the next time that I do decide to run, I’m going to 15personally visit 15,000 people’s homes first. And if do I win, I’m going to do it the old fashioned way; I’m going to earn it.
If a Democrat doesn’t win in 2008, there is a very good possibility that I will begin a 2010 campaign one day after the election of the next President of the United States.
Then, Jim Parker will be in….
Editor, nice to see that you’ve come out of your slumber. One piece of advice… The track record in the Ohio 2nd is that the Democratic Party has been losing this district for almost 40 years. The reason is that whenever the primary is over, the winner of the Democratic primary has to turn around and ask people who make up the majority of the district’s registered voters to vote for him or her. The challenge is that most of the registered voters in the Ohio 2nd district are Republicans. The truth is that if the wrong candidate wins the Democratic primary, they wouldn’t be able to win the Ohio 2nd (even if they had $10 million dollars).
The Ohio 2nd District is the most winnable Congressional district in America. You just need the right candidate to win. And a person cannot pretend to be the right candidate in the Ohio 2nd.
Vic Wulsin, Russ Arey, Jeff Sinnard, Thor Jacobs, Gaby Downey and any other potential Democratic candidates… Good Luck. May the best candidate win. If one of you does happen to win this thing, I have the answer to America’s healthcare funding crisis that is looming on the horizon. The next generation of the US Congress will have no choice but to have to solve this problem. God, I sure hope they know what they are doing. This is an issue that will touch every American family in the next 15 years.
Thanks for the opportunity to present my opinion.
Jim Parker
Future Democratic Candidate for US Congress
Southern Ohio – 2nd District
Help Jim Parker get his message to 50,000 people who live and raise their families throughout Southern Ohio…
http://JimParker4ad.blogspot.com/
Jim
U THINK you can be MJ? No I cannot believe that. You have some GREAT ideas; but you are TOO focused…Healthcare is very very important but NOT the only thing. Economic growth does not spawn from Healthcare.
I hope Vic can get the backing she needs to oust MJ…she is totally ineffective for the second district.
Vic won’t win this time either. 2006 was the perfect chance for Southern OH and for Vic. Does she really think she can shake the GAY and TAX issue commercials – people remember that stuff. Vic “thinks” the DCCC and Emily’s List back her but they need to see how much money she can raise this cycle just like the last cycle before they throw their weight behind her — nothing has changed, she has to prove herself to them yet again and she hasn’t done that yet. Her last filing was ZERO dollars. Not a good way to start proving yourself. The problem now is that everyone in OH and DC really knows what a dingbat she actually is — the Dems need an alternative … Russ? You in?
Crazy:
I can assure you that Dr. Wulsin is not a dingbat. The republican tactic of bring up gays and taxes in a campaign is not working anymore. It just takes longer here in SW OH. The economy is terrible. Iraq is and will be a huge issue.
Vic Wulsin did a fantastic job especially since it was her first race. Campaigning is a lot harder than it looks (believe me, I know) especially on the national level. Wulsin won 49.5% of the vote in a heavily republican district her first time out.
That’s a really big deal and a great accomplishment.
Let’s just say more people really know Vic and what she’s really made of this time around – take that as you will. I agree Vic did a great job but she didn’t do it alone – a lot of staff and volunteers did major heavy lifting with her. I just wish that OH02 had a true solid, respectable democrat who could step up to the plate and run for this seat. Someone who did not always have to be managed by staff (and if you think Vic didn’t have to be managed by staff don’t kid yourself) who could stand on their own two feet, think for themselves, raise money for themselves, not act silly in serious moments, be taken serious nationally, and come up with some viable solutions to the problems this state and country are facing instead of just sounding off about them. Is that asking too much?
CD:
Are you that naive that you think candidates are not managed by staff? They all are. What person could run a national campaign alone? No one could possibly do that nor should they. Obviously, you have no idea what a campaign is like. Could you be more specific about what you consider Wulsin’s silly moments? Exactly what about the policies she put forth were not serious? She did put forth solutions. I voluntered a lot on various campaigns in the area and saw her campaign one on one and making speeches and I have no idea what you are referring to.
DG:
Are you that naive that you think candidates are not managed by staff? (Of course not – it is a major undertaking that a person needs qualified people to help run.) They all are. What person could run a national campaign alone? (No one.) No one could possibly do that nor should they. (I whole heartedly agree) Obviously, you have no idea what a campaign is like. (Only if you knew.) Could you be more specific about what you consider Wulsin’s silly moments? (Drinking beer in a dry county at a public function, not having an economic development plan, paying her family to work for her, disengaging Clermont Co.) Exactly what about the policies she put forth were not serious? She did put forth solutions. (No – she “talked” about the problems but never offered solutions – if I missed these please share them with me.) I voluntered a lot on various campaigns in the area and saw her campaign one on one and making speeches and I have no idea what you are referring to.
***The point here that I am trying to make is that I think Southern Ohio could do lots better with a better candidate. Vic did a great job but there is a better candidate out in the wings that could go a lot further to take the seat and actually hold it … I think Russ Arey… born and bred in Southern Ohio. Knows the people – they like him, can walk and talk the lingo, think on his feet, and is aggressive about testing solutions to the problems we face here. Yes health care sucks but thats a national issue and more importantly access to jobs, training and education will have a more direct impact to us and Russ can be that vital link for us at the state level — plus Ted likes Russ. Rumor has it that he is not so fond of Vic. A year ago no one thought Vic could pull off what she did but I think she took it as far as she could — now let’s give Russ Arey a shot.
I like Russ too and I think he’d make a great candidate. However, I don’t think that takes anything away from Vic Wulsin or her accomplishments. Vic stepped up and ran the last time and did terrifically well. You may know Cleremont Co. but I worked in Hamilton and Warren Co. She got absolutely no help from the HCDP for GOTV and the DCCC came in too late. The GOP smear machine did their usual slimy job. The DCC should have known this and been there to pay for ads.
My big complaint is we run a green candidate and then are shocked when he/she doesn’t do well against a well oiled repug machine and their seasoned candidate (although in this case, Wulsin learned fast and came within a fraction of a point). We should encourage our candidate to run again and support him/her. Wulsin has name recognition and experience. I suggest you go to her website for her policies and solutions if it’s still up.
Wulsin won the eastern counties except Adams and she did very well in the suburban counties around Cincinnati. No one expected her to win Warren or Cleremont. Considering that 2nd’s portion of Hamilton County contains the wealthiest suburbs, she did extremely well.
If you are a Russ supporter fine, but that is no reason to go on a mysogynistic attack on Wulsin. Let the republicans get in a circle and shoot at each other. Me, I won’t dis a Dem unless they are DLC or blue dog (because they are really repug lite) and I will enthusiastically support the winner of the primary if there is a primary contest. I just hope we can avoid that and save our money and energy for the general.
Now go have a beer in a dry county and take a deep breath. I hope that’s the worse thing you ever do in your life. Hopefully, you won’t ever lie about a degree, dis a war veteran marine, think letting a wounded soldier lie in filth surrounded by vermin and mold is not too bad, avoid your opponent in a debate, generally be an embarrassment or ever wear a scrunchie.
umm…not that i am picking sides but it was Vic’s 2nd run…she lost the primary to Paul. like Jim, she’s got to be getting some chops.
scrunchies do have their uses..
Mrs. E:
I’ll amend my comment about scrunchies. They are ok for the beach or pool, look ok on teens and 20 year olds but I believe the fashion police will support me when I say that 50 somethings should not be wearing them with dress clothes.
I was referring to the general election regarding Vic Wulsin. I think running in a primary is a lot different than the general, at least for a Democrat. It’s not vicious,
Hi Mrs. E:
Ok, I’ll agree scrunchies are useful but they don’t look good especially if you are of a certain age. And Schmidt is way past that age.
I was thinking of the general election when I referred to Wulsin’s first run. The Democratic primary was very different than the general. It was genteel. The general got pretty vicious.
Sorry about the double post. The comment section was acting up.
Whether we like it or not the choice of Dems might get crowded very fast for 08 (rumor has it an old school Cinti lawyer is thinking of running) and I think that’s because a lot of people also think there are stronger candidates out there who they are willing to back — Vic did a great job but I think Jean could have been beat with a better choice. Believe me – I hate to see Dem internal fighting and money wasted on primaries – dems as a party are unorganized enough as it is but part of the process is weeding out the weaklings to get the strongest candidate who can actually win and OH02 hasn’t done that yet. If Vic can’t beat Jean will she be able to beat a stronger Republican candidate who beats Jean in the primary this go around?
CD: 49.5% with no help from HCDP or and a very late DCCC. Wulsin didn’t lose, she was hung out to dry and still came with in a hair or winning. She needed less than 2000 votes. Do you think anyone else could have done better under the exact same circumstances? Look at the 2004 elections results for Kerry in the 2nd. Wulsin is a freaking miracle.
And she was a novice. Now, she knows what worked and what didn’t. She is a fast learner and willing to correct her mistakes. She’s not vested in running the exact same campaign. She’ll change what didn’t work and make it better.
We need these others to step up to the plate and fill out the slate. Why does everyone think they should start on the national level? Strickland needs the house and the senate and we could use some good candidates there and it would give them campaign experience. Ohio will redistrict in 2010 and the 2nd district will probably look very different. Some of them may be in line for other districts by then. We need to build a farm team of candidates.
That Vic is willing to run again should provoke the following reaction from anyone with a brain capacity larger than that of a salamander: We should supplicate, kiss her feet, annoint her with oil, sing her praises, clear her a path and spread rose petals before her.
The negative comments about Vic come from individuals who obviously do not know her.
We will go from having the worst Congressentity in Washington to having the best.
No one has addressed my speculation … Can Vic beat a republican that ousts Jean in a primary in a presidential year in Ohio? The republicans aren’t just going to turn this one over to us. I think voter turn-out in Southern Ohio will be near the high 60 to 70 percent range and historical trends indicate republican leanings. Is she our best candidate? 2006 was the perfect storm for Democrats nationwide and Vic benefited from that – there is no doubt – anyone denying that has their head in the sand and only clarifies whats wrong with dems in southern Ohio. We need a strong candidate that independent men will vote for and I am not so sure they are comfortable with Vic and her stance on certain issues. I want a Dem just as much as any other dem out there and am trying to be realistic. Not looking at the whole picture strategically hurts us as a party. Vic ALMOST got the job done but didn’t – I want someone who WILL get the job done and that takes the right candidate. I’ve been around campaigns long enough to know it takes the perfect mix. Is it worth it to us to lose another election to republicans to figure this one out?
CD:
Of course we think Wulsin can win this and of course we know republicans will dump a ton of money into this race and do their typical dirty attack garbage. We’ve all been there and done that. We have a learning curve. We’ll work hard again and have the advantage of experience. We know what doesn’t work. If you are looking for an ultra perfect candidate, commission a statue because no real human will be perfect. We have a good, proven candidate. The trend is away from the republicans. 2006 was just the start and 2008 will be even better. Wulsin will get early support this time from the DCCC as well as other national groups. She only needs a few more votes per county to win. It won’t take that many independent men for that. There will be enough fed up people to put Wulsin over the line.
Quite frankly, worrying about appealing to every little group will get you no where. Dems have tried that and it doesn’t work. We need to get back to real issues and what’s good for this country. No more hedging and worrying about the republican issues of guns, gays and God. How about our message of peace, security, good economy and health care? If independent men don’t like that message, they can ask themselves how’s it working for them under the republicans.
“every little group” is the (underline) marjority of the district (being – independents)and I’d like to note of which Vic did not get the vote last time. I think it’s important that Vic be able to resonate with white, middle class, men. Right now she doesn’t. If you want her to win I’d suggest you start worrying about this group.
Interesting comment. I’m curious how you think she should do this.
Personally, I find this kind of targeting dangerous as candidates try to appease narrow interests instead of speaking from their hearts and focusing on big picture problem solving issues, but it does have many adherents these days.
She’s done it somewhat but needs to tailor her message more — if left to her own devices she would preach peace, harmony, goodwill to all, and have a big old bra burning march but lets face it THIS DISTRICT can’t swallow that. Maybe in CA but not here where part of the district or still the majority of it loves their guns. Representation is about just that representing the people – they elect someone they feel reflects them … and if you look and the demographics and polling data — toting the typical dem party message won’t win her this seat ever. She will have to continue to be creative and moderate and reach out to the independents (there aren’t enough Dems in OH02 to elect her with a majority with Reps voting). You can’t cram your ideals down someones throat – it doesn’t work in politics.
Purple Piketonian sweetie…put the beer down…LOL..Im trying to keep my mouth shut here.
Im all for the “rah-rah yay dems” but lets try to keep a few toes on the ground.
I dont think the question is can Vic win but will she do what it takes to win?
CD-
Nice sexist comment. Nothing like repeating an old urban myth that feminists burned bras. Never happened but keep repeating it to dismiss women as stupid, crazy and ineffective. Just leave it to old white men. Yeah, that’s what we need more of in Congress because we just don’t have enough of them. They’re an endangered species in Congress. And they represent us so well.
The majority of voters in the 2nd are independents not republicans. We don’t need the 30% diehard no matter how bad it gets republicans to win. We need to make sure all the Democrats vote and we need to pick up a few more independents that the last time. Voter turn out will be greater in 08 because it’s a presidential election. That always helps the Dems. Republicans always try to suppress the vote because that helps them. They do not have Blackwell and as much control over the local boards of elections as they have had in the past. The playing field is even which is in our favor.
You need to really examine your objections to Wulsin. It would seem to have a lot to do with gender and not viability. It seems the repubicans were willing to vote for a woman and you don’t think Democrats will.
The question is not will Vic do what it takes to win but will we do what it takes to win. Toward that end, allow me to be Piketocentric once again. Vic ran a pragmatic campaign in the eastern district, not at all starry-eyed liberal. She made the right alliances and spoke straight to a very conservative base. And she won here, much bigger than expected.
There were serious organizational problems, but those can be chalked up to lack of money and first-time inexperience.
The secret this time is to do in Adams and Brown what was done in Pike and Scioto — that’s where the extra half percent is. Those counties are hurting bad and were just neglected in 2006. There is no reason other than poor message penetration for Vic losing Adams County, the poorest county in Ohio.
The idea that this district is forever 70% Republican is just wrong. Nationally, the country has shifted 15 points toward the Democrats since 2000. Where did that shift happen? Precisely in depressed rural areas like the majority of this district.
In short, WE have to get out and do old-fashioned organizing in the neglected rural areas. With her health credentials and her empathetic appeal, Vic is a perfect candidate to support that organizing, and hopefully she will be tied to a similar presidential candidate like Edwards or Obama.
Yes, a Republican other than Schmidt would be tougher to beat, but such a Republican would beat Schmidt by adopting some very unSchmidty positions. An honest insurgent Republican would not be such a bad thing, and Vic would be responsible for bringing that about.
Thank You PP for addressing my comments. I agree with you 100% and if the dem party in SOh can get their act together – a dem win may just be in order in 08. Regardless if Schmidt or another R wins the primary – if Dems are organized and collectively united – 06 can be a springboard for success.
DG – okay so the bra burning was a little tongue in cheek but Vic has her moments and needs to curtail her more “liberal” rants if she wants to appeal to the broader spectrum. While a lot of people voted for her – rumor has it she was considered the lessor of two evils … if another option enters the race — things could become interesting esp for Vic’s camp. A second round may not be guaranteed for her.
Totally disagree. People respect people with the courage of their convictions.
This is going to be another election year fueled by passions, not appeasers.
Liberal rants? So it’s a crazy liberal rant to want a functional government, to root out corruption, to end an illegal war, to want to provide health care, to balance the budget, to enact fair trade agreements. Wow, that’s so extreme that the majority of Americans want it. Stop with the Fox talking points. Even middle age white men want these things.
Are you watching McCain, Romney and Guilani implode trying to be all things to all people? The small interest groups know they are being lied to and don’t like it. The Democratic message is very mainstream and rational. The conservative platform doesn’t work. It’s been tried by Coolidge, Hoover, Reagan, Bush I & II. Plus W has decimated every agency that helped regular citizens and he’s broken the military. No one except the extremists are buying what the republicans are selling anymore.