Friday, February 29, 2008 (Columbus, Ohio) We Believe Ohio’s “Political Sleaze-Free Zone” campaign -- which Gov. Ted Strickland and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner have already endorsed -- gained further momentum yesterday at a bipartisan candidates forum in Columbus. The event brought together diverse religious leaders and eight political candidates, all of whom signed We Believe’s petition calling for truthful, civil, issues-focused campaigns. "The people of Ohio want their candidates to focus on the issues that matter most especially issues like poverty, jobs, healthcare and education," said Rev. Mark Diemer, pastor Grace of God Lutheran Church in Columbus.
Representatives of two other campaigns, including Senator Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, attended as well. All of the presidential campaigns were invited. Candidates and officeholders in attendance: - Ted Celeste, 24th House District, Democrat
- Daryl Hennessey, 25th House District, Republican
- Brad Lewis M.D., 19th House District, Republican
- Marian Harris, 19th House District, Democrat
- Jeff Sinnard, 34th House District, Democrat
- Cindy Lazarus, Franklin County Commission, Democrat
- Jeffery Miller, Franklin County Commission, Republican
- David Robinson, US House of Representatives District 12, Democrat
- Representing Senator Hillary Clinton’s campaign, Eric McFadden and Michael McCray
- Representing Michael Keenan’s campaign for the 22nd House District Republican, Kevin Bingle
"We have the opportunity to change how campaigning in Ohio is done as the Faith Community works together with candidates who seek to campaign with integrity and honesty," said Rev. Tim Ahrens, pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Columbus. We Believe also introduced their panel of leaders who will review Ohio political campaigns’ conduct: Rev. Jennifer Kimball Casto of New Life United Methodist Church, Retired Fairfield County Common Pleas Judge John Martin, and Rev. Eric Brown, pastor of Woodland Christian Church. We Believe Ohio’s Political Sleaze-Free Zone petition can be found online here. www.webelieveohio.org
We are called as people of faith and loyal Americans to be united in dialogue and action to say: YES to justice for all; NO to prosperity for only a few; YES to diverse religious expression; NO to self-righteous certainty; YES to the common good; NO to discrimination against any of God’s people; YES to the voice of religious traditions informing public policy; NO to crossing the lines that separate the institutions of Religion and Government. PRESS RELEASE – WE BELIEVE OHIO FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 29, 2008
Contact: Katie Barge (202) 243-8289 ### |
