Endorsement update

In today's Columbus Dispatch, John responds to the unfortunate process and decision the newspaper used to endorse John's opponent. John's response was so powerful, we wanted to share it with you today.

Paper's endorsement a disappointment
Monday, February 18, 2008 2:58 AM

After receiving the endorsements of the mayor, all three incumbent county commissioners, every City Council member, every Democratic representative and senator in Franklin County, the state chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and the Franklin County Democratic Party, I am disappointed I did not receive the endorsement of The Dispatch. But you can't win 'em all.

In light of this, I would like to express what I believe Dispatch readers deserve to know about me, John O'Grady, and my campaign for Franklin County commissioner.

In 2000, the voters of Franklin County elected me as the first Democratic clerk of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in decades. We inherited an office full of political corruption, fraud and inefficiency, and I promised to clean it up. We've accomplished what I said I would do. Today, the clerk's office has excellent customer service, state-of-the-art accounting measures and a great working relationship with Democrats and Republicans in our court system.

In fact, we're doing more with less. In 2001, the clerk of courts budget was about $12 million, with 240 staff members. Today, the clerk's budget is still about $12 million, with 231 staff members, who are handling 75 percent more foreclosure cases than seven years ago.

This is just the kind of county-level executive experience that matters in our primary.

As your Franklin County commissioner, I will apply this real-world county experience to the challenge of creating jobs and opportunity for everyone in Franklin County. This means investing in our strengths, like technology research, transportation logistics and health care. But we cannot accomplish this as a region without great working relationships with the business, union and elected leadership of Franklin County.

Voters can visit www.johnogrady.org to learn more about my campaign for a new generation of leadership in the March 4 primary.

I believe voters will see that I am the endorsed Democrat for a reason -- I have the experience that matters, the priorities they share and the proven ability to work with everyone to create real change in Franklin County.

JOHN O'GRADY

Thanks, Plunderfolks

Plunderbund, a Central Ohio blog, has posted a comparison of direct mail from John O'Grady and his opponent. Even though the blogger has previously announced his support for Mrs. Lazarus, he gives John props.

"At first glance I’d say the the O’Grady direct mail campaign will probably be more effective - especially with voters who don’t really follow county-level politics i.e. most of them.

The O’Grady mail campaign is simple and focused, with one clear message: JOHN O’GRADY IS THE CANDIDATE ENDORSED BY THE PARTY."

Sure, it's not all sunshine and roses from the Plunderfolk, but we appreciate getting a pretty fair shake.

It's the law

The following is a message from the Franklin County Democratic Party. It's pretty strongly worded, but gives a good overview of the election complaint against Cindy Lazarus.

It’s the law

Yesterday, the Franklin County Democratic Party filed an election complaint against Cindy Lazarus. As Executive Director Zach Manifold said, “Today, the Franklin County Democratic Party is proving our commitment to fair elections by holding Cindy Lazarus, a former judge, accountable for apparent violations of basic campaign laws.”

According to the complaint, Cindy Lazarus’ campaign has created and distributed campaign ads that do not carry basic political disclaimers. These disclaimers state, “Paid for by” and list the name of the committee, as well as a mailing address for the committee. In fact, it’s campaign 101.

This is just one example of the apparent election law violations by Cindy Lazarus according to the Buckeye State Blog.

Unfortunately Cindy Lazarus completely dismissed these serious charges. In fact, her answer was, “All I could say to that is, please.”

Does Cindy Lazarus believe voters don’t deserve to know who provided the information they receive about our elections?

Stay tuned for more information in this developing story. And be sure that the Franklin County Democratic Party will continue to fight for the highest ethical standards. The Republican Party refused to do that — look where it got them.

“Democrats say Lazarus broke campaign law”

Click here for a Columbus Dispatch article about alleged election law violations by the Cindy Lazarus campaign.

Columbus Dispatch features John this Sunday

This Sunday's Columbus Dispatch feature's a good introduction to what makes John O'Grady the best candidate for Franklin County Commissioner. From John's childhood on the westside to his small business and Clerk of Courts work, it's clear John has the experience that matters.

Read more about John's race right here.

The Ohio Primary Starts Today!

On Friday, February 8th, you can start voting in the Democratic primary -- and that means you can start voting for John today!

Thanks to Ohio's early voting laws, you can visit the Franklin County Board of Elections (map) to vote in person, or request an early vote ballot (click here for the form).

John O'Grady kicked off the Ohio primary today with Mayor Coleman and a group of O'Grady supporters. You can see photos of our Get Out the Early Vote rally right here, or check out the evening news for coverage.

Support John O'Grady today by voting for the presidential candidate of your choice, then voting for John O'Grady, the endorsed Democrat for Franklin County Commissioner.

Just remember: With voting already started, we need your help now more than ever. Click here to help John reach even more voters.

"Committed to the Future" ad to air this weekend

The Franklin County Commissioner race ramped up today with the release of the first television ad from John O’Grady, the endorsed Democrat. The ad, titled “Committed to the Future,” continues to show John’s strength as a new generation of leadership for Franklin County.



The ad will begin airing this weekend on broadcast and cable stations in Franklin County. It is also available on the web at www.johnogrady.org.