It appears the U.S. Senate finally came together this past week to get something accomplished that was long overdue.

Former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray was confirmed as the first director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

It was nearly two years ago that President Barack Obama nominated Cordray to head the agency that the White House says will lead consumer watchdog efforts.

Various reports previously noted that Senate members didn’t have an overwhelming objection to Cordray himself, but rather concerns were mostly about the agency and what it would be allowed to do.

There were also other concerns by Senate Republican leaders about how Cordray was nominated during a congressional recess.

However, compromises were finally made and the Senate was allowed to move forward with procedure, and Cordray was confirmed by a 66-34 vote.

All 54 Democratic senators voted to confirm Cordray, and 12 Republican senators, including Sen. Rob Portman from Ohio, joined them.

Regardless of one’s opinion, a yes or no vote was needed on this matter, and it finally happened. Two years was long enough.

One other thing the nomination does is eliminate Cordray as a potential Democratic candidate for Ohio governor.

Yes, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald has already announced he is running for governor and is actively campaigning against Gov. John Kasich.

But there was always that slight chance that Cordray might enter the race if he was no longer involved with the federal position.

One of the first emails I received from politicians and organizations was from FitzGerald’s campaign congratulating Cordray.

It was a sincere congratulations and statement, I’m sure, but my hunch is there might be just the tiniest bit of relief from the FitzGerald camp that this possibility of a serious primary opponent was pretty much eliminated.

No labels

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township was one of more than 80 members of Congress from both parties who came together in Washington Thursday to announce a reform package of nine bills aimed to improve efficiency and curb spending.

The bipartisan group is called the No Labels’ Congressional Problem Solvers Coalition, which is honorarily chaired by former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, a Republican, and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va.

Joyce called the announcement and group’s formation “monumental,” and hopes that it can lead to passing bills that at first may be considered common sense, low-hanging fruit and with that building more trust and bipartisanship to help end Washington gridlock.

More about the coalition can be found at www.nolabels.org.

Event

Willoughby Hills Councilman David Fiebig hosts a free All American Family Picnic including a special guest from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 7 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills.

Fundies

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, hosts an “Old-Time Backyard Barbecue” fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at her home. See Susan or Ray McGuinness.

n Fundraiser for Mentor Councilman Ray Kirchner, 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 29 at Cabanas Restaurant in Mentor. See George Maier or Kirchner.

n State Rep. Ron Young hosts Summer Sizzle fundraiser with special guest U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, 6 to 8 p.m. July 29 at South River Winery in Harpersfield Township. See Young.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 10th Annual Ferrante Winery Celebration in Harpersfield Township. 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 31. See Ernie Koenig or Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour.

n Mentor on the Lake Councilwoman Desirea Thompson hosts a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at Amvets Post 109 in Mentor on the Lake. See Desirea or John Thompson.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran, first annual golf outing scramble, 11:30 a.m. lunch Aug. 15 at Madison Country Club. See Kevin Malecek or Paul Miller.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah