Democrat Michael Wager, candidate for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, wants U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce to reject a Republican federal budget proposal.

Wager of Moreland Hills is unopposed in his party’s primary and is slated to appear on the November ballot against the winner of a Republican Party primary between Joyce, R-Russell Township, and state Rep. Matt Lynch of Bainbridge Township. Libertarian Party candidate David Macko of Solon is unopposed in his party’s primary.

Wager spoke to a group of supporters April 10 outside Joyce's office in Twinsburg. The photos below were submitted by the Wager campaign.

"I’m calling on Congressman David Joyce to reject this reckless and dangerous Republican budget proposal,” Wager said in a statement released after the event. "Congressman Joyce’s budget is an attack on women, seniors and working families in Ohio’s 14th District. It irresponsibly gives tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans, and pays for it by raising taxes on middle class families by an average of $2,000 per year."

Wager said that the budget would voucherize Medicare and re-open the part D doughnut hole, costing Ohio’s seniors an average of $1,200 more per year in prescription drug costs.

"We have to address the budget deficit, but we have to do it the right way, not on the backs of the middle class and seniors,” Wager said. “Congressman Joyce’s reckless Republican budget represents the wrong priorities for voters in Ohio’s 14th District"

Joyce’s campaign spokesman Kevin Benacci said in an email that America needs a serious, realistic, honest budget that holds Washington accountable and protects taxpayers.

“Mr. Wager’s idea of a budget is one that never balances and increases taxes,” Benacci said. “The simple truth is America can’t afford to spend like it has, and hardworking taxpayers can’t afford the taxes they have to pay.

“Dave Joyce believes America can’t control our future if we don’t own our future. Every day we keep spending and spending, and that means we keep borrowing and borrowing, with much of it from China. That means we are no longer in control of our country’s own economic future.”

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

@newsheraldjah