Well, it’s over — at least for now.

Federal lawmakers came to an agreement Wednesday night to fully reopen the federal government and to also avoid a threatened national default.

The deal will fund the government through Jan. 15 and allow the Treasury to borrow normally through Feb. 7.

Let’s hope that those in Washington can learn from what has transpired the past few weeks and be able to find bipartisan solutions to the big problems our country faces.

That was also a similar feeling former President Bill Clinton expressed when he visited Cleveland on Thursday to speak at Cuyahoga County Community College Foundation Presidential Scholarship Luncheon.

Clinton shared that he felt relief that the situation was over in part because of the political drama that had been created and he believes the country’s reputation has suffered internationally because of it.

The former president has a perspective that only a few can share because he was in office the last time the federal government was shut down.

Although many believe Clinton benefitted politically and that it helped him get re-elected to a second term, he said that threat of a government shutdown is not the right way to govern.

Even though it was a last minute agreement with little choice and time left, a bipartisan agreement was reached.

When looking at the final roll call, eight of Ohio’s 16 members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted for the deal including Reps. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, and Marcia L. Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights. Both Ohio U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland, and Rob Portman, R-Cincinnati, voted to approve the deal.

A Washington-based television reporter asked President Barack Obama that same night after he delivered remarks prior to the House voting on the deal whether he expected the drama to return in a few months when the next deadlines arise and the president simply said “no” before exiting the room.

It would make sense for Congress to work together to put forth a budget for Obama to sign. Is that really too much to ask?

The policy of adopting continuing resolutions to fund the federal government doesn’t seem to accomplish much except to keep things status quo.

Quite frankly, there has to be a better way for our elected officials to govern.

Maybe it took the country’s nearly falling financially off a cliff to make that point clear.

Candidate endorsements

Candidates in Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties who appear on the Nov. 5 ballot may send in listings of endorsements they receive for the upcoming election via email, fax or standard mail. They will appear online periodically on The News-Herald’s Northern Ohio Politics blog.

Deadline reminder

The weekly deadline for information to appear in this column is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred.

Jefferson-Jackson dinner

The Lake County Democratic Party hosts its annual Jefferson-Jackson starting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Patrician Party Center in Eastlake. Featured guests include Ohio Attorney General candidate David Pepper and former Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner.

Event

Ward L. Kinney, candidate for Chester Township trustee, hosts a meet and greet event 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 at Geauga West Library in Chester Township.

Fundies

n Lake County Recorder Ann M. Radcliffe hosts spaghetti dinner fundraiser 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Park Road Grill in Painesville Township. See Terri Conley.

n Arlene Becks, candidate for Painesville Council at large, hosts Three Pasta Entrée Buffet fundraiser with special guests state Sen. Nina Turner and state Rep. John Rogers, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Painesville Elk’s Lounge. See Becks, Trudy Simmons or L.K. Williams.

n Tom Fitzgerald, candidate for Painesville Council Jan. 1 term, hosts an open house fundraiser, 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 23, at his home in Painesville. See Debra Fitzgerald or Janet Clair.

n Chuck Brickman, candidate for Willoughby Council at large, hosts a fundraiser, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at Wild Goose in Willoughby. See Brickman.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

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

Staff for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours in Lake County from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. June 11.

The location will be at the fifth floor of the county administration building, 105 Main St., Painesville. No appointments are necessary.

During this time, constituents will have the opportunity to share thoughts and concerns with a district representative who will provide their feedback to the senator.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

There are just nine days left until the Nov. 6 election and it’s been a long campaign season.

For many political folks, this election cycle has been the longest in memory, effectively beginning more than a year ago when Republican presidential hopefuls started their campaigns.

In Ohio, the filing deadline for partisan races was 11 months ago, with the filing deadline just weeks after the November election. Many local campaigns kicked off shortly afterward.

Ohio has a reputation as a swing state and that is reflected by the enormous amount of advertising — much of it negative — conducted during the presidential campaign and the tight race for U.S. Senate between incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a Republican.

With 18 electoral votes at stake, Ohio continues to be a central focus for incumbent President Barack Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney. We’ve seen more than five dozen visits from presidential campaigns during this election cycle in Ohio.

That’s because both sides know how critical the state could be for victory, especially since no GOP nominee has ever been elected president without carrying Ohio. No Democrat has done so since 1960 when President John F. Kennedy was elected.

There are only a handful of states considered by polls to be a toss up —  Ohio, Florida, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, Virginia and Wisconsin. Most other states are considered to lean or be solidly in one candidate’s corner.

With that in mind, for months Ohio airwaves have been flooded with commercials and continuous coverage by national talk shows and news media that dissect every bit of the presidential campaign and that includes the three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.

This all continues even as many people have made up their mind in Ohio because absentee voting by mail and in-person began Oct. 2. Nearly two million voters in the state have already utilized this option, reports Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

Many local candidates have concluded or will soon wrap up their fundraising and now concentrate on using their remaining time and resources to let people know just a little bit more about them with the hope they’ll remember their name at the polls.

There’s been a lot of knocking on doors, parade marching, phone calls, literature drops and candidate forums and debates.

That election season is slowly coming to a close and soon it will be time to learn just how all that effort pays off.

J.C. Watts appearing in Mentor

Former U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts, of Oklahoma, a former college football quarterback and conservative Republican, speaks today in Mentor with the Concerned Veterans for America bus tour titled, “We Can Do Better”.

The event will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Mentor Civic Center Amphitheater as part of a 10-day East Coast bus tour of decorated military veterans traveling through campaign “swing states” prior to Election Day to generate awareness of the mounting challenges facing service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and veterans of all generations.

The bus tour, sponsored by Concerned Veterans for America will allow veterans and voters in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and across the nation to hear directly from leaders in the veterans’ community about critical issues.

Candidate event

Soup and crackers lunch with David M. Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 11:30 to 1 p.m. Monday at Surfside Towers Party Room in Eastlake.

Candidate endorsements

For any Nov. 6 candidates who have earned endorsements (not from The News-Herald), feel free to email them or fax them. Because of the volume and space required to list them, these items will not be printed in this column. Instead, they’ll be posted periodically until Nov. 2 on The News-Herald’s Northern Ohio Politics Blog at NorthernOhioLocalPolitics.blogspot.com.

Deadline reminder

The weekly deadline for information to appear in this column is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The race in Ohio for U.S. Senate is one of the most hotly contested races in the country, and a lot of money will be spent during this campaign.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Lorain County Democrat, faces Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a Cuyahoga County Republican.

I had the chance to sit down Wednesday morning with Mandel to talk about his new jobs plan and his campaign after he spoke to a Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce group.

Mandel said he doesn’t support the bailout of Wall Street banks using taxpayer money.

When asked, Mandel stated he didn’t have a position on the auto industry bailout because he was a state representative at that time.

Brown’s campaign spokesman Justin Barasky responded Thursday during an interview that either Mandel is “lying or at least unbelievably ignorant.”

Barasky said Mandel has taken positions on the auto bailout and told the Youngstown Vindicator in March that he felt it didn’t work.

Mandel said he is developing a platform to create a better environment for restoring manufacturing jobs and an important component is the auto industry.

The campaign has seen a lot of negative advertising already on both sides, although Mandel said his campaign has run a completely positive campaign.

He was quick to point out that ads attacking Brown have come from third-party groups. He said that by law, his campaign must not have any dealings with such groups.

The Brown campaign said that after allowing negative ads against Brown to run for more than a year they had no choice but to start responding with their own negative ads.

Barasky said to this point more than $6.5 million has been spent on third-party advertising against Brown, the most against any candidate.

I wonder what all this negative advertising will mean with slightly less than six months until the election. Will it continue or even escalate? How much will people pay attention?

President Barack Obama recently brought the issue of gay marriage to the forefront and it remains to be seen how the issue might resonate with voters in November.

Mandel believes in traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Brown’s position is one of marriage equality.

Barasky believes the race will come down to whom the voters can trust to do the right thing, what side of the issues one is on, and the Brown campaign will continue to be critical of Mandel’s performance as treasurer specifically citing Mandel’s lack of attendance at state Board of Deposit meetings.

Mandel said much of the nation’s problems have stemmed from Washington, including Democrats and Republicans, and he believes it’s time for a new generation of leaders to be elected who can stand up to their own party’s leaders to do the right thing economically and for the country.

Geauga Republican Party update

Geauga County Commissioner Bill Young retires effective June 30, and his term expires Dec. 31, 2014. Is Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide the front runner for an appointment to replace Young? She lost her re-election bid for the GOP nomination to Ralph Spidalieri during the March 6 Republican primary, but she is still fundraising.

Fundies

n Werner Barthol, candidate for Lake County prosecutor, hosts a Summer Celebration Fundraiser 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 1 at Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park. See James Falvey or Kelly Barthol.

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Common Pleas Court Judge Forrest Burt, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 1 at the Bond Building, Century Village Museum in Burton. See Carol Stafford.

n Old Fashioned Country Picnic for Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. June 8 at S.O.S. Inc., in Munson Township. See Jackie Moskal.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner June 8 at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbruno or Sheryl DePledge.

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, hosts pasta dinner with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Cebars Madison Tavern, Madison Township. See Dick Shreve or Pete Wayman.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The staff of U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours on the fifth floor of the county administration building in Painesville from 11 a.m. to noon April 26.

During this time, constituents will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns with a district representative who will provide their feedback to the senator. No appointments are needed.

“Keeping an open dialogue with constituents is a top priority for me and I encourage people to take advantage of the opportunity to talk to a member of my staff,” Portman said in a statement. “Over the past two years, I’ve traveled to every county in the state and have found it helpful to hear about the issues that are of concern to Ohioans. Listening to constituents enables me to better determine how I can fight for their interests in Washington.”

Portman staff will travel to each county in Ohio to meet with constituents during office hours, connect with local elected officials and attend community events.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: newsheraldjah

In a bit of a surprise, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell recently announced that he will not seek the Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate next year.

So far, the only announced candidate for the GOP is former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin of Cuyahoga Falls.

However, Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a former state representative and Lyndhurst councilman, has formed a committee with the Federal Elections Commission and is raising money for a potential candidacy.

A report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer stated that Mandel has already raised $2.34 million for the race.

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has about $3.5 million in the bank but has had more time to raise funds, the report states.

Mandel, who was elected treasurer in November, has not announced he intends to run for U.S. Senate.

But all indications seem to point toward him entering the race as the Ohio Democratic Party continues to take his candidacy seriously.

Blackwell made his announcement on Twitter after he talked with The Daily Caller, a national news website.

In the report, Blackwell outlined four reasons why he didn’t want to run.

Here’s what he said:

• “Running would require me to make ‘nice’ with folks with whom I would rather not.”

• “After serving as Mayor, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State, I much prefer executive office over a legislative office.”
• “Since I have always said that I would not personally engage in campaigning for elective office past age 70, I could not and would not run for re-election if successful this time. I believe to get done what needs to be done in the U.S. Senate, the next senator needs to make a two-term commitment. I cannot.”
• “The encouragement and commitment I received from movement conservatives and donors in Ohio and from across the country were substantial, and a source of political strength that the GOP establishment has never been able to grasp.”

With Blackwell apparently out of the picture, it certainly opens the door a bit wider for Coughlin, who may face more of a challenge for support statewide since he has not won a statewide office like Mandel or Brown has.

Mandel has served as state treasurer for only seven months, so how will voters respond if he does decide to run for U.S. Senate?

Party time

Both political parties in Geauga County have planned picnic events next Sunday afternoon.

Coughlin will be the featured keynote speaker as the Geauga County Republican Party and Geauga County Republican Women host a picnic from 2 to 6 p.m. at Patterson Farms in Chester Township. For more information, see Dorothy Fromhercz.

The Geauga County Democratic Party and political action committee We Are Ohio will host a picnic from 1 to 4 p.m. at the party’s headquarters in Newbury Township. The event is designed to thank volunteers who support local activities year round and the SB5 Repeal campaign. See Terri McIntee Larnas.

Candidate filings
Cindy Quinn-Hopkins announced she filed petitions with the Lake County Elections Board to run as a candidate for Eastlake Council Ward 3. The filing deadline for Eastlake Council candidates is Friday.

Fundies

• Fundraiser for Mentor Councilwoman at Large Janet Dowling from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Branding Iron Cookhouse in Mentor. See Rick Zaleski or Dowling.
• Picnic in the Park for Quinn-Hopkins from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Surfside Park in Eastlake. See Jim Hopkins.
• Campaign kickoff reception for Jack Johnson, candidate for Euclid mayor, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Tizzano’s Party Center in Euclid. See Frank Ilcin.
• Fundraiser for Jamie Callender, candidate for Ohio Senate, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 26 at the Matchworks Tavern in Mentor. See Emilee Tereszuk or Heidi Callender.
• Kirtland Councilman Doug Davidson, a candidate for mayor, hosts a cocktail reception from 7 to 10 p.m. July 28 at a private residence. See John Grazia, Phil Rini or Gina Davidson.
• Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts eighth annual Ferrante Winery Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Harpersfield Township. See Ernie Koenig or Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour.

-- John Arthur Hutchison | JHutchison@News-Herald.com | @newsheraldjah

Josh Mandel

Sherrod Brown

The Democratic Party announced Monday that U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown raised $1.3 million in the first quarter of this year to defend his seat in next year's November election (and, Brown has $2.5 million in cash on hand).

Then on Tuesday, Democrats criticized Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel (a Republican) for announcing he would like to run against Brown for the spot in the U.S. Senate. Mandel was elected in November and has been serving in office for fewer than four months.

Election campaigning sure starts early. Not only does Brown already have a good amount of money for his re-election campaign, but it also seems that the Democrats are ready to come out swinging against a Republican who wants to unseat him.

Should Mandel stay in his seat or run for Senate? Vote in our poll at News-Herald.com/Opinion.

How long until the election?



-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township, today voted to repeal a tax requirement in the new health care law that would require businesses to file a 1099 tax form with the IRS for every vendor they paid more than $600 a year.

The measure, H.R. 4, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 314-112. It now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The Senate earlier this year passed 1099 repeal language as part of a Federal Aviation Administration bill.  The House and Senate will have to hammer out repeal language that is identical in both the House and Senate before a measure can be sent to the President for signature.

In a report released in June 2010, the IRS Taxpayer Advocate said the new 1099 reporting requirement would apply to almost 40 million businesses, including more than 1 million charities and tax-exempt organizations and more than 100,000 government entities.

“The 1099 reporting requirement has nothing to do with health care, and its days are numbered,” LaTourette said. “This would be a compliance nightmare for the IRS, and small businesses should focus on job creation, not filing tax forms reporting the purchase of toilet paper and paper towels from Costco or toner and paper from Staples.”

The congressman said H.R. 4 reduces the deficit by $166 million in the first 10 years, and is expected to reduce federal spending by nearly $20 billion over 10 years.

-- John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: newsheraldjah

U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jennifer Brunner and her Courage Express bus tour will make a stop Wednesday in Willoughby Hills.

Brunner, who is currently Ohio Secretary of State, will appear at National College, 27557 Chardon Road. The bus will be on site from 4 to 4:45 p.m.

Brunner plans to speak with students and faculty as part of her appearance, said Julie Daniels of the campaign.

Brunner is a candidate in the May 4 Democratic Party primary against Lee Fisher, who is the state's lieutenant governor.

-- John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com