Bill Conner for Congress

The Republican majorities in the Ohio House and Senate passed and Gov. Kasich signed (on Sep 26) HB 319 which implemented U.S. Congressional redistricting in Ohio in a blatantly partisan manner. They included an appropriation in the bill to take advantage of an Ohio Constitutional exemption of “appropriations for the current expenses of the state government and state institutions,” from referendum. Republican Secretary of State Husted and Attorney General DeWine rejected the HB319 referendum initial petition using that appropriation exemption as the reason. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled (7-0) to direct acceptance of the referendum petition. Meanwhile, Republicans in the US Congress wage class warfare on the middle class, demanding tax breaks for the rich while cutting Social Security and Medicare.

In 2010, Ohio voters, apparently blaming Democrats for failing to overcome Republican obstruction and reverse the economic crisis created in the Bush Administration quickly enough, elected a Republican governor and legislature. Considering the above along with SB5, HB159, HB194, and a myriad of other acts against the interests of Ohio and its citizens, it is fair to say that the voters elected an Ohio government which is unfit to govern. I hope that the voters will more thoughtfully consider their voting responsibilities in 2012.