OHIO FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

I am going to start covering some candidates and events in Ohio. Depending on how much readership I get there (right now it is on the low end) I may keep adding to the list or may leave it simple for now.

Progressive Majority Endorsed Candidates in Ohio:

Jennifer Brady
Candidate for State Representative - District 16 (Incumbent)
Bay Village, Rocky River, North Olmstead, Fairview Park



Jennifer Brady is the Representative from the 16th Ohio House District. Progressive Majority endorsed Jennifer in 2006 because of her commitment to progressive values, activism in the community, strategic mindset and strong work ethic. In 2006, Progressive Majority was one of very few organizations to support Jennifer after the House Democratic Caucus wrote off her race. Since then, we have been working closely with her on strategy, field organization and fundraising. According to the Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett, ''The 16th District is the number-one Republican target for 2008.'' It is a must-keep if democrats are to take over the House. Traditionally, the 16th has been known as the most Republican district in Cuyahoga County, which made Jennifer's 2006 victory the pleasant surprise of the cycle for Progressives. The Republicans have recruited Nan Baker, a conservative member of the Westlake city council colloquially known as the ''Republican Jennifer Brady.'' Jennifer has been a progressive champion in the Assembly who refuses to vote against her values, thus displaying the courage and conviction that helped her win in 2006.

Click here to support and learn more about Jennifer.

Matt Patten
Candidate for State Representative - District 18 (Open Seat)
Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Berea, Strongsville, and North Royalton



Matt Patten is the Democratic candidate for the 18th Ohio State House District. Matt has a long history of activism and labor organizing and is currently a Regional Labor-Management Field Coordinator. The performance of the district is expected to improve even further as the popular Republican incumbent is jumping to the state Senate and his successor, Robert Spada, is considered far too conservative for this democratic-trending district. As a professional community organizer, Matt is a fearless champion for improving economic opportunity, education, and universal access to healthcare. He has the endorsements of local and statewide labor. This seat is a top-tier pickup in the quest for the four seats we need for a democratic majority in the Ohio House of Representatives.


Here are some Drinking Liberally Groups in Ohio:

Cincinnati
* Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Odd Tuesdays: Fries Cafe, 3247 Jefferson Ave
* Even Tuesdays: The Pub at Rookwood Mews, 2692 Madison Rd
* Hosted by Adam Bartel and Cheryl Crowe, cincinnati (at) drinkingliberally.org

Cleveland
* Every Sunday, 6:00 pm
* Sullivans Irish Pub, 13368 Madison Ave, Lakewood (Great food and lots of irish brews on tap)
* Visit www.sullivansirishpub.net for more info on the venue
* Hosted by Judy Novak, cleveland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Columbus
* First Thursday of each month, 6:30 pm
* Byrnes Pub, 1248 W 3rd Ave
* Hosted by Jocelyn Krosky and Roger Denick, columbus (at) drinkingliberally.org

Dayton
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm
* The Oregon Express, 336 E 5th St
* Hosted by Cari Kimmel, dayton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toledo
* Every Wednesday, 7:30 pm
* Manhattan's, 1516 Adams St (Downtown Toledo; on Adams across the street from Adams Laundry)
* Come and drink like a libreral at Manhattan's. We'll be talking politics, drowning our sorrows,
* and making alchohol-fueled plans for America's future.
* Hosted by Rebecca Golden, toledo (at) drinkingliberally.org

Maumee
* Every other Wednesday, 8:00 pm
* The Village Idiot, 309 Conant St
* Hosted by Lori Wampler, Ken Stout and Leanne Kulzac, maumee (at) drinkingliberally.org