Posted on Mon, Aug. 01, 2005
Ohio congressional candidates make final voter appeals
DAN SEWELL
Associated Press
CINCINNATI - Republican Jean Schmidt, a former state legislator, and Democrat Paul Hackett, who's drawn national attention with his Iraq war service and criticism of President Bush, rang doorbells and shook hands across the 2nd House District on Monday in the final campaigning of their heated special election race.
"When you want people to vote for you, you have to work hard to show how important they are to you," Schmidt said during a brief break from door-to-door campaigning in her home area of Clermont County in the seven-county southern Ohio district. The experienced long-distance runner set up a marathon schedule that included stops at Waffle Houses at 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Tuesday before she casts her ballot when the polls open at 6:30 a.m.
Hackett would be the first Iraq war combat veteran in Congress if elected. Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Steven Kirk of Illinois has served stateside during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Naval Reserve Intelligence officer, Kirk's office said Monday.
Hackett campaigned on Monday with military veterans in Clermont County and then went to the GE Aircraft Engines plant in Evendale to greet workers during the afternoon shift change. He had weekend campaign help from two other military veterans, former U.S. Sens. John Glenn of Ohio and Max Cleland of Georgia.
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http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/12277988.htm