Fighting Dem Spotlight on OH, NC and IN Primaries

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Cross posted http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/4/30/125939/632">at kos


FIGHTING DEM VET SPOTLIGHT ON OHIO, INDIANA AND NORTH CAROLINA PRIMARIES


On Tuesday, May 2nd, there are primaries in Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio.







There are a total of nine (8) FDVets running for the House of Representatives:

Two Fighting Dem Vets are running in Indiana (IN-03 and IN-04). Both candidates face a field that includes non-vet candidates.

One Fighting Dem Vet is running in North Carolina (NC-03). Fortunately, Craig Weber is unopposed so he will be the Dem nominee. On the other hand, a great candidate, Tim Dunn (NC-08), dropped out earlier for personal reasons.

Six Fighting Dem Vets are running in Ohio (OH-03, OH-04, OH-13, and OH-18). In CDs 4 and 13 two Fighting Dem Vets face off against each other in large fields of candidates. Only one candidate, Richard D. Siferd in OH-04 is unopposed and is the official nominee of the Democratic Party.

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The Election Landscape
We invite folks from Ohio to chime in and add to, correct, or comment on my brief description. (Indiana and North Carolina with a total of three candidates is much simpler.)

Several of the districts that do not have FDVets running are either strongly Dem or the GOP incumbent is vulnerable.. District 1 is relatively competitive against a candidate who did not receive a large majority in '04, District 2 is highly competitive against a Republican incumbent who barely broke 50% in '04, and District 6 is a strongly Democratic district with the incumbent Dem vacating to run for governor. District 15 held by a Republican incumbent is considered vulnerable.
For those districts with FDVets running, there are also opportunities.

CD 3 is not considered highly competitive given the past voting record of Mike Turner, but in this year of GOP debacles we can hope for the best and two FDVet candidates, one of whom, Sanders, was the '04 nominee but is strongly challenged by Fierst.

CD 4 is highly competitive with intense competition in the Republican primary, but Siferd the only Democrat in the field and will face the ultimate GOP nominee.

CD 13 is highly competitive with two FDs in a large field running for the position left vacant by Sherrod Brown (D) who is running for Senator. A Dem win seems certain, but whether an FD or not remains to be seen.

CD 18 is highly competitive and has Fighting Dem Joe Sulzer, Mayor of Chillicothe, Ohio, competing in a large field of Democratic hopefuls to win the nomination to run against Bob Ney, who himself faces a challenger in the Republican primary as well.

Because there are FD’s competing against one another in primaries, at least two FDs will be defeated Tuesday, and it is possible that as many as could be put out of action. We maintain an honor roll of former Fighting Dem Vet candidates here.

These are our FD Candidates in Indiana, North Carolina, and Ohio:

Thomas HAYHURST for Congress (IN-03)



U.S. Air Force. He served during the Vietnam era.
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For over 30 years, Tom has practiced medicine in IN-03 where he and his wife are lifelong residents. It is here they’ve raised their family, worshiped and volunteered their time; it is the place they are proud to call home. Tom co-founded the Matthew 25 Health & Dental Clinic's free pulmonary clinic. Every week he works at the Allen County Tuberculosis Clinic. As a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, he is witness to the cost of duty. He knows that freedom isn't free. Tom helped start the Veterans for Better Health Care and is fighting to retain essential services for their regional Veterans Hospital.


Rick CORNSTUBLE for Congress (IN-04)



U.S. Navy. A Vietnam veteran awarded a Viet Nam Service Medal with one campaign star. He also served on the secondary recovery ship for the Moon Landing in 1969.
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Rick Cornstuble has dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of Indiana's public school teachers and their students as a field director for the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) for more than 30 years. He now seeks to bring that same commitment and energy as an advocate for the people in Indiana's Fourth Congressional District. Rick and his wife, Glenda, live in Lafayette, having retired from dedicated careers in education. They have two daughters, Eden and Erika. Glenda, a public school teacher, has spent the last 23 years in service to the Lafayette School Corporation. A proud resident of Tippecanoe County, Rick has always been an active and dedicated member of the community, serving on boards for both Head Start and The United Way, volunteering his time to Tippecanoe County's Junior Miss program, and helping out with multiple Civic Theatre projects. As a graduate of the Northwest Central Labor Council Community Service Program, Rick is also an accredited union counselor. After returning from his Naval duty, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Social Studies Education.


David J. FIERST for Congress (OH-03)



Captain, U.S. Army
Enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 8 years defending his country. He voluntary resigned at the rank of Captain to pursue a legal career.
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Dave was born in a small town in Southern Indiana near the rolling hills of the Hoosier National Forest. After high school, he attended Indiana University and received a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 8 years defending his country. He met and married his wife, Bethany, while stationed in St. Louis. They have lived in the Miami Valley for 18 years and they have two boys who are their pride and joy. Dave earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Louisville and then moved to Ohio to attend the University Of Dayton School Of Law. For the past 10 years he has served on the Board of Directors for the Mission of Mercy in Miamisburg. The Mission of Mercy collects food, clothing and money donations for local needy. In addition to his law practice, Dave teaches developmental English (part-time) at Sinclair Community College. When time allows, he enjoy visiting the patients at the V.A. Hospital along with his friend Mark who plays the guitar and sings hymns.


Charles W. SANDERS for Congress (OH-03)



Charlie served in the U.S. Army from October of 1964 till September of 1967.
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Charlie was born in Harveysburg, Ohio, on May 12, 1947, the oldest of a family; he has five brothers and a sister. From October of 1964 till September of 1967, he served in the U.S. Army. In November of 1967, he hired on at General Motors in Dayton, Ohio, where he remained until his retirement in April of 1998. While employed by General Motors, he was represented by I.U.E. Local 755. In 1972, Charlie married Carolyn, a public school teacher; shortly thereafter, he enrolled in college. Making full utilization of the G. I. Bill, he graduated from Wilmington College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations in 1978. He attended the University of Cincinnati Graduate School in 1979 and holds a certificate of completion in Mayor's Court Education, from "The Ohio Municipal League", State of Ohio, 1992. Charlie is a past member of the Police and Finance committees, Village of Waynesville, past chairman, Warren County C.A.C., Vice-president, Warren County Municipal League, appointed to the Harveysburg Village Council in 1971 to fill a vacant term, appointed to Waynesville Village Council in 1982 to fill a vacant seat, elected to Waynesville Village Council in 1989 to present, elected Vice Mayor in 1992, elected the Mayor of Waynesville in January of 1996 - November 2000. Currently he’s a Member of the Israel Baptist Missionary Church located in Forest Park, Ohio, where he’s a Deacon.


Richard SIFERD for Congress (OH-04)



Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army. Served 14 months in Germany in an artillery battery and then volunteered for Vietnam where he served a one-year tour in the Central Highlands with stints in Pleiku, Kontum, AakTo and various Landing Zones and firebases. Back in the states he became a Drill Sergeant until his discharge in July of 1969.
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Richard Siferd was born and raised on State Street in Lima, Ohio. He entered Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio), in the fall of 1962 and attended until 1965. After his discharge, Rick returned to Ohio State University and finished with a B.A. in 1970 and entered law school at Case Western Reserve. He began practicing law in Lima in 1973 in a general business practice. He was hired as an assistant City Prosecutor in 1974. In 1981 he was elected as Law Director for the City of Lima and served a four year term, not running for re-election. During the 30 years that he has practiced, he has represented citizens and businesses in Allen and the surrounding counties. He is the only lawyer in Allen County, or any surrounding county, who met all of the qualifications to be board certified in Civil Trial Advocacy. He has handled cases at all levels of court in Ohio and has had cases before the Ohio and United States Supreme Courts. As an attorney, Richard has experience in managing a small business. Currently the firm, Siferd & McCluskey, has nine employees and has been in existence with a succession of lawyers for eight decades. The oldest employee currently working in the firm came in 1954. In managing a small business, he has had to successfully handle all the various issues confronting small businesses today, including changing business trends, the loss of infrastructure and jobs. Richard is married to Mary Beth and has four children and two step-daughters. His youngest son is a senior at Lima Senior High School.


Norbert DENNERLL for Congress (OH-13)



Captain, U.S. Marine Corp. From Private to Infantry Captain, U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean conflict.
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Norbert is married to Beverly with children James, Kathy, Jerry, Karen, Todd, and Patricia. Their daughter, Faith, is buried at Arlington Cemetery, Washington, DC. Norbert received his BA from Baldwin-Wallace college and attended Cleveland Marshall Law School. Professionally, Norbert has been an educator and a Superintendent of schools for 10 years, an Ohio real estate broker, a member of the life Underwriters Association, a Vice President of Future Teachers of America, and an Instructor of real estate at Lorain County Community College. Politically, Norbert is an elected three-term Cleveland Councilman, a Democratic nominee to Congress, 23rd district, and a Former 1st Vice President Ohio Young Democrats. His community service includes being a former member of the Citizens League, the Mental Health Association, the United Appeal and Cancer Society, a member of the Board of Directors of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Corps League and Vice Chairman of the Health Fund, and former two-term President of the United Methodist Metropolitan Council, representing 58 churches.


John L. WOLFE for Congress (OH-13)



Served during World War II in Korea.
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John is an attorney, is a native son of Ohio's 13th District. He was born and raised in Cuyahoga Falls and now lives in West Akron. He has two children, Karla and David, and four grandchildren. He has been an active, life-long Democrat. a full-time, self-employed practicing attorney in Akron for 50 years. He has appeared before the Ohio Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. He's a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Summit County Trial Lawyers Association, and is a charter member and co-founder of the National Employment Lawyers Association, specializing in vindicating the rights of employees who have been unjustly terminated or denied benefits. John is a former Assistant Prosecutor of Summit County and Assistant Attorney General of Ohio, and has represented townships and villages. He has been an adjunct professor at the Law School of the University of Akron. a graduate of the University of Akron and the Law School of the University of Michigan, a former Democratic Chairman of Cuyahoga Falls, an Honorary Fellow of the Harry S. Truman Library, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Akron Law Library Association, and was a committee chairman of both the Akron and the Ohio State Bar Associations. He is also an active preservationist, being a member and supporter of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Ohio Historical Society, and is a past President of Progress Through Preservation. a graduate of the University of Akron and the Law School of the University of Michigan, a former Democratic Chairman of Cuyahoga Falls, an Honorary Fellow of the Harry S. Truman Library, serves on the Board of Trustees of the Akron Law Library Association, and was a committee chairman of both the Akron and the Ohio State Bar Associations. John L. Wolfe is dedicated to improving the economic well-being and quality of life for all Ohioans. His accomplishments show great dedication and perseverance in whatever endeavor he pursues. If elected in 2006, John will give the same dedication in representing the people of Ohio's 13th District in the United States Congress. John Wolfe will be a worthy successor to Congressman Sherrod Brown, who has so ably represented America, Ohio, and the 13th District.


Joe SULZER for Congress (OH-18)



U.S. Army. Sulzer volunteered to serve the in U.S. Army in Vietnam and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America.
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Born and raised in Southern Ohio, Joe Sulzer is the perfect candidate to restore values to Ohio's 18th Congressional District. Sulzer has proudly represented this area since 1982 as a city councilman, state representative and now mayor.
After his discharge from service, Joe attended college, raised his family, and continued his service to the community. Sulzer received his undergraduate degree from Ohio University. After completing his law degree at Capital University, he returned to Chillicothe to start a law practice. Joe is happily married to Karen Sulzer, is the proud father of seven children, and has been an active part of the Chillicothe community for many years. A devout Catholic, Joe and his family are members of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Chillicothe. From 1987 to 1997, Sulzer served as mayor of Chillicothe. After his appointment to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1997, Sulzer faced an uphill battle in his largely Republican district but was able to successfully win the next two elections. In 2003, Sulzer again ran for mayor of Chillicothe. After unseating his successor in the primary with 73% of the vote, he went on to win another four year term as Mayor. Joe Sulzer's voting record is consistent with the beliefs and values of the rural 18th district. Sulzer is proud of his 100% voting record from the Ohio Council of AFL-CIO during his career in the Ohio Legislature. Joe says, "This is a winnable race. The scandal-ridden political landscape of Ohio combined with the numerous ethical missteps of Bob Ney makes the 18th District ripe for a Democratic victory.” When elected to Congress, Joe Sulzer will not only honorably serve the people of the 18th district, but he will also carry an agenda of common-sense progress. He will lead the fight to bring jobs and infrastructure to rural Ohio. Sulzer will also fight for Medicare solutions that include real prescription drug reform and a Social Security plan that does not raid the trust fund or abandon responsibility."


Craig WEBER for Congress (NC-03)



U.S. Marine Corp: "Once one, always one". He received Military Meteorology Training taught by one of the Top Meteorologist in the Marine Corps for over 30 years with expertise in Hurricanes and severe weather.
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Craig lives in Morehead City n Carteret County. It has been his home most of his life. It is where he grew up and was educated, attending Carteret Community College and East Carolina University. He raised his children in North Carolina, served in the U.S. Marines there, and worked the waters clamming, shrimping and scalloping. It was there that he has worked on radio and television for twenty five years as a Weatherman and in a nationwide search he was picked as one of the top 26 meteorologists in the country, helping to start the well-known "The Weather Channel.". He has been Chief Meteorologist in Richmond, Houston, West Palm, New York and Philadelphia. He also found time to do work that won him special awards from law enforcement agencies, helped raise funds and aid for families whose loved ones Lost their lives in the line of duty, and was the annual Master of Ceremonies for Special Olympics. Born without all the bones in his legs and feet, Craig was handicapped from birth. He played sports non-the-less with reckless abandon and finally his legs fell apart. He survived many operations and overcame his handicap despite dire predictions he would never walk again. Craig says, "The Bush Administration has too much control of our lives. It is easier to let 'them' handle it. We gave them the power. 9/11 was on your watch, Mr. President. You sat there dazed and confused, while we were attacked. You were asleep on duty. Your administration masterfully shrouded the blame and diverted it elsewhere. Let us take our District back. Let us take our Country back. I don't know how not to fight. I am passionate about your welfare.”


The Primary season is upon us. We have the following primaries coming up in which Fighting Dem Vets are running. They will be featured the Sunday before each primary here on Daily Kos. (If any primaries have been missed or stated incorrectly, please comment. Note that these are only those primaries in which FDVets are running.)

May 9th - West Virginia
May 15th - South Carolina
May 16th - Kentucky, Oregon and Pennsylvania
June 6th - California, Mississippi and New Jersey
June 13th - Virginia
July 18th - Georgia
July 25th - Oklahoma
August 3rd - Tennessee
August 8th - Colorado, Michigan and Missouri
September 5th - Florida
September 9th – Delaware

The Grand Finale:
September 12th - Arizona, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island.

If you want to see which candidates are running in each state, check the state by state list on Fighting-Dems.com. It is updated as of a week ago, but the candidate from Mississippi, Ron Shapiro (MS-01). a Vietnam era veteran running to unseat Roger Wicker has not been added.