My take on John Bocceri, from my perspective...

[Rick Myers]

I met John Bocceri in 2000, during his very first run for state office. I did a lib/prog talk show and he came on to discuss his run. I didn't expect much since his district was on the fringe of our signal. We spent about 45 minutes with John, on the air, talking calls, and when we were done, I told him, point blank, "Some day we'll be calling you Governor."

He did NOT make the rules in the game that must be played in Ohio (or any other state). Remember, Ohio only has 8 SOLID Dem counties. And in some of those areas, including NE Ohio, corruption runs VERY deep in the Dem Party. In fact, one county in Ohio's Dem Party is RUN and FINANCED by a Republican! I will explain some day...

John is an upstanding guy, with a lovely and supportive wife and children. He HAS SERVED ON ACTIVE DUTY IN IRAQ! He flys a C-130 with the 910th Airlift, and the plane is OLDER than he is! He is probably alot more moderate than most lib/progs would like, but he is a true patriot.

I ran into John last year at a county fair in Ohio... We both showed up at the Rethug Tent to hasstle a couple friends we have in the 'loyal opposition.' We had a good laugh about where you go to rent a 20' inflatable elephant! He was unsure about this run. I believe John is playing the hand he was dealt, and he is a rising star and at some point he just has to go with the flow.

You are CORRECT if you think there is a game of 'musical chairs' going on in Columbus. IT IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. I can tell you the next 2 or 3 appointments, they are done deals... John chooses to play in this arena because he loves his country. I saw that in him the day I met him.

And that's all I've got to say about that.

Thanks...

[Sara Bradi]

1. I want to clarify one thing ...

I have never questioned State Senator Boccieri's patriotism or his service and sacrifice to our country.

I thank him sincerely for his service and sacrifice to our country.

[Rick Myers]

2. I didn't mean to imply anything...

I just wanted to express what my experience with John has been. I share your concern about the fact he is early into a new state seat and it seems like... Something... But I think John is forced to make some strategic decisions, and MANY events in Ohio politics (or anywhere) are out of his control. He needs to decide what HE believes and go from there...

Should he win, it would add another 'musical chair' in Columbus.

I like John alot, and as an AF vet he is a guy that I'd want around it a crisis.

BTW: He's had some important folks on his plane IN IRAQ, including Colin Powell and Hillary Clinton!

Just for the record, I live in Minneapolis, but grew up in Youngstown and Cleveland...

Go Browns!!!