Bob Gibbs is the man to beat Space in the fall

By Joshua Chaney

 

The more I get to know the candidates running in the 18th District Republican primary, the more it becomes clear to me Bob Gibbs is the man for the job.

 

The people who live in Ohio's 18th District deserve and need a change. With an economy in ruins and increasing unemployment, especially in our area of Ohio, the stakes couldn't be higher, and it's important that voters choose wisely at the ballot box in May.

 

Claiming to be a conservative, "Blue Dog" Democrat Zack Space went to Washington and has voted 90 percent of the time with President Obama. Sound conservative to you? Unfortunately for Mr. Space, facts, not cutesy names, really matter.

 

Mr. Space voted for the health care bill twice before he was released to vote against it, and before he did so, he voted for "deem and pass," something that would have allowed his vote for health care to go unrecorded so you and I wouldn't know how he voted. His voting record also includes voting for cap-and-trade legislation that would kill jobs and raise energy costs in every household in this district.

 

The people of the 18th gave Mr. Space a chance, and he went to Washington and quickly changed into a party-first, constituents-second politician.

 

If the people of the 18th want their views to be represented again, it is clear they need to vote Mr. Space out of office. But beating Space starts on primary day. Voters must choose wisely in the Republican primary in order to get the right candidate, with the most potential to win. State Sen. Bob Gibbs is that man.

 

For one, Gibbs is one of two candidates who has been a legislator. This knowledge is important because it allows Gibbs to hit the ground running on day one.

 

Secondly, Gibbs is the only person with a conservative record to back up his words.

 

He co-drafted and co-sponsored HB 66, which contained the largest income tax reduction in Ohio history, and is a three-time recipient of the Watchdog of the Treasury award given by the United Conservatives of Ohio. Most major conservative leaders endorse him and organizations in the state, received an "A" rating from the NRA for his support of gun owners' rights.

 

And last, it's quite simply naïve to think money doesn't matter, because in politics, as in business, it really does. Gibbs has proven his ability to raise money, having already raised more than the last Republican candidate did the entire election.

 

The other primary candidates are good people, but now is not the time for ego trips, evangelical crusades and repeat losers.

If you like being shouted at and you prefer arm-waving rhetoric, Gibbs isn't your man. If you want someone on an ego trip, Gibbs isn't your man. If you want someone who already got beat by Space in a landslide in the last election, Gibbs isn't your man.

 

If you have no interest in beating Zack Space and welcome two more years of misrepresentation in Congress, vote for one of the other Republicans in the race on May 4.

 

But if you want a commonsense conservative and small business owner, with a proven conservative record, campaign cash in the bank, the ability to start writing legislation on day one and the strongest chance at beating Space in the fall, your candidate is Bob Gibbs.

GOP party faithful gathered for a "Soup and Sandwich" fundraiser at the Vinton County (Ohio) Community building April 10. Both local and district candidates were on hand to discuss current issues and address voter concerns. While dining on tasty chili and homemade cookies, those in attendance discussed the major hurdles facing both Vinton County and the nation. As one would expect, the recently passed Obama healthcare plan, and what, if anything could be done to repeal the measure, was a hot topic during the evening.

"Once again the United States Congress went wildly out of control with their attempt to resolve a challenge facing this nation," Republican Congressional candidate, Bob Gibbs, stated. "This bill immediately raises taxes, cuts Medicare and hurts our seniors. The notion that this bill creates jobs or decreases the deficit is simply absurd. Perhaps the most disappointing was seeing the principled stand of some members, who refused to vote for this bill if it included public funding of abortion, with an agreement to vote for it with only the assurance of an unsustainable compromise that doesn't address the pro-abortion language of the bill."

Gibbs, and his wife Jody, spent the weekend touring the southern area of the eighteenth congressional district, also making a stop to address a Tea Party gathering in Jackson and at the Hocking County National Rifle Association banquet. Mrs. Gibbs shared her concerns and support for the education of children in the district. She works in a public school cafeteria and has witnessed first hand the joys and obstacles faced by families and educators. Although surely weary from a long weekend on the road, Gibbs' spoke with residents and local elected officials at length, speaking freely about his goals, voting record and detailed plans if elected."

Zack Space cast a critical vote early on to set us on this path. His retreat from his earlier vote does not absolve him from the blame for what will now happen to our economy and to already out of control federal spending," Gibbs stated.

Vinton County is a rural area and does not have a large number of votes to offer candidates. As such, district and statewide candidates sometimes make just a single obligatory stop in the area during an election cycle. The odd design of the 18th congressional district also creates some disconnect between the northern and more urban areas and communities near the rural southern boundary. Candidate Gibbs and his wife, who have a background in agriculture, appeared immediately at ease with residents and interacted on a personal level with citizens in regards to the daily struggles faced by so many due to the struggling economy. Perhaps the Gibbs' introduction to the Vinton County community was enhanced by the support of long-time friend and professional peer, Clyde Evans.

Representative Evans has served seven years in the Ohio House representing the 87th District, and is currently running for a seat representing the 17th District in the Ohio Senate. Evans has been a fixture at community events and governmental meetings in the region for decades. Considering the thousands of local officials, party members and citizens Representative Evans has met with during his terms in office, his name recall with seemingly everyone he meets is impressive. Evans voting record and goals have deviated little during his years of public service, a testament to the tried and true method of employing a common sense approach to problem solving, responding to voter concerns and a "boots on the ground" leadership style."

Job creation and retention remain a top concern for citizens all across Ohio," Evans commented. "I have a proven track record of protecting Ohio jobs and cutting job killing governmental red tape."

Recently Representative Evans worked with local leaders and community groups to help pass a two million dollar plan to attract business and investors to rural areas. The plan include enabling rural areas with the high speed internet access necessary for modern businesses to not only survive, but thrive, while shipping or serving clients from around the world. The project also protects and builds highways and bridges to increase the opportunity for quicker and safe shipping routes."

I enjoy getting the opportunity to talk one-on-one with citizens, and hearing first hand what they are most concerned about. I have always run a positive campaign focusing on my record and plans, and don't plan on stooping to the negative ads my opponent endorses."

When asked about the barrage of negative advertisements and claims made by his opponent, Evans was more than willing to discuss the subject."

One really bizarre example is a recent advertisement about my support of a bill giving monetary support to a Ukraine museum. While the ad leads the public to believe I was in favor of sending money overseas to a museum in the Ukraine, the reality of the issue is quite the opposite. When I voted awhile back, in support of a bill, which offered funds to cultural and historic groups in the district, one that also gave funds to the Vinton County Historical Society, funds were included for a community in the district, which has a sizeable population of descendents and immigrants from the Ukraine. The museum showcased cultural artifacts and historical items accumulated from the community, similar to what is found in the local historical museum. What is really kind of funny about the whole thing, is that my opponent voted to support the "Ukraine Museum" twice," Evans shared with a chuckle.

Incumbent Vinton County Auditor, Cindy Owings helped organize the event, and spoke with residents concerning government programs, which help defray the costs of property taxes. "I always enjoy having the opportunity to discuss concerns with the voters of Vinton County." Owings said. "The deadline for the Homestead Exemption is the first Monday in June. Myself, and my staff are available to help residents determine if they meet the guidelines and complete the necessary forms."

Jeanette Moll, also a Republican candidate for the 18th congressional district stopped by the community event. Moll previously ran a failed campaign against Zack Space, and addressed party members at a local diner during her visit to the county during that campaign.

"I'm running because there is a clear need for change in Washington, From the ethics scandals in 2006 to Zack Space's continued gaffes, this district needs someone who will worry about the economy, spending, jobs, the war on terror and health care rather than getting re-elected," Moll's website introductory message states.

Resources used for this article was attendance at the event, interviews with candidates and their respective Web sites.

Americans for Prosperity Applauds U.S. House Candidate Bob Gibbs

-Signs No Climate Tax Pledge-

CINCINNATI—The Ohio chapter of the free market grassroots group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-OH) today applauded U.S. House candidate and current State Senator Bob Gibbs (18th District) for signing the group’s “No Climate Tax Pledge.”  Gibbs joins over 345 lawmakers and candidates on the federal, state and local levels pledging to “oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.” 

“The one thing elected officials should be able to agree on is that global warming shouldn’t be used as an excuse to hike taxes on citizens and businesses,” said AFP-OH State Director Rebecca Heimlich.  “We encourage all of Ohio’s elected officials and candidates for elected office to sign the pledge.”

Prominent Ohio signers include, U.S. House Minority Leader John Boehner (8th District), U.S. Representative Jim Jordan (4th District) and State Representative Jeff Wagner (81st District).

Cap-and-trade took its first step toward enactment last year when the U.S. House narrowly passed the Waxman-Markey energy tax bill, which escaped the lower chamber by a scant seven votes despite significant bipartisan opposition.  The Senate has struggled to pass companion legislation, with several key Democratic senators openly expressing opposition to attempting to pass the energy tax bill. 

President Obama has made no secret of his support for the bill, which would be the largest tax increase in American history.  The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has scored the House plan as an $846 billion increase in federal revenue, a burden that will be borne by taxpayers and consumers for decades to come.

“Using the guise of climate change to transfer dollars from hard-working citizens to bureaucratic big government is unacceptable,” said Heimlich. “Regardless of their stance on global warming, this should be common ground for all of our elected officials at all levels of government.”

The pledge is available online at www.NoClimateTax.com.  AFP does not endorse candidates.  All elected officials and candidates are encouraged to sign the pledge and go on the record in opposition to using the climate change issue to increase taxes and grow the size of government.

Americans for Prosperity® (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen leaders committed to advancing every individual's right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and scope of government is the best safeguard to ensuring individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens in support of restraining state and federal government growth, and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP has more than 900,000 members, including members in all 50 states, and 25 state chapters. More than 55,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial investment in AFP or AFP Foundation.  For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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