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Gibbs Calls For Rangel's Resignation

Gibbs Calls For Rangel's Resignation

Space is silent on ethics violations

Lakeville, OH - Bob Gibbs, Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio's 18th district, today called for U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) to resign his seat in Congress following a lengthy ethics investigation. Congressman Rangel has been under investigation by the House Committee on Standards on Official Conduct which resulted, last week, with several charges of multiple ethics violations.

"Congressman Rangel needs to respect the voters enough to resign his seat in Congress amidst all of his ethics problems," said Gibbs. "The question is, why hasn't Space called for the immediate resignation of Rangel, just as many of his Democrat colleagues have done?"

Previously, Congressman Zack Space showed his loyalty to Rangel, voting to allow the New York congressman to continue to serve as Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee while under investigation.

In a press release from May of 2006 Zack Space stated:

"There is a saying that 'you can't clean up the water until you get the hogs out of the creek.' To clean up Washington we have to rid the Congress of ethically challenged politicians..."

"Congressman Zack Space campaigned on cleaning up Washington in 2006, but now that it’s 2010, he’s having trouble practicing what he preached," said Gibbs. "Or at least Zack has changed his tone on ethically challenged politicians that have donated thousands to his campaign fund."

Senator Gibbs is a candidate for the 18th Congressional District and currently serving the 22nd Ohio Senate District.

Gibbs Files July Quarterly

Lakeville, OH - Bob Gibbs, Republican nominee for Congress in Ohio's 18th district, filed his quarterly FEC fundraising report for April 15th through June 30th showing over $260,000 in receipts.

"We're very glad to see the support from the 18th district, most all of it coming in the month of June after we were clear from the primary election," said Gibbs spokeswoman Emily Pettigrew. "Raising over $200,000 in the last three weeks of the quarter is a clear message that people are sick and tired of Congressman Space's purely negative campaign based on lies and deception."

The Gibbs campaign also pointed to the difference in where the money is coming from to fund each side of this race. "If you look at our donors, almost all of them are from the 18th district," said Pettigrew. "When you look at Congressman Space's donors you will need a much bigger map that includes Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Boston. Our campaign is funded by the people of the district while Space's campaign is funded by special interests and Nancy Pelosi's biggest supporters."

Three Strikes Against False Space Ad

All parties agree - Space deceives voters in the 18th

Lakeville, OH - Over the past week several nonpartisan and bi-partisan organizations have looked into the recent false attack ad being funded by Congressman Zack Space. The unanimous result: Zack Space lied and continues to fund those lies on broadcast television throughout the 18th district.

The following is a re-cap from the organizations that have weighed in on the statements contained in the false attack ad:

1) Ohio Legislative Service Commission – a nonpartisan agency providing drafting, fiscal, research, training, and other technical services to the General Assembly. A memo dated June 9 states -"The most recent change to the salaries of the members of the Ohio General Assembly was made by Sub H.B. 712 of the 123rd General Assembly." - Senator Gibbs was not elected to the Ohio General Assembly until the 125th General Assembly, nearly four years after a pay raise was voted on.

2) Factcheck.org - a nonpartisan, nonprofit "consumer advocate" for voters that aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics. Quote from their investigation into the Space attack ad: Democratic Rep. Zack Space of Ohio has kicked off his TV campaign with an ad that falsely accuses Republican challenger Bob Gibbs of voting to raise his legislative pay and misleads voters about Gibbs’ record on taxes.

3) Ohio Elections Commission - A bi-partisan probable cause panel made up of one Democrat, one Republican, and one Independent. The OEC created as a means of enforcing the state's campaign finance and fair campaign practices laws. In a hearing of the bi-partisan probable cause panel found probable cause that the Space Campaign committed an election law violation by issuing false statements about Senator Bob Gibbs' record. The decision was unanimous.

"In a clear test of Congressman Space's character, he has shown his true colors by refusing to take down an ad that is filled with lies and misleading statements," said Gibbs spokeswoman Emily Pettigrew. "When Bob Gibbs talks about Zack Space's record of raising $1.4 trillion in taxes and voting for a job-killing cap-and-trade bill, it is all based in fact and Zack Space's actual voting record. It appears as if Zack is willing to say and do anything to keep his job and that includes lying to the voters that put him in office in the first place."

Elections Commission Panel Votes Unanimously Against Space

Probable Cause that false statements were made

Columbus, OH - A bipartisan panel of the Ohio Elections Commission (OEC) found probable cause to believe that Congressman Zack Space (D-Dover) made false statements in a television attack ad about his opponent in the November Election, State Senator Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville). The unanimous vote today came from a panel made up of one Republican, one Democrat, and one Independent.

"We have known all along that Congressman Space was lying, I'm glad to see that the bipartisan panel also sees the problems with this ad," said Gibbs. "I have a record of cutting taxes for Ohio's families and the recent false ad from Space is an attempt to distort that fact."

Gibbs shifted the question to whether or not Congressman Space would do the right thing and remove the ad himself. "Now we will see a real test of Zack's character," commented Gibbs after the OEC vote. "If he does what everybody knows is right he will pull the ad. However, I believe Zack is so far removed from the values of the 18th district that he will listen to Pelosi's political team and leave the false ad on the air to try and damage my real record of cutting taxes for Ohio's families."

Non Partisan Fact Check Group says Space Lied

Lakeville, OH - In the wake of a six-figure attack ad by Democrat Congressman Zack Space, a non-partisan organization, factcheck.org, has released their findings that the ad is false and misleading. A hearing of the Ohio Elections Commission will be held on June 17th to investigate the claims of the Space attack Ad.

From factcheck.org:

...Democratic Rep. Zack Space of Ohio has kicked off his TV campaign with an ad that falsely accuses Republican challenger Bob Gibbs of voting to raise his legislative pay raise and misleads voters about Gibbs’ record on taxes.

...But this ad goes too far when it suggests that Gibbs doesn’t have a record of cutting taxes.

...But the fact is that Gibbs does have a record of cutting taxes. For example, he voted for a 2005 bill that when fully implemented in 2011 will cut the state income tax by 21 percent, according to a 2009 Ohio Department of Taxation fact sheet.

"Congressman Space is afraid of facing his record of raising taxes on working families and is hiding behind terribly false TV ads," said Gibbs Spokeswoman Emily Pettigrew. "It looks like the 18th district knows what to expect from Zack Space in his campaign for re-election; deception."

Gibbs Files Elections Complaint

Gibbs Files Elections Complaint

(Lakeville, OH) - State Senator Bob Gibbs, Republican Candidate for OH-18 Congressional District, today filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against Congressman Zack Space for false statements in a recent television attack advertisement.

"Congressman Space put an ad on TV that makes several totally false statements," said Gibbs. "The voters of this district deserve better than lies and misleading statements."

The Gibbs campaign has requested that Congressman Space pull the false advertisement from the air as it is illegal under Ohio law to make false statements about a candidate.

"As a member of Congress and a lawyer, Zack Space should understand Ohio law when it comes to false statements," stated Gibbs.

The Space ad states that Gibbs "voted himself a pay raise", when in reality, the Ohio Legislative Service Commission has confirmed that the pay raise legislation was voted on before Gibbs was even a member of the General Assembly.

The ad continues to accuse Gibbs of not giving “tax breaks to families,” however Senator Gibbs co-authored the largest tax cut in state history with the 21% reduction of the personal income tax. This tax break provided relief to every Ohioan. Senator Gibbs has also voted for expanding the Homestead Tax exemption for seniors.

Please see memo below for further information.

Legislative Service Commission Memo on Pay Raise

Gibbs’ Letter to the Editor: Congress Poised to Raise Taxes Again

Gibbs’ Letter to the Editor: Congress Poised to Raise Taxes Again

Despite some signs of recovery, it is clear that in many parts of Ohio, our economy has not yet totally recovered. In particular, the troubling unemployment level and the precarious state of our real estate market—both of which are key indicators on the strength of our recovery—are both still suffering and the latest numbers show unemployment levels above 10 percent and in some counties over 14 percent.

Despite the dismal outlook for the real estate market and the unemployment rate, Congress is attempting to pass the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which would raise taxes on investment partnerships—like real estate, private equity, and venture capital partnerships—by over 150 percent and hurt prospects for the economy even more. In fact, our own Representative Zach Space joined his Democrat House colleagues in passing the bill, and the U.S. Senate is expected to take up the legislation as early as this week.

Unfortunately, the legislation includes a tax increase on carried interest revenue—taxing it at a much higher income tax rate rather than the current capital gains rate. This change will alter the returns on commercial real estate transactions and would harm the real estate industry, whose recovery is vital to an economic upturn. As the industry is still recovering from the uncertainty of the financial crisis, it simply cannot handle the tax increase, too.

I sponsored and the Ohio Senate recently passed a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to maintain the current capital gains tax rate on carried interest from real estate and other partnerships. We firmly believe that the tax increase would cause the real estate industry to further decline, and would be damaging to jobs and economic growth in general and be one of the first attacks at removing the beneficial capital gains tax rate that investors have come to rely upon.

The American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act claims to target a “tax loophole” taken advantage of by a few Wall Street fund managers, but this is simply untrue. All investment partnerships rely on carried interest to make a profit and continue to invest across America. In fact, over 1.2 million partnerships, both large and small, own more than $1 trillion worth of commercial real estate nationwide and rely on low tax rates on carried interest to continue build and revitalize our cities and states. The partnership model is the primary business model for development of office buildings, multi-family residences, hotels, and shopping malls.

The carried interest tax increase would reduce the after-tax profits of entrepreneurs and in effect create a disincentive to invest in the risky and rewarding projects that create jobs and economic growth. Fundamentally, the law makes it very difficult for partnerships to raise the necessary capital to invest in the jobs needed to help turn around our stagnant unemployment rate and put more Ohioans to work.

In addition, the carried interest tax increase would result in eroded property values and tax revenues at the local level, further straining local governments who rely on these tax revenues to run our cities and towns. As the non-partisan U.S. Conference of Mayors wrote in a letter to Congress, the tax on real estate partnerships “will lower tax revenues at the federal, state, and local levels and limit opportunities for redevelopment and underutilized properties, hindering job creation.” Our cities, county and state budgets have all been stretched thin by the economic recession. Raising federal taxes, which will in turn further depress local tax receipts, would force additional painful cuts to necessary services here in Ohio, all while ignoring the out of control deficit at the federal level.

Our local Representatives in Congress have the responsibility to make choices that help our weakened economy and pass laws that support a tax structure that rewards hard work and success, rather than one that overburdens profitable businesses. By passing a law that taxes real estate entrepreneurs and other investors, the federal government will be enacting policy that would be disastrous in light of our country’s current economic situation.

Unfortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives—including Ohio’s Representative Zach Space—already made a poor choice by passing a tax increase on carried interest. But it’s not too late for Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) and his colleagues to make the right choice for our economy and avoid the unintended consequences of this tax increase in the midst of our economic recovery.

Space Lies about Gibbs to Hide Truth About Himself

Space Lies about Gibbs to Hide Truth About Himself

Gibbs Demands False Ad Be Removed

Lakeville, OH – State Senator Bob Gibbs, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, demanded that his opponent, current Congressman Zack Space, pull down a television ad filled with purposely false and misleading statements.

“It’s only June and already Congressman Space is using his millions to lie to the electorate,” said Gibbs. “I have never voted for a pay raise in my career and Zack knows it, this is shameful.”

Gibbs points out other hypocrisies in the newest Space television ad such as Space’s record on taxes. “Zack has been busy in Congress over the last year, voting to raise over $1.4 trillion in taxes on our families.”

Space’s Record on Raising Taxes:

Voted for thirteen separate tax increases totaling over $700 billion in the Healthcare bill – H.R. 3962, November 7, 2009
Vote for Cap-and-Trade, $200 billion in costs to families – Equivalent to a 15% increase in personal income tax - H.R. 2454, June 26, 2009
Voted for FY ’09 budget blueprint that would raise $694 billion in taxes – Associated Press Article, March 13, 2008

Space Received Biggest Pay Raise:

While Law Director of Dover, OH – Space received a 77% pay increase, or more than $25,000 additional dollars per year*
One of the largest single pay raises of any public official in Ohio history.
Pay raise came at the same time Dover residents were facing possible increases of 5% in their water services. *
While Space received a 77% increase, other public officials received 3%*

*New Philadelphia Times Reporter Articles, Oct. 7, 2003, November 4, 2003

Gibbs also responded to the false claims in the ad that he had not supported tax cuts for families. “I co-authored the largest tax cut in Ohio history, a 21% income tax cut for every Ohioan,” said Gibbs. “I was also a supporter of the homestead tax exemption which continues to help families in all parts of Ohio.”

“It appears that this TV ad was a major diversion from Congressman Space to try and hide the issues that he is most vulnerable on,” said Gibbs.

Gibbs Officially Named Republican Nominee

Gibbs Officially Named Republican Nominee

Congratulates Dailey on an honorable campaign

Lakeville, OH – Senator Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville), candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, announced today that the recount of all sixteen counties has been completed and he is now officially the Republican nominee for Congress. Gibbs will face Congressman Zack Space in the November election.

“Fred Dailey ran an excellent campaign and he remains a friend of mine,” said Gibbs of his primary opponent. “He always kept everything above board and honest, and I am proud to have his endorsement to beat Zack Space in the fall.”

Gibbs now is able to turn his efforts toward Zack Space and the November contest that will be one of the premier congressional races in the country. Gibbs wasted no time reminding all of the voters of the 18th Congressional District what their Congressman has been up to in Washington, D.C.

“Zack Space has lost his way,” said Gibbs. “The most important issue on the minds of families in this district is jobs, and Zack continually votes to put tens of thousands of our region’s workers in the unemployment line. Zack’s cap and trade vote is putting 40,000 coal and coal related jobs at risk and that is unacceptable.”

Gibbs also made reference to Zack’s vote for a failed stimulus package as well as his countless votes to add trillions to the federal deficit.

“We need to get people back to work,” commented Gibbs. “It is time for the voters to send a message to Zack Space and tell him it is not ok to continue voting over 93% of the time with Nancy Pelosi while our workers suffer.”

Votes are Certified: Gibbs is the Winner

Votes are Certified: Gibbs is the Winner

(Lakeville, OH) – With all 16 counties within the 18th congressional district certifying their votes for the May 4th primary election, Bob Gibbs has maintained the lead and remains the winner.

“As the results are now in I want to thank my supporters and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of my competitors in their efforts to help take back our country from a liberal agenda of higher spending and taxes," Gibbs said.

Gibbs added, “Now the time has come for everyone to come together and support my efforts with my message of policies that encourage private sector job growth and stop job-killing initiatives like cap and tax that Zack Space voted for. I am looking forward to a vigorous and spirited campaign to defeat the liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi and Zack Space of deficit spending, massive debt and bigger government.”

Gibbs Wins Support for Amendment to Create and Keep Jobs in Ohio

Gibbs Wins Support for Amendment That Would Encourage Clean Coal and Advanced Energy Projects to Locate in Ohio and Create Jobs

COLUMBUS— State Senator and Congressional Candidate for the 18th district Bob Gibbs (R- Lakeville) recently announced that an amendment he sponsored that would extend the window for clean coal and advanced energy projects to take advantage of an exemption to the tangible personal property tax was recently approved by the Ohio Senate. Gibbs offered the amendment as a part of Senate Bill 232, which seeks to make Ohio’s tax rates more competitive in order to make the state more attractive for renewable energy projects and the jobs they create.

“The window originally proposed in SB 232 did not provide enough time for clean coal and other advanced energy technology facilities to get off the ground and would severely limit our ability to attract these projects to Ohio,” Gibbs said. “My amendment simply extends the deadline to begin construction and operation of clean coal and advanced nuclear facilities in order to ensure these types of energy remain a viable option in our state.”

As part of the energy bill passed by the Legislature in 2008, standards were implemented that require 25 percent of Ohio’s electricity be generated from renewable and advanced energy sources by the year 2025. The bill also requires that one-half of the renewable energy standards be generated within Ohio. However, few facilities have been built in the state because of the vastly larger tax liability these projects currently face in Ohio as compared to other states.

SB 232 provides a window that would allow companies seeking to build renewable energy generation facilities in Ohio to pay an annual fee based on how much they generate, in lieu of tangible personal property taxes or real property taxes, thereby bringing tax rates for these kinds of projects in line with other states competing for the same projects. In order to be eligible for this provision, the facility must begin operations by January 1, 2013.

Ohio Coal Association President Mike Carey said “once again Bob Gibbs is standing up for the coal industry and making sure we are keeping jobs here in Ohio.”

Senator Gibbs explained that projects involving clean coal, advanced nuclear and cogeneration technologies would be unable to begin construction by that deadline, putting them at a disadvantage compared to projects involving solar and wind energy. His amendment extends the window for these types of projects to begin until 2017, creating a more even playing field for all sources of renewable and advanced energy.

SB 232 was recently approved by the Senate and now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.

Gibbs Primary Victory in 18th CD Will Stand, Observers Agree

Gibbs Primary victory in 18th CD will stand, observers agree

Low number of outstanding votes leaves no chance for opponent to overcome lead

(Lakeville, Ohio) The Primary battle to determine which Republican will face Zack Space in the fall will result in a victory for Bob Gibbs. With all precincts reporting, Gibbs holds a 164 vote lead over Fred Dailey, Gibbs’ next closest competitor in the 8-way field.

Initial reports had the number of outstanding ballots to be counted in the thousands, but upon further detailed county-by-county review and breakdown of outstanding ballots, that number is actually only a few hundred remaining Republican ballots that were cast in the race for Congress.

Even if Dailey were to win the remaining ballots by the same percentage that he won his home county – and there is no reason to believe that will happen - he would still lose. A mandatory recount is also unlikely to change the result.

“In this era of modern electronic voting equipment the changcs for a math error of this size is highly unlikely” said Terry Casey, who has overseen close elections as Chairman of the Franklin County Board of Elections and who had done election recounts in over 30 counties in Ohio.

Of the approximately 1,100 absentee ballots that had been requested but not returned by last Tuesday, only 116 have been received, and most counties believe they would be in receipt of any ballot that was postmarked in time. That figure also includes Democrat and minor party ballots as well as issue only voters, and does not take into consideration ballots that are not likely to be counted, or ballot drop-off. “The reality is that the total Republican absentee ballots in that group will be much, much smaller,” said Matt Borges, spokesman for Gibbs.

Of the absentee ballots confirmed to have come in, the largest total (43) came from Gibbs home county, Holmes, where he defeated Dailey by a margin of 2,048 to 145. Only eight such ballots had been reported received in Knox County, Dailey’s home county.

Further, the number of provisional ballots that will be counted will be drastically reduced from the approximately 1,200 that were initially reported.

“Only about 400 hundred provisional ballots will be qualified by state law counted in this race. Those uncounted ballots will be divided up between the eight candidates. That means making up a 164 vote margin among the remaining net republican ballots is next to impossible” Casey concluded.

“We respect the process that will ultimately confirm the result in this race,” said Borges. “But this Primary is over and Bob Gibbs won.”

Ohio Right to Life PAC Endorses Bob Gibbs for Congress

Ohio Right to Life PAC Endorses Bob Gibbs for Congress

(Columbus) – The Ohio Right to Life PAC Board announced today that they have endorsed Bob Gibbs in his campaign to unseat Zack Space for Ohio’s 18th Congressional District. A life-long champion of Life issues, and a conservative State Senator, Gibbs was the only candidate endorsed in the 8-way Republican Primary.

“I’m pleased and honored to have earned this endorsement,” said Gibbs, once the announcement was made official this afternoon. “We have to get serious about winning this district back from Zack Space and bringing sensible leadership back to our area,” he added. “I’ve received much support and many endorsements in my race, but there is none that I’m more proud of than to have earned that of my friends in the Life movement.”

Gibbs has a record in the legislature of voting for issues important to respecting the sanctity of life, including HB 102, the bill requiring the Department of Health to provide readily available information to expectant mothers about umbilical cord blood banking, which was recently signed into law by the Governor.

Gibbs had been previously endorsed by Ken Blackwell, a host of elected officials and local party leaders, and has the support of the Ohio Republican Party. He’s received high marks from several conservative organizations, and now adds the Ohio Right to Life endorsement to his campaign.

“Whether it was bills fighting human cloning, or protecting the rights of the unborn, I’ve always stood with Ohio Right to Life when it’s counted the most,” Gibbs said. “Now, I’m humbled that they have decided to stand with me as I take the fight to Washington DC,” he concluded.

The list of Ohio endorsed candidates can be found at http://ohiolifepac2.weebly.com/2010-endorsements.html

Gibbs Receives ‘A’ Rating from Buckeye Firearms

(Lakeville, Oh) – Republican Bob Gibbs received an ‘A’ rating from the Buckeye Firearms Association in his race to replace Zack Space in the US Congress. Calling itself a “grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms,” Buckeye Firearms pledges to “work to elect pro-gun candidates”.

“Bob has been a leader on issues important to gun owners,” said Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine. “He has a perfect voting record can be counted on to support and defend your 2nd Amendment rights. We can trust Bob Gibbs to always be a friend to our cause,” he added.

Gibbs said he was pleased and honored to have received the support of his fellow gun owners. “I’ve always stood up for gun rights, and I’m proud to stand with Buckeye Firearms.” In addition to the honor from BFA, Gibbs has been previously endorsed while running for the state legislature by the NRA, and he is a life member of that organization.

Gibbs said that in Congress he will continue to support the lawful rights of gun owners and sportsmen, and keep a close eye on the Federal governments repeated attempts to ignore the constitution, and pass misguided gun regulations. “We need to defend our constitutional principles now more than ever,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs’ conservative campaign for Congress has been endorsed by Ken Blackwell, John Boehner, Bill Batchelder, Josh Mandel, and several other conservative Ohio legislators, and he has the support of the Ohio Republican Party.

Gibbs Disappointed in Congress for Massive Federal Health Care Spending Bill

Gibbs Disappointed in Congress for Massive Federal Health Care Spending Bill

“Once again the US Congress went wildly out of control with their attempt to resolve a challenge facing this nation. Just like when Congress overreacted to rising unemployment rates by passing the so-called “stimulus” bill which added no new jobs, Congress passed a bad bill tonight that doesn’t fix our health care system, and adds crippling taxes to families and businesses.

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. Ohio jobs will leave our area now that added burdens, such as extra taxes and penalties on employers, have become a part of their reality. Perhaps most disappointing was seeing the principled stand of some members, who refused to vote for this bill if it included public funding of abortion, end 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.

Two months after Scott Brown was elected trying to stop this from happening, Congress passed a bill that brought out their very worst with impossible to justify deals like the “Cornhusker Kickback.” It’s clear that Nancy Pelosi didn’t hear the message that came from the election results in Massachusetts, and clear that Congress had no intention of listening to the American people, who clearly wanted Congress to go back to the drawing board and put forth a bill that we could be proud of.

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. Voters will hold Zack Space accountable for setting this in motion. I will make certain of it.”

Gibbs to Zack Space – What will it be?

Gibbs to Zack Space – What will it be?

Health Insurance Reform “Right Now” Obama tells Ohio Crowd

(Lakeville, Ohio) – Bob Gibbs released the following statement on the President’s visit to Ohio today on the current state of the Health Care debate.

“Today President Obama visited Ohio and clamored for the swift passage of Health Care Reform. Dismissing those who claim that we need to “start over” or those who are “more worried about the politics than what’s right and what’s wrong” the President said it was time to pass the bill “right now”. I disagree. I think it’s more important to start over and get this right, than it is to pass it quickly. And the current bill, with so many questions, and so many questionable deals made to get Congress to approve it, is not the right plan.

So now that he’s been called out by the President, does Zack Space stand with him, or is he willing to stand up to him and work on this plan until they get it right?

There are too many people who are going to be affected by this bill, and they need to know where they stand with Zack Space.

Local employers need to know if Space is on their side or against them. The current Health Care plan calls for stiff fines and penalties for employers whose workers choose other coverage options. Plus, taxes on medical goods and services will undoubtedly send Ohio jobs elsewhere

Taxpayers need to know if Space is going to hold the line on the already overbearing tax burden, or whether he supports the current bill which adds new taxes on savings and investment earnings.

Seniors need to know if Space will protect Medicare, or support the current bill which cuts benefits.

Families need to know if Space thinks they should keep making medical decisions for themselves and their loved ones, or support the current plan which transfers the decisions about what is or is not covered to a Washington bureaucrat.

All of us want to know if Space is against further federal funding for abortion, or if he supports the current bill which equates abortions with health care.

The President says Congress “owes us a final up or down vote” on this issue. I say this issue is too important to attach an arbitrary deadline to, instead of taking a step back and getting a bill passed that we can be proud of. So, Congressman Space, what will it be?”

Gibbs is a Republican candidate to replace Zack Space.

Blackwell Endorses Bob Gibbs for Congress

Blackwell Endorses Bob Gibbs for Congress

Former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell today announced his endorsement of Bob Gibbs in his bid to unseat Zack Space in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District.

“In Washington, Bob Gibbs will fight against wasteful spending and stand up for our conservative values,” Blackwell said. “Throughout his public career, Bob has been a staunch defender of the unborn, second amendment rights and fiscally conservative solutions. He has consistently walked the conservative talk. And I proudly support his candidacy for Congress.”

Gibbs co-authored the legislation reducing Ohio’s personal income tax rates by 21%, the largest tax cut in Ohio history. He also introduced a measure in the Ohio Senate to urge Congress to stop the “Card Check” legislation, the unfair measure of eliminating the secret ballot for employees wishing to recognize an Employees Union.

“Voters in the 18th District have had it with Zack Space,” said Gibbs. “The question now is who we will pit against him in the general election. I’m the candidate who can draw the strongest contrast to Space, because I’m not just talking about what I will do – I have a record of what I have done to reduce the tax burden on Ohio families, and fighting for the conservative cause.”

Gibbs is also endorsed by Ohio House Minority Leader Bill Batchelder, Ohio Congressman John Boehner, and dozens of other conservative legislators, local elected officials, and Republican Party Leaders.

Gibbs calls on Space to Return Money from Rangel

Gibbs calls on Space to Return Money from Rangel

(Columbus) – This morning, Congressman Zack Space joined the growing chorus of legislators calling on fellow Democrat Charlie Rangel (D-NY) to step down as Chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Space was quoted in today’s Columbus Dispatch saying it would be “undeniably wrong” for Rangel to remain in that post, now that he has been reprimanded by the House. Rangel’s reprimand was for taking a Corporate-financed trip to the Caribbean, in violation of House Rules, and Space has committed to voting for a Republican measure to force Rangel out from his post if the defiant Congressman doesn’t give up his post soon, according to the Dispatch .

“If Zack Space suddenly considers Charlie Rangel so bad, then why is he hanging on to the $21,000 in campaign cash he’s gotten from Rangel?” Bob Gibbs, Republican candidate to replace Space asked. “He ought to do the right thing and return that tainted money,” Gibbs said “simply calling for him to step aside is just another misdirection from Zack Space, who’s entrenched in Nancy Pelosi’s culture in Congress – and we don’t want Charlie Rangel’s cash being used to promote Zack Space’s agenda of Cap and Trade, Government-run Health Care, and more federal spending – all of which is bad for our district.”

Gibbs Files Petitions for Congress

Gibbs Files Petitions for Congress

Urges 18th District to look at candidates’ voting records

New Philadelphia – State Senator Bob Gibbs today filed his official petitions to become a Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 18th district. The petitions were filed at the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections, which is the largest county in the 18th District.

“I’m proud to officially file as a candidate for Congress in the 18th,” said Gibbs of the filing. “As I’ve traveled throughout this district there is one common theme regardless of party affiliation; people are fed up with Zack Space for betraying their trust and voting against the workers and families of this district every chance he gets.”

Upon filing, Gibbs encouraged all voters in the district to compare the voting records of both he and Space. “There is a clear difference between me and Zack and our voting records,” commented Gibbs. “Zack votes with Nancy Pelosi on damaging legislation like Cap and Tax (Trade), government run healthcare and a failed stimulus package. His votes support higher taxes, higher energy costs, higher deficit spending and more government. Conversely, I co-authored a 21% income tax reduction for every Ohioan and repealed burdensome job killing taxes on businesses. I fought for four years and successfully passed legislation to overturn additional and costly sales tax collecting requirements on Ohio’s retailers. I sponsored and passed legislation to protect property rights from overzealous government entities from eminent domain proceedings. I have a strong conservative record for fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and protection of our freedoms,” concluded Gibbs.

Gibbs is one of a handful of legislators to be recognized by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, NFIB for his work, NFIB awarded Gibbs with their prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award. Additionally, Gibbs has several times been awarded the Watchdog of the Treasury Award from United Conservatives of Ohio.

Gibbs is currently serving in the Ohio Senate, being elected to that position in 2008 after serving three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. He and his wife Jody live in Lakeville and have three grown children.

Gibbs Honored by United Conservatives of Ohio as Watchdog of the Treasury

Gibbs Honored by United Conservatives of Ohio as Watchdog of the Treasury

“Dedication to fiscal responsibility” earns prestigious award

(Columbus) – State Senator Bob Gibbs was named a Watchdog of the Treasury on Wednesday by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The group praised Gibbs for his “dedication to fiscal responsibility” and “strong conservative voting record” in presenting him with the award. Gibbs is a candidate to unseat Zack Space this year in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District.

“With more than three decades of business experience, Senator Gibbs understands the importance of smart fiscal management, whether you are a company trying to make payroll or state government,” a statement released by the Ohio Senate stated after Wednesday’s announcement, adding “he has championed the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supported public policy that works to limit government, keep taxes low and foster a climate in Ohio that encourages investment and job growth.”

Gibbs said he was pleased to be recognized by the UCO, an organization that advocates public policy that promotes free enterprise, low taxes and greater efficiency in government. “It is those conservative principles that will lead us out of the mess we’re in,” noted Gibbs, who vowed to take the fight against wasteful spending to Washington.

“The days of trillion dollar spending sprees and leveraging our future by borrowing more and more have got to end,” said Gibbs. “I’m honored by the title of ‘Watchdog’ – it’s exactly the reputation I intend to bring with me to Washington, where restraint is badly needed,” he added.

Gibbs also received the award in 2004 and 2006.

First County Endorsement in Race for Congress Goes to Gibbs

First County Endorsement in Race for Congress Goes to Gibbs

(Millersburg) – Republican State Senator Bob Gibbs won the endorsement of the Holmes County Republican Party today in his bid to unseat Zack Space in Ohio’s 18th Congressional District. Holmes is the first county party to endorse in the race.

“I am very pleased that Holmes County has once again recognized Bob's experience in state government and his enthusiasm in representingHolmes County's interests in Congress,” said County Republican Chairman Rob Hovis.

Gibbs won over the support of the committee largely by demonstrating his strength and ability to win in the Fall. He told the Committee in his remarks that he had raised over $250,000 in his bid for Congress, more than three times the amount of any other candidate. He has key support among the grassroots, including several County Chairs, the entire Republican delegation to the Ohio House and Senate from the district, and several Ohio Republican members of Congress. He was also lauded by the conservative group Americans for Prosperity for signing the “No Climate Tax Pledge”.

“This is a great step forward for us, but we have much work to do,” said Gibbs. “I’ll put together the resources to win this race and beat Zack Space. I’m pleased and honored to have the support of the Holmes County GOP.”

Bob Gibbs Slams Zack Space For Yet Another Flip-Flop

Ohio State Senator and candidate for Congress Bob Gibbs today reacted to news reports that Zack Space joined a Congressional “Coal Caucus” after Space had previously voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. That bill, also known as “Cap and Trade” is unquestionably harmful to Ohio’s Coal industry, the heart of which is located in the 18th District, which Space now represents.

“This is another example of Zack Space voting one way, and then campaigning another,” said Gibbs. “He can pay whatever lip service he wants to the men and women of our district who see their livelihoods flying out the window because of Nancy Pelosi’s agenda, which Zack Space has seen fit to rubber stamp, but when it was time to stand up for Ohio jobs with his actual vote in Congress, once again he flat-out blew it,” Gibbs added.

Space had also recently announced that he would vote against the Senate version of Health Care Reform, after initially voting for the House measure. His newfound resistance to Health Care emerged just a few days after Republican Scott Brown surprisingly won his bid in the special election for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts, campaigning mainly against the Nationalized Health Care plan.

The Cap and Trade Bill will increase energy costs and send jobs overseas. “By its very definition is designed to drive jobs out of coal country,” said Matt Borges, spokesman for the Bob Gibbs campaign. “Ohio jobs were not taken into consideration in this bill, so you’d expect Ohio’s representatives to stand up against the bill and vote ‘no’. But Zack Space didn’t. Now he wants to be part of a group that opposes the very bill he voted for. I’ve heard of trying to have it both ways, but this is ridiculous.”

The Coal Caucus was formed in part by Republican Shelly Moore-Capito of West Virginia, who was specifically critical of the Cap and Trade bill’s harmful impact on her state’s economy. Fellow West Virginia Congressman, Democrat Alan Mollohan also joined the caucus, stating the obvious negative impact of the bill on his district, much of which borders Ohio. Mollohan was quoted in today’s Wheeling News-Register, saying Cap and Trade bill “threatened West Virginia's interests and did not envision a realistic role for coal in the coming decades,” and saying, “unfortunately, that bill was passed by the House,” of the vote , while standing up for his district in a rebuke of his party’s leadership. Moore-Capito, needless to say, voted against the bill too.

Senator Bob Gibbs Reaction to latest Space Flip-Flop

"It's getting harder and harder to know what Zack Space really stands for. His flip flop on Health Care is more of politics-as-usual.

He claimed to care about universal medical coverage, despite its oppressive cost, but now wants to pretend he's against it and hide from his record once he saw the results in Massachusetts.

That's not leadership. I opposed the Obama/Pelosi/Space nationalized Health Care plan from the start. It's too costly at a time when government needs to tighten its belt, and would hurt our district - especially our seniors.

If Zack Space really cared about any of that, he wouldn't have gone along with his troublesome vote in the first place. But, as usual, the only way to get Zack's attention is through polls and shifting of the political winds."

Senator Bob Gibbs Statement on Scott Brown Election Victory

“Tuesday's election of conservative Republican Scott Brown to the vacant United States Senate seat in Massachusetts sent a very clear signal that people are fed up with what is occurring in Washington D.C. Clearly voters are upset with promising millions of taxpayer dollars for special deals and back room partisan politics.

On the campaign trail it is obvious to me that people in Ohio and the 18th district are fed up just like the voters in Massachusetts.

Voters everywhere are tired of empty promises, out of control spending, lost jobs, bigger government, higher taxes and an uncertain future. Unfortunately our Congressman Space has voted for policies under the leadership and direction of Speaker Pelosi that set us on a path of continued hardship and despair for many families.

I have a strong record of real reforms, which includes tax relief and other policies that provide for a favorable business climate that encourages private sector investment to grow our economy and create jobs.

If it can happen in Massachusetts, it can happen anywhere. I'm thrilled about the message that was sent on Tuesday, change for less government involvement in our lives and stop spending that mortgages the future for generations to come. I hope Congress heeds that message now; I'll make sure they do when I get to Washington.

Congratulations to Scott Brown and to the people of Massachusetts for taking an important first step in keeping Congress in check. I look forward to working with him as your Representative.”

Gibbs Announces Congressional Website

LAKEVILLE, OH – State Senator Bob Gibbs announced today the release of his new congressional website: bobgibbsforcongress.com

“Our new website is a bridge directly to the people throughout the 18th district, to know what I stand for and why I am running for Congress. I would encourage everyone to follow our campaign on Twitter and Facebook so we can provide the most up-to-date information to the district.”

For three decades Bob Gibbs has served as a small business owner and community leader, operating a farm and rental property business. He has been a proud member of the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees since 1985, and past president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Senator Gibbs is a candidate for the 18^th Congressional District and currently serving the 22^nd Ohio Senate District.

Spaces’ Health Care Vote Raises Taxes and Slashes Benefits for Seniors

Lakeville, OH – Senator Bob Gibbs, candidate for Ohio’s 18^th Congressional District, reacted today to Rep. Zack Space’s vote to favor the Nancy Pelosi government run health care program.

“It is unacceptable that Zack Space just voted to slash benefits from the Medicare program, raise taxes, and add 118 new government bureaucracies” said Senator Gibbs. “Zack has been dodging his constituents’ views on the issue of healthcare because he knows that this district is against the Pelosi plan.”

“Not only does this bill implement a $729.5 billion dollar new tax on our families, it also does not address skyrocketing health care costs and criminalizes non-compliance which increasingly erodes our freedoms and individual liberties,” Gibbs added.

Zack Space has been publicly criticized in recent months for refusing to meet with his constituents on the issues of health care reform and cap-and-trade. Space voted to support both cap-and-trade and now health care, two bills which are strongly opposed by his districts workers, families and seniors. “Once again, Zack chose Nancy Pelosi’s agenda over the good of his constituents,” commented Gibbs on the recent health care vote. “Never before have I seen a congressman so neglect his constituents and their wishes.”

For three decades Bob Gibbs has served as a small business owner and community leader, operating a farm and rental property business. He served on the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees for fifteen years and is a past president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

NRCC Selects Gibbs to Start ‘Young Guns’ Program

LAKEVILLE, OH – Senator Bob Gibbs, candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 18th District, announced today that he has been selected by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) to be a part of their Young Guns program. Young Guns is a program utilized by the NRCC to assist top tier candidates in some of the country’s most targeted seats.

“Being selected to start the Young Guns program means that we’re making serious progress in our campaign,” said Gibbs. “Throughout the district our message is taking hold that we won’t stand for Zack Space voting to support the job killing Capand‐Trade bill and we won’t stand for him voting for a budget with a $1.4 trillion deficit.”

The Young Guns program sets aggressive goals for fundraising, volunteer recruitment and general voter outreach that will help the campaign to push an aggressive message and eventually be successful in November of 2010. Citing the Young Guns program and Gibbs' candidacy for Congress, NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions said, "These candidates have become formidable contenders by meeting the rigorous goals laid out by the Young Guns program and putting in place the pieces for a winning campaign."

“I’m glad that we are being recognized by the NRCC for our hard work here in the district, but we couldn’t have had such a successful start if it weren't for the people in the 18th district and their generous contribution of time to our campaign efforts,” commented Gibbs on his support. “We have an extremely motivated group of people who agree with me that it is time for a change in the 18th District.”

Gibbs joins approximately 30 other Republican candidates for Congress throughout the United States who are beginning the first step of the Young Guns program. Gibbs and others have started on step 1 (of 3) which is titled “On the Radar” where by the campaigns have to reach certain fundraising thresholds and prove that they are a well organized and well funded candidate. The remaining two steps come as the campaign season progresses into 2010 and depend on various benchmarks such as volunteer recruitment, fundraising and general campaign progress.

Gibbs Objects to US EPA; Defends Ohio Coal Jobs

COLUMBUS, OH – State Senator Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville), a candidate for Congress in Ohioʼs 18th district, testified yesterday during a public hearing by the U.S. Army Corps regarding a proposed suspension of the “Nationwide 21” permit in the Appalachian region of the United States, including Ohio.

The Nationwide 21 permit is a permit issued and renewed as recently as 2007 by the Army Corps to allow for surface coal mine operations in the Appalachian region, including areas in Ohio. The Army Corps and the US EPA are now proposing the suspension or modification of these permits for operations only in the Appalachian region, while allowing surface mining in other parts of the country to remain the same.

“The Nationwide 21 permit has been in use in Ohioʼs coal mine for decades, and was recently re-approved by the Army Corps,” said Gibbs. “Now the US EPA has decided to come in and change course, putting thousands of coal jobs in Ohio in jeopardy; we cannot stand for that type of irresponsible regulation.”

Gibbs questioned Washington politiciansʼ campaign for “energy independence” while trying to bankrupt and eliminate the domestic coal industry. “Coal is the most abundant and affordable domestic energy source that we have,” said Gibbs. “The question is why are our federal regulators trying to eliminate that option along with the thousands of coal jobs that go along with it?”

Senator Gibbs also questioned the lack of participation by Zack Space at the public hearing. “First Zack votes with Pelosi to kill coal jobs and raise energy prices with Cap-and-Trade, and then he doesnʼt think it is important enough to even send a member of his staff to help save these coal jobs,” commented Gibbs on the absence. “If we are going to be successful in fighting the EPA and the Obama administrationʼs attack on our coal industry, we need every elected official to participate. It is discouraging to see Zackʼs lack of concern for our area.”

Senator Gibbs also encourages other concerned Ohio residents to voice their objections to the Army Corps by logging onto www.Regulations.gov under docket #COE-2009-0032.