EXCLUSIVE : I'm Running For State Representative!

Hey, you can't get more "exclusive" than writing about yourself. And my sources confirm this.

Anyway, I’ve been in politics in one way or another for over 2 decades. As an activist, organizer, blogger, campaign manager, and consultant, I’ve worked hard to advance the causes and people I believe in.

Today, I’m taking that commitment to service in a whole different direction. For the first time in my life, I’m moving from behind the curtain to center stage.

This morning, with my wife Sherri sitting with me at the desk, I’m posting this entry to announce my candidacy for the Ohio House of Representatives (17th District) in 2012.

Ohio is in a state of suspended progress. Despite a year of growth among the strongest in the nation, the Buckeye State has struggled to rebound from the recession fast enough. Making it worse, the new one-party make-up of our state government is threatening to slow or even reverse our recovery. While cutting revenue to local governments, they are pressing the pedal to the floor on legislation that gives incredible access and power to special interests spending your tax dollars with limited oversight. All of this ahead of a state budget battle that threatens to cut critical services at a time when Ohioans are struggling to pull themselves off the mat.

The story of Ohio is one of innovation, action, and commitment to a higher purpose. Whether we talk about the Wright Brothers, John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, or Judy Resnik, to name just a few, Ohio has always been the launching pad for America’s great adventures. In good times and bad, Ohio has kept our nation moving forward.

Today, I enter this race because the idea of “moving forward” to the new folks in charge in Columbus is almost the same thing as standing still. We need to move Ohio forward--faster! Our state must continue to invest in higher education, a sustainable economy, and most importantly, the small business owners who, if given a hand, can generate the jobs we need to make our state a global powerhouse again.

Sherri and I are excited about taking this big step in our lives. Running for office–especially one as demanding as this–can disrupt even the most stable household. But, we know we will not be doing this alone. We need your support--physical, emotional, and yes, financial. I ask you to please take a few minutes today to visit our campaign website, follow the campaign on Facebook, and subscribe to our twitter feed.

I realize what I’m asking you for today. I don’t take it lightly. I promise that in return, this will be the most exciting, ambitious, and aggressive race of its kind you’ll ever see. And I promise to work as hard as I can to serve Ohio on your behalf once we cross that finish line together next year.

Fire the engines! Away we go!

Oh, and yes, I'll still be blogging here at OhioDaily. My focus on this blog will be more federal politics and policy. My own campaign blog will be where I share my thoughts on state policy. I hope you'll read both!