Mike Skindell fundraiser in Cleveland next Wednesday

Regular Ohio Daily Blog readers know how I feel about the fact that the Ohio Democratic Party has not been able to elect a single state supreme court justice in 12 years, despite a veritable parade of outstanding candidates. A 7-0 Republican supreme court (6-1 after Gov. Strickland appointed Yvette McGee Brown) has given us a string of decisions that overwhelmingly favor corporate interests over citizen interests.

And Ohioans could be forgiven for thinking those decisions were purchased. A New York Times article in October 2006 titled "Campaign Cash Mirrors a High Court's Rulings" found that Justice Terrence O'Donnell decided for his campaign donors 91% of the time in cases that involved such a donor.

I've linked to it many times before. Here's that link yet again. It's must reading for anyone who cares about governance in Ohio:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/01/us/01judges.html?pagewanted=all

O'Donnell's opponent this year is state senator Mike Skindell from Lakewood. As a legislator, Skindell could always be counted on to look after the interests of regular working people and what's good for Ohio as a whole rather than what benefits corporate big business. He'd be a terrific addition to the court, along with his running mates Bill O'Neill is is squaring off against Robert Cupp, and Justice Brown, who is running to retain her seat against a dubiously qualified Republican named Sharon Kennedy.

But Skindell got into the race late. He came on board earlier this summer after another candidate dropped out. So he's running behind and could really use some help. He's having a fundraiser next Wednesday, September 5 from 5-7 p.m. at Massimo de Milano, 1400 W. 25th Street (corner of Detroit and W. 25th, just over the Detroit-Superior Bridge). That means there'll be good food.

And it's a low-dollar fundraiser, only $35, because Skindell is not about pocketing a $6,000 check from someone who has a case that impacts them coming up.
http://www.ohiodailyblog.com/content/justice-cupp-takes-another-contribu...

Stop on by after work; meet Mike; mingle with some cool people including the host committee state reps. Mike Foley, Nickie Antonio, and Nicholas Celebreeze, Parma Heights Mayor Mike Byrne. Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter, Cleveland City Council President Marty Sweeney, an county council member Dale Miller.

Go to www.mikeskindell.com to RSVP (not required), get more information, or volunteer.