Dear Young Dem, 

What an election for Young Dems! Six of our Run2009 candidates secured victory on November 3, inspiring young Dems all across the state with their energy, dedication and vision for public service.   

Read all about Run2009's success at the polls in our November newsletter below. You'll also find out what members of Ohio's congressional delegation are saying about the historic Affordable Health Care for America Act, hear about a special event recently held by the Summit County Young Dems and learn what the Ohio Democratic Party is doing to knock out Republicans in 2010.

As we celebrate our victories this month, let's also start thinking about our strategy for 2010. What can OYD do to help Democrats in the Buckeye state next November? We always welcome your ideas and suggestions.

Stay tuned to OhioYD.org for more updates!

Regards,

Ohio Young Democrats

In this edition:
Run2009 Candidates Capture Victory
House Delivers on Health Care
Summit County Young Dems hold annual JFK Reception
ODP Delivers "Knockout" Blow to Republican Hopefuls

OYD's Run2009 candidates victorious at the polls

Six of OYD's Run2009 candidates--Amanda Armstrong, Cassandra Jones, Nicole Dailey Jones, John Landers, Dan Langshaw and A.J. Smith--celebrated victory on election night while bringing youthful Democratic leadership to their respective communities.

A.J. Smith, a veteran of President Barack Obama's successful 2008 campaign, won election to Middletown City Council's 2nd Ward. At 20, A.J. is the city's youngest ever member of city council.

Former Medina County Young Democrats leader and College of Wooster junior Amanda Armstrong gained a spot on Medina Educational Service Center's Governing Board. Amanda brings a track record of government service to her post, having previously worked in the office of the Ohio Attorney General.

"I am looking forward to advocating for the rights of students in my community to be afforded the best resources possible in order to prepare themselves for college and high tech jobs, which will ultimately keep young people in Ohio," said Armstrong.

With four years of service under her belt, Nicole Dailey Jones won reelection to North Olmsted City Council. Nicole has served as Chair of the Streets and Transportation Committee, Vice-Chair of the Recreation, Public Parks and Buildings Committee and as a member of the Building, Zoning and Development Committee.

A member of the Mahoning Valley 20/30 Professional Society with federal government consulting experience, John Landers earned a spot on Boardman's Board of Education. John holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Case Western Reserve University.

Being a young Democrat in elected office imposes special responsibilities, but is also rewarding for future young Dems, Smith said.

"To be a young Dem elected to office means a lot to me, and those that have future aspirations as well," Smith explained. "I believe what's most astonishing to me is the fact that not only am I a young Democrat, but a young black Democrat as well. It shows that all across the country racial barriers are being broken."

While not everyone may aspire to run for office, Dailey Jones says her experience has taught her that there are several ways to participate in civic life.

"Young Democrats should realize that there are so many ways to contribute to the Ohio political process and take advantage of the opportunities out there," said Dailey Jones. "I often say that while running for office is a noble endeavor, there are countless other ways to be involved and make your community, city, county and our state a better place to live."

After a close contest, Landers says he is most looking forward to learning more about the Boardman school district.

"It means a lot that the community felt I was one of the right people for the job in the uncertain times with the economy and school funding," said Landers. "I am looking forward to working hard and continuing getting to better understand the school district."

Also beating out a slate of competitors to gain seats on their local school boards were Dan Langshaw and Cassandra Jones.

"I am truly honored and humbled with this victory and the fact that I have made city history as the youngest, at the age of 23, to be elected to the North Royalton School Board," said Langshaw.

Jones finished ahead of four other candidates to become a member of the South Euclid/Lyndhurst School Board.

House Dems answer Obama's call, deliver on health care

By a vote of 220-215, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act late Saturday night, November 7. The bill represents the first step toward meaningful health care reform for Americans and was greeted with loud cheers from Democratic lawmakers as the final votes were cast.

Congressional Budget Office analysis of HR 3962 states that the act guarantees coverage for 96 percent of American families. The legislation also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage to those with pre-existing medical conditions. Insurance providers are also barred from charging higher rates based on medical history or gender. Additionally, the act creates federal subsidies for Americans who cannot afford health insurance.

Focus on the health care debate now shifts to the Senate, where Democrats are busily working out companion legislation.

Calling the House action "historic," President Barack Obama expressed his hopes for ultimate reform.

"Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation," Obama explained. "I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year."

In Ohio, House Democrats spoke out in support of the bill. Here is what a few of them had to say after passage:

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9)-"With the mounting economic strain on American families and the rising costs of health insurance to workers, businesses and federal budget, the status quo has proven itself unsustainable, fiscally irresponsible and morally unacceptable. The time has come for this historical change. I stand in support of its promise to the American people."

Congressman Zack Space (OH-18)-"Our health care system is in severe crisis -- every person has a family member or friend who has been failed by our health care system. We have made our first step toward taking back our health care from the insurance companies."

Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15)-"Today I kept my promise to my constituents that I would not vote for a bill that would add to the deficit. Not only is the Affordable Health Care for America act deficit neutral, but it will decrease the deficit by $30 billion over ten years."

Summit County Young Dems celebrate 4th annual JFK Reception

Local public servants, Democratic candidates and young Dems were on hand Oct. 23 for the Summit County Young Democrats' fourth annual JFK Reception.  Keynote Speaker David Pepper, candidate for State Auditor, impressed the crowd, which included Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Congressman Tim Ryan and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Betty Sutton and Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

Summit County Young Democrats' president Zach Vierheller said the event was inspired by similar gatherings hosted by the county party.

"We wanted to mirror what the Summit County Democratic Party does with their annual FDR Dinner, but we wanted to feature and emphasize youth," Vierheller said.

John F. Kennedy was chosen as the event's namesake because of the youthful vigor of his presidency, Vierheller said.

The chapter also presented its annual Russ Pry/Wayne Jones and Jeff Fusco Awards to Heather Heslop-Licata and David Horner for their unyielding support and guidance of young Democrats and Democratic priorities.

Thanks to donations, the Summit County Young Democrats have been able to contribute about $7,000 to local candidates. Events such as the JFK Reception are crucial to that kind of funding success, Vierheller said.

"When people see this event, they know it supports a good cause. This is one way for us to demonstrate that our organization is a presence and is relevant and that it's a good organization to be involved in," Vierheller said.

ODP set to "Knockout" Republicans in 2010

ohioyd.org