Last night was the 9th district State Senate debate here in Ohio.
It's an interesting race this year because the district, my district, is highly Democratic and also heavily African-American.
The contestants in the race are Charlie Winburn (R) and Cecil Thomas (D). Mr. Winburn is a very popular city councilman and Mr. Thomas is a former city councilman.
Both are African-American.
Because the district is heavily Democratic, Mr. Winburn is painting himself as an "Independent thinker." He is also arguing that you have to be a Republican to get anything done in Ohio.
Here is part of his pitch as reported by the Cincinnati Enquirer:
You see the statehouse is run by Republicans whether you like it or not… nothing gets done up there without the approval of Republicans. Mr. Thomas is a Democrat and that's why he won't get anything done. Even if he is elected he'll be shut out of the room. He will not be heard and he will absolutely not do anything for you.
I'm not sure even Mr. Winburn realizes the implications of this statement.
Breaking down his argument:
- Republicans shut Democrats out of the room.
- If you want to get anything done, you need to be a Republican.
Stepping back for a second, I had to ask myself the question, why are some of our elected representatives shutting others out of the room?
Aren't all of our legislators elected representatives? Why are some being "shut out of the room"? Isn't "the room" our State Senate? Or is there some other Republican-specific room we've never heard of?
Are statements like the following a load of crap?
John Boehner, Speaker of the House:
I've watched both parties contribute to the building up the scar tissue... And I want an opportunity to heal the House and restore the institution of the Congress for the American people, because if we're serious about taking on the big challenges that face our country, I think it's important that we have a healthy institution where parties really can work together, where people can work together across the aisle.
Mitt Romney, former Republican presidential candidate:
My answer is work with the guys across the aisle. Do a bit like Ronald Reagan did. You know, he had lunches with [Democratic House Speaker] Tip O’Neill.
Cory Booker, Democratic Senator:
I'm working with people across the aisle to create good jobs through targeted tax breaks, to support our public schools and make college more affordable.
Now I realize Cory Booker is a Democrat. Targeted tax breaks though? That's a conservative initiative. What did Cory get in return?
How does this "reach across the aisle thing" work? Is it like the Affordable Care Act where Republicans first eliminated single payer, then eliminated the public option, then got a "market-based" solution and then still turned around and crucified the Democratic Party for it?
Is Andrew Cuomo "reaching across the aisle" when he gives Republicans a majority?
Ok, ok. None of these people are Ohioans. And Charlie Winburn did specifically refer to Ohio.
Here's Ohio Governor John Kasich (R):
It's just as important that Republicans not be stiff-necked about working across the aisle when important work must be done. It's okay to compromise on policy, as long as you don't compromise on your principles.
Does Governor Kasich know Democrats are being "shut out of the room" in his own legislature?
Democracy doesn't look like this
I thought Charlie Winburn said a lot of good things in the debate last night. He said he opposed Right to Work. He said he supported voter rights.
He was funny and charming too. He joked with the crowd and said: "I'm one of the most lovable Republicans you'll ever meet."
My issue isn't with Charlie Winburn.
My issue is that Democrats are being "shut out of the room" in Ohio and apparently, the only solution is to join the Republican Party.
This is a problem if we believe in things like freedom, and choice, and democracy.
Why aren't all elected representatives part of the debate?
Action
- Contact John Kasich and request that all elected representatives be let "into the room"
- If you live in Ohio, contact your state representative and state senator and request that all elected representatives be let into the room.
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David Akadjian is the author of The Little Book of Revolution: A Distributive Strategy for Democracy (release scheduled for October).