Jennifer Brunner Receives Profile In Courage Award

Jennifer Brunner

A series of voting irregularities in several major Ohio counties that use electronic voting systems led newly elected Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to order that paper ballots be provided to any voter who requested one during the state’s March 2008 presidential primary. Furthermore, after a study of the state’s new electronic voting systems – just two years old and representing millions in public investment – found that the systems made by several major voting machine manufacturers could be compromised, Brunner called for the replacement of all of the state’s electronic voting systems with paper ballots and optical scan technology before the November 2008 presidential election. Brunner’s proposal brought pointed and persistent criticism from partisans around the state; opponents of the move objected to the cost and questioned the necessity of returning to paper ballots.

For her political courage and her commitment to ensuring the enfranchisement of every Ohio citizen, Jennifer Brunner is honored with the 2008 Profile in Courage Award.

Read more by visiting the JFK Library Foundation Website

Watch RECOUNT the movie

Starring Kevin Spacey, Bob Balaban, Ed Begley, Jr., Laura Dern, John Hurt, Denis Leary, Bruce McGill, and Tom Wilkinson, Recount brings viewers behind the scenes at the controversial Florida recount. This illuminating, hugely entertaining film pulls back the veil on the headlines to explore the human drama surrounding the most controversial presidential election in U.S. history.

Recount examines the torturous process that culminated in the Supreme Court decision in Bush vs. Gore. The Republicans, led by charismatic Texan James Baker, seize the initiative as the case is tried in the judicial system and the court of public opinion. The Democrats play catch-up until Ron Klain, Gore's former chief of staff, takes over and starts matching Baker's political hardball with tough moves of his own. Mutual respect forms between the two as the fate of the presidency plays out among a colorful cast ranging from the impressive (appellate lawyer David Boies) to the maligned (Florida's Secretary of State Katherine Harris).

Recount recreates many of the movers and shakers in the Florida fight. Among the Democrats are Ron Klain (Spacey), soldiering on despite being demoted as Gore's Chief of Staff; Michael Whouley (Leary), Gore's Chief Field Operative; Warren Christopher (Hurt), the onetime Secretary of State whose passivity eventually yields to Klain's more forceful tactics; and David Boies (Begley), an appellate lawyer recruited to articulate the Democrats' message. Republicans include James Baker (Wilkinson), another former Secretary of State with a will to win to match Klain's; Ben Ginsberg (Balaban) and the campaign's Lead Counsel; Katherine Harris (Dern), Florida's Secretary of State, remembered as much for her makeup as for her role in determining the winner.

Recount is directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Fockers, Austin Powers films), and written by Danny Strong (best-known as an actor in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gilmore Girls). It was executive produced by Roach, Emmy® winner Paula Weinstein (HBO's Truman), HBO Films exec Len Amato (Blood Diamond), and Oscar® winner Sydney Pollack (Out of Africa). The producer is Michael Hausman (Brokeback Mountain).

Information found at RecountMovie.com

“Family Reunion” – 2008 State Dinner.

On Saturday, June 21 the Ohio Democratic Party is hosting a “Family Reunion” – our 2008 State Dinner. This event is our largest gathering of the year and is a great opportunity to meet Democratic friends, old and new, and to mix and mingle with Local, Statewide and National Leaders. It will be a great night of Democratic unity and activism.

Click here to get your tickets now.

The Annual State Dinner is our most important fundraiser of the year. Our success at this event will determine our resources to go punch for punch and dollar for dollar with Ohio and national Republicans. Nothing will change in America unless we elect Democrats - at both the local and national levels. And that’s why your continued support of the ODP right now is so critical.

Buy your tickets online today.

At the Ohio Democratic Party, we've been working around the clock for victory by building a strong door-to-door grassroots operation, registering new voters and talking to potential supporters. By buying a ticket to our Annual State Dinner you can help support these programs – plus you get to enjoy a wonderful night of good food, inspiring speeches, live entertainment and a chance to reunite with your fellow Democrats from across the state.

So don’t miss out on this exciting night, buy your tickets today.

Thank you for your support,

Chris Redfern
Chairman

Paid for and authorized by the Ohio Democratic Party, Chris Redfern, Chairman, 340 E. Fulton Street, Columbus OH 43215. Contributions to the Ohio Democratic Party are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for Federal Income Tax purposes. Contributions will be used in connection with Federal elections. Contributions are subject to the limits and prohibitions of the Federal Election Campaign Act. Federal law requires political committees to report name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Governor Strictland Luncheon

See Photos from the Governor Strictland Luncheon held at Crystal Arbors in Fremont.
Photos courtesy of Dan Henning.