We’re Not Wasting One Minute

Dear Friends,

This week we celebrated the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as a historic day for the American people, as we watched the first woman and the first African American and Asian American sworn in as our vice president, by the first Latina to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Across this nation little girls and boys saw themselves represented at our nation’s highest levels of leadership. What a tremendous inspiration for our children!

In the coming days and weeks, President Biden and Vice President Harris will deliver much-needed relief and ensure justice for all Americans. We look forward with resolve and restored hope in our shared future.

At the Ohio Democratic Party, we’re not wasting one minute as we get to work on turning Ohio blue. Over the weekend, I took a few minutes to talk with Cleveland.com about my plans for the future of our party:

n short, I’m incredibly optimistic about the days and weeks ahead, and I hope you’ll join me in this work.

In solidarity,

Liz

Liz Walters
Chair
Ohio Democratic Party

OHIO DEMS IN THE HEADLINES

Defiance County Dems Earn Recognition

Democrats in rural Ohio are making an impact, and local media outlets are starting to take notice.

In December 2020, the Ohio Democratic Party honored Ed Singer as our Volunteer of the Year for his outstanding work with Defiance County Democrats. Singer coordinated an impressive voter outreach program and helped to develop a comprehensive strategy that was used by rural communities across the state.

This week the Defiance Crescent-News reported on Singer’s efforts and his recognition by the state party.

Singer told the Crescent-News:

“[We] started 18 months before the elections. We have excellent local party leaders, members of our field organizing committee, and about 14 other volunteers who, from June through November 2019, helped plan, advise, and knock on the doors of our strongest voting Democratic voters.”

Kudos to Ed and the Defiance County Democratic Party!

GOP WATCH

Ohio Senate GOP Appoints Huffman to Lead Health Committee

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus is criticizing the appointment of state Sen. Steve Huffman as chairman of the Senate Health Committee. During a hearing last year on the coronavirus crisis, Huffman used an offensive phrase and perpetuated negative stereotypes about Black Ohioans in speculating about the underlying causes of COVID-19 disparities.

Huffman lost his job as an ER physician — but he got a promotion in the Ohio Senate, which is run by his cousin, Senate President Matt Huffman.

The OLBC said in a statement:

“If the Senate leadership will not replace Sen. Huffman as Chair, then we will expect Sen. Huffman to use his position to improve the health of Ohio’s African-American population by working with OLBC to pass legislation that effectively addresses health disparities in the state of Ohio.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Sunday, Jan. 24 — Ohio They See Blue Kickoff Networking and Informational Event
• Monday, Jan. 25 — State Budget Afternoon Training with One Ohio Now/Ohio Voice
• Monday, Jan. 25 — State Budget Evening Training with One Ohio Now/Ohio Voice
• Monday, Jan. 25 — Ohio Fair Districts Community Mapping and Mapmaking Tutorial
• Tuesday, Jan. 26 — Franklin County Young Dems Meeting & Executive Board Elections
• Tuesday, Jan. 26 — Ohio Poor People’s Campaign: Forward Together Online Event
• Wednesday. Jan. 27 — Stonewall Democrats of Central Ohio General Membership and Officer Elections Meeting
• Friday, Jan. 29 — Franklin County Judge Sheryl Munson Swearing-in Ceremony
• Saturday, Jan. 30 — A Look Forward At 2021 with the Greene County Democratic Party
• Tuesday, Feb. 2 — Franklin County Young Democrats Professional Clothing Drive
• Thursday, Feb. 4 — Quin-T Democratic Club Meeting in Clermont County
• Tuesday, Feb. 23 — All of Us: Community Town Hall with State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells