Story

Published: Sunday, October 8, 2006

Senator extols candidacy of Brown at Valley rally

Print Story

Email to Friend

Discuss this story

The former first lady called the Republican-led government one of 'incompetence.'

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

AUSTINTOWN — U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton said it is imperative that Ohioans elect U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown as its next U.S. senator because the Republican-led federal government is in crisis mode with out-of-control spending, abuse of power and little to no support for the middle class,

Clinton, of New York, a potential 2008 presidential candidate, joined Brown, D-13th, of Avon, a fellow Democrat, at a rally Saturday at Austintown Fitch High School auditorium. Also speaking were local Democratic elected officials along with television actors Luke Perry, best known for "Beverly Hills 90210," and Adam Brody of "The O.C."

The rally was among 11 stops for Brown between Thursday and today to discuss the cost of higher education tuition, how that restricts some from going to college and how it saddles those who do attend with a large amount of debt. The Austintown stop was the only one for Clinton, the former first lady.

About 1,000 attended

About 1,000 attended the free event in an auditorium that can hold up to 1,500. While it was touted as a "college tour" by Brown's campaign, about 50 people raised their hands when asked if they were college students by state Sen. Marc Dann of Liberty, the Democratic attorney general candidate. Most of the crowd was past the traditional college age.

Brown is challenging U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a Cedarville Republican, in the Nov. 7 election. Polls show a tight race between the two, with most having Brown with a slight lead over the incumbent.

"He has fought 30 years for social and economic justice to help get people health care and affordable college tuition," Clinton said of Brown.

Clinton said President Bush inherited a budget surplus when he took over the White House from her husband. That surplus is long gone, and the country is borrowing $90 billion a month primarily from countries like China, South Korea and China just to pay back the interest, she said.

And that's why the Bush administration refuses to challenge China on trade inequities, she contended, saying, you can't pressure your banker.

Further, she said, "When you spend money you don't have, you don't spend it smartly."

That means cuts to federal college loan programs, health care and failing to invest enough money in alternative fuel sources, Clinton said.

She described the federal government as one of "incompetence" during the past six years, and said Republicans are taking the country "in the wrong direction."

Perry and politics

Clinton received a standing ovation when she hit the stage. Perry and particularly Brody also received enthusiastic reactions.

Perry, born in Fredericktown, Ohio, said he's known Brown since birth. Brown's father was Perry's doctor until he was 12.

"I don't do politics; I don't play that thing," Perry said. "But I believe in this man [Brown], and I believe he can make a difference."

Brody said he is concerned about the Bush administration's policies on the war in Iraq, stem-cell research funding and what he called the "blurred line" between church and state.

Brown said there is no doubt that change is coming to Ohio and that change will affect the country.

Republican leaders have turned their backs on the middle class by doing nothing to make college affordable for their children, Brown said.

The congressman said he greatly differs from DeWine on a number of issues including increasing the minimum wage, the war in Iraq and tax cuts for the richest 1 percent.

DeWine's response

In response to Brown's tour, Brian Seitchik, DeWine's campaign spokesman, said: "Mike DeWine has taken action to help Ohio families afford college tuition."

DeWine increased Pell Grant funding, voted to pass a $4,000 tuition tax deduction and made permanent a program that helped nearly 300,000 Ohio families invest money, tax free, for their children's higher education, Seitchik said.

Clinton didn't take any shots at DeWine during her talk. In response to a question last week about Clinton's Valley appearance, DeWine said, "I've worked with her on issues and expect to do so in the future."

After the rally, Clinton, Brown and others attended a private fundraiser for the congressman at the Canfield home of Bruce and Rori Zoldan. The suggested contribution for the event was $2,000 a person.

Sunday, October 8, 2006