Dear Friends,

Over the last year there have been many discussions about how we elect more Democrats in Ohio and the way we run our elections. As President of the Chairs Association, many of you have come to me to discuss solutions and present ideas. I’ve listened and welcomed your suggestions and thought the ideas presented had a lot of merit. I’ve also responded that we have an election to win and the Party was doing as well as expected with the resources available.

Now that the election is only a day away, I’ve been receiving more calls and emails urging me to take a lead in the discussions on these issues. I’m eager to do that and help formulate the plans necessary to move Ohio forward. I still feel the time for these efforts should wait until after the election and after our Chairman gives a clear indication of what his plans are. We have excellent staff at ODP….Liz, Lauren, Jenna and others have put forth efforts beyond anyone’s hopes and they need to be consulted in those future directions. The County Chairs need to have a larger voice at the State level as well as our other core constituencies.

I’ve spoken to several key leaders and they have urged me to speak up before alliances are made and the plans for the Party are determined. So despite my strong feeling that our focus needs to be on tomorrow and doing all we can to get out our vote and elect our candidates, I am sending this email to let you know what’s been occurring. I’m asking you, as key leaders in your county and our Party to talk to me before you make a commitment. I’ve had discussions with Denny Wojtanowski as well as Senator Brown and Congressional leaders. I do not take their recommendations lightly and agree that we need an orderly transition when our Chair decides to leave the Party.

But I want us to have a voice in how we proceed, and at least a major seat at the table. I’ve been asked to run for State Party Chair by many. It’s a major decision and a complex one, but I am talking about it. That’s why I’m asking you to talk to me again, give me your ideas and let’s have an open discussion about what needs to be done to move forward.

Until the polls close and our results are in, please continue the great work you’ve been doing for so long. Let’s do all we can to win as many races as we can tomorrow. And then when you’ve finally had the chance to get some sleep, call or email me about our Party’s future and what you think needs to be done. There’s going to be a listening tour around the State and I’ve asked to be a part of it. Your input is invaluable and I want to know what worked, what didn’t and hear constructive suggests on how we can do better.

Good luck to us all tomorrow and as always, thanks you for what you do. We are a better State because of your efforts.

Janet Carson
Chair, Geauga Dems
President, ODCCA
440-218-2747 Dem HQ
440-836-4060 cell
440-349-5700 office
www.geaugadems.org