As our Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) acts to elect new Party leaders in the near future, Ohio’s unified Congressional delegation, respectfully, wishes to go on record as supporting reforms that will lead to future victories for our endorsed candidates.  Our objective:  Renewed progress for our state and communities at all levels.

We endorse the following principles that we believe critical to building a stronger and participatory “statewide” and local party organizations.  We believe it important for candidates who seek the Chair position of our Party to incorporate these recommendations into the organizational structure.

Committing to full time Party organization-building
Party leaders must focus full time on organization building.  The Party must make every effort to structure its activities to strengthen its statewide as well as county level performance.  This includes Party leaders foregoing any personal political office seeking or conflicts of interest that inhibit a focus on Party building activities.

Advancing Regional Strength
The ODP must incorporate a regional structure that takes full advantage of the diverse strengths of local party organizations and grassroots involvement, regularly dialogues with them, and invest in that local presence.

Creating Coordinated Communications
A well coordinated communications operation must be launched, both internally within the Party and externally, building on an array of communication assets and new technologies to project a unified Democratic Party direction and messaging on issues vital to Ohio’s future.

Directing Attention to Democratic vote rich areas
Special organizational attention must be directed within a reformed party operation to develop the full potential of Ohio’s Democratic vote rich areas including the northern tier of the state and all urban centers and with emphasis on an effort that extends beyond Presidential election years.

Expanding Fundraising
A robust set of fundraising activities must be organized beyond Presidential cycles to strengthen the state, regional, and county organizations.

Recruiting New Talent
Building on a strengthened regional structure, there must be renewed emphasis on broad recruitment, vetting, and training of candidates to seek local and statewide office across Ohio.

Incorporating Recommendations from Statewide Listening Sessions
The ODP should review the extensive comments being received from Democratic officials and activists across Ohio by the County Chairs Association, elected officials, and other stakeholders and attempt to incorporate recommendations as the Party begins addressing the issues facing our Party and making reforms.

Assure Democratic process is employed in election of Party officials
The ODP should attempt to schedule all future party business at a convenient time and place so as to allow all Executive Committee members the time and convenience to travel to and from Columbus preferably during daylight hours, and on a weekend.  In addition, as there are multiple candidates in the race, and all are respected, hardworking members of our Party, the election should be organized and conducted in a manner to give all candidates equal and ample time to address the voting delegates so their ideas and experience for the position can be heard and evaluated prior to any vote being cast.  All voting procedures must adhere to Ohio Democratic Party and DNC by-laws.

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty
Congresswoman Marcia Fudge
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Dean
Congressman Tim Ryan