Three More Greek Americans Running for Congress
Op EdThree More Greek Americans Running for CongressBy Gene RossidesApril 1, 2008In addition to the five sitting U.S. Representatives: Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Zack Space (D-OH) and Niki Tsongas (D-MA), I am very pleased to write about and support three more Greek American candidates for Congress – two in Ohio and one in Maine.The three are Jane Mitakides (D-OH), Dean Scontras (R-ME) and Jim Trakas (R-OH). Each has a real shot at winning. Each has positive views on issues of special concern to Greek Americans – Cyprus, the Aegean, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Halki Theological School, FYROM, Albania and Visa Waiver.It is up to the community in general and to each of us individually to make sure they have adequate financial resources to run a proper campaign in the final seven months before election day on November 4, 2008.Let`s look at each of these three individuals in alphabetical order. I will devote the rest of this Op-Ed to Jane Mitakides and will discuss Dean Scontras and Jim Trakas in my next Op-Eds.Jane Mitakides (D-Ohio)Jane Mitakides is running in the 3rd Congressional District in southwest Ohio. She won the unanimous endorsement of the local Democratic Party for this seat. Mark Owens, chairman of the Montgomery County Democratic Party stated Mitakides “has campaign experience. She can put together a campaign team and she is right on the issues.”Mitakides will be building on her strong performance as a first-time candidate in 2004, when she garnered 120, 000 votes and raised nearly $600,000.GreekPAC, the Greek American Political Action Committee, has endorsed her and made a contribution in support of her campaign.Significantly, Jane Mitakides was endorsed by the Dayton Daily News, the major newspaper in the District. The editorial cited her comments at the editorial board screening regarding the condition of the local economy and the incumbents` partisan voting record. The editorial commented on her “impressive” fundraising as a first-time candidate in 2004. The Cox-owned newspaper called her a “natural choice” and noted that she “makes the most sense for voters” and that the Democratic base is united behind her.Jane Mitakides is the modern American woman – married with a family and a successful local small business owner. She has been married 25 years to John Mitakides, a dentist who has practiced in the Dayton area for over 30 years. They both graduated from Centerville High School and attended Ohio public universities. (Jane at Wright State and John at Ohio State, where he played football). They are the proud parents of two children – Katie who is completing her PhD in international relations, and Andrew, a senior at Sydney College in Virginia.Lake Research Partners is a national polling company. Ms. Celinda Lake, its president, Daniel Gotoff, a partner and Mark Keida, a staff member, wrote an “Analysis of Ohio�s 3rd Congressional District�s Shifting Political Terrain” on January 15, 2008. In that analysis, Celinda Lake calls this a “highly winnable race” for Jane Mitakides and one that is getting national attention. She states that the “challenging electoral dynamics offer Mitakides a prime opportunity to seize on the public`s mood for change…and that 2008 offers Democrats the best opportunity to put Ohio`s 3rd district seat back into Democratic hands.” The Democrats had held this seat for 22 years until 2002.Jane Mitakides is an entrepreneur who understands the importance of bringing good jobs to her community and ensuring that those jobs stay there. She founded Ohio-based Helsley Advertising, specializing in strategic communications and investor relations, working with businesses nationwide.She was born in Dayton, Ohio and has served on a diverse variety of civic boards, including the Development Board of St. Elizabeth Hospital and Women in Leadership.On the national level she is a founding member of both the Women`s Council of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Small Business Council of the Democratic National Committee.I am also pleased to note that she is an active member of the American Hellenic Institute.Mitakides entered the race in mid-January 2008. Her Mitakides for Congress campaign committee posted impressive numbers in its first four weeks of fundraising, banking $85,908.61 up to February 13, 2008. For the first quarter of 2008 her campaign raised a solid $150,000.“We were a little overwhelmed with the immediate response to the campaign,”Mitakides said. “It certainly isn`t a cliché here to say that people are ready for change.The mood for change that hit Ohio in 2006 hasn`t crested yet,” Mitakides explained. “The voters of this district want leaders who will put our country back on track – an economy that works for all Americans, health care that is affordable and accessible to every American, and an end to our dangerous dependence on Mideast oil. We need to start investing in America for a change. Financial support is just one piece ofwhat we`re seeing in this campaign. The energy here is electric.”It should also be noted that her opponent is currently the focus of serious ethics questions.Her positions on key Greek American issues are right on the mark. She calls for the removal of Turkey`s 43,000 occupation troops and 160,000 illegal Turkish settlers in violation of the Geneva Convention of 1949 and removal of Turkey`s barbed wire fence across Cyprus; recognition of the treaty based maritime boundary in the Aegean; supports H.R. 1456, the American Owned Property in Occupied Cyprus Claims Act of 2007; protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and reopening of Halki Theological School, as called for by U.S. law, and the return of 7000 confiscated church properties; enforcement by the President of the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA) of 1998; negotiations in good faith by the Skopje regime with Greece regarding the name issue; and immediate allowance of Greece to participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Make a Contribution Now!It is important for each of these three new candidates for Congress that the Greek American community contribute and contribute and contribute to their campaigns.Act as if your contribution can make the difference because it will! Each person can contribute up to $2,300 to each candidate for the House and Senate for the primary election and up to another $2,300 for the general election on November 4, 2008.I believe that a substantial percentage of Greek Americans can afford to give $2,300 to each of the new candidates. I am committing that amount.I also believe that a majority of Greek Americans can give $1,000 to each of these three candidates; that most can give $500 and practically everyone can give $250 or $100.A key part of being active politically is contributing to the candidate of your choice. Please join me in making sure that theses three new Greek American candidates for Congress have sufficient funds to run a winning campaign. It is in the interests of the community that they do so.For Jane Mitakides checks should be made to the order of Mitakides for Congress and mailed to P.O.Box 29-3039, Kettering, OH 45429. For on-line contributions go to www.Jane08.com and click on to contribute.For Dean Scontras checks should be made to the order of Dean Scontrasfor Congress and mailed to P.O.Box 15418, Portland, ME 04112.For on-line contributions go to www.teamdean08.com. For Jim Trakas checks should be made to the order of Trakas for Congressand mailed to 1500 West 3rd Street, Suite 120, Cleveland, OH 44113. For on-line contributions go to www.JimTrakas.org.Please act today. Your check can make the difference!Gene Rossides is President of the American Hellenic Institute and former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury
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Download Video: Obama Town Hall Meeting In Greensboro, NC - 26 March, 2008
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Obama Receives Endorsement of Flag Officers from Army, Navy and Air Force
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American pressures on Skopje
Γράφει ο/η Θεόφιλος Δουμάνης 13.03.08
Following interventions by friends of Greece, members of the US Senate - such as senators Barack Obama, Robert Menendez and Olympia Snow - the SR 459 bill, which supports the NATO entry of Croatia, Albania and FYROM, was withdrawn by its backers, Richard Lugar and George Voinovic. Although its withdrawal occurred for procedural reasons, it appears that its supporters were persuaded that it would not help the United Nations' mediation between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the name dispute between the two countries.
Meanwhile, just a few days before a new round of talks between Athens and Skopje on the thorny issue of a mutually acceptable name for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a key ethnic Albanian party has threatened to quit the neighbouring country's coalition government unless the prime minister meets a series of demands, including recognizing Kosovo's independence.
Jane Mitakides Runs for Congress: Record Democratic Turnout in Ohio
New York.- By Vicki J. Yiannias
Voters in the 3rd Congressional District of Ohio gave Democrat Jane Mitakides a resounding victory on March 5. As of 11:45 pm, Jane had won more than 54% of the votes cast in OH-3 Democratic primary, more than the other candidates combined.
Jane Mitakides, a successful businesswoman and community activist who was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, has been married for 25 years to John Mitakides, a dentist who has practiced in the Dayton area for over 30 years.
“This isnʼt just about picking the Democrat,” she said to the media after her victory, “Itʼs about picking the winner in November. The people of this district want a representative who will listen to their ideas and find solutions to the challenges they face everyday. Thatʼs what I plan to do in this campaign and in Congress.”
“With the primary behind us, itʼs time to come together and focus on the serious issues facing our families,” said Mitakides, adding, “Itʼs time to end the era of no-bid contracts and ʽpay-to-playʼ politics and put our community first.”
Mrs. Mitakides took some questions from The Greek News on the major points in her campaign message of “renewed opportunity and real solutions to challenges including the economy, fair trade, education, and healthcare.” The questions address these issues as well as border control and the Iraq war. The interview began with her opinion on trade policies and the problem of NAFTA in Ohio.
TGN: Do you think NAFTA should be renegotiated?
JM: Unlike some border states, Ohio has seen no substantial benefit from NAFTA, just jobs lost. We need fair trade, not just free trade policies. In Congress, I will only vote to ratify trade deals that include enforceable environmental and labor standards. While I understand the importance of free trade and reject isolationism, I also know first-hand the challenges faced by American workers and their families, many of which live right here in my district, who have lost their job to unfair trade deals like NAFTA and CAFTA.
TGN: What are your specific ideas to change the health insurance program?
JM: There are 43 million Americans who do not have health insurance. That is simply unacceptable. Health care costs more in America as well – nearly double the cost of other countries, per capita. Working families are struggling to afford the most basic health insurance while those without any insurance are often crippled by the debt caused by necessary but expensive medical procedures. In Congress, I will support a health care plan that provides for universal coverage and lowers healthcare costs for small businesses and individuals.
TGN: What are your specific plans for veteransʼ affairs?
JM: When Americaʼs brave young men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, we must ensure that America is fulfilling our promise to them when they return home. In Congress, I will work to update the GI Bill of Rights so that it meets the needs of the 21st century to offer expanded education, training, housing benefits. We must also ensure that all of the components of the armed services are guaranteed equal access. This includes the National Guard and Reserve forces who have served this country in combat operations.
I will also work tirelessly to ensure that the 1.8 million veterans who are uninsured in this county have access to quality and affordable healthcare. We must also cut the red tape and streamline the system so that our veterans are no longer forgotten in the backlog of claims that exist today. We must not overlook the emotional needs of those returning from war, as well.
Of every issue I face, there is none that I feel more passionate about than keeping our promises to our veterans. My family has a long history of military service and I will work tirelessly to help our veterans receive the benefits they have earned in the service of our country.
TGN: What is your opinion of the present status of US involvement in the Iraq war; do you support a pullout of troops? If so, at what rate and timetable?
JM: Our brave men and women in uniform rid Iraq of a terrible dictator, and now it is the Iraqi people and leaders who must stand up and seize the opportunity they have been given to create a free and functioning Iraq. We must bring these brave young men and women home in a way that is both responsible and safe. We must refocus our efforts from a military offensive to a diplomatic one, working to bring stability to the region while bringing our American heroes home. It is past time for the Iraqis to take responsibility for their country and begin seeking long-term solutions to the divisions within their county.
TGN: Since Ohio is a border state, what are your opinions on border security? Is Ohio protecting its border?
JM: The Ohio-Canadian border stretches 158 miles through the middle of Lake Erie.
I support the Northern Border Initiative, which is a collaborative law enforcement effort lead by the Ohio Department of Public Safetyʼs Division of Ohio Homeland Security. Created by Governor Strickland, the initiative provides the resources necessary to protect Lake Erie and the citizens of Ohio. While there are relatively few travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, there is a need to ensure that those who cross any of our borders are doing so legally, to curtail drug trafficking and any possible terrorist activity. That is exactly what this imitative achieves and why I will continue to support it.
The Mitakides for Congress Campaign has unveiled a television and radio spot, both of which can be found on the Campaignʼs website, www.Jane08.com. The campaign plans to open campaign offices and continue building on an already-strong grassroots organization.
Printable "Greeks for Obama" Sign
Click here--->Link
Credit goes to Dan who created this sign.A Big Thanks to you Dan.
Democrats Abroad conducted their primary around the world during the week of February 5-12, but only now are the results in.
Greece: Obama 289 (64.1%), Clinton 155 (34.4%)
Cyprus: Obama 3 (60.0%), Clinton 2 (40.0%)
http://www.democratsabroad.org/sites/default/files/DA%20Global%20Primary%20Results%20FINAL.pdf
Nai Boroume!
Previous General Assemblies:
http://www.ilga.gov/previousga.asp
Obama`s record in the Illinois senate:
http://www.nytimes.com/imagepages/2007/07/29/us/politics/20070730_OBAMA_GRAPHIC.html
Senator Obama's Voting Record for the 110th Congress:
http://obama.senate.gov/votes/
Barack Obama on the issues:
http://www.ontheissues.org/Barack_Obama.htm
Obama has no legal obligation to archive his state papers:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/11/sweet_web_column_obama_on_his.html
Obama discloses superbundlers. List:
Obama is disclosing more information than chief rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) is willing to reveal about the amounts her top players are raising. Clinton’s campaign puts out a list of her “Hillraisers,” bundlers who are responsible for generating at least $100,000.
“In a head-to-head competition with Clinton, he has eclipsed [Clinton] in disclosure,” Lincoln said...
In terms of just breaking out the amounts raised by superbundlers, compared with the other candidates, Obama’s list “would rank the best,” said Taylor Lincoln, research director for Public Citizen, a watchdog group tracking big dollar campaign fund-raising:
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/11/sweet_blog_special_obama_campa_1.html#more
Click here to view the Obama bundler list:
http://www.suntimes.com/images/cds/MP3/Bundlers.pdf
Barack Obama on Federal Spending Transparency Bill(signed and approved by President Bush):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYgDAmtrcJQ
Ethics and Lobbying Reform
Throughout his political career, Barack Obama has fought for open and honest government. As an Illinois State Senator, he helped pass the state’s first major ethics reform bill in 25 years. And as a U.S. Senator, he has spearheaded the effort to clean up Washington in the wake of numerous scandals:
http://obama.senate.gov/issues/ethics_and_lobbying_reform/
