Dear friend,

This week was an exciting one for Ohio Democrats:

  • Desiree Tims -- running in Ohio's 10th Congressional District against Mike Turner -- was named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's "Red to Blue" program.
  • Kate Schroder's race -- she's taking on Steve Chabot in Ohio's 1st Congressional District -- was moved to "Toss-Up" status by the Cook Political Report.
  • Alaina Shearer -- who is challenging Troy Balderson in Ohio's 12th Congressional District -- outraised Balderson 3-1 last quarter, and her race was another one shifted toward Democrats by the Cook Political Report.
  • Several anti-Trump groups announced they are going up on the airwaves in Ohio.
  • We announced the first Weekend of Action for our 2020 coordinated campaign -- click here to find a virtual event "near" you.

Before the coronavirus crisis hit, we would have been in Milwaukee this week for the Democratic National Convention. Heeding the advice of public health experts, the DNC wisely decided to move back the convention and make it largely virtual. But that doesn't mean it won't be an engaging experience for our delegates and grassroots activists -- we're planning some great events that you won't want to miss.

We're also looking forward to an amazing State Convention on Saturday, Aug. 1. In the morning, we will conduct the convention's official business of electing 18 Ohioans to serve as presidential electors for Joe Biden, and in the afternoon, we will host a grassroots program with inspiring speakers and special guests. Click here to RSVP now for the State Convention.

Text CONVENTION to 79229 for all of your State Convention and Democratic National Convention updates!

Text CONVENTION to 79229

Finally, as the coronavirus crisis continues to impact so many families and communities, it's important we keep our commitment to caring for one another. That means wearing a mask -- even if Gov. Mike DeWine refuses to mandate them -- and maintaining social distancing. We can get through this, but we can only get through this together. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families whose loved ones have been stricken by this terrible disease.

Stay safe and healthy and thank you for all that you do,

David

David Pepper
Chair
Ohio Democratic Party

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TRUMP WATCH

"Callous and Clueless"

This week Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made a virtual visit to Ohio, but she is pushing to reopen schools without ensuring the safety of our students, teachers, staff and parents.

The Ohio Democratic Party held a Zoom roundtable with public education leaders to push back on Donald Trump's failed coronavirus response and the administration's threats to take away resources from schools that don't fully reopen.

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Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper was joined by Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro, Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper and College Democrats of Ohio President Matt Nowling, who slammed Betsy DeVos' reckless plan to reopen schools.

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"I guess two words come to mind: callous and clueless. Secretary DeVos's comments about just utterly disregarding the health and safety threat that reopening schools without clear public health guidance imposes was actually pretty shocking," said DiMauro. "We know that if the opening of the schools isn't done right, it's going to be a disaster."

Cropper added: "And while [DeVos is] talking about reopening schools and offering no plan, she is also not talking to any educators in this state, although she's making a personal appearance virtually to talk to the Federalist [Society]."

OHIO DEMS IN THE HEADLINES

Ohio Dems to Frank LaRose: Don't Wait on Legislature, Act Now

Sen. Sandra Williams and Sen. Nickie Antonio this week urged Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose to take action and make improvements to Ohio's voting system, without waiting on the GOP-dominated legislature.

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Also this week state Representatives Paula Hicks-Hudson, Michele Lepore-Hagan, Catherine Ingram and Bride Rose Sweeney encouraged LaRose to use federal funding to pay for return postage on absentee ballots and applications.

Sweeney said, "While the global pandemic rages on, voters are growing more fearful and he's playing 'Mother may I' with a GOP-led legislature that is uninterested in helping voters."

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UPCOMING EVENTS

This weekend is our first big Weekend of Action -- check out our Mobilize page for an event (virtually) near you!


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