John,

I am proud to be endorsed by Cleveland.com & The Plain Dealer. When I was asked to show up during this campaign, I did. Whether it was a right or left-leaning event – The Plain Dealer, League of Women Voters, Farm Bureau, HBA, or a round table, I showed up.

I knew that not showing up, didn't hurt my campaign. It hurt the voter. So I was there. Most importantly, showing up is part of the job.

How can I ask the people of OH-7 for a job, be expected to do it well, yet avoid the basic requirements? Answer: I can't, and I shouldn't.

I'm disappointed that my opponent never showed up to non-partisan events. In terms of the Plain Dealer, he says it is because they are biased. However, the Cleveland Plain Dealer just endorsed a mix of candidates from both sides of the aisle.

My opponent's decision to repeatedly not show up leaves me to believe a couple things:

1. He doesn't care about the district as a whole based on his spotty record of showing up, listening, and engaging. When you care about your district's voice, you show up. It's not about you. I showed up because it's my responsibility & because in every situation where you can engage with a different voter, you learn something new. I could get insight into a part of the population I want to represent in DC. It's not about endorsements; it's about being present.

2. He is afraid of being challenged because of a lack of character or substance. When you sit in front of people with different viewpoints, you need to articulate your thoughts or defend your beliefs. When you're all talking points, you can't do that. I believe my opponent can't articulate his beliefs and didn't think too deeply about them. Our platform was built by talking, listening, and working through problems. Listening builds consensus. I am open to change & compromise. Unite not divide.

3. He doesn't feel that he needs to show up. It's been discussed a lot that there's a huge fundraising gap in our campaigns. So maybe he feels, "Why show up? I have more money." Or maybe by listening to people across our district shows people he is worried?

The problem with not showing up during a campaign is that it shows you won't show up if elected. It hurts the voters and our democratic process. Elect people that show up. That engage. That want to listen to all sides and are ok with being challenged and are willing to learn. That is how we break ourselves from this partisan political hell.

Will you donate to help us get over the top on election day?