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Yesterday at noon, union veterans gathered at Memorial Hall in downtown Dayton. This event was one of a number around the country that marked the kickoff of the AFL-CIO's new Veterans' Council.

In addition to mobilizing leaders at the top to develop a national strategy to make sure veterans' voices are heard this year, and mobilizing grassroots union veterans to get involved to protect veterans' interests, the Council marks its kickoff with the debut of a tv ad featuring IBEW member and Vietnam Navy combat veteran Jim Wasser.

John Sweeney, President of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the veterans' event in Dayton today, as did Mark Ayers, President of the Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, Vietnam veteran, and chair of the Veterans Council. Other speakers included Joe Rugola, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, and Wes Wells, Executive Secretary of the Dayton-Miami Valley Labor Council, whose son is currently serving in Iraq.

Why isn't the Veterans' Council supporting John McCain, who served in Vietnam, instead of Obama, who was never in the military? Material from the Veterans' Council says:

We support the candidate who has the strongest record in standing up for working people’s and veterans issues. Obama supports seriously reforming our nation’s broken health care system. McCain does not. Obama supports ending tax breaks for companies who send jobs overseas. McCain does not. Obama supports full funding for the GI bill and increased funding for veterans health care. McCain does not.

We've got a great one-minute video of John Sweeney speaking at the event, as well as two union vets talking about John McCain available from the Ohio Labor 2008 YouTube site.

In January of this year, a Norwegian company bought an auto parts factory in Van Wert, now called Kongsberg Automotive. Now, the company is doing its best to break the union there, United Steel Workers Local 1-524. The wages provided by these union jobs in the factory aren’t sky high – most people make $14.50 to $17.50 per hour for the skilled work they do. But these wages have helped to keep the local community’s economy afloat, and now Kongsberg Automotive is trying to take that away, proposing to pay many workers a poverty wage of only $9 an hour. To make matters worse, the Van Wert Times Bulletin reports that “The company has already announced their intention to move 200 of the 320 [jobs] to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.”

In the meantime, after a hostile and uncompromising period of “bargaining,” the company locked workers out of the factory with only two days’ notice. This left 330 men and women laid off in tough economic times. Van Wert County is already suffering above-average unemployment for the state. At a rally last Saturday organized by USW Local 1-524, local union President Aaron Collins said, “the question is, how much longer can our country take this outpouring of jobs to Mexico and China before the bottom falls out?”

The callousness of Kongsberg’s treatment of its workers, and its shameless plan to outsource most of the jobs to a Mexican border town, is symptomatic of many of the problems the American economy is facing today. Our nation is struggling, and we as a people have to make a strong, collective effort to get it back on track. Kongsberg Automotive workers are waging such a fight today, but they’re up against a powerful transnational corporation with no particular interest in seeing their community or their country through these hard times. However, they hope that over the course of the coming days and weeks, they may be able to persuade Kongsberg’s management to come back to the table with them.

The rally and march on Saturday was a strong display of solidarity – over 400 people attended, and many unions presented checks to the locked out union to help them support their families while they are laid off. Individuals supported the local by buying “I Support the Locked Out Employees of Kongsberg” t-shirts and yard signs. Joe Rugola, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO pledged that the Ohio AFL-CIO and his home union, OAPSE, would support USW Local 1-524 members. The struggle continues, in Van Wert and around the country where workers are less important than corporations and thriving communities are the exception, not the rule.

You can watch an awesome two-minute video of highlights of the march and rally here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voNrMCxrV4g.

This has been cross-posted from Ohio Labor '08 Blog.

On Saturday, June 7, Working America, the AFL-CIO, and community allies like Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood, and ACORN rallied in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati. The rallies concluded the weeklong "We Are Working America" event, which celebrated Working America's great success with a supercharged week of canvassing and recruitment.

Working America, the community affiliate of the AFL-CIO, will represent 2.5 million Americans (800,000 in Ohio) by Labor Day this year. It's the fastest-growing organization that's looking out for working families' issues.

The events this Saturday particularly drew attention to the need to work together on national and community levels to reform and improve our health care system. Working America members spoke at the rallies about their own personal struggles with getting (or not getting) adequate care.

For instance, in Cleveland, Mike McMann spoke about the difficulties of staying afloat while providing care for his child with special needs. The Cleveland event was covered by WTAM Radio.

You can read about the Cincinnati event here, and video of the Columbus rally is below: 

This Saturday, 511 labor activists at 18 sites (with four more scheduled soon) around the state of Ohio walked door-to-door to talk to fellow Union and Working America members about the issues at stake in the elections this year. It was truly an amazing occasion, one that made use of everything that makes the labor movement strong – from the great organizing it took to make these walks happen, to the fundamental love of democracy that we see in working men and women talking face-to-face with their brothers and sisters about the political issues that matter to them. You can see a video of some of the participants in the Columbus walks talking about their experience Saturday at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EmcffM6Exs.

Members who walked Saturday said that the response they got from folks was overwhelmingly positive. Over and over again, we heard that people really just wanted to talk about their lives and their issues – “they just wanted somebody to listen to them for once,” said Cynthia O’Kane of the CWA. Many thanks and congratulations to everyone who made these walks happen, especially the members who volunteered some of their Saturday to get the message out to members that it’s time for their voices to be heard.

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER.

David Robinson ran an amazing campaign, in the face of an endorsement of Russ Goodwin by Franklin County's Democratic Party, and last minute Ohio Democratic Party funding for Goodwin slate cards, to come out victorious.  David Robinson has run a clean and positive campaign from day one, and it is now time to rally behind Mr. Robinson as we head towards our ultimate goal of removing Pat Tiberi from office. David Robinson has shown that he is our party's best shot in November.

I want to thank all of the wonderful people that I have encountered along this long journey that begun back in October. To all of the volunteers and contributors that dedicated their time and funds to this campaign, I am forever indebted to you. I am truly proud of the hard work that so many people have put into seeing this campaign through.

I urge you all to throw your full support behind our candidate for the OH-12, and our next Congressman from Ohio's 12th congressional district, DAVID ROBINSON.

www.robinson2008.com

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO WORK POLLS ON ELECTION DAY!

We are down to the nitty gritty! The time is now to affect change for tomorrow! Together WE CAN DO THIS!

I thank you all for your support thus far, but the mission is not over just yet. We are in the final days of this tight race, and every minute counts. "The Call For Change!" needs you to get us through March 4th.

We are currently scheduling volunteers to work polling sites on election day! The task is easy and makes a large difference in the race. Your dedication for change has got us this far and now to get us over the hump we need volunteers to stand at polling sites handing out literature on March 4th!

If you are interested in volunteering please e-mail the campaign at:

 dagres4congress@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for your help and dedication to seeing this through to the finish!

UPDATE

The Campaign has been rolling on with multiple events daily.
Thank you Utica for your wonderful meet the candidates night on the 26th!
Thank you Delaware Democratic Womens Club for your wonderful event night on the 25th.
Thank you Mike Cole for the WVKO 1580 radio interview on the 26th.
Thank you LICOPAC for the Pataskala meet and great feb 24th.

Thank you Worthington area Dem Club for the candidate night on the 20th.
Thank you Newark Advocate for your unbiased coverage this election cycle.
Thanks you everyone that attended the Rally at VFW 4719 on feb 17th!
Thank you Delaware Gazette for your unbiased coverage.
Thank you Senator Barack Obama's campaign staff for all of your help along the way!
Thank you Congressman Tim Ryan for your guidance
Thank you Councilman Kevin Boyce for your advice as well.
Special Thanks to the League of Women Voters for all of your wonderful events and coverage.
Special Thanks to the endorsements that have come rolling in.
MOST OF ALL thanks to all of you out there whom individually endorsed me on your early voting ballots and that are yet to endorse me on March 4th!

With your support we will achieve greatness in the 12th, in Ohio, and in this Great Nation! I can not do this alone, this is not about me. Instead this is our campaign, our "Call For Change"! Join up, unite, and together we can make a difference.

Thanks again for your support!

Victory does not come until the votes are counted on March 4th and then again on November 4th.

 Your small contribution goes along way!

TONIGHT 2-26-08 RADIO INTERVIEW 1580 AM

I had the pleasure of working with Staff at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, OH for Senator Barack Obama's rally. It was a privilege to be a part of this great moment in history. I also was blessed to be seated 15ft from the stage for the speech which was breath taking as always.

The lines were hundreds of people deep by 10 A.M. and by 1 P.M. when doors opened they wrapped around the campus out on to Fifth ave. The building was filled well beyond normal capacity for the event. It truly was amazing. The city of Youngstown and the university only scheduled this 72 hours prior and the turnout at the University I once called home in one of the hardest hit cities in the Country that I once called home, showed up in droves for CHANGE.

People came from across the country to hear the Senator. People from the 12th congressional district were also present in numbers. I was shocked and honored to have people from Columbus come up to me and ask me about how the campaign was going and tell me that I have their support.


Enjoy the pictures at my website! LINK BELOW TO IMAGES

The time has come for CHANGE!
Cast your votes today at your board of elections!

CLICK BELOW FOR IMAGES OF EVENT!

Join us for the DAGRES FOR CONGRESS 2008 Kickoff Celebration!

WHERE: VFW POST 4719

75 W. JOHNSTOWN RD. GAHANNA, OH

WHEN: FEBRUARY 17TH 6 PM

Aaron J. Dagres is your Democratic Candidate bound for  Washington D.C. representing Ohio's 12th Congressional District!

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS SCHEDULED

Come at  6 P.M. for PASTA AND POLITICS

Together we can change the landscape of politics in Washington D.C.

The time has come for sensible, accountable, and honorable leadership in Washington.

Join "The Call For Change!"

Together we can rebuild this great country for all of our children.

Join us for the DAGRES FOR CONGRESS 2008 Kickoff Celebration!

WHERE: VFW POST 4719

75 W. JOHNSTOWN RD. GAHANNA, OH

WHEN: FEBRUARY 17TH 6 PM

Aaron J. Dagres is your Democratic Candidate bound for  Washington D.C. representing Ohio's 12th Congressional District!

Come at  6 P.M. for PASTA AND POLITICS

Together we can change the landscape of politics in Washington D.C.

The time has come for sensible, accountable, and honorable leadership in Washington.

Join "The Call For Change!"

Together we can rebuild this great country for all of our children.

Volunteers Needed!

We are currently recruiting Volunteers in preparation for Election Day March 4th, 2008!

Join "The Call For Change!" This is your opportunity to make a difference in politics. Your assistance will help spread the word about our change mission. With your help we can change the scope of politics!

We are looking for dedicated individuals to work polling sites distributing literature (Local and OBAMA!)as well as to assist in phonebanking! If interested please contact the campaign at dagres4congress@yahoo.com to learn more.

As always we appreciate your assistance on our road to victory!

BLUE DUBLIN CANDIDATES NIGHT SUMMARY.

Another wonderful event hosted this time by Blue Dublin and specifically Al Gabel. It went off without a hitch. There were probably 30 candidates present in a crowd of about 130. Everyone whom attended had the opportunity to see candidates that will be running in several races affecting the Dublin area.

Candidates were given each 3 min to talk to the crowd, and then after all candidates spoke questions were asked from the audience. The bulk of the questions at the conclusion of the evening were geared towards the 12th congressional candidates and ranged from No Child Left Behind to Social Security and Global Climate Change.

Great questions and the answers varied from the candidates for the seat. Mr. Goodwin felt that movement towards bio fuels (corn ethanol) would lead to global hunger, and his proposal to combat global climate change focused around changing light bulbs and buying energy efficient appliances, he also spoke about the solar panels he found on Japanese roofs while living in Japan. Robinson had wonderful answers focusing in on specifics of research and development, carbon emissions and on down the line. I took this question to focus on freeing our country of dependency on foreign oil. It is time we pull billion dollar subsidies from big oil and move them towards the American farmer in pursuit of bio fuels, and alternative energy sources like wind power. I also addressed the coal to fuel oil production legislation introduced by congressman Space of OH-18. That legislation provides assistance to Ohio companies taking part in coal conversion programs.

On the Topic of social security both Mr. Robinson and Mr. Goodwin felt that the social security structure in place was sufficient, and opposed privatization. I addressed this issue with a legislative plan for change. Not only do I oppose privatization of the system, but the unfair tax base that it represents is also a problem. It was true as Mr. Goodwin points out that the current plan may be solvent until 2042, but my plan of putting a bubble in the cap would increase solvency beyond 2100. The basis which I discussed is that the current structure has every American being taxed on their first $97,000 of income. If you make over $97,000 none of that income is taxed. The proposal I plan to pursue would restart the tax on all earnings above $250,000. This would not increase taxation on the middle class but apply the tax again on those individuals earning over $250,000. This plan would not only extend social security's solvency beyond 2100 but also allow better payments and a decrease in the retirement age over time, instead of our steady increase.

Thanks again Blue Dublin for hosting the wonderful event! A special thanks must also go out to all of the concerned and active citizens of the Dublin area that showed up to this event in an attempt to become more informed on the issues and their candidates. With your help we truly can achieve a BLUE Dublin!

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CANDIDATES NIGHT QUESTION AND ANSWER

I want to start this summary by saying thank you! Thank you to the League of Women Voters, The Delaware Gazette. Andrews House, the American Association of University Women, the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware County Farm Bureau, and The Sunbury News, for sponsoring this wonderful event.

Also a special thanks needs to go out to all of the wonderful candidates whom showed up to the event and spoke to the crowd. Delaware County citizens should be very proud of the candidates they have before them this election cycle!

As always it was a pleasure meeting so many people last night. The Auditorium was virtually packed for this great event. The debate was spirited and to the point, and the audience was cordial and respectful of all of the candidates, Democrats and Republicans alike.

I was very pleased with the well informed questions that were taken from the audience last night, and the great responses from the candidates as well. It truly was an honor to speak in front of that crowd last night.

Now to the meat …. Pat Tiberi learned a lesson last night. He learned that this is not 2000, 2002, 2004, or 2006. That this is 2008 and that this district is ready for change. His seat is not secure. With your support I will replace Pat Tiberi with an new sense of Direction. Focus, Understanding, and Accountability that this district is ready for.

With your support we will achieve greatness in the 12th, in Ohio, and in this Great Nation! I can not do this alone, this is not about me. Instead this is our campaign, our "Call For Change"! Join up, unite, and together we can make a difference!

Thanks again for your support and thank you to everyone that came up to me after the event to congratulate me on what they were calling an impressive victory. It is much appreciated. Victory however, does not come until the votes are counted on March 4th and then again on November 4th.

The march towards November continues.  Over the past week the campaign has been knocking on doors from Newark, to Sunbury and up through Ostrander.

It as always is a great experience meeting more and more people daily. The conversations we have vary, some of which are simple 3 minute meetings on issues like the economy and health care, and then there are others that are much more personal.

These other conversations might be the most important ones we can have. They give this campaign its momentum and direction. These are the conversations with people who welcome me into their home and are eager to tell me about their experiences with our broken health care system. The ones whom take the time to tell me about their wife with cancer whom can't afford the chemo and radiation treatments. Or the lovely woman in Ostrander who told me of her 40 year old daughter who is unable to obtain insurance, because her medical condition has put her out of work for the past three years, and no insurance company will accept her because of her condition. How the treatment she is getting will allow her to see again, but it takes constant cortisone injections into her eye which continue to put a financial burden on the family. People like this are why we are in this race. It is these people whom need our help. We can not continue to allow these situations to develop in this country.

Then there are the wonderful WWII veterans that I get the chance to sit down and talk to. They tell me of what it was like to serve in the Great War and how they were wounded serving in various areas of the world. They then share how this experience of combat will forever be with them. They look at me as a former veteran and they ask me to fight to fund things like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for our new veterans returning home from Iraq. Then they discuss their frustration with this current war and how they want and end brought to it.

All I can say to all of you is I HEAR YOU! I will fight to bring an end to this war, and I will fight to make sure that the words uninsured and under insured become things of the past. This I promise to the wonderful people of Ohio, and this great Nation.

THE LATEST STOPS!

The campaign has been hitting location after location as we move forward towards March nad November. It has been a pleasure meeting the people in the areas of Bexley, Pataskala and Newark over the past week. Unlike in the past updates on the trail we have begun to focus on several different areas in smaller doses, hopefully reaching out to more and more people with our approach.

WE shall continue to also focus on entire city's and precincts again in the near future, because I tend to enjoy reaching out to the smaller towns over the coarse of a few days. These smaller towns are often overlooked by candidates and the party and that has got to change!

The economy continues to be the focus of the people I speak with. It is time that WE turn this economy around!

WE must vehemently pursue FAIR TRADE, repealing NAFTA and DR-CAFTA.

WE must focus back on what benefits OHIO and The United States not China and Mexico!

WE must keep good paying manufacturing jobs here in Ohio!

WE must repeal the Bush Tax cuts and redirect them towards the struggling middle class!

With your help and your vote WE can achieve this change. It starts on March 4th and continues onward and upward to November 4th and January 1st, 2009!

Thanks again to everyone whom continues to open their doors and their minds to our movement. It is a pleasure meeting with each and every one of you. Thanks again for the continued support as we march towards change in 2008.

www.dagresforcongress.com

www.thecallforchange.com

It was an absolute pleasure meeting so many people in Johnstown over the weekend (Fri-Sun). I had a great time and enjoyed the new faces, ideas, and stories. Your support was wonderful and I know that with your votes we can make some major differences in Washington D.C.

WE will correct the problems of limited or unaffordable HEALTH CARE coverage.

WE will bring our men and women serving in IRAQ home, ending this war!

WE will remove free trade agreements like N.A.F.T.A. and D.R. C.A.F.T.A. making sure that the American worker benefits from FAIR TRADE, and American industries keep their jobs here at home!

WE will expand the federal pell grant to offer more of Americas youth the opportunity to pursue a higher EDUCATION!

And WE will show the special interests controlling Washington D.C. the door!

Thank you Johnstown for your time, for opening your door to me on Friday in the snow, Saturday in the rain, and Sunday in the balmy rainy spring like day.

WE will make a difference!

WE will CHANGE Washington D.C.!

WE will rebuild this great nation!

Day One and Two of a three day tour of Johnstown

I have been traveling the Johnstown area for the past 48 hours and enjoying the lively debate and well informed conversations with the Voters of this wonderful small town in western Licking County.

Once again the support has been tremendous and with every new contact the end goal of CHANGE becomes much more of a reality.

It is clear that this district is ready to turn the corner:

Ready to take steps back towards FAIR TRADE, that benefits the American worker and sparks industry here in Ohio.

They are ready to make sure that all of our Senior Citizens have Adequate Health Care coverage and prescription drug plans.

They are ready to improve the scope of our federal pell grant to increase the number of children able to pursue a Higher Education.

And they are ready to bring our men and women serving honorably in Iraq back home.

I am ready to fight to make sure this happens!

SCHOOLS

Johnstown there is a problem. 80% of the people I have spoken to are worried about your schools. They are completely dilapidated. Water is running through the deteriorated ceiling, mold is forming throughout the building; parts of the building are completely falling apart. Yet the levy continues to fail. The children are the only ones whom suffer from this. You need new schools. Please get together and support your school levy in March. The children of your community need you. They are this country's future and they must have adequate schools.

Johnstown I will see you again tomorrow! Thanks for your support. Thank you for opening your doors to me in the rainy and cold weather, and Happy New Year of Change to all of you.

www.thecallforchange.com