Marian Harris

Background:

30+ year resident of the District. Started politically with the late Senator Howard Metzenbaum doing constituent work. Worked for Governor Celeste first as Chief of the Bureau of Family Support (MRDD) which allowed people with children with disabilities to keep their family member at home. Then went on to coordinate the Governor's Capital for a Day programa which took the Governor and his Cabinet to 34 cities in Ohio for 24 hours - true grass roots program that allowed state officials to meet with the constituents who were affected by the work they were doing. Worked for a number of non profit agencies as a consultant doing event and volunteer organizing. Dean for America Central Ohio organizer. Democracy for America Central Ohio & state organizer until I ran for office in 2006 when I realized I couldn't do both.

Goals:

We need 4 seats to have a Democratic House. We have a wonderful Governor who needs that support. I want to be part of turning Ohio around. My 30 years behind the scenes more than qualifies me for the job. It's an open seat this year - in 2006, I had more than 45% against a very popular member of the Republican leadership. So I'm feeling very positive about winning this year.

Issues:

education, health care, children's issues

Grassroots Support:

Volunteers are the foundation of the campaign - can't do it without them. My campaign will be based on voter contact - door to door by me and by volunteers.

DFA Values:

I believe that government has a responsibility to support those who through no fault of their own are in need. I believe we fund programs that accomplish this by a fair and equitable tax system and by ending the war in Iraq!