Jennifer Brunner for Ohio Secretary of State

Background:

Former state trial court judge (resigned September 1, 2006 to run for this non-judicial office)

Former Legislative Counsel and Deputy Director to Secretary of State

Former member, Franklin County Board of Elections, Columbus, Ohio

13 years experience as election law attorney, with experience representing candidates, labor organizations, businesses, associations, neighborhood groups, political parties and caucuses on compliance and election access issues

Goals:

I am running for Ohio Secretary of State to restore trust to Ohio's election process and change the way Ken Blackwell, Ohio's current Secretary of State, runs elections in Ohio. I am committed to ensuring that anyone who is eligible to vote and who wants to vote in Ohio may do so easily in a process that is free, fair, open and honest and that can be audited and verified. At the same time, I will aggressively fight intimidation tactics and fraud to protect Ohioans' votes. I will not use the office of Secretary of State to campaign for issues or candidates, as has been past practice.

Issues:

1. Qualifications I bring to this office include years of election administrative and legal experience.
2. My Judicial experience demonstrates ability to administer fair and impartial elections in Ohio.
3. I will work to restore trust in Ohio's election process with fair and transparent elections and supporting constitutional, legal and administrative changes to encourage high levels of voter participation and improve voter education.

Grassroots Support:

To date, with more than seven months before the November 2006 election, I have campaigned in 66 of Ohio's 88 counties, recruiting county coordinators in 50 counties, statewide LGBT and minority coordinators, obtaining media coverage and developing relationships with local media and party leaders and activists.

DFA Values:

I have worked with county boards of elections on legislation to improve voter registration and election administration. During tenure as state trial court judge developed methods for jurors to take notes and ask questions for better trial outcomes.