I hope you got the word that Jay Ovittore will be visiting BlueNC tonight, starting around 8 pm, for about an hour. Jay is the Democratic challenger to Howie Coble, a Republican incumbent whose time has come ... and gone. You can read more about Jay at his website, so give it a look and then stick around for some real democracy in action.
And if you're looking for a good thing to do with a little of your hard-earned cash, I'm sure Jay would appreciate your contribution.
Welcome, Jay. And thanks in advance for spending some time with us.
Comments
Jay . . .
Robert had an interesting question on the other thread about how to convince his grandparents that a fresh new face like yours is the right move instead of keeping Coble in place. I'm sure you've run into this a lot. What's your advice to Robert?
Lurkers
Lurkers abound tonight . . . sending me emails instead of logging on. Not sure why, but I'll pass on what they're asking.
1. Fundraising question: What's the role of the business community in the district? Do they own Greensboro like they own Charlotte?
2. DCCC: Any contacts with the power elite in DC?
Thanks For Having Me!
Let's get right into it. I saw Roberts question on the other thread and I feel like it is simple. I have run into more then my share of grandparents in my work with the Democratic party. When they find out I am running I am consistently hearing, "Glad to see someone young getting involved in the process" and "It's nice to have a fresh face running". I am pretty sure they are aware of how stagnant the District has become with the current representation.
If they are not of this mindset, I would suggest showing them my opponents voting record. It really speaks for itself. Follow that with finding out what is important to them. Then tell them where I stand on those issues. I am sure that I am the candidate who will stand up for them on the issues that effect them directly.
We must remember that these same grandparents we are talking about, have seen it, heard it and done it. They are probably more aware then most voters of the lack of representation that they have been receiving.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
How will your experience shape your approach to legislation?
How will your background aid in the effort to improve the lives of blue-collar workers and small business owners?
My knowledge as a SB Owner
As a small business owner, I know how hard it is to make ends meet. I am far from rich. I probably will never be. But I do deserve to be able to make ends meet comfortably. I know how hard it is to be competitive with businesses that undercut and pay less in wages to do so. I make sure that the people who work for me are paid what they are worth, much more the the average small business. I want to see the trades get unionized. A union can protect the worker from the influence of a developer or a repressive owner. People who work paycheck to paycheck are much more vulnerable to their employer then people who enjoy comfortable wages. They need to be protected.
Rich folks be aware...these people we are talking about above build your McMansions.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Iraq
A big issue in NC is the war. What are your thoughts on when and how we will untangle ourselves from this mess?
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
The Quagmire
I stand firm in the fact that our young men and women have to come home now! The soldiers I have spoken with that have been deployed to Iraq have no clue why they were really there in the first place.
I am very upset with our National Democrats. They should keep shoving the timelines down Bush's throat until he signs them. They should have a spine on this issue. If he doesn't want to sign, then he doesn't get his money. Don't think for a minute that the DOD is using all this money to help our troops, they have hefty Officer salaries to get paid. Not to mention what they are paying the contractors like Blackwater.
My opponent has spoken out against the war. He has spoken out about bring our troops home and he also consistently voted against timelines or withdrawl bills and votes to give the Bush Administration what they want with no strings and no care for our troops.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Interesting
That sounds very Biden-esque. ;-)
Softball: How do you feel about H.R. 3221?
Hardball: There are many challengers in NC CDs that went over 60% for Bush in 2004. Most, if not all, will lose. How do you overcome such a high partisan voting index? I don't see money and resources as a zero-sum game, but it's not a game without limits. How are you different?
Also, a few people who have come to the 'net for support aren't able to raise any money off the tubes. How are you planning to raise money?
Curveball: What are your top 5 favorite songs about loss? (I think I stole that from High Fidelity, but I do want an answer)
1 Thessalonians 5:21: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.
I always wanted to be the avenging cowboy hero—that lone voice in the wilderness, fighting corruption and evil wherever I found it, and standing for freedom, truth and justice. - Bill Hicks
Screwball
I think the Tubes are hitting the wall in terms of donor fatigue. It's a big pool in someways, but small in others. And we're all being asked to help lots and lots of candidates. Local tubes will get more and more important . . . to my knowledge.
Timelines are just downright Edwardian. n/t
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Sam
HR3221- I have been reading the White House is threatening a veto because language in the bill that would require utilities to get 15 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020, and raise taxes on oil and natural gas companies. They just don't get it. My only change would be to enact new standards by 2010. We will run out of oil and it won't be pretty if we don't start taking charge of our future.
Looking at the data for the 6th District, I need to get the average Democratic pull (31-41%) and 1/3 of the growing unaffiliated voters to win. The unaffiliated voter is growing in numbers and they tend to trend like the rest of the nation, which is leaning heavily Democratic. I am going to go grassroots with the campaign, so when do you want to go walking with me? What makes me different is that I am not a career politician. I am a regular guy, and when people meet me and talk to me (even Republicans) I tend to get through to them, people generally like me and what I stand for.
Asking for money is the only way to get it. I will be living on my phone, e-mail and the blogs. What I do think gives me an advantage on the net is that I am one of the guys. I have been an active blogger for several years, who some of the national crowd knows for his work online.
Songs about loss- Imagine(John Lennon), Imagine(A Perfect Circle), Hurt (Johnny Cash), A Long December(Counting Crows) and Nice to Know You (Incubus) and because I listed 2 versions of Imagine I will also list a bonus Blues for Pablo(Miles Davis and Quincy Jones Live at Montreux). I think it was High Fidelity too!
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Thanks a bunch
I wasn't going home to my "caucus parents" until I saw your answer ;-)
1 Thessalonians 5:21: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.
I always wanted to be the avenging cowboy hero—that lone voice in the wilderness, fighting corruption and evil wherever I found it, and standing for freedom, truth and justice. - Bill Hicks
Lurkers Answers
Fund raising- Developers own every city in North Carolina. That is unfortunately the case. I do not look to these folks for my fundraising dollars, I look to the people of the district that support what I do and all my friends on the net who can get behind one of their own running for Congress. I will make the promise now that I am not going to take any interest money unless I already would have supported that interest. No one will ever buy a vote. I am just not that kind of guy.
DCCC- I have been in touch with the D-Trip. They will offer support, but no money until I raise enough to show them I am credible. I know I am credible, everyone else knows I am credible, but they want the (no pun intended) bottom dollar.
I know several Congressmen from NC and a few other states. Artur Davis the D-Trip recruiting chair was my keynote speaker last year at the Young Democrats of NC statewide convention here in Greensboro.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Thanks
from the lurkers . . .
:)
No Problem!
I will check back through out the next couple of days after this is over at 9. All the questions will get answered.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Great.
We're having an unusually quiet Monday night . . . could be a preview of December for all I know. Several people have told me they're flat-out sick of politics.
I don' know how you guys do it . . . but thanks for putting your self out there all the same. It's a giant commitment and sacrifice . . . so my hat's off to you.
Yeah, sorry to be so late!
I had a project due that I just emailed away. I read the answers above and need to think about it. I'll be seeing the grandparents soon and will pick their brains.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
Incentives
The incentive wars have been all the rage this year . . . and some of that money has been directed toward jobs in your district.
Where do you stand on the broad question of incentives?
Incentives
You must mean bribes.
As your next Congressman, I will attempt to get all 50 Governor's into a meeting about incentives. I will tell them enough is enough. We can not bribe companies into moving anywhere and remain competitive for our citizens. If a business wants to build a new plant they should research the areas they are looking at, see if the people of that area can work in their field of business and move there. It is a dangerous tightrope we walk with the current policy. Corporate America is the one area that doesn't need more money.
If we want to put our taxpayers money to use, let's offer more grants to small businesses to stimulate the local economies. Let's make sure the training is available to all for the business needs projected to come to an area. We must build from the ground up. Without a solid foundation, the rest of the house will crumble.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Social issues
Death Penalty?
Reproductive Choice?
Marriage Equality?
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
Social Issues Answers
I stand for the current moratorium on the death penalty as it is used entirely too much.
I should have no say on reproductive rights. A women's right to do with her body is her right.
I do not feel the Federal Government has a say on marriage as it is a states rights issue. I am sure we shouldn't legislate the churches as a firm believer in the separation of church and state. A church does what it wants. If a state offers marriage equality for gay couples (I am all for it) that is their right as a state to offer a civil union. The difference being that most equate marriage to a church function and a civil union to a court room proceeding. The only place I do see the Federal Government stepping in is to ensure that if one state recognizes a civil union or marriage that all other states must honor that union or marriage regardless of the sexual orientation of the couple.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Man oh man.
If we could have a few hundred politicians in Congress willing to shoot straight and say what they think like you, our nation would be one heck of a lot better off.
I applaud your clear, no-bullshit answers.
Death Penalty
I stand for the current moratorium on the death penalty as it is used entirely too much - Jay
Currently there is not a formal moratorium here in NC. The one we are experiencing is due to an argument between the medical board and the prisons. The medical board will not allow for Dr's to assist in an execution. I believe this is being fought in the courts.
Let me be a little clearer in my question - Would you work to abolish the death penalty at the federal level? And given a chance would you vote to abolish it for the entire US?
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
I believe...
it is a states rights issue. As a matter of personal opinion I do not believe that taking another's life in any situation is ever a course action we should take. I understand that the prisons are over crowded. I understand that people love them some vendetta, but we should always try to find another way.
If I had to vote on a Federal ban, I would be for it.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
biggest issue facing NC voters
This one could make or break you.........
Eastern or Western style BBQ?
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
BBQ
Any BBQ is fine with me! As long as it's pig in a pit and I can have some hush puppies! mmmmmmm mmmmmmm
Thanks now I'm hungry.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
At least you're in a place where BBQ is a noun ...
1 Thessalonians 5:21: But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.
I always wanted to be the avenging cowboy hero—that lone voice in the wilderness, fighting corruption and evil wherever I found it, and standing for freedom, truth and justice. - Bill Hicks
my in laws
My wife is an immigrant from New York and a first generation American. When ever I am around her family I must constantly remind them that you eat BBQ, it is not something you do. And they put gravy and cheese curds on their fries, yuck.
"jump in where you can and hang on"
Briscoe Darling to Sheriff Andy
Coming from the land where fries were invented....
and no that's not France, I must tell you that the only good thing to put on your fries is Mayonnaise. Good mayonnaise that is, not the goop they call mayonnaise here.
Left on 49
Gross
Everyone knows that the only way to eat fries is dipped in a chocolate frosty at Wendy's.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
I'm with you Muse!
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Don't knock it 'til you try it...
My wife thought the idea was gross, but she tried it and now doesn't want anything else on her fries anymore.
If you've ever seen Pulp Fiction, you know I'm not lying about the mayonnaise:
Lexington Style
should earn a mention
It is in the District!
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Its the economy stupid...
NAFTA, Income inequality, stagnant wages, a weak dollar, CAFTA...
What do you want to do on economic issues? (im too busy to formulate a full question)
"Keep the Faith"
"Keep the Faith"
Jobs
All of the free trade agreements that this country has signed on to have been bad for American workers. They have been great for American companies. I care about the workers!
I want to change the corporate tax code to punish companies who send jobs overseas. If you send more then 20% of your jobs overseas, you lose any corporate tax breaks and go back to your regular rate of taxation. At 21% your rate starts going up. If you want to send 100% of your jobs overseas you will pay enough into the system to cover the people you have put on the unemployment line. This money should be used for Universal Health Care.
When companies send American jobs overseas, they send the American dream with it.
NAFTA and CAFTA need to be fixed if not repealed completely.
We need a living wage for our workers. I want a teachers minimum wage around $40000-45000 to start.
We must drop the hammer on China. We must hold them accountable for the products they ship here. They should meet the standards we have laid out and be tariffed on the way in. That will help level the playing field.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Health insurance . . .
What's your pleasure on that one?
News of the 10th district: See Pat Go Bye Bye,
Portability
I resigned from my job in September and have a heck of a mess trying to get my insurance into place. I know I only got an 83 on the Art Pope civics test, so maybe I'm not smart enough to figure out how to buy health insurance . . . but the whole damn mess just about makes me want to scream. I can't even begin to imagine how I'd manage if I couldn't afford to buy coverage.
You should have the option of getting on the lousy...
state health plan, correct? Now, imagine your wife stays home. Try to get some quotes for that from BCBS.
One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn't have to understand something to feel it. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Jesus Swept ticked me off. Too short. I loved the characters and then POOF it was over.
-me
UHC
I will start by saying not even the best laid health care plan from any of our Presidential candidates deserves the title Universal Health Care. None of them are single payer and that is Universal Health Care.
I want the "for profit" insurance companies on the unemployment line. Not their clients! As long as these denial artist have control of your health care I can only guarantee you one thing.... You are not going to get what you need to be well all the time. That is their job. Take your hard earned money, find ways to deny your coverage and expand their profit margin. They can care less if you have a cold or cancer.
I want a truly Universal Health Care system in this country and will pay for it by changing the corporate tax code and repealing the upper 2%'s tax break.
We need preventative treatment. When is the last time anyone you know has had a physical?
Please don't get me started on the FDA and Big Pharma. That will take more time then we have.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Thinking ahead . . . debates?
Ya think Howie will have the nerve to debate you in an open forum?
***************
And before I forget (an hour's almost up already!) . . . let me officially thank you for stopping by.
I know you have plenty of other things to do . . . so I really appreciate you taking the time to visit with us.
Thanks!
Debate
Let me start by saying thank you for having me. I am available to BlueNC anytime you want me.
Now the question...If a 12 term incumbent can not debate a 34 year old candidate I assure you I will call him a Chickenshit publicly. If he does not have the knowledge with all that he has seen in DC, he obviously isn't in touch with the peoples problems and certainly should be replaced by me. I have spoken to the people about what they need and I am on my way to provide the representation you not only need but deserve. After all that is a representatives job, isn't it?
Please visit my website (www.jayovittore.com) and while your there, please ActBlue by making a donation to my campaign. Any amount helps.
I assure you that Howie will have a real opponent this time around. He has had the comfortable ability to speak to the people out of one side of his mouth and vote out of the other. With me, what you see is what you get. I am a man of my word. I plan on winning this election and improving the quality of life for the people in the 6th and around the country.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Thanks Again!
I will check back over the next couple of days for new questions, so keep them coming. If you want more elaborate answers please feel free to contact me at voteovittore@clearwire.net or call my campaign line at 336-790-4611. I would be glad to chat anytime.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay, sorry I couldn't be here
My oldest had play practice (she's a techie on the set) and I was sitting in the parking lot waiting for her.
How will you balance your progressive leanings with the conservative nature of most of the district? I'm sure it would be a tough line to toe. Do you believe you will have to set aside personal ideology in order to represent all the people of your district?
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
I do
I do believe that I can represent all the people of the 6th and not just Democrats. I don't really consider myself a progressive, I tend to think that I am more of a moderate when push comes to shove. A representatives job is not to flaunt personal agendas but to represent the whole of their constituency. That is what I plan to do.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Beautiful response Jay
Simple and sincere. Thank you.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
I'm late too, but I don't have a good excuse.
My son got the Transformers DVD and I was only going to watch the first part, but I got sucked in for the duration.
I'm pretty sure I already know your answer, but: how do you feel about Federal (and State) incentives for individuals and businesses who install renewable energy systems like Solar and wind power?
Scharrison
I am all for renewable energy. I would be for tax credits for installing new renewable energy into our buildings. I do think it would be better on a state level then on a federal level. I think the Federal Government should encourage this in it's energy policies but leave it to the states who will be more effective in implementing this policy.
Jay Ovittore
Candidate- 6th Congressional District
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Jay Ovittore
“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” Thomas Jefferson
Chiming in from the district
Sorry I couldn't be here - I've been away from the computer all day.
I think the progressive leanings will actually serve well, Betsy. We don't need "Coble-Light". Voters in the 6th district need a clear choice. Howard Coble is conservative, but more than that, he is stale. It's time for a fresh approach and Jay has a good shot at making that happen in the 6th District.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
I don't doubt that
However, to win over conservative voters, they need to hear that Jay won't ignore their existence. I was just trying to give him a chance to say it. You and I both believe that a leader should represent all of his district - not just the voters who got off their butts on election day. Jay doesn't have to lean away from his progressive ideals, but he does need to reassure those on the other side of the fence that he will listen. Just a chance for him to air that in public.
Robin Hayes lied. Nobody died, but thousands of folks lost their jobs.
***************************
Vote Democratic! The ass you save may be your own.
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