US House of Representatives Race, 12th District: Travis Irvine

Travis Irvine is running for the 12th District as a Libertarian.  I encourage you to follow the link and do a little reading about what the party stands for.  In short, Libertarians support the rights of the individual.

Irvine grew up in Bexley, and has ties to many areas in the Central Ohio region.  A graduate from Bexley High School and Ohio University, Irvine has cemented his Ohio roots.  However, Irvine has also lived and worked around the country and the world, as a journalist, film professional, and film editing instructor with the New York Film Academy.  He has also spent time on Capitol Hill, working in the press office of Senator Charles Schumer. Irvine ran for Mayor of Bexley in 2007.  Other political experience include volunteering with the Ohio Democrats, the Gore and Kerry Presidential campaigns, and as a member of the Libertarian Party.

On the campaign website, Irvine lays out a pretty clear platform.  He's against the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.  He believes in health care reform that keeps government as far away from direct involvement as possible.  Federal spending should be cut dramatically.  He supports increased transparency in government, as well as stopping the backslide in civil liberties in the name of fighting terrorism.  As for the economy, Irvine would support small businesses and self employment as a primary means to improving the economic situation. As for the environment, the first point Irvine lists is eliminating subsidies to the petroleum industries and allowing free market economics to take their course.  Finally, on immigration he supports immigrants, but does not approve of amnesty for illegal aliens.

Irvine has filled out Project Vote Smart's Political Courage Test, and it has some interesting points to help you get a feel for his views.

Read more about Travis Irvine on his campaign page and Vote Smart!

Congressional Race 2010

So currently, Pat Tiberi represents the 12th Congressional District here in Ohio. It's a wide ranging district, from the Northwest of Delaware all the way down to the East of Reynoldsburg. Rep. Tiberi is in his 5th term serving the district, which means he's been in office for nine years or so now.

According to his reelection website, Tiberi hopes to use his new position on the Ways and Means to promote his agenda on retirement security, making healthcare affordable, and tax reform. Before, Tiberi was on the Financial Services panel, and played a role in drafting legislation that made it easier for people to purchase homes.

Paula Brooks, Franklin County commissioner, has decided to challenge the incumbent. She's been a Franklin County commissioner since 2005, and before that served on the Upper Arlington city council for 8 years before being term-limited out.

According to Brooks' website, her strengths are a long history in the state (biographies I've read emphasize the fact her family is 10 generations American or so), fiscal responsibility (helped Franklin County maintain a AAA bond rating), expanding access to healthcare and good jobs, and promoting green policies.

Over the next year, I'll be keeping an eye out on these two and how their race is going. Digging into records, keeping up with news, all that fun stuff. So keep an eye out!