Columbus Clergy Declare Ohio a “Political Sleaze-Free Zone”
Thursday, November 08, 2007
(Columbus, Ohio) – As the 2008 campaign season gears up, We Believe Ohio, a statewide interfaith coalition of religious leaders, today announced a campaign declaring Ohio a “Political Sleaze-Free Zone.” The group is circulating a online petition calling on all candidates for public office to run clean, positive campaigns that focus on common good issues. Even before the campaign has kicked-off, the petition has gathered almost 1,000 signatures.
Press conferences were held with clergy in both Columbus and Cleveland. A statement of support from Gov. Ted Strickland thanking We Believe for “elevating political discourse in Ohio” was read at both.
“The momentum behind our petition shows that the people of Ohio hunger for political campaigns that reflect their values of honesty and fair play,” said Cantor Jack Chomsky of the Congregation Tifereth Israel. “Some will say that we are looking for a miracle. Who would work for miracles if not us? We embrace the idea that miracles happen every day.”
As people of faith, We Believe Ohio believes political campaign tactics and priorities are a moral and spiritual issue. This belief draws on the common values of the leaders’ diverse faiths.
“All of our faith traditions tell us that we shall not bear false witness. What more fundamental belief should guide our actions in the public square? If candidates bear false witness in their campaigns, it speaks volumes about the actions they will take in office. If they run campaigns with integrity, they will be able to serve people immediately, work with others, and be better public servants,” said Rev. Tim Ahrens of First Congregational Church.
Rev. Stephen Smith of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Rabbi Misha Zinkow of Temple Israel and Dr. Asma Mobin-Uddin each spoke of how the campaign specifically reflects the values of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths.
We Believe Ohio’s petition calls on campaigns to promote the common good by addressing issues critical to all Ohioans such as poverty, jobs, education and health care, and to reject the politics of character assassination and polarization.
“Rather than voting for a candidate based upon half truths or attack ads, as people of faith we should be compelled to vote for those candidates and issues that are concerned about the poor, the hungry, those who are mourning and the despised,” said Rev. Mark Diemer of Grace of God Lutheran Church.
We Believe Ohio is currently presenting the “Political Sleaze-Free Zone” petition to candidates and political parties. We Believe Ohio asks all citizens of Ohio to sign its petition calling for a “Political Sleaze-Free’’ state by going on-line to http://www.webelieveohio.org/noguttersignup.html.
Following is the text of the petition:
Declare Ohio a Political Sleaze-Free Zone
We, the undersigned, call on candidates for public office and all political parties to make the following commitment:
• We will positively promote what we stand for.
• We will refrain from negative and inflammatory attack ads.
• We will describe truthfully what we will do for the people of Ohio.
• We will not distort our opponents' records and positions.
• We will exemplify transparency and responsibility in all campaign activities.
• We will denounce attacks by outside groups, and do everything possible to bring them to a halt.
• We will promote the common good by addressing issues critical to all Ohioans, including poverty, jobs, education and health care.
• We will reject the politics of polarization, which focuses on deeply divisive issues and exploits them for partisan advantage.
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CONTACT: Katie Barge (202) 243-8289; Rev. Tim Ahrens (614) 228-1741 x13
