We Believe Ohio Calls for Informative, Sleaze-Free Presidential Debate in Cleveland
It is crucial that civility and truth-telling reign this evening in Cleveland.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
(Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio) – Last fall, We Believe Ohio launched a Political Sleaze-Free Zone campaign calling on all candidates to positively promote what they stand for, focus on common good issues critical to Ohioans, and refrain from divisive, misleading and inflammatory attacks. Ohioans want to know where the candidates stand on the issues and where they would lead our country if elected.
Tonight’s debate may well be the pivotal event of the Democratic primary season. It is crucial that civility and truth-telling reign this evening in Cleveland. We call on Senators Obama and Clinton to engage in an issue-focused debate and refrain from personal attacks and misrepresentations of their opponent's positions. Such tactics corrupt the political process, alienate voters, exacerbate social divisions, and provide a poor example for our children.
We Believe Ohio calls on both candidates to treat each other in a manner consistent with their religious traditions tonight and for the duration of the campaign.
Governor Ted Strickland and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and more than 1,000 Ohioans have already endorsed We Believe Ohio’s “Political Sleaze-Free Zone” campaign. We Believe invites all citizens, including Senators Clinton and Obama, to join in this campaign.
We Believe leaders are actively meeting with officeholders, candidates, and campaigns to discuss the principles put forth in “Political Sleaze-Free Zone’’ declaration -- including a public meeting in Columbus on February 28 at 9:00 am at Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus, with at least eight candidates and campaigns.
The We Believe Ohio Political Sleaze-Free Zone petition is available at www.webelieveohio.org.
We Believe Ohio is an interfaith coalition of clergy and lay leaders dedicated to uniting diverse religious voices to achieve social justice.
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CONTACT: Katie Barge, 202-243-8289
