Cranley kicks off campaign for 1st District

Democrat John Cranley kicked off his campaign to oust Rep. Steve Chabot from Cincinnati’s 1st Congressional District last night with a message to voters that if they’ve had enough of skyrocketing federal deficits, high gas prices, congressional corruption and one-party rule, they should elect him in November.

"For ever one of those problems, Steve Chabot has been in the middle. He’s become part of the problem in Washington and now we need to vote for change in order to offer solutions," said Cranley, a Cincinnati City Council member from Price Hill.

Gary Lindren, a spokesman for Chabot, R-Westwood, called Cranley’s attacks "empty rhetoric" and pointed out that while Cranley has been on the city council, the number of murders in the city have skyrocketed while taxes have risen and people have continued to move out of downtown.

"People see through the false negative attacks and recognize that Congressman Chabot votes in a manner that is consistent with the interests of the district," Lindgren said.

Cranley’s campaign kick-off rally was held Tuesday evening at the Covedale Theater - a spot Cranley chose because of the work he did as councilman to help keep it open.

"It highlights what I have done and what I can do for people of this district," he said.

Cranley’s gala also featured three former congressmen who represented the 1st District: Tom Luken, Charlie Luken and David Mann, all Democrats who are backing Cranley’s election.