Vote

Beats Incumbent in Fundraising; Opponent Fails to File Campaign Report 

Lakewood, OH-- Democratic candidate Tom Bullock announced today that he raised record funds from a record amount of supporters in the open seat contest for Ohio House District 13 for the period ending July 31. Bullock, a Lakewood City Councilman, is running in the Democratic primary next May 2010 in the district that includes Lakewood and parts of Cleveland’s West side. Term limits prevent the incumbent, Rep. Mike Skindell, from running for reelection. 

Bullock reported more than $22,000 cash-on-hand in his July 31 campaign finance report, the first of his campaign.  Nearly 200 donors gave an average of less than $100 to reach this total, with no donation coming from a political action committee but instead from grassroots supporters, friends, family, and colleagues. Bullock says his strong grassroots support is good news for voters because he will not have to rely on 

political insiders or special interests either in Cuyahoga County or Columbus to build a winning campaign.   

“What struck me is the number of everyday people who want to get involved in their government.  My average donation was less than one hundred dollars,” said Bullock.  “Broad grassroots support means I can serve as an independent voice that answers to voters, not political insiders.” 

Additionally, Bullock announced that: 

• He both outraised and kept more cash-on-hand than incumbent Rep. Skindell. 

• His opponent, Dan Brady, failed to file a campaign finance report electronically. State law requires any candidate for the general assembly raising more than $10,000 during the time period ending June 30 to file electronically with the Ohio Secretary of State by July 31. As of press time, neither the Secretary of State nor the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections had received a filing from the Brady campaign. 

• According to available records from previous races, Bullock has raised more than all previous open seat House District 13 candidates had at this point in the calendar. 

• As of press time, a record search indicates Bullock raised more than any other open seat candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives in the state for this period. It also indicated no other open seat candidate received donations from as many individuals. 

Bullock said fundraising success is just a first step and pledged to work equally hard to meet people in the community and listen to residents’ concerns directly on their doorsteps.  

“It’s not just about the money; it’s also about walking the neighborhoods to talk to voters directly,” said Bullock. “Too often our leaders assume they know the issues and don’t do a good job of listening. But if you are serious, as I am, about hearing residents’ concerns, you need to talk to people in their own neighborhoods. I’ve already begun door-knocking to allow ample time for walking this large district and 

hearing from voters.”   

Bullock’s campaign began in early summer to knock on doors, attend block club meetings, and build a network of civic leaders who can keep him in touch with community needs.  Bullock has also sponsored several community service events, including a canned food drive and a litter pickup for Earth Day.