Fudge was clear on one thing; she will not allow any of her staff or camp supporters to sling mud. Congresswoman Fudge said “I don’t believe in sound bites, I believe in substance.”

By JAMES W. WADE III

Staff Reporter

Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge announced her candidacy for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent the people of the 11^th District of Ohio on Monday. The Congresswoman unveiled her plans at a news conference before supporters, community and faith leaders at Phil the Fire Restaurant in Beachwood, Ohio.

They came from all across the state in support of Fudge; supporters included Blacks, Whites and the Latino community. Pastors, Rabbis, Imams and leaders of several faiths came out in a show of support for Fudge – Rev. E. T. Caviness, Bishop Larry Macon, Rev. Paul Sadler, Bishop Perry, Rev. Larry Harris, and Khalid Samad to name a few.

Job creation will remain a major focus in the next term. “Residents tell me time and again that the need for jobs and access to good paying jobs rank as their highest priority. That is why it is my top priority as well,” said Congresswoman Fudge.

Key political, community and labor leaders had a chance to talk about why there were there to support Fudge. “With the untimely passing of Stephanie Tubbs Jones, the 11th Congressional District also lost seniority in Congress. Marcia Fudge has now acquired some valuable seniority upon which to build. Additionally, she will be building upon a quickly-earned reputation among her colleagues of being a hard worker and a knowledgeable legislator with leadership qualities. Her re-election is a must if the 11th Congressional District is to maintain the excellence in Congressional service to which it has become accustomed,” said Louis Stokes, U.S. Congress (Retired).

Other key supporters included Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson, Beachwood Mayor Merle Gordon, East Cleveland Mayor Gary Norton, University Hts Mayor Susan Infeld, Shaker Hts Mayor Earl Leiken, Bratenahl Mayor John Licastro, Orange Mayor Kathy Mulcahy, Village of Highland Hills Mayor Bob Nash, Brad Sellers Warrensville Hts Mayor Elect, along with State Reps Bill Pattmon and John Barnes Jr. to name a few.

The new boundries that extends to Akron also had U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Youngstown come out in support of Fudge. The State Democratic Party chairman Chris Redfren and Cuyahoga County Democratic Party chairman Stuart Garson were on hand to support and endorse Congresswoman Fudge.

In addition to legislative initiatives and appropriations, she pursued to enhance job retention and growth in the District, Congresswoman Fudge was the first Member of Congress to host a job fair in the nationwide “For the People” Jobs Initiative. Through hard work and determined effort by the Congresswoman and her staff, the event brought together more than 100 employers and secured employment for hundreds of residents in the District last August.

The Congresswoman plans to continue her vigorous support for social safety net programs that are crucial to low-income families and seniors. Congresswoman Fudge is a staunch defender of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and will continue to work to strengthen these programs for current beneficiaries and future generations.

At the news conference, Congresswoman Fudge discussed other urgent priorities: addressing housing issues such as foreclosure and the need for structural relief for homeowners who are “underwater” (mortgage holders who owe more than their homes are worth), continuing her role as a national leader in defending voting rights that are under attack for millions of Americans in Ohio and across the nation, and advocating for children’s nutrition and reducing the epidemic of childhood obesity.

Fudge was clear on one thing; she will not allow any of her staff or camp supporters to sling mud. Congresswoman Fudge said “I don’t believe in sound bites, I believe in substance.”

In November 2008, Congresswoman Fudge was elected to fill the remaining weeks of the unexpired term of the late Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Ms. Fudge was sworn into office in December 2008. During November 2008, the election was also held for the next full Congressional term that began in January 2009.  Congresswoman Fudge ran for the full term as well and was overwhelmingly elected. Voters returned her to office by more than an 80 percent margin in 2010.

So far Nina Turner, Gerald Henley Sr. Angela Davis, Anthony Perry, and Issac Powell all have interest in becoming the 11^th Congress person.