FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Todd Sharkey Responds to Tea Party Express Rally in Cleveland

Cleveland, OH  April 11, 2010.

Todd Sharkey,  Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, 13th District, attended the Tea Party Express Rally at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds today.

Sharkey, a Constitutional Conservative, said, “I met some of the most thoughtful and courteous people today.  It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to talk with individuals who care so much for America and its future.  I was also pleasantly surprised to meet so many Democrats who have become disillusioned with their party and have found common ground with the Tea Party movement.”

The Tea Party Express is a “traveling Tea Party” that is driving from California to Washington, DC between March 27 and April 15, providing music, entertainment, and rousing speeches at numerous Tea Parties each day.

Popular local radio personality Matt Patrick from WTAM was the Master of Ceremonies for the pre-show activities. Victoria Jackson of Saturday Night Live and Jim Labriola of Home Improvement were featured speakers.  In addition, local speakers included recent Attorney General candidate Steve Christopher and State Senator Tim Grendell.

“The Tea Party movement is a true grassroots effort to educate and motivate the people,” explained Sharkey.   “I share the Tea Party’s belief in limiting the federal government and preserving the liberties of the American people by upholding the Constitution.”

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March 21, 2010

Todd Sharkey Responds to Obama-Pelosi Health Care Bill
Betty Sutton Helps Drive Country Toward Socialized Medicine

Akron, OH – Earlier tonight, 13th Congressional District candidate, Todd Sharkey, issued the following statement in response to the passage of the historic health care legislation:

“The Democrats in the House of Representatives, including the 13th District's Betty Sutton, have voted to give the people of the United States of America exactly what they did not want - socialized medicine. This change will not unite the country; it will further divide it. It is a vote that will destroy our medical system as we know it today. Rather than an incentive to grow, we will be burdened with more rules and regulations to keep us where we are.

“President Obama commented after the vote, 'This is what change looks like.' I don’t think this is the change the American people are wanting. The people want someone to lead them, not someone who wants to remake their country.

“Rahm Emanuel, the president’s chief of staff, remarked, 'We proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things….we proved that this government — a government of the people and by the people — still works for the people.' If Mr. Emanuel believes this is a government of the people and by the people, then what does he have to say to the majority of people who oppose this legislation?

“The people know that this kind of change will not improve our health care, nor will it make it more cost effective. We have now gone the way of Great Britain and Canada and what does our future hold? Long lines and rationed care. It won’t start tomorrow, but within ten years we will be dealing with European-style problems. However, your taxes to pay for all of this start right away.

“I am saddened by this vote. But, I am optimistic that 'we the people' can reverse this course. Starting May 4th, we have the opportunity to elect representative who will actually represent the people. Your vote matters now more than ever. Then in November, we can send a clear message to Washington and vote every one of these usurpers out of office.

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Today, Todd Sharkey became one of only a handful of Ohio candidates and elected officials to sign the No Climate Tax Pledge from Americans for Prosperity:

No Climate Tax Pledge:
I,Todd Sharkey, pledge to the taxpayers of the state of Ohio and to the American people that I will oppose any legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in government revenue.

To date, Todd is the only candidate in the 13th District to sign the pledge, which is a commitment that all bills relating to climate change issues should be revenue neutral and should not increase the tax burden on the American people.

As the No Climate Tax site explains, "This is an effort to separate the tax question from the climate change issue.  Many climate change proposals at all levels of government include substantial increases in government revenues.  We don’t believe it is appropriate to hide tax hike in environmental bills.  These bills should be revenue neutral, holding taxpayers harmless by offsetting every dollar of revenue raised through environmental taxes and regulations with tax cuts.  This approach allows us to have open and honest debate about whether we should act on climate, as well as having open and honest, and quite separate, debate over the appropriate level of taxes."

Read the Press Release.