“It wasn’t just public employees, it wasn’t just union members, it was people of faith, it was civil rights activists, it was people in social service agencies” that led to the success of State Issue 2, said Brown. “All those teachers and their allies taught Ohio a lesson,” he added.
The dinner drew 300 people, which Goldenfield said was the largest gathering of Democrats in Warren County. She said the distinguishing characteristic of the party is that “we care about the world and others around us. That is the foundation of what it means to be a Democrat.”
Brian Schwartz, a Mason man who said he had been a Republican, gave a testimonial to Brown.
He said he was stricken with cancer and needed brain surgery to save his life. He appealed to the offices of U.S. Representatives Jean Schmidt and John Boehner, both of which referred him to attorneys.
Finally, Schwartz and his family appealed to Brown’s office, and as a result, the surgery was covered, he said.
“Senator Sherrod Brown saved my life,” he said. Schwartz’s speech earned a standing ovation.
Brown talked about how Ohio has seen economic recovery and how the Chevy Cruze is made from materials from towns all over Ohio, including steel from Middletown and a sound system from Springboro.
“Ohio’s coming back,” Brown said.
He admitted that he spoke with a “funny voice,” but he added, “My voice may not be prettiest, but you can be sure it will be strongest in fighting for America’s middle class.”
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