Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich caused a stink on the House of Representatives floor this morning during a speech where he announced he'll introduce articles of impeachment against President Bush on Monday, Jan. 28, the day Bush delivers his State of the Union speech.

"We already know the State of the Union," Kucinich says in his speech. "It's a lie."

Not too much after his statement, Dennis slinked back to the House floor to withdraw his "offending words." He had to know that it was going to happen that way, but again, he doesn't care. As long as he gets noticed, all is good on Planet Dennis.

That is it. I am not mentioning Kucinich anymore. For a guy at 2% at most in the polls, he takes up too much print everywhere. As long as he is front and center, then in his mind he is a winner. If the people of the 10th Congressional District can get united behind another candidate in the Democratic primary on March 4, they can end this charade and get a real congressman and beam Kucinich out of office. By getting rid of Kucinich, voters of the 10th can get rid of a symbol of Cleveland futility at the same time.

Hey Dennis, how is your recount in New Hampshire going? Pick up any more votes? Did you actually win?

Also: For a wide variety of view across the Ohio Blogosphere, check out the latest Carnival of Ohio Politics. It is published weekly, typically on Wednesday. Bloggers send in some of their posts about political news from our state and it is a good way to catch up on what you may have missed.

I tend to give people more than the usual two cents.

So let me get this out of the way in the interest of full disclosure: I support State Senator Kevin Coughlin’s effort to shake up the Summit County GOP leadership and am I running for Central Committee on his behalf. I have nothing personal against current party chairman Alex Arshinkoff (link to the dreadfully designed website that takes his side in this). Actually, I have never met the guy (nor Coughlin for that matter). So this is not about playing favorites or going with the guy who I like better. I have only seen Mr. Arshinkoff once in person – at the 2007 Summit County Republican Dinner. I think I gave him a head nod as we crossed paths and he gave me a look like “who are you and why are you acknowledging me?” No reason he would have known me. In his eyes I was just some loner who showed up to get a good meal (it wasn't very good).

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"Vic Wulsin Is My Candidate" by Wulsin Girl

Dr. Victoria Wulsin is a Democrat running for Congress in Ohio's 2nd Congressional District. The campaign released this music video from a supporter named Ann and it is catchy. Turn up your speakers!

Hat tip: Jerid at Buckeye State Blog

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That is some good news for the NRCC which is lagging far behind in fundraising while already facing an uphill battle due to numerous upcoming Republican House retirements. That leads me into this…….

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We Democrats love Bill Clinton. When he talks, we listen. That is why it comes as no surprise that the New Hampshire "Fairytale" and Nevada "5-times as much" 30-second sound bites helped propel Senator Clinton to victories in those states. While Bill Clinton knocked Barack Obama off message, Hillary was free to stay positive and above the fray. Unless the Obama team devises a new strategy to deal with Bill, the results of New Hampshire and Nevada are destined to be repeated. This morning, Obama went on Good Morning America to begin to respond:

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Story: Ohio's unemployment rate was up slightly compared to the same month in 2006, from 5.6 to 6 percent for the month. The largest employment increases were recorded in Texas (+18,600), California (+15,500), Washington (+10,700), and Virginia (+10,200). The largest employment decreases were in Kansas (-6,200), South Carolina (-5,800), Ohio (-3,900) and Indiana (-3,100).

Boy, that Ted Strickland sure is on top of things. While he is busy bragging to reporters about how he moved the governor's office and being more receptive to the other party, Ohio lost more jobs than every state but two others. His sidekick Lee Fisher doesn't seem to be doing a very good job running the state Department of Development. Maybe he should confine his activities to cutting ribbons at new grocery stores or whatever it is the Lt. Governor in Ohio used to do.

When does the shine start to wear off this teflon adminstration? They have been in office for a year now. The economy is the #1 job of a governor. On that account, along with many others, Ted Strickland and his team have had a dismal first year.

Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested and photographed on Feb 22, 1956 at the age of 27 after a bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. These are the eyes of a determined man.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at a time of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position and even his life for the welfare of others."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Let us remember what an eloquent political force Dr. King was.

I have to give Dennis Kucinich credit. For a man who hovers at 2% in the polls, he sure can generate headlines for himself. Here is the latest example:

Kucinich asked federal authorities to investigate one of his primary opponents, Joe Cimperman, after Cimperman delivered a "missing" poster to Dennis's Lakewood office. The poster referred to the reputation that Kucinich is building for himself - that of absentee congressman. My opinion of Kucinich has always been clear - he is in it only for himself - but if the people of Ohio's 10th District want to keep sending an embarrassment to Washington, that is their choice. I just don't want to hear them complain about how he is never around. Oh sure, he might show up when a small grocery store closes to preen for the cameras and say he will fight for people, but then he will get on the next plane (or maybe a UFO) to New Hampshire to continue his recount.

In 2006, Dennis Kucinich gave a speech saying that stated the government needs to rein in police powers. In 2008 when he feels the heat at home, things change and he runs to the authorities as a publicity stunt. His change of heart is kind of like how Kucinich was always pro-life but became pro-choice when he decided to "run for president" in 2004.

On the local front, Dennis was finally shamed and pressured into having a debate with his opponents here for the March 4 primary for his congressional seat. He resisted as long as possible this year after refusing to debate his Republican opponent in 2006. We shall see if he actually follows through and shows up.