The Observation Deck

note: photos will be added when they become available

About 50 area Democrats decided to make Hillary Clinton their "Valentine" today. They attended the opening of the "Cuyahoga for Hillary" office located at 15729 Madison Avenue (inside the "Goddess Blessed" shop). The group is working to make Clinton the Democratic nominee in the March 15 Ohio Presidential Primary.

Local activists Deb Sweeney, Kristine Pagsuyoin, and Karolyn Isenhart were largely responsible for organizing the event and finding the location. Store proprietor Kathy Curran was thrilled to host the office. "I'm a big fan of Hillary", she said at the event, "It's more than time to have a woman president".

Many elected officials were in attendance, including State Representative Nickie Antonio and Lakewood Council members Cindy Marx, Tom Bullock, and Dan O'Malley. "We need someone that can win the state of Ohio", Marx told the crowd, "We're going to make history, the first woman president." Bullock also cited the historic potential of electing the first woman president, and praised Hillary's record. "She's an advocate for human rights" he told the room.

"It's an interesting time" Antonio said in her remarks to the group. "We want someone [for President] that is knowledgable, someone who has grace under pressure." She encouraged voters to get active in the campaign. The group is planning to do phone banking and community outreach.

The office will remain open through election day at the following hours: Tuesday 1-3, 4-6 pm. Thursday 5-8:30pm, Saturdays 12-4pm.

Photos of the opening here: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/ ... ce-opening

Deb Sweeney, Lakewood's #1 Democrat, is "Ready for Hillary"


Council member Cindy Marx told the gathering why she's supporting Hillary.


Council member Tom Bullock also praised Clinton.


Meet Sam Kelly, Field Organizer for the National Clinton campaign. The New Jersey native drove over 10 hours from New Hampshire, and looks forward to experiencing Northeast Ohio.


Council member Dan O'Malley in a pensive moment.


Me stealing a delicious homemade cookie. Kristine Pagsuyoin made the tasty and artistic treats.


Part of the crowd inside "Goddess Blessed"


I'm not the only one who liked the cookies.


Kathy Curran, proprietor of "Goddess Blessed", which is now 13 years old. "It's more than time to have woman president" she said.


Me and NPR's Nick Castele, who was also covering the event. Nick and I are both Northwestern alums. #gocats #purplemafia


State Rep Nickie Antonio encouraging the group to volunteer.

Thanks to Alex for the wonderful photos.

Given Marx and Bullock's endorsement, I'm now left wondering about Clinton's position on transparency, inclusiveness and truth. Does she share their penchant for government behind closed doors?

Thank you Mike and Alex fo representing the Lakewood Observer at the office opening today. It was an exciting day and incredible to meet many supporters from Lakewood as well as from all over North East Ohio. If anyone is interested in learning more about how to get involved they can reach us at Cuyahoga4Hillary@gmail.com. As we approach election day we will be adding more events and expanding hours. The pictures look great!

m buckley wrote:Given Marx and Bullock's endorsement, I'm now left wondering about Clinton's position on transparency, inclusiveness and truth. Does she share their penchant for government behind closed doors?

I'm a Bernie supporter in the campaign, but I've respected Hillary for a long time. Noone has been attacked by the Right Wing Noise Machine longer.....it's been 25 years and counting.

As the prohibitive favorite when the race began, Clinton carries both the blessing and the curse of being endorsed by virtually every Democratic figure and office holder. For every Al Franken, Deb Sweeney, and Nickie Antonio, there is a Rahm Emanuel and a Tom Bullock.

As for Mr. Buckley's question, I refer you to Clinton fan Henry Kissinger:
"Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings, "The illegal we do immediately; the unconstitutional takes a
little longer." [laughter] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that."

https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/P860 ... #efmCSeCXI

Bernie is disadvantaged by relatively few endorsements, mostly from rogue State Reps around the nation like Mike Skindell. However, that lack of baggage can have its advantages.

Yeah, if they knew anything about our local politics, they'd have had no one from city council there to sully her name. I'm voting for Bernie - the one not in the pocket of the banks and the establishment. Sorry Hillary, your window has closed.

todd vainisi wrote:Yeah, if they knew anything about our local politics, they'd have had no one from city council there to sully her name. I'm voting for Bernie - the one not in the pocket of the banks and the establishment. Sorry Hillary, your window has closed.

I think you're a bit harsh on Hillary's "window". She's still young enough to serve. She could be an outstanding president, but she must fight her proclivity to be "Republican Lite".

The nation is in a far different place than the 1990s..... the nation (especially the Dems) have moved to the left. She would need to govern differently than Bill did. (Bill did well in his day).