Democrat Robin Weirauch won the congressional primary nomination last night after pushing a message of unity and family support throughout the course of her campaign.
‘I am so proud and honored to become the nominee for the district,’ said the former assistant director of the University’s Center for Regional Development. ‘It’s going to be full-speed ahead from here regardless of who I’m up against.’
At last night’s campaign party, Weirauch highlighted her main platforms on her run for Congress.
One of her prime concerns is the issue of unemployment in Bowling Green.
Weirauch, who was born and raised in a rural town, said her fascination with tight-knit communities is what makes her so passionate about keeping citizens in local areas happy.
‘I want people to stay in these small towns and have good jobs,’ she said. ‘We’re losing so many people because we’ve lost so many jobs.’
According to Weirauch, the citizens of the 5th district are working harder, yet making less money at the end of the year.
‘We have the highest concentration of blue collar workers in Ohio,’ she said. ‘When workers go into their congresswoman’s office and want to talk about jobs, I want them to know they have a friend in that seat.’
Weirauch is also focusing on the Iraq war during the time leading up to the Dec. 11 elections.
‘We cannot force a military solution on a diplomatic and political job any longer,’ she said. ‘It’s time for our men to come home and work in their own community.’
Brad Bauman, Weirauch’s communication director, said she offered the most straightforward stance on the war in Iraq.
‘Every second, $3,200 is spent on Iraq,’ he said. ‘Robin is working to not only bring this to an end, but to bring it about in a responsible way.’
Democrat opponent George Mays said last night that he would vote for Weirauch in the upcoming election.
‘She was able to compete in an honorable manner, and I respect her for that,’ he said. ‘Both Robin and I managed to stay out of the Republican mess this election, which is something I can’t say for Latta and Buehrer.’
Weirauch, whose campaign will be more focused on the community and the people as December gets closer, agreed with Mays saying, ‘voters are disappointed since the issues are no longer about them.’
Because of the negativity surrounding the Republican campaign, Mike Zickar, the chair of the Wood County Democrats, hopes that Weirauch will be known as a more positive candidate when it comes time to vote in the general election on Dec. 11.
‘I expect Robin will be seen as a friendly face in a sea of pessimism,’ he said. ‘She might not have all the answers right away if she is elected to Congress, but she will listen to constituents and make decisions from there.’
Weirauch was the former program coordinator for the Great Lakes Regional Office of the Humane Society, and also ran for the 5th District seat in 2004 and 2006.
She ended the night by promising to include the people in everything she has planned for the future.
‘If power is put back into the hands of the people, we can change anything together,’ Weirauch said. ‘It is up to all of us to get this county back on track.’
