More than 18 months have gone by since the stifling Speaker took the gavel when Democrats took over the Ohio House. In that time, we have seen a talented young woman silenced for her pro-life views, the silencing of brilliant economists on the validity of gutting Ohio’s 30 year old income tax, and a blatant disregard for the rules of the House floor. Budish’s strong arm tactics would put former corrupt Speaker Larry Householder to shame. Budish is more effective in his dirty politics as he doesn’t have crazy-eyed, batshit insane “reporters” like Sandy Theis willing to take him down.

And after their short time in office, we have seen Democrats acting like Democrats- with the support of Ted Strickland’s 4.2% income tax increase, imposed retroactively at the end of 2009 AFTER people had their deductions taken out, in addition to more than a billion dollars in fees.

Armond, I dedicate this ballad to you!:

Assistant Republican Leader Louis Blessing of Cincinnati really took the gloves off on House Democrats on NBC 4.

He makes the case that if Ohio voters do give the conservative Batchelder-lead Republican caucus the majority, they are voting NOT to raise taxes but to instead force government to do what Ohio families do: cut spending and live within their means.

Blessing also notes how much Speaker Budish and Democrats hate the freedom of speech, as we saw in the Elizabeth Trisler , when Professor Richard Vedder of Ohio University, a champion of free markets, was prohibited from speaking during Pari Sabety-coordinated income tax bill show trials, and by violating House Rules by rejecting a Republican amendment for Husted’s stupid election reform bill AFTER the clerk already it in hand. (Some Republicans voted for it anyway, as the rumors are that Husted sent text messages to legislators noting that this is important to his campaign for Secretary of State.)

Watch Rep. Blessing below:

Laura Bischoff files the first report of Sarah Palin’s speech tonight with the Ohio Right to Life:

COLUMBUS — Officially, the Ohio Right to Life rally on Friday, March 5, was billed as a nonpartisan event, but that didn’t stop many of Sarah Palin’s 4,000 fans in attendance from[...]

Just before the rally, Palin attended a private $1,000 per ticket reception with donors, including Republicans such as Ohio GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine, state Sen. Jon Husted and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine.

Ohio Right to Life declined to disclose Palin’s speaking fee — reported to be in the neighborhood of $100,000 — but at the end of her 45-minute speech Palin promised to donate it back to the nonprofit.

I’ve been told that video will be online soon. With thousands of adoring fans in the audience, her speech was fantastic  and I found her to be far more comfortable speaking than she was just a few weeks ago at the TEA party convention. She was just as smooth and eloquent as Mitt Romney… except Palin is actually conservative.

She mocked the left and the MSM for how the smallest things she does drives them crazy. Here is my cellphone video when she explained the silly business about how she wrote notes on her hand during a speech… ie, the “poor man’s teleprompter.”

But what was my favorite moment?

It was when Palin honored Elizbeth Trisler, the young woman who won the national oratory award from the National Right to Life, but was kept from being honored by State Rep. John Adams on the floor of the Ohio House because of Speaker Armond Budish’s radical pro-death agenda.

Armond, here is a room of 5000+ people who think you are a bully and a giant a**hole:

First it was Elizabeth Trisler, the talented high school senior who waited more than a year to receive praise on the floor of the Ohio House simply because Budish loves killing babies. And without the work of the Ohio Right to Life, the Ohio ACLU and Bill O’Reilly, lovely Elizabeth would probably still be waiting when she is elderly enough to watch Budish’s fuddy-duddy TV show in Cleveland.

But now, another storm is brewing, and it once involves free speech and former Navy SEAL Rep. John Adams, Ohio’s version of Chuck Norris.

As you know, Ohio House Democrats rarely allow Republican bills to get hearings. However,  they made a special exception for Adam’s HB 400, a proposal which would gradually eliminate the state income tax created during the Gilligan Administration.

But House Dems didn’t allow debate to start on this bill because they had epiphany about their statist agenda.

Instead, the goal was to have Ohio OBM Director J. Pari Sabety orchestrate something resembling a Stalinist show trial to beat up on gubernatorial candidate John Kasich, who has a similar proposal.

So on Wednesday in the Ways and Means Committee, with spokesidiots from various taxpayer-funded interests testifying against the legislation, the first full scale hearing started. To testify in favor was Jonathan P. Williams, the Director of Tax & Fiscal Policy at the conservative ALEC and well-known OU Economics Professor Richard Vedder.

With Williams flying in from Washington, D.C. and Professor Vedder traveling from Athens, they were both supposed to testify sometime during that morning session. And the Chairman, Rep. Tom Letson, was aware that Mr. Williams had a evening flight out of Columbus and had to leave by 4:30. Dr. Vedder had to depart by noon.

But as the clocked ticked away well into the afternoon, it became clear that they would not be allowed to testify at all. And while they couldn’t find time for two experts who traveled a great distance for the hearing, at least 8 people testified against…. even though it is tradition for supporters of bills to speak first. The show trial continued well into the afternoon, with only a brief intermission for a full-House session, with the committee continuing until 5:30pm.

What is Speaker Budish afraid of? Maybe he is concerned that brilliant Dr. Vedder would use his eloquent defense of free-markets and liberty to skewer big government Democrats? Vedder is an incredibly talented speaker, and during the question session he would certainly run intellectual circles around the lefty bumkins on the committee. It would be a blood bath, and Williams & Vedder wouldn’t even break a sweat.

The way House Democrats treated Williams and Vedder is inexcusable. Budish clearly is building a reputation for himself who will use his power over procedural matters to push his liberal agenda in the most petty and rude ways imaginable while silencing dissenters.

To correct this situation, does Armond really need Bill O’Reilly to knock him over the head again?

Here is Bill Cohen’s report from the Statehouse News Bureau:

Update at 7:40am: And leave it to Jim Siegel in The Dispatch to completely ignore what happened.

After this story was covered by The O’Reilly Factor last week, Elizabeth Trisler, the winner of a national oratory contest was finally able to be honored on the floor of the House. Pro-abortion Speaker Budish was probably not looking forward to this day, and even called out extra-security to keep a close eye on about a dozen DANGEROUS CHRISTIANS watching from the gallery:

What gracious comments from Elizabeth! THIS is what Budish and the Democrats were so afraid of???

However when she said “I hope to see you all in the future”… I am hoping that after November we will NOT see many of the Democrats who were there on the House floor today. And after regaining the House majority and seeing how leadership can become drunk with power, hopefully Republicans will be respectful of the freedom of speech.

I overheard Rep. Adams explain to others about how proud he is of Elizabeth and that he was quite nervous during this presentation… which is understandable given all of the unnecessary heat and controversy created by Budish.

A hour later, Elizabeth was also honored in the Ohio State by State Senator Keith Faber:

And here is a picture I took with State Rep. John Adams, Sen. Keith Faber, and Elizabeth:

It was a pleasure to briefly meet Elizabeth and her mother today. I couldn’t imagine there would be many 19 year olds who would be that comfortable speaking with Bill O’Reilly to millions of cable viewers. It is fantastic to see she is using her God-given talents to fearlessly speak out on behalf on unborn babies.

And here is Elizabeth with Mike Gonidakis of the Ohio Right to Life. Without his help, today’s presentation would not have happened:

When it was all over, Elizabeth Trisler, with her big smile and perfect manners, defeated the Big Bad Bully Budish.

After more than a year of delay, Ms. Trisler will be congradulated on the floor of the Ohio House today, Ash Wednesday.

The liberal newspaper I grew up reading, the Lorain Morning Journal, says it well:

Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish pulled a bonehead stunt by denying a Shelby County teen her few minutes of congratulations on the House floor for winning a National Right to Life oratory contest.

Budish, an attorney and abortion-rights advocate from Beachwood, cancelled the planned Feb. 3 proclamation presentation to 19-year-old Elizabeth Trisler, a senior at Christian Academy Schools in Sidney.

Needless to say, conservative groups and Republicans vigorously objected. Joining them were lawyers from the Ohio ACLU.

Budish reversed his decision last week, but the cork was already out of the bottle.

The story was snapped up by 24-hour cable news. The girl and her mother appeared on “The O’Reilly Factor” and Fox News. Sarah Palin has been asked to present an award to Trisler at an Ohio Right to Life event March 5 in Columbus.

A Budish spokesperson said the speaker did not want to permit politically sensitive groups to use the House floor as a platform, “whether it’s a gay-rights advocacy group or a right to life organization.”

Baloney. Budish used his political muscle to take a cheap shot at the anti-abortion movement by snubbing an impressionable student and got caught at it.

The speaker will attempt to make amends this afternoon on the House floor when he personally presents the proclamation to the young lady.

A sincere apology, words of encouragement and a friendly handshake from Budish would be appreciated, as well as appropriate.

If you missed the broadcast on Sunday, here is Elizabeth Trisler and and Gary Daniels, Associate Director of the Ohio ACLU, on ONN:

Jim Heath posted a preview of his interview with Elizabeth and the Ohio ACLU on Capitol Square on ONN, which will air tomorrow:

And, Republican Leader Batchelder’s comments yesterday in Jim Siegel’s report are highly annoying:

Batchelder, R-Medina, issued a statement Thursday evening: “Earlier this week, it was indicated in the media that Speaker Budish had kept a resolution congratulating an award recipient of a national Right to Life oratory contest from being recognized, in accordance with past practice. After further discussions with the speaker, it is my belief that he did not decline the request of Rep. Adams based on his own personal views.

Batchelder added: “The speaker has always maintained an open door policy for members on both sides of the aisle, and I appreciate the courtesy he has provided to House Republicans in recognizing our constituents for their worthwhile achievements.”

Rep. Batchelder is a hero of mine, and he is truly brilliant. But in the process of being an old-fashioned gentleman with overly generous comments about Armond Budish, he essentially called Rep. John Adams, Bill O’Reilly, the Ohio ACLU, Mike Gonidakis of the Ohio Right to life, Elisabeth and her mother liars. (I would say “thrown under the bus,” but I’m REALLY tired of that cliché.) Batchelter’s comments are contrary to the facts. Instead, why not help voters distinguish Republicans from the other party by coming to the DEFENSE of a pro-life teenager? sloppy

Update: Coughing!:

It would seem Trisler’s story is not finished yet, either. This morning, she also appeared on the television program “Fox and Friends” and Ohio Right to Life Executive Director Michael Gonidakis also has reportedly asked former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin to present Trisler with an award at a pro-life event on March 5.

A pure coincidence, Trisler, a senior at Christian Academy Schools in Sidney, said her mother discovered she was pregnant with her right before participating in the Rally For Life in Washington D.C. in 1990.

“I’ve pretty much been involved in politics even before I was born,” Trisler said. She added she wanted to thank everyone who has helped in getting her story out.

“I’d like to thank John Adams for all his hard work and support as well as Mike Gonidakis’ support and prayer,” she said.

Although she said she wasn’t nervous about appearing on national television, Trisler did point out the interview almost didn’t go quite as planned.

“I wasn’t nervous but I started coughing right before the interview was going to happen and couldn’t stop,” she said, laughing.

Trisler is the daughter of Lee and Sandi Trisler of Sidney.

After appearing on The O’Reilly Factor last night, Elizabeth Trisler and her mother were on Fox and Friends this morning at 7am. They both did a great job and I’m so happy to see this story receive national attention. Speaker Budish should be deeply ashamed of himself.

Here is the video from tonight. Elisabeth Trisler and her mother did a great job!

Make sure to tune into the Bill O’Reilly Factor tonight at 8pm, as he will be covering this story and interviewing Elisabeth Trisler and her mother. It should be interesting!

Yesterday at 4pm, Ohio Right to Life Executive Director Mike Gonidakis was interviewed about the latest developments in this situation on Bob Burney’s radio show on The Word 880AM. It must have been painful for Mike to be so polite, considering how poorly Speaker Budish treated Elisabeth and how he lied yesterday to excuse his unreasonable behavior. Click here to listen.

And while Speaker Budish’s spokesidiot Keary McCarthy lied through his teeth when saying the controversy was due to confusion about if Elisabeth would read her speech aloud or not (It was known for many months that she would not), it appears that Budish sometimes allows young oratory winners does allow young oratory winners to read their speech. Check out this video below from Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2009…

Is expansive Federal civil rights legislation and the repeated use of the word “negroes” not divisive or controversial?

And while this young girl certainly deserves to be honored, isn’t this speech “politically senstitive” in nature?

And if civil rights of blacks is on the list of approved speech topics, then why not allow Elisabeth speak out against something which kills more American blacks than the 7 leading causes of death combined?

How do you spell hypocrisy? A-R-M-O-N-D

And he is spinning, passing the buck, and lying:

House Republicans, Ohio Right to Life and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sharply criticized Budish this week for rejecting a request from Rep. John Adams, R-Sidney, that he be allowed to go before the House and present Elisabeth Trisler of Shelby County with a resolution for winning a national oratory contest.

Though she qualified for the resolution under House rule, the speaker has discretion over what presentations are made on the floor. He rejected the request because the issue was too divisive.

But Budish’s office today told Adams and Ohio Right to Life that the presentation can go forward, likely next week.

Though she qualified for the resolution under House rule, the speaker has discretion over what presentations are made on the floor. He rejected the request because the issue was too divisive.

But Budish’s office today told Adams and Ohio Right to Life that the presentation can go forward, likely next week.

“There was some uncertainty around whether the speech was going to be read or if it was just a presentation,” said Keary McCarthy, spokesman for Budish. “There wasn’t good communication between Rep. Adams’ office and our office.”

Also, McCarthy said, “There was an overwhelming sense that his decision was being very much mischaracterized.”

Right to Life and the ACLU accused Budish of trying to silence those whom he disagreed with. Budish argued he would have rejected such a politically divisive request regardless of whether it was abortion or a pro gay rights group.

There was never any question that her speech would be read on the floor of the House.  It was just be a presentation, period. That is a LIE and revisionist history.

Essentially, Speaker Budish is saying I didn’t do it, and I won’t do it again.

The House policy wasn’t the problem. Elizabeth was fully qualified to receive an award on the Floor of the House, and that was also never in question.

But even if that was the issue, so what? For MLK day, Speaker Budish allowed a young person to read their speech about Dr. King. Is there a list of approved speech topics that Speaker Budish can provide? Or are just some speech topics just inherently disapproved because they don’t please a liberal crowd? (And not to mention that if he really cares about MLK and the black community, then he should be aware that abortion kills more black Americans than the 7 leading causes of death combined!)

Also, from the same story in the Dayton Daily News today, Spokesidiot McCarthy gets in one final jab by noting that “the recognition moments are not used for issue advocacy.” The problem here is, this had nothing to do with issue advocacy and was about high school senior winning a national oratory award. Instead, the only one using this situation for issue advocacy was Armond Budish, who picked on a talented girl in a cheap attempt to pander to the Democrat base.

So after a year has passed, Elisabeth will FINALLY be honored on the floor. Considering how awkward the situation is now, how happy of an occasion will it be?

Speaker Budish does not support free speech, and has learned nothing from this situation. He is a hypocrite.

Armond, you are a terrible bully.

This afternoon, State Rep. John Adams of the 78th District spoke with Bob Burney on WRFD, a popular Salem Christian radio station in central Ohio, about how horribly Speaker Buddish has treated Elizabeth Trisler, the talented winner of the national oratory award from the National Right to Life.

Click here to listen.

Speaker Armond Budish’s phone number is (614) 466-5441 or you can reach his law office at (216) 245-0185. And his email address is district08@ohr.state.oh.us.

–

Update @5:30pm: More Representatives are speaking out against this travesty:

“I am very saddened to learn of the Speaker’s decision to deny Ms. Trisler the opportunity to be recognized on the floor of the Ohio House,” said Rep. Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and former President of the Ohio Right to Life Society. “In a time when constructive public debate is in very short supply, as policy makers we should be in the business of lifting up young people who are willing to take a stand on the important issues of our day – whether we agree or not.”

“The statehouse is intended to serve the people of this great state, not any particular political cause or motive,” said Rep. Danny Bubp (R-West Union). “Because the legislature is charged with doing the people’s work, we should be lifting up young people who are willing to take a stand on the important issues of today.”

“I am proud that Ms. Trisler brought the first place award from this contest back to the Buckeye State,” said Rep. Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky). “I hope that she will have an opportunity for the public recognition she deserves.”

“The fact that the simple process of presenting an award-winning teenager a resolution has become so distorted is reprehensible,” said Rep. Joseph Uecker (R-Miami Township). “This is a new level of partisanship, and regardless of anyone’s view about abortion, we should welcome the opportunity to honor Ms. Trisler for her achievements and leadership.”

Update @ 6:27pm: here is a copy of the speech Ms. Trisler used at the competition. It is well written. Also, considering it is about the respect for life, this controversy proves that the pro-choice movement is really only FOR abortion.

ETrislers 2009 Oratory Contest Speech

Only Armond could bring the ACLU and conservatives together…

February 9, 2010
For Immediate Release
For additional information contact:
Mike Brickner, Communications Director, ACLU of Ohio, 216.472.2220
ACLU of Ohio Web site: www.acluohio.org

Ohio House Should Honor Achievements Regardless of Political Beliefs, Says ACLU

Speaker Budish Should Reconsider Ban on ‘Controversial’ Awards

COLUMBUS- The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio urged House Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) to re-assess his decision to block certain groups or individuals from being recognized on the floor of the Ohio House. Elizabeth Trisler, a Shelby County teen who recently won an oratory contest sponsored by National Right to Life, was scheduled to be presented with a proclamation by state Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) on February 3. Speaker Budish decided Ms. Trisler should not be honored on the House floor because he believed it could be divisive.

“By declining to recognize Ms. Trisler’s achievement, Speaker Budish has created a troubling precedent that anyone who is deemed ‘controversial’ by House leadership will not be honored,” said ACLU of Ohio Executive Director Christine Link. “Legislators should pay tribute to those who excel in their field, regardless of their political views or affiliations. This decision could cause legislators to second guess issuing proclamations for many Ohioans.”

“Perhaps what is more troubling is the message this sends to Ms. Trisler and other young activists like her,” added Link. “Instead of teaching young people that the answer is to silence those who disagree with us, legislators should be modeling how to address difficult issues thoughtfully and listen respectfully to others.”

Since January 2009, the Ohio House has issued 217 resolutions honoring individuals or organizations. 43 have had their proclamation delivered to them to the House floor. Most of the honorees were athletes or sports teams; however, other individuals such as Miss Wheelchair Ohio and the winner of the 2009 MLK Statewide Oratorical Contest were recognized.

“Ohio has a diverse political and social landscape that includes a broad spectrum of views that may be controversial to some. If we limit whose achievements may be honored, we are only contributing to the notion that these issues are divisive and cannot reasonably be discussed. If anything, the House should expand who they choose to honor in order to recognize the accomplishments of those from a range of political and social viewpoints,” concluded Link.

(Hat Tip: Marc Kovac)

Ms. Trisler is the National Right to Life oratory winner who Speaker Budish won’t allow to be recognized on the floor of the House.

Here are pictures from after she won the Ohio Right to Life state competition at Otterbein College.

OH THE HORROR! SO FRIGHTENING!

Considering the type of discussion that happens on the floor, perhaps Trisler could share her talents and host oratory/debate classes for poorly spoken House Democrats?

I’m going through resolutions today. So far, I see at least one that is very political in nature: Erie County “environmental activists” on October 28, 2009 (pg 2).  But considering Budish’s strict rules, I could see him potentially blocking any accomplishments from an eschool/homeschool child, simply because school choice is also a political issue.

If you missed the story yesterday, a talented high school girl won a national oratory award at the National Right to Life Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina back in June, but House Speaker Budish is refusing to allow her on the floor of the house for a few minutes because the issue involved abortion.

The problem is, she qualifies under the rules of the house to receive the award on the floor of the House. Both Senate and House communications staff have noted that never before has a Speaker played politics with these feel-good awards, so I think it is a sign Budish is trying to pander to the Democrat base right before an election year.

Here is Jim Siegel in The Dispatch:

Tossing more gas on the partisan fire inside the Statehouse, a member of the House minority leadership team is criticizing the House speaker for declining to recognize a National Right to Life oratory winner on the chamber floor.

Rep. John Adams, R-Sidney, wanted to stand before the House chamber and present an honorary House resolution to a Shelby County student for her accomplishment. Although she qualified for the resolution, House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, turned down Adams’ request for a floor presentation.

“It is an outrage that Speaker Budish has decided to politicize and deny the presentation of a proclamation honoring a national pro-life award on the House floor that was previously approved by the speaker,” Adams said in a release.

Ohio Right to Life called it “an unprecedented act of partisanship.”

“Perhaps his real message to Ohio’s teens is that excelling in public speaking isn’t worth being honored if their views are different than his,” said Mike Gonidakis, executive director of Ohio Right to Life.

And Mike Gonidakis is rightfully upset with Ohio Democrats, and sent this letter to Ohio Dem Chairman Redfern yesterday:

Dear Chairman Redfern,

As you know, ours is a non-partisan organization, and we can demonstrate strong support from both Republicans and Democrats. That is why I was optimistic that there existed a basis for communication on issues of common interest following my recent meeting with you which from my perspective went well. You correctly pointed out that Governor Strickland has been supportive of certain aspects of our agenda, and you certainly acknowledged that there are many Democrats who are sympathetic to all or part of our agenda as well.

Since then, my optimism has waned.

Your heavy hand was reported to be the major factor in forcing Jennifer Garrison, a supporter of pro-life positions, from the Democratic statewide ticket for next fall. It was hard not to interpret that action as a direct slap at the millions of Ohioans, whether Democrat, Republican or Independent who support the cause of life.

Now I am witness to one of the pettiest acts I have ever seen by a so-called political leader. Speaker Budish, as you may know, denied the request of Rep. John Adams to bring an outstanding young constituent, Elizabeth Trisler, to the House floor to receive a proclamation for her achievement in winning the National Right to Life Oratory contest. Her speech, Mr. Redfern, was a powerful and eloquent expression of her deeply held views regarding life. She is the kind of young woman we all would be intensely proud to have as a member of our family.

As you know, the recognition in the House Chamber of outstanding achievement by Ohioans has never been subjected to the kind of political litmus test applied by Speaker Budish, whose office says she was denied the recognition given thousands of other young Ohioans over the years because it was “political.” I wonder if Mr. Budish would allow recognition of a champion debate team only if he agreed with the side it advocated in the championship. Shame on Speaker Budish, with whom we will communicate separately.

You can readily see, Mr. Redfern, these two actions in just a week’s time appear to be a direct attack by your party on the pro-life constituency in Ohio.

My question of you, then, is whether you were sincere when we met. I reported our meeting to my Board, and now feel misled by you. Every appearance is that you and the party establishment are captive of pro-abortion ideologues, so much so that even the simple recognition of a student’s achievement must be rejected for fear of alienating this constituency. What can I report to our constituents concerning the position of the Ohio Democratic Party? I will share your response to this letter with our Board and membership as well.

In the spirit of non-partisanship, I would also like to invite you and your wife to be my guests on the evening of March 5 for our event featuring Sarah Palin as speaker. I am sure you agree that her commitment to life, as evidenced by the way she and her husband welcomed a developmentally challenged son into their family, is inspiring. Please let me know if you are able to attend so that I can make arrangements.

And please know that we would be equally delighted to provide a forum for a solidly pro-life Democrat of national stature. You have only to ask and we will arrange an appropriate event.

Hopefully yours,

Mike Gonidakis
Executive Director
Ohio Right to Life

What an ass:

House Speaker Denies Pro-Life Teen Access to House Floor
Resolution to Honor Teen Oratory Winner Must Be Mailed

COLUMBUS – In an unprecedented act of partisanship, House Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beechwood) denied Shelby County teen Elisabeth Trisler a legislative honor routinely presented to others. Budish is refusing to allow Trisler on the House floor to accept a legislative resolution. The resolution, authored by Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney), honors her accomplishment as the National Right to Life Oratory Contest winner. Such honorary resolutions are routinely presented at the start of Ohio House legislative sessions to constituents, including those who win athletic championships or academic contests.

“Surely Speaker Budish can put aside his partisanship for 10 minutes to honor the accomplishments of a talented and optimistic teenage girl,” said Ohio Right to Life Executive Director Mike Gonidakis. “Perhaps his real message to Ohio’s teens is that excelling in public speaking isn’t worth being honored if their views are different than his.”

Trisler won the National Right to Life Oratory Contest held at the NRLC Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in June, 2009. During the second half of 2009, Rep. Adams’s office worked to schedule the presentation of Trisler’s proclamation on the House floor, as is typical of such awards. The presentation was scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

However, on January 29th, the House Clerk informed Rep. Adams’s office the presentation was canceled because the Speaker “had a problem with the subject matter.” The Clerk advised the representative’s staff to take the matter up with the Speaker. Speaker Budish supports abortion.

“The Ohio House chamber is a monument to the importance of oratory and persuasion on the great issues facing our state,” added Gonidakis. “Silencing someone because you disagree is a terrible lesson to teach teens. The Speaker should reconsider his unfortunately petty decision.”

“The Ohio House of Representatives is known as the ‘people’s house’,” said State Representative John Adams. “It is an outrage that Speaker Budish has decided to politicize and deny the presentation of a proclamation honoring national pro-life award on the House floor that was previously approved by the Speaker,” Adams said.

Maybe when Speaker Armondo Budish is showing retired seniors how how to knit on his silly TV show, he should tell them about how he horribly he treated a talented teenage girl, simply because it involves the issue of killing unborn babies. I’m sure that would go over well.

I worked at the House for two years, and can’t count the number of these resolutions that were passed out in the House. Is Budish and Ohio House Dems so insecure this election year that they are threatened by a high school student who wins an oratory award?

It was my understanding that a handful of Ohio House Democrats are pro-life, so what do they think now?

This pro-abortion position doesn’t fit well with Judaism, but Speaker Budish is a staunch liberal before anything else- Budish isn’t that Jewish, but he keeps his supposed faith around for campaign purposes. What a jerk.