Duncan Hunter on WAAF This Morning!

Duncan Hunter, a Congressman from California and leader on border security and immigration reform, appeared on WAAF's Hillman Show to talk about why the country needs Jim Ogonowski - click play below to listen!

New Radio Ad: "Illegal Immigrants"

I am pleased to announce today the airing of a new radio ad, "Illegal Immigrants."

Before this weekend, we all knew that Niki Tsongas supported amnesty for illegals and in-state tuition for illegals, but I can't tell you how surprised I was to learn from the Boston Herald on Sunday morning that she also supports giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

Everyday it becomes harder and harder to believe just how radical Niki Tsongas's plan for illegals really is. The question the people should be asking is: What won't Niki Tsongas offer as a reward for those who have shown nothing but contempt for our laws?

The ad will begin airing Today in Massachusetts, throughout the 5th District. You can listen to the ad by clicking below:




FACTS:

NIKI SUPPORTS GIVING DRIVERS LICENSES FOR ILLEGALS: “Immigration: supports driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants and a ‘path to citizenship’ for illegal immigrants.” (“5th District Candidates All Fired Up”, The Boston Herald, 10/14/07)

NIKI SUPPORTS GIVING IN-STATE TUITION TO ILLEGALS: “Ogonowski said he opposes in-state tuition rates for children of illegal immigrants - something the Legislature failed to pass last year. Tsongas, a dean at Middlesex Community College, said making school affordable would help those children become productive taxpayers.” (“Bush’s health care veto, Iraq war dominate 5th District debate.”, Eagle-Tribune, 10/6/07)

Video on YouTube of Niki On NECN - Says We Are “Punishing American Citizens.”

NIKI SUPPORTS THE BUSH AMNESTY PLAN: “Tsongas favors a plan similar to one endorsed by Bush, which would include allowing undocumented immigrants in the country to earn citizenship” (“Fifth District candidates stuff mailboxes as election looms”, The Boston Globe, 10/11/07)

NIKI WON’T HOWEVER, SUPPORT CALLING IT LIKE IT IS! REFUSES TO REFER TO LAWBREAKERS AS “ILLEGAL” PREFERS “UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS” AND “FAMILY”: “Speaking about immigration this week with WBZ radio host Dan Rea, Democratic congressional hopeful Niki Tsongas reinforced her illegal-coddling platform. During the segment, Tsongas defended using the term ‘undocumented workers’ to describe illegal immigrants. Pressed by Rea as to what she considers an illegal who doesn’t work, she responded: ‘family.’ And as everyone knows, family comes first.” (“Pols & Politics”, The Boston Herald, 10/14/07)

Video on YouTube: Undocumented Non-Workers Are “Family”

Jim Ogonowski on ABC World News Tonight and Fox News

New TV Ad

Today, Jim unveiled a new television ad. The ad features Peg Ogonowski, the widow of Jim’s brother John Ogonowski – the pilot of one of the planes hijacked on September 11th.

Peg thought it was important that the people of the district knew what kind of man Jim Ogonowski is. In our darkest hours, you can learn a lot about the measure of a man.

If we are going to change Washington we have to change the type of person we send to Washington to represent us. The bottom line is that there are moments in life that speak to the core of who someone is. We have seen the character of Jim Ogonowski. For most of us, September 11th was a tragedy terrifyingly played out for us on national television. For Jim Ogonowski and his family, September 11th was a personal tragedy – one that robbed a wife of her husband and children of their father. In the wake of that tragedy, Jim stepped up to the plate. It’s just the type of man he is, and the type of person we need representing us in Washington.

At the end of the day it isn’t about politics or sound bytes or empty campaign rhetoric – it’s about what type of representative they’ll be. We need fewer professional politicians and more men and women willing to fix a broken system in Washington.

The ad will begin airing Tuesday in Massachusetts, throughout the 5th District.

Busy Week!

It's been a busy and exciting week over at the Jim Ogonowski for Congress campaign. Jim showed that there were clear differences between himself and Niki at the first debate in Andover sponsored by the League of Women Voters. On Saturday, we had a great time at the Holy Apostle Church Greek Festival in Haverhill - look for us in your town soon, and please sing up to volunteer!

Below: Standout outside the Debate





Greek Festival:



"Biggest Fan" - Tom from Haverhill

A Message from Jim's Sister

Jim at UMass-Lowell Today

Jim visited UMass-Lowell today to learn more about the research and development taking place in renewable energy right here in the 5 th District. He was accompanied by Prof. Craig Armiento, Ph.D. the head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Prof. Ziyad Salameh, who focuses on renewable energy research. On the tour, he saw a Lithium Energy battery that according to Prof. Salameh "could be the solution to the commuter car." A battery like the one showed to Jim would be two or three times more efficient than a gasoline engine.

As a lifelong farmer and small-businessman, Jim believes that we must invest in clean, renewable energy. We can no longer be held hostage to foreign regimes who control vast amounts of the oil reserves. We need to rapidly expand our research and development of renewable CLEAN energy sources. Additionally, we need to offer incentives such as tax credits for businesses and homeowners who use renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

Below are pictures from this morning:


From Left, Prof. Armiento, Prof Salameh, Jim


The solution to the commuter car?

Looking out over Lowell, wind power in the background.


Solar panels can help to end our dependence on Foreign Oil.

2nd TV Ad - "Broken Congress"

Jim Ogonowski, candidate for congress in the 5th District of Massachusetts, announced today the airing of his second television ad, "Broken Congress."

Government has stopped working for the people. Congress is broken. Washington is a mess – too controlled by special interests and partisan politicians. Between corruption and backroom deals, Congress continues to prove that they can only be trusted to do what is best for them and not the American people. We deserve more. We deserve better. Jim Ogonowski favors ending wasteful spending, opposes granting amnesty for illegal immigrants, and would like to see the 5th District become a leader in clean, renewable energy.

You can watch the Ad below.

Victory Speech Last Night

Part 1

Part 2

Election Night Party

Tuesday, September 4th, 2007

8:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Dracut American Legion

574 Broadway Road

Dracut, MA

Light Refreshments to be served

Contact: 978-269-5080 or info@jimogonowski.com

Election Eve Get Out the Vote!

It is getting late, but Jim and Kathy are still here, dialing for every last vote!

Volunteer of the Day

Nancy from Chelmsford is our volunteer of the day - thanks for all your help!

Getting Out the Vote

A crowd of people showed up on Sunday afternoon for a Get Out the Vote Rally at our Chelmsford HQ - here are some clips of the event.

Endorsements by the Boston Globe and Boston Herald Today

From the Boston Globe:

Among the two Republicans running, this page endorses Jim Ogonowski, a Dracut hay farmer and retired Air Force lieutenant colonel. Ogonowski, a political newcomer, approaches the subject of combating terrorism not just as a person with 28 years of military experience but also as brother of the pilot of the American Airlines airplane that struck the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.

Ogonowski favors tougher security standards for the country's most vulnerable chemical facilities and ports, and wants more government funding for improved security at railway stations. Though a Republican, he criticizes the Bush administration's decision-making that led to the invasion of Iraq and the lack of planning in its aftermath. Ogonowski would allow gays and lesbians to serve in the military without "don't ask, don't tell" rules. He said he opposes gay marriage but favors civil unions.

Ogonowski is a strong advocate of renewable energy and wants a farm bill that provides greater support for family farms and rural towns. He brings a refreshing willingness to view issues on their merits and not through an ideological prism.

From the Boston Herald:

There is a nominal Republican contest in the Fifth and in it another candidate with a familiar name. But like Niki Tsongas, Jim Ogonowski has far more to offer than simply his relationship to a widely admired relative, in his case his late brother, John, who was at the controls of American Airlines Flight 11 when it was hijacked on September 11th, 2001. Indeed, the commonwealth's anemic Republican Part would be fortunate if it could attract more candidates for office like Ogonowski, a farmer from Dracut who spend a career in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard and has built his life around the twin virtues of hard work and dedication to duty. As a candidate, he speaks with authority on matters of national security, particularly aviation security. But he is equally comfortable talking jobs and health care in the coffee shops of Lowell or Lawrence, and unafraid to critique the Bush administration for mistakes in Iraq. The Herald is pleased to endorse Jim Ogonowski for the Republican nomination in the Fifth Congressional District.

Turning heads around the "Globe"

There was a very interesting article in the Boston Globe on page one of the city/region section explaining why Jim will be our next congressman if he wins on September 4th. You can read the whole article by clicking here.

One part of the article reads:

Ogonowski, a 49-year-old farmer from Dracut, has also been leaning on his 28-year career as an Air Force lieutenant colonel in an effort to demonstrate that he will help protect Americans in the "global war on terrorism" and won't allow Congress to "cut and run."

In his first campaign for elected office, Ogonowski also makes frequent references to Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy, as he seeks to cast himself as an outsider who will refrain from partisan politics.

"Today with our country so divided, Jim Ogonowski is needed again to put politics aside and fix a broken Washington," a deep-voiced narrator says in his television ad. As the hymn "I Vow to Thee, My Country" plays softly in the background, a family portrait showing Ogonowski in a military uniform flashes across the screen.

Lowell Sun Endorsement

I am humbled to receive the endorsement of the Lowell Sun. Yet, as I look down towards Washington and see all the problems that need fixing, I promise to never lose sight of the endorsement I really need - that of the people. My family has been in this district for over 100 years. I raised my children here. I want my children to raise their children here. While this endorsement is great and will help me fix a broken Washington, I will always remain the regular guy you sit next to at the UML Hockey games in the winter. Thanks again for all your support, and lets fight on to end business as usual down in Washington!

Billerica Town Hall Last Night

One of my favorite things about campaigning with Jim (aside from the fact that Jim will look people in the eye and will tell them what he thinks) is the side benefit that there is often food. Specifically, I'm talking about food that's urging people to get active and vote! (Special thanks goes to Courtney Logue of Billerica)

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Last Night's Debate

Last night, Jim won the debate by once again showing why he is the best candidate to represent the people of the 5th Congressional District. He spoke passionately and directly to the issues impacting voters during this special election season, and discussed what we must do to advance a strong energy policy, reform big government, reign in wasteful spending, and strengthen our borders and national security. We are looking forward to more opportunities where Jim can take his message of change directly to the people throughout the primary season and into the general election.

Watch the debate by clicking here.

It's Time to Get our Financial House in Order

This is just flat wrong - yet another example of wasteful government spending.



Members of Congress should be ashamed of themselves. They have betrayed the public trust with their excessive government spending. The American people are frustrated with Congress because this is not what we elected them to do. It's time that we fight to end wasteful government spending and pork-barrel legislation.

The American Taxpayer should be very afraid. It's amazing to me that while Congress is consumed by partisan bickering they can always agree on one thing: wasteful pork-barrel legislation. I pledge to the voters of the Merrimack Valley that I will fight to end this practice.

I support (1) legislation that would force congress to disclose the sponsors of specific earmarks; (2) Encouraging lawmakers to be fiscally responsible by not voting to increase taxes to pay for pet projects; and (3) Reforming the Ethics committee to make sure Congressmen aren't simply "ATM Machines" for special interests by strengthening rules for earmark disclosure and increasing the time requirement between retiring from congress and becoming a lobbyist.

Spending is only half the problem. Congress is taking too much of our hard earned tax dollars and, if they have their way, they will take more next year. Our tax code already penalizes working families. As a farmer, my biggest cost is not fertilizer or equipment, but taxes. This is plain wrong. Congress needs to stop penalizing working families and small business owners.

Congress has already shown they can't spend the tax dollars they have wisely so they don't need any more of our money. As a member of Congress, I will fight for the American Taxpayer and will never vote to raise taxes.

I am the only 5th Congressional Candidate that has signed a pledge stating that I will never vote to raise taxes.

The people of the Merrimack Valley have to balance their check-books at the end of the month, and so should congress. American families expect the government to wisely manage the dollars they send to Washington. As responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, the federal government must respect the bottom line, just as families do when balancing their own checkbooks.

A Message from Matt Talancy

Congress Can't be Trusted

Last night, under the cover of darkness, Congress tried to pass a bill to allow illegal immigrants to receive federal funds in the agricultural spending bill. Obviously they did this because they thought that no one was watching. This sounds like something right from the days of smoked filled rooms and backroom deals of old. You see this sort of thing in movies and we hope that it is just Hollywood storytelling. Unfortunately this is the way Washington works today.

To further illustrate the circus that has become Washington, Congress tried to break even more rules on immigration with a vote, the erasure of that vote, then a re-vote on the same issue. Congress has become nothing but a verbal wrestling match where the winners are special interests and the losers are the people’s interests. When people go to the polls they don’t get a second chance in a couple of hours if they don’t like the outcome and neither should our out-of-touch congressmen.

It’s time to end the corruption and business as usual mentality of Washington, DC. It’s no wonder that people don't trust Washington. Between corruption and backroom deals, congress continues to prove to the American people that they can only be trusted to do what is best for them and not the American people . I want to go to Washington to work with both Republicans and Democrats to find solutions to the problems we have in this country. While serving 28 years in the Air Force, I learned about leadership and dedication to duty. I want to continue to serve my country. Apparently, Congress just wants to fight with each other instead of serving the American people.

My First TV Advertisement

The advertisement will be running throughout the district over the coming weeks - please support my campaign by contributing now.

I need your help to end business as usual down in Washington.
Please email this video to all your friends and tell them why you support my candidacy.

Together, we will fix a broken congress and put an end to the partisan bickering that dominates the dialogue today.

-Jim

Jim on WBZ-TV

On Sunday morning, Jim appeared on Jon Keller's show to talk about his stances on important issues such as fixing a broken congress and illegal immigration.



The interview is in two parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Check it out!

We Love Our Interns!

A couple of Interns (Phil and Joe) talk about why they support Jim Ogonowski for congress.

Thanks for all your help guys!

Jim at the Chelmsford Senior Center

Saturday night, Jim and Kathy campaigned at the Chelmsford Senior Center.
We had a lot of fun, and got some dancing in too!

Jim at the Lowell Folk Festival

Last night, we were campaigning at the Lowell Folk Festival.
Look for Jim sunday morning, where he will be volunteering at the Polish-American tent.

Letter to the Editor

(This letter appeared in this weeks Littleton Independent - Thanks Tyler!)


On Friday, July 20, I attended the Jim Ogonowski campaign event at the library. Jim’s message of civility, energy independence, commitment to victory in the war on terror and for simplifying the tax code struck a chord with me.

For a “regular Joe” he is very well informed and well spoken. He spoke simply and straightforward without trying to hide his stance in political jargon.

Aside from his conviction to win the war on terror to keep America safe, I appreciated his understanding that good ideas can come from both sides of the political aisle. An idea doesn’t have to be from the Democrat or Republican (or Independent) party to be good. To paraphrase Jim, “it doesn’t matter where a good idea comes from, what matters is that it’s good for America.”

It’s clear to most people that Washington desperately lacks statesmanship and civility, and that Congress is full of schemers as opposed to leaders. I was impressed with Jim Ogonowski and believe that he will bring leadership and civility to Washington.

-Tyler Gray
Trot Road

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JIM OGONOWSKI

CHELMSFORD, MA – Jim Ogonowski is a new type of candidate who wants to bring change to Washington. He's a 28-year military veteran and life-long farmer. He believes Congress is broken and we need people dedicated to changing "business as usual" in Washington. Here's what the media is saying about Jim Ogonowski:

JIM OGONOWSKI WANTS TO BRING A REVOLUTION OF NEW IDEAS TO CONGRESS -

“[Ogonowski] laments the lack of ‘real vision’ at the top. Ronald Reagan ‘made you confident and proud to be an American again, after a challenging time.’ John F. Kennedy ‘gave the country a vision. Even Eisenhower. We went from the Oregon Trail to the Eisenhower highways. These were real leaders, and we haven't had one since Reagan. Nobody's suggesting a national vision today. It's like having a sharpshooter with no target. When my kids were born, I gave them a vision. I told them they would be able to go to college and laid out a plan to get them there." - Lowell Sun, 7/18

JIM OGONOWSKI ON THE NEED FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE -

“As a farmer and small-businessman, I believe that people should be encouraged to take advantage of renewable energy sources. In Congress I will help lead America down a more efficient path towards energy independence.” - Lowell Sun, 7/26


JIM OGONOWSKI ON SECURING OUR BORDERS -

“…Ogonowski also said he does not believe amnesty to immigrants should be included in immigration reform. ‘I believe our nation’s border security and immigration system is broken, and leaving our borders unprotected threatens our national security,’ Ogonowski said.” -Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, 7/19


JIM OGONOWSKI ON NATIONAL READINESS –

“With Massachusetts facing another decline in homeland security grants, Republican Jim Ogonowski today unveiled a detailed plan to ensure government readiness…In the plan, Ogonowski emphasizes the need for better communication between emergency management officials at different levels of government, to develop a nationwide public safety broadband network, and to improve the intelligence system to identify the risks of attacks on American soil.” - Boston Globe Politics Blog, 7/18

“During a campaign stop in which he appeared with state Sen. Scott Brown and Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins, both fellow Republicans, Ogonowski said he would support measures to streamline communications between federal, state and military emergency management officials as well as more preparedness grants.” - The Lowell Sun, 7/20


JIM OGONOWSKI HAS STRONG FUNDRAISING -

“Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jim Ogonowski posted solid second-quarter fundraising numbers, according to his campaign, in a strong first showing for the Dracut Republican in a heavily Democratic state” - The Lowell Sun, 7/6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: JIM OGONOWSKI HAS STRONG GRASSROOTS SUPPORT -

“I respect the rule of law and don't want to give amnesty to people who are heedless when it comes to respecting that cornerstone of our society. Legal immigration is great. Illegal immigration fosters exploitation and drives down the wages of honest workers. It's long past the time we had someone with old-fashioned, common sense American values representing us in Washington. Please support Jim Ogonowski for US Representative.” - Letter to the Editor in the Littleton Independent, 7/19

JIM OGONOWSKI TAKES THE LEAD IN INNOVATIVE WEB TECHNIQUES

“Republican James Ogonowski has his own ‘blogonowski’ … In a race that only officially kicked off in May, candidates vying for Meehan’s seat are counting on well-thought-out gimmicks to draw the public into politics at a time when most people are thinking about vacations and the beach.” - Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, 7/22

-Keep tuning in for more news!

Volunteers of the Day

Thanks to everyone who came to the phone bank last night. We had a great time, and thanks for all your help!

-Matt

Below: Dan from Dracut


Below: Christine was hard at work!



Below: Liz (Left) from Pelham and LeeAnn of Dracut.



Also, thanks to Kathy, Jim's Wife, and Laura, Jim's Niece, who made phone calls all evening - I know Jim appreciates it as much as I do!





Finally, our Interns Phil (right) from Dracut and Josh from Haverhill are two of the hardest working people on the campaign - thanks for all you do!

A Message From Matt Talancy, Field Director

Press Conference on National Readiness

Below: A Photo of me with State Senator Scott Brown

Today, I held a press conference with State Senator Scott Brown and Essex County Sherriff Frank Cousins to announce my plan to increase readiness at all levels of government in case of emergencies. The release will be posted later on my website. Thanks to the Lawrence Fire Department Chief Peter Takvorian who gave me a tour of their station.

Best,

Jim Ogonowski

Update: Link to Eagle-Tribune Story

Jim needs your help!

We need the grassroots to come out tonight - we need to call everyone we can and urge them to vote for Jim. Jim is going to bring change to Washington, so if you're sick and tired of business as usual down in Washington, come on by!

From: 5-8 PM Tonight, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Headquarters. They are a lot of fun and you'll be helping to elect Jim! Every little bit helps!)

Location: 47 Chelmsford St. in Chelmsford.

Please call me at 978-269-5080 if you have any questions! Just ask for Matt! I can't wait to see you all there!

Jim at Boyd Coatings

As part of a continuing effort to learn about need for job creation and growth in the 5th Congressional district, Jim visited with Don Garcia, President of Boyd Coatings in Hudson. Don was kind enough to show Jim around the plant, which houses over 100 employees, and discuss the need for economic development in the Merrimack Valley. More info about Boyd Coatings can be found by visiting their website. Thanks Don!

Jim with Don Garcia of Boyd Coatings

Volunteer of the Day

Mark from Lowell made 424 Calls Today. Thanks Mark!

On National Security

Wow, It's been only a couple of days since we launched Blogonowski, and already it seems like a huge success!

I want to use this blog to encourage discussion on the issues facing the Merrimack Valley.

I was thinking about this while at the farm this morning.

The responsibility lies with our elected officials putting national security before political partisanship and begins with our elected officials communicating at the federal, state, and municipal level in order to ensure our public safety and national security. In this regard, I will support measures in Congress that will help streamline the communication between and facilitation of resources and intelligence information among our federal and state emergency management and public safety officials.

We live in uncertain times and the need to combat global terror is a constant struggle, and one we must win. More than just a "bumper sticker slogan", we need to stay vigilant in this fight against an ever shifting global enemy. I am the one candidate in this race who will continue to speak plainly and boldly about the very real threats we face in this world and the course Congress needs to take in order to keep America safe and restore our standing in the world.

Politicians in Washington need to make sure that national security is one of our top priorities. The American people are tired of the divisiveness in Washington and beyond that has led to a breakdown of our government's ability to get things done. The people need to send a leader to congress who will fight for our security, work to restore America's standing in the world, and not be concerned with empty political rhetoric and partisan bickering when it comes to matters of national security. When I get to Congress I pledge to be that leader for the people of the Merrimack Valley and the 5th Congressional District.

If you have any thoughts on this, I'd love to hear them.

Yesterday at Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association in Bolton

Hi,I'm Dan Diorio. As part of my work for Jim I get to travel with him wherever he goes - look for more updates from me as the campaign continues! Yesterday, we traveled to meet with the Fruit Growers Association in Bolton, and we met a lot of interesting people who identify with a career farmer like Jim.

Jim with Bob Davis, Part Owner of the Bolton Orchards


Jim with Frank Carlson, the owner of the Carlson Orchards


Jim with Even Owen, the Manager of Autumn Hill Orchard


Jim with Duane Green, Professor of Pomology at UMASS - Amherst


Jim With Stephen Ware, Part Owner of Bolton Orchards


Jim with Alex Dows (Left) President of Massachusetts Farm Bureau
and Alex's son Jon.

Phone Banking Tonight!

From 5-8 PM Tonight at the Headquarters.

Location: 47 Chelmsford St. in Chelmsford.

Please call me at 978-269-5080 if you have any questions! Just ask for Matt!

Jim's Farm - Sometime Early Morning

Jim loading Hay with his Son Charlie, for a delivery later...

I asked Charlie Ogonowski what his favorite part was about
working on the farm.

Charlie is going to be a Junior at UMASS - Lowell where he is
Airforce ROTC.



Some Pictures of the Farm - Around 7:30 AM

Volunteers of the Day

Pictured Above: Maxine (left) and Patricia (right)
of Chelmsford did a great job making phone calls today!

Thank you so much from the campaign staff!

Sherry Georgoulis, Dracut Resident

"Get out and Vote!" October 16th is Election day!

Donald Vigeant, Dracut Supporter

"It's time for a change."

A Message from Deputy Campaign Manager Ladd Moore

4th of July in Chelmsford

As part of Jim's effort to visit all 29 towns and cities in the 5th District this week - Jim marched in the 4th of July Parade in Chelmsford. With nearly 80 volunteers pounding the pavement on a hot summer's day - we had a lot of fun and Jim was really excited by the enthusiastic response he received!