Jim Ogonowski (pictured with his wife, Kathy) is currently running to fill the Congressional Seat vacated by Marty Meehan. His blog will contain news and updates - and occasionally light-hearted content - from the campaign trail.

Monday, July 30, 2007

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!







Saturday, July 28, 2007

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.











Friday, July 27, 2007

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!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

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!

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

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



Tuesday, July 17, 2007

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!

Monday, July 16, 2007

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












Friday, July 13, 2007

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.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

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!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

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



Tuesday, July 10, 2007

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."

Friday, July 6, 2007

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!