BY Elena Stevenson | Posted 05/07/2008

Emily Maxwell Victoria Wulsin hopes to address the country's health care crisis if she's elected to congress.

Wulsin gestured animatedly as she talked.

"This is men, and this is women," she said. "You're familiar with right-brain, left-brain, right? Well, everyone's different, but women tend to be more right-brained, more looking for consensus. Men are more hierarchical. Over time there's going to be little difference.

"I feel strongly that I represent all of my district, men and women. I want to build consensus with those who disagree -- not 'I'm right and you're wrong if you disagree' -- and I see that as a feminine trait."

Wulsin is a product of the feminist movement's first generation, pursuing a career in medicine while raising four sons, now grown, with her psychiatrist husband. A desire for change in Washington spurred her to run for Congress in 2005 and 2006. By the looks of her fundraising numbers (50 percent more than incumbent U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt this quarter), the voters of Ohio's 2nd District seem receptive to Wulsin's brand of change.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee rated the district one of the Top 40 Republican seats vulnerable to a Democratic takeover in November. In the 2006 election, Wulsin lost to Schmidt by less than one percentage point, and in the March 4 primary 14,000 more votes were cast for Wulsin than her Republican rival.

In a heated race between two women -- a rarity for U.S. Congress -- Wulsin recognizes the importance of addressing the issues important to all voters. But it won't be easy for her. Schmidt is a battle-tested campaigner who earned two tough wins for the seat, including a victory against Iraq War vet Paul Hackett in a 2005 special election.

Wulsin believes her strongest platform is health care reform. As an epidemiologist who's spent most of her career in public health, she has a unique gift for addressing the big picture of American health care while retaining compassion for individual issues.

When I asked Wulsin what solution she proposed for the health care crisis, I half-expected her to pull out a chart. Her answer was more Socratic.

"What we all want (in health care) is quality," she said. "There's a lack of respect for the patient in health care today. You have to talk to four receptionists to get to the nurse. My mother has to pay a co-pay for physical therapy, and I ask her, 'Are you going?' and she thinks about skipping it because of the cost. There's tremendous insecurity, even among people with insurance.

"In this country, if you have a right to a lawyer, you should have a right to a doctor. But how we get there has to be incremental. There's a decades-old establishment that needs to be changed."

Wulsin has a better handle on the how-to of health care reform than most, recognizing that political promises also lead to fear of change. On the right, pundits go into histrionics over the dangers of government-controlled care, while liberal cries for universal insurance make many fear the price tag of reform.

Wulsin stresses the importance of prevention as a benefit to the individual and the infrastructure.

"The elderly need physical therapy before they have surgery," she said. "The patient should be empowered, and the provider. ... It shouldn't be the insurance company making these decisions."

Wulsin's desire to help others led her to medicine, but she soon saw that prevention of disease was better morally, economically and socially. Public health taught her the importance of community: "I get vaccinated so you don't get sick."

She cited her experience working with diverse people groups as a catalyst for political decision-making.

"My Christian background led me to the importance of caring for our brothers and sisters," she said. "That's what government should do -- fill in the gaps -- and our government is not doing that."

I asked Wulsin to specify legislation she would back. She believes in a Patient's Bill of Rights that reflects the particular medical needs of women, men, minorities, children and the disabled. She's also in favor of making preschool available to all Americans.

Wulsin is adamant about a swift troop withdrawal from Iraq and believes that veterans' care is critical to attracting talent to the military. She admitted she's still researching legislation to assist working mothers.

"Our systems should not discriminate against the pathways women tend to take as they move in and out of typical male-led workforces," she said.

This political season being marked by mudslinging within parties as well as between, I asked Wulsin about negative campaigning.

"There's not a place for (it)," she replied, "where you take an issue, a personality trait or a situation and present that as a reason not to vote for that person."

Undoubtedly, she was referring to Steve Black's attack ads during the recent Democratic primary citing a request for State Medical Board Examination on some of Wulsin's AIDS research and Schmidt's condescending cartoon of her "crazy" ideas. Wulsin cited "contrast campaigning" as a way to point out the differences between legislative decisions made by Schmidt and decisions she would make in Congress.

"I put families first, and she puts George Bush first," Wulsin said.

I could feel her campaign momentum during my visit to her headquarters. Staffers worked hurriedly in tight quarters, yet each took the time to greet me. Dress among staff is a mix of casual and professional, and Wulsin insists on everyone calling her "Vic." Many on Wulsin's staff are of age to be her children, and speak of her with an affectionate brand of respect.

"I was lucky enough to come on board as an intern," said Sean Pace-Scrivener, adding that health care reform is key to his support of Wulsin so "it's all the more important that we send a member of the medical community to Congress."

Ann Herzner, campaign communications director, cited her admiration of Wulsin's character, integrity and leadership. "This is only my second job in politics, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to work for her."

Perhaps the slow, relationship-fueled gains of public health have informed Wulsin's campaigning style. A primary loss and a general-election loss were a chance to regroup, learn from her mistakes and run again.

She's ridden the wave of society's changing expectations for women, and her experiences inform her leadership style. She'll even draw you a picture of the America she'd like to see. ©

Reprinted with permission from CityBeat Magazine- May 7th, 2008 print edition

Tue. Apr. 22, 2008

CINCINNATI — If there is any House race in the nation that is primed for a compelling rematch, it is in Ohio’s 2nd District.

In 1996, Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt held off Democrat Victoria Wulsin, 50-49 percent to retain a seat that was once held by Rep. Rob Portman — a vice presidential short-lister — and has been in GOP hands for years.

Wulsin is back for another shot at Schmidt. She claims she is wiser, smarter about politics, better funded and aided by the issues of the day, namely the faltering economy, high gas prices, the lingering Iraq war, the unpopularity of a lame-duck Republican president and the call for change that seems to be the mantra of every congressional challenger in the country.

“I continue to be better as a candidate because I know the issues better and I’m a better listener,” said Wulsin, a physician who served as a public health official for the city of Cincinnati. “I’m a stronger candidate. I came close last time.

“And the issues … are more urgent to people,” she continued. “The people of the 2nd District are now, more than ever, eager for change.”

Wulsin also points out that in Ohio’s March primary about 14,000 more Democrats than Republicans voted, a trend that has taken place in primaries across the nation.

“That does not bode well for Jean Schmidt,” Wulsin said.

Schmidt says she is working hard to retain the seat she first won in a 2005 special election, but claims not to be shaken by Wulsin or her campaign.

“She’s not well-liked,” Schmidt said, referring to internal polling numbers that she would not discuss in detail. “As we peel away the layers we’ll be showing her experience and lack of judgment.”

Schmidt says she welcomes a debate on the economy.

Gas prices, she said, have gone up “exponentially since [the Democrats] have had the gavel” in Washington.

“The Democrats are in control,” Schmidt said. “You want to blame somebody? Blame the Democrats.”

Ohio’s 2nd District has not been a Democrat-friendly place. Stretching east out of downtown Cincinnati it takes in the city’s poshest neighborhoods and booming suburbs before changing — geographically as well as ideologically — into a collection of rural counties where job losses are inflicting residents and local economies.

President Bush carried the district comfortably in 2004 and 2000, but Wulsin’s near-miss in 2006 has buoyed local Democrats.

Democrats here never seem to tire of portraying Schmidt as a caricature, a prop in a “Saturday Night Live” skit inspired by the vitriolic November 2005 House floor speech in which she criticized Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., for his position on the Iraq war.

“She is vulnerable,” said Hamilton County Democratic Party Chairman Tim Burke of Cincinnati. “She is perhaps less vulnerable because she has stayed out of controversy for the last year. Someone has put a tight leash on her.

“But this race is going to come down to personalities,” he said. “And we have the better candidate.”

Hamilton County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou, also of Cincinnati, said Schmidt has improved as a representative and as a candidate.

“I feel like she’s turned a corner,” Triantafilou said. “She’s settled down; she works hard; she’s very focused. I feel more confident every day about that race. Jean Schmidt is clearly the better candidate.”

Triantafilou acknowledged that national issues “put pressure on our party.”

“But (presumptive GOP candidate Arizona Sen.) John McCain is the right person to change the perception by reaching out to independents and moderates,” he said.

Each of the candidates dispatched their primary opponents with relative ease.

Wulsin got 58 percent of the vote in defeating Stephen Black and William Smith. Schmidt finished with 57 percent in defeating state Rep. Tom Brinkman and Nathan Bailey.

But the early financial advantage is breaking Wulsin’s way.

Wulsin outraised Schmidt in the first quarter, $279,000 to $152,000, and has more cash-on-hand, $212,000 to $177,000. Schmidt is also carrying a $277,000 campaign debt.

“The outpouring of support for this campaign is tremendous,” Wulsin said in a statement announcing her fundraising. “People want a representative who will put Ohio’s families first, and they know that’s what I will do.”

Schmidt said in an interview that she will receive assistance from Washington.

“I’ve already received help,” she said.

Asked to elaborate, Schmidt replied, “I’m not going to reveal my game plan.”

Wulsin is not on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s “Red to Blue” list, a group of challengers the party has targeted for victory. And targeting brings money and resources that challengers typically need.

Another Cincinnati challenger did make the list; Democrat Steve Driehaus, who is challenging Republican Rep. Steve Chabot on Cincinnati’s west side.

House Majority Leader Hoyer made a campaign appearance for Wulsin in late March.

“I support Dr. Wulsin in her bid for Congress because of her background and leadership in public service,” Hoyer said in a statement. “I am dedicated to helping Vic win this November because we need her skills and experience in Washington.”

Burke is hopeful Hoyer’s comments mean that Wulsin could eventually land a spot on the coveted list.

“He said as much,” Burke said “She’s not on [the list] right now but we’re watching it carefully and believe she’ll be on it eventually.”

Schmidt, meanwhile, has been promised help from a fellow Ohioan, House Minority Leader Boehner, who is overseeing Regain Our Majority Program 2008. The committee, recently registered with the FEC, is a holdover from the days when Republicans were the majority, and was originally dubbed the Retain Our Majority Program.

Schmidt is one of 10 Republicans facing tough challenges that ROMP is pledging to help. No word on how much cash Boehner’s committee will float into Ohio to help Schmidt hold on to her seat.

Wulsin’s campaign spun Boehner’s group as a “list of most politically vulnerable Republicans.

“Schmidt’s debt and dwindling grassroots fundraising support confirms the weakness of her campaign,” Wulsin’s campaign said in a statement.

by Patrick Crowley

Tue. Apr. 22, 2008

Reprinted with permission from National Journal

Cincinnati  Dr. Victoria Wulsin filed her report with the FEC yesterday showing an impressive $279,000 raised during the first three months of the year, demonstrating growing support and making it her best fundraising quarter this election.

The outpouring of support for this campaign is tremendous, Wulsin said. People want a Representative who will put Ohio's families first, and they know that's what I will do.

Wulsin out raised incumbent Jean Schmidt by 50 percent this quarter. Schmidt raised just $187,000, has only $177,000 cash on hand, and carries a campaign debt of $277,000. Even after a strongly contested primary, Wulsin has over $212,000 cash on hand.

Nearly a thousand men and women have contributed to my campaign in the last three months, said Wulsin. It is clear to me that people want change in Washington and they are counting on me to do it.

Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner's political operation ROMP (Regain Our Majority Program) named Jean Schmidt to their list of most politically vulnerable Republicans last week. Schmidt's debt and dwindling grassroots fundraising support confirms the weakness of her campaign.

###

Cincinnati – On Thursday, March 20th, United States House Majority Leader Steny
Hoyer will visit Cincinnati and appear as the guest of honor at a fundraiser in support of
Congressional candidate Dr. Victoria Wulsin. Hoyer, who represents the 5th District in
Maryland, is in his second year as Majority Leader after serving two terms as the
Democratic Whip.

Hoyer is the former Chairman of the Democratic Caucus and has been instrumental in
passing key legislation, serving as the principal House sponsor of the landmark
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and of the 2002 Help America Vote Act. As the
former Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, he also is a respected voice on human and
civil rights.

Wulsin finished the March primary strong, winning by a wider margin and with over
14,000 more votes than her opponent, Jean Schmidt. Wulsin is preparing for a rematch
against Schmidt this fall as she picks up national support and attention from
Congressman Hoyer.

"I am honored to have the support of the Majority Leader," said Wulsin. "He believes in
my efforts to bring change to Washington. With his help, we can work together with
other members of Congress to address our nation's most difficult issues: our struggling
economy, rising gas prices, affordable healthcare and ending the war in Iraq."

###

Washington – On Tuesday the House passed Resolution 895 to create the Office of
Congressional Ethics. This new six-person board would take new steps to eliminate
corruption among Members of Congress. The board would introduce and review
ethical complaints brought against Members and determine which cases move
forward to the Ethics Committee for final review and disciplinary actions.

Representative Jean Schmidt voted against the bill. In 2006 Schmidt was reprimanded
by the Ohio Elections Commission for making false statements about her education
and endorsements. Last fall, Jean Schmidt was accused of earmarking funds that
benefited a contributor to her campaign.

"Jean would rather play politics than focus on ending corruption in Washington," said
Dr. Victoria Wulsin, who is running for Congress this fall against Schmidt. "Our
government needs to recapture the trust and confidence of the American people. We
need to put their interests first and not let politics stand in the way of accomplishing
what is right."

###

"As if to show his own toughness, Mr. Black is running a negative campaign against Dr. Wulsin.... The attacks don't wash."

When Victoria Wulsin first appeared on the political scene, she was an idealist who didn't seem to grasp the conservative nature of her district or the unlikeliness of a Democratic victory there. She was a suburban liberal. She lost a primary to Paul Hackett, who had a decidedly different image.

Dr. Wulsin had a remarkable resume of medical work, both here and abroad. She had devoted years to humanitarian causes.

She had not been a politician. And yet she was seeking a high position. However, she was not asking to skip ahead of other Democratic politicians. None of them wanted to run for the seat in question. They saw it as belonging to the Republicans.

This time, in the primary her main opponent is Steve Black. Harvard- educated (like Dr. Wulsin), he is a lawyer and member of a well-known Cincinnati family. His father, who died this year, was a judge. And a relative is a federal magistrate who ran for the Ohio Supreme Court twice after serving on the municipal bench.

Mr. Black has voted in Republican primaries until very recently. He says he switched parties because of displeasure with President George W. Bush. His father also switched and wrote a newspaper piece outlining his reasons.

A third candidate is William Smith, but he has been largely invisible on the campaign trail.

Mr. Black claims that Dr. Wulsin is not "tough" enough to be beat Jean Schmidt. He points to a debate two years ago in which she didn't come on strong. Dr. Wulsin largely accepts this criticism of her last campaign and has been trying to hone a tougher line this time.

As if to show his own toughness, Mr. Black is running a negative campaign against Dr. Wulsin, saying she's been investigated on a medical ethics issue, that she has not released the names of all her donors (the law does not require that for small donors), that she wants more trade with the likes of Armenia (yes, Armenia), and more.

The attacks don't wash. At a certain stage, the claim that the Democrats need a tougher candidate devolves into the claim that Congress needs yet another lawyer, another few-holds-barred warrior.

But ultimately that's a call for a generic candidacy. And that is not what the Democrats need in this Republican venue.

If voters are going to do something unusual, they have to be presented with an unusual option. Paul Hackett was one; by virtue of her background, so is Victoria Wulsin. True, they both lost, but they came a lot closer than their predecessors.

Dr. Wulsin would bring unusual experiences, sensibilities and ability to Washington. In a primary race in which the Democrats do not differ profoundly on the issues, she is the right choice.
 

At the meeting, I was honored to be the featured speaker because of my long standing relationship with the audience. Together, we discussed our concerns about the future of our country. We talked about our healthcare system and the long, drawn out war in Iraq. Closer to home, we talked about the lack of jobs opportunities in the area along with the raising costs in gas prices. I felt we touched on some key issues but still, there are many more challenges that lie ahead and need to be solved.

Steve Black also attended the meeting and complained about my supposed refusal to discuss the issues with voters. I stood up and offered to debate him on the spot. Together, we talked about a variety of issues from global warming to negative campaigning. I’m proud to say I received a nice round of applause from the crowd, who seemed to know which candidate will do the best job of representing them in Washington.

The legendary Second District, where our old friend Jean Schmidt will likely face a rematch against Dr. Vic Wulsin, surely needs little

introduction. This is the second-most Republican district in Ohio, and the 58th-most nationwide. It has a Cook PVI of R +13.1 - only four

Democrats represent redder districts - and Bush received a commanding 4% of the vote in this district.

However, as you know, we have come tantalizingly close to beating the Meanest of Jeans twice in the past three years - Paul Hackett lost his

now-famous special election just 52-48, and Wulsin lost an even closer race in 2006, 51-49, receiving by far the most votes of any Democrat

in the history of the district. Hopefully the third time is the charm for us in OH-02.

Schmidt faces a two-headed primary, from Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich (of Maneuver fame) and State Rep. Tom Brinkman (a

previous loser in the 2005 primary), which increases her chances of initial survival (as the presence of two opponents will, with luck,

split the anti-Schmidt Republican vote). This is good, because the Repubs' chances of keeping the district increase significantly without

the odious Schmidt in the race.

Vic Wulsin, a medical doctor and graduate of Harvard and Case Western Medical School who founded a nonprofit to fight AIDS in Africa, is a

solidly liberal Democrat on the issues by almost any standard, and for this district would be about the most progressive Representative we

LABOR MOBILIZES FOR WULSIN

Recently, Vic Wulsin rolled out multiple labor endorsements for the 2008 Democratic primary. A public health doctor board certified in occupational medicine, Wulsin has long worked with organized labor on workplace health and safety issues. Her background includes work at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and as a uniformed officer in the U.S. Public Health Service.

She is a Democratic candidate for the 2nd Congressional District.

She announced support from some of the largest and most active labor unions in the region and the nation, including:

* The American and Ohio Federation of Teachers.

* The Service Employees International Union.

* The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

* The National Association of Letter Carriers.

* The United Auto Workers.

* The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

"Dr. Wulsin has demonstrated her commitment to working Americans," said Jerry Giesting, president of the NALC Branch 43. "We know that when she goes to Washington, her priorities will be in the right place."

"Vic Wulsin knows the issues that Southern Ohio families face," said Tim Kraus, president of the Cincinnati Federation of Teachers. "Her four sons went to public school, and she's been on the front lines providing healthcare to people with no other options right here in Cincinnati. She's the best candidate for the district and the best person to take on Jean Schmidt."

"These unions are focused on finding solutions, from providing a safe work environment and respect on the job to ensuring a good education for every child and the basic services the public expects," said Wulsin. "When I'm elected to Congress, I'll work with them and with everyone in my district to create good jobs and support our families."

WULSIN CHALLENGES OPPONENT TO STOP NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN

Recently, Dr. Victoria Wulsin, candidate for Congress in the 2nd District, responded to her opponent's debate challenge and attack on her recent campaign ad.

"Last week, I reaffirmed my pledge to refuse congressional health care until Congress does its job and passes affordable health care for all. The promise I made is the same pledge that Gov. Strickland made and has kept since 1992. I am proud to follow in Gov. Strickland's footsteps on this important issue. It's unfortunate that one of the first press releases from Steve Black attacks this pledge," Wulsin said.

"Since Steve Black changed parties to run for Congress, we have appeared together at least 24 times. In fact, we've already had at least 11 forums where we've both spoken and answered questions from people around the district. Next Monday we're appearing together again in Clermont County. At that forum, I will challenge Steve Black to stop his political bickering and negative campaigning and take the same health care pledge that Gov. Strickland and I have taken," she said.

"I'm happy to go anywhere to meet the voters and talk about the issues, just like I've done since 2006. This race must be about bringing our troops home from Iraq and what we will do to put Ohio families first. I will keep talking with people across the district about my plans to make quality healthcare available to all, stopping the outsourcing of our jobs and making our country energy independent. These are the things that matter to people here in Southern Ohio," Wulsin said.

WULSIN RECYCLES VIDEO FOOTAGE FOR NEW TV AD

WASHINGTON - Democrat Victoria Wulsin unveiled a “new” TV ad Thursday that was scheduled to play during evening newscasts about the Iowa caucus results.

It had a new voiceover and a new message - Wulsin pledging not to accept congressional health care until Congress passes affordable health care for all. But the video of Wulsin in her doctor's coat at the hospital came from an ad she ran in 2006.

You know, it was recycled. Or as campaign spokesman Josh Levin put it, "It's a new cut."

"We wanted to capture the caucus-night audience, and were able to put this together quickly," he said.

Wulsin is again running for the 2nd Congressional District seat occupied by Jean Schmidt, a Miami Township, Clermont County Republican.

She said in a news release that her pledge takes after a similar one that Gov. Ted Strickland, also a Democrat, made when he first ran for Congress in 1992. After Strickland was in Congress, he mailed a check every month to the U.S. Treasury to pay for his health coverage.

Wulsin says she'll do the same.

Letters, Cincinnati Enquirer, Monday, January 7, 2008

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801070304

CONGRESS SHOULD FIX HEALTH INEQUITIES

The fact that Congress continues to ignore the inequities in our health care system, while ensuring that they, themselves, have more-than-adequate health care (at taxpayer expense) is a travesty.

Victoria Wulsin, candidate for Congress in Ohio's Second District, has extensive experience with the ins and outs of health care and is prepared to deal with this issue. Wulsin has vowed that, if she is elected, she will not take a penny in taxpayer-funded health benefits until Congress makes affordable health care accessible for all Americans.

Let's hope more members of Congress choose to follow Wulsin's lead.

If Congress as a whole had to do without benefits until America's health care crisis was resolved, you can bet it wouldn't be long before we saw results.

Jim and Lee Anne Waldfogle

Cherry Grove

We’ve worked hard, and people believe in this campaign," Wulsin said in a statement Monday. "I’m honored that so many of them are willing to step up and help me gather the resources I need to run a strong race in 2008."