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Real People Tour – Michigan

The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”. The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element. These are some of those stories.

While her six-year-old son, Donald, played some stout defense for his Lightning soccer team on a sunny day in Taylor, Mich. , Kelly Honaker explained why national defense figures prominently in her decision to vote for President Bush – despite her qualms about the state of the economy and size of the federal deficit. “I’m definitely going for Bush,” Honaker said. “He’s not afraid to do what needs to be done” to safeguard the country from the threat of terrorism. Honaker was photographed Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 8 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Peggy Dolson manager of the Taylor, Michigan Heritage Perk Coffee House poses for a photo Saturday afternoon October 2, 2004 on day 8 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Edric Blackwell works on a shave for Robert Smith at the Final Kut barber shop in Detroit Saturday October 2, 2004 on day 9 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

The United States presidential election of 2004, the 55th quadrennial presidential election, was held on Tuesday, November 2, 2004. Incumbent Republican President George W. Bush defeated Democraticnominee John Kerry, a United States Senator from Massachusetts.

Bush and incumbent Vice President Dick Cheney were renominated by their party with no difficulty. Former Governor Howard Dean emerged as the early front-runner in the 2004 Democratic primaries, but Kerry won the first set of primaries in January 2004 and clinched his party’s nomination in March after a series of primary victories. Kerry chose Senator John Edwards of North Carolina, who had himself sought the party’s 2004 presidential nomination, to be his running mate.

Bush’s popularity had soared early in his first term after the September 11 attacks, but his popularity declined between 2001 and 2004. Foreign policy was the dominant theme throughout the election campaign, particularly Bush’s conduct of the War on Terrorism and the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Bush presented himself as a decisive leader and attacked Kerry as a “flip-flopper”, while Kerry criticized Bush’s conduct of the Iraq War. Domestic issues were debated as well, including the economyand jobs, health care, and moral values.

Bush won a narrow victory, taking 50.7% of the popular vote and 286 electoral votes. He swept the Southand the Mountain States and took the crucial swing states of Ohio, Iowa, and New Mexico. Some aspects of the election process were subject to controversy, but not to the degree seen in the 2000 presidential election. Bush was the first candidate of either party to win a majority of the popular vote since George H. W. Bush accomplished the same feat in the 1988 election, and the younger Bush remains the only Republican since 1988 to win the popular vote. His victory also marked the first time that the Republican nominee won a presidential election without carrying any state in the Northeastern United States.

October 2, 2004/0 Comments/by James

Real People Tour – Missouri

Images, News, People, Political, Travel

The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”. The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the real stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element. These are some of those stories.

Husband and wife Miriam foreground, and Jerry Miramonti agree to disagree on their choice for president, kneeling next to opposing signs that they have in their Shrewsbury, Missouri front yard photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

John Petterchak watches a fellow fan catch a foul ball near his left field seat at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Eric Schoenberger talks with us in the left field seats at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lauren Becker, left and her cousin Jamie Whitney talk with us in the left field bleachers at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Noel Ammerman talks with us at a concession stand at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis Thursday night September 30, 2004 during day 7 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Traci Stark and her daughter Sydney, 3, talk with us from the window of their O’Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Sexton grabs his head in frustration about the candidates as he talks with us outside of his daughters O’Fallon, Missouri home on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Sexton and his ex wife Dorothy Sexton talk with us outside of their daughters O’Fallon, Missouri house on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Sharla Hoyt talks with us as her two children Jackson, 3 1/2, right, and Regan, 17 months, in a parking lot in O’Fallon, Missouri on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Percy Arban talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Pamela Busch talks with us under the Arch in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Anthony Curry talks with us in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Zack Meisel talks with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jim Kucsis and his daughter Liberty, 15 Months, talk with us on Delmar Street in University City on Wednesday September 29, 2004 an day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bush supporters Shannon Gorman, right, talks with us as her son Patrick, 14, plays with their Lab Lucy ion the front porch of their house along South Gore Avenue photographed Wednesday September 29, 2004 on day 6 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

September 30, 2004/0 Comments/by James

Real People Tour – Iowa

Images, News, People, Political, Travel

The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”. The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the real stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element. These are some of those stories.

A scenic view from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed September 25, 2004 on Day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. Rainbow Streaks are from my lens.

A scenic view from along State Route 9 outside of Waukon Iowa photographed September 25, 2004 on Day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Elaine Messenger walks around the driveway of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Cindy Davis, employee of In Stitches Custom Embroidery shop in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Reyne See on the square in Marshalltown, Iowa talks with us on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Brent Heeren talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Libby Richardson talks with us at the courthouse in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Ray Coleman talks with us in downtown Toledo, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jim Howard and Debra Evanoff walk the picket lines in front of Penford Products in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. The workers have been on strike for more than 8 weeks.

Nancy McCracken talks with us in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa on day 4 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Milt Schatz and his wife Dee Dee play dance and polka music for people at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary “Barbee” Beintema rings a bell on her walker at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Alan Blumer shares his opinions at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Pat Steffen, left, works on the her ceramics as she talks with us at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Marilyn Travis mans the front desk at the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. in Davenport, Iowa Tuesday September 28, 2004 during day 5 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

September 28, 2004/0 Comments/by James

Real People Tour – Minnesota

Images, News, People, Political, Travel

The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”. The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the real stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element. These are some of those stories.

Green Gables Inn in Lanesboro, Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Johnson talks with us from his field along Highway 52 just north of Harmony Minnesota Sunday afternoon September 26, 2004 during day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America. Bill has a son who has just returned state side from a tour of duty as a Marine in Iraq.

The northern entrance to Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

79 Year old Norma Lubbs brings her kayak to shore after shooting the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro, Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

79 Year old Norma Lubbs shoots the rapids on the Root River in Lanesboro Minnesota on her 79th birthday Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Emily Stumo talks with us from behind the bar at the Harmony Golf Course in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Dawn Holt plates the food and dishes it up at the The Harmony House restaurant in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Nancy Martin makes a point outside of the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Father Donald P. Schmitz, right, talks with Shane McCabe, 10, before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Father Donald P. Schmitz prepares himself before the start of Mass at the Church of the Nativity in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Kiehne talks with us as he drops off a load of beans at the Agri Services business in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Kari Schroeder, foreground, and Jackie Ward talk outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Steve Schroeder stands outside of the Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony Minnesota photographed Sunday September 26, 2004 on day 3 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

September 26, 2004/0 Comments/by James

Real People Tour – Wisconsin

Images, News, People, Political, Travel

The 2004 Presidential Campaign “Real People Tour”. The Real People Tour was a 10 state, 15 day traveling assignment covered by the Columbus Dispatch political team of Joe Hallett and Jonathan Riskind along with photographer James D. DeCamp, who tried to find the real stories and opinions of the ‘real’ people of America by traversing the presidential battleground states in the midwest and finding people in their element. These are some of those stories.

Amber Conklin, 17, hostess at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will turn 18 just before this years election – and she has already chosen to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Andy Williams, waiter at Brett Favre’s Steakhouse in Green Bay, WI photographed Friday September 24, 2004 will to vote for Bush. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right – Jeffery Virtues, 6 Months, Brian Virtues, and Anne Ullmer came out to Lambeau Field to sign up for a radio station ticket giveaway in Green Bay Friday afternoon September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Terry Bergen, Director of the Outagamie Museum in Appleton, WI watches vendors setting up for the annual October Fest celebration outside of the museum Friday afternoon September 24, 20054. Bergen will vote for Kerry in the fall. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A scenic view of the Ripon University campus photographed Friday September 24, 2004. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Megan Calder, Freshman at Ripon University, studies for her German class on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bill Whitehead, Professor at Ripon University, talks with us on the campus green Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

The little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant depicts the little white school house which is the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

A painting on the wall behind the bar of the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Mary Zack, left, and Teresa Penkwitz dine at the Republican House Chinese restaurant which is next door to the birthplace of the Republican Party in Ripon, WI photographed Friday afternoon September 24, 2005. Day 1 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Glen Brown, waits for his deer head at Darwin Kumlin Taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Darwin Kumlin who runs a taxidermist service in De Soto Wisconsin on September 25, 2004 on day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Rich Anderson and his granddaughter Janie Anderson, 8, talk with us as they enjoyed the day at a picnic table in Blackhawk Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Lee Williams casts a lure as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Joe Hallet, left, interviews Lee Williams as he fishes in the Goose Island County Park near Genoa Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right – Bob Conrad, Dan Conrad, Mick Cyert, and Chip Schilling take a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Chip Schilling takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Bob Conrad takes a break after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

Jeff Conway counts his kill of ducks as his son Adam packs up after a morning of duck hunting just south of La Crosse Wisconsin along the Missouri River during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

left to right – Lyn Hart, Ed Nordman, and Sandy Nordman (4th guy is not IDed) look from the Grandad’s Bluff scenic lookout just east of La Crosse Wisconsin during day 2 of the 2004 ‘Real People Tour’ of middle America.

September 25, 2004/0 Comments/by James

President George W. Bush

News, People, Political

Republican Presidential candidate George W. Bush sits in a classroom at Westerville South High School and watches his wife on C-SPAN giving a speech at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia Monday night July 31, 2000. The backdrop to Bush is the national press corps on the right, and students from Westerville South on the right. The 24 students were hand picked to be in the photo op with the candidate.

Republican Presidential candidate George Bush sits in a classroom at Westerville South High School and watches his wife on C-SPAN giving a speech at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. The backdrop to Bush is the national press corps on the right, and students from Westerville South on the right. The 24 students were hand picked to be in the photo op with the candidate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Republican Presidential candidate George W. Bush sits in a classroom at Westerville South High School and watches his wife on C-SPAN giving a speech at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia. The backdrop to Bush is the national press corps on the right, and students from Westerville South on the right. The 24 students were hand picked to be in the photo op with the candidate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. George W. Bush turns and laughs at the national media pool as he sits in a classroom at Westerville South High School in Westerville, Ohio. Bush was watching his wife on C-SPAN giving a speech at the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia Monday night July 31, 2000. On the left is Kate Madsen, who will be a senior at Westerville South High in the fall. The 24 students were hand picked to be in the photo op with the candidate. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed with Canon EOS D2000 cameras in RAW mode with L series lenses.]

July 31, 2000/0 Comments/by James

Gov. George Voinovich

Events, People, Political

Govenor George Voinovich watches as speaker of the house Jo Ann Davidson talks about the defeat of state issue two at a conceding press conference in the Ohio Secretary of States office in the Rhodes Tower. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed on Fuji film using Canon F-1 & T-90 cameras with L series lenses. Digitized with Kodak RFS 2035 plus film scanners]

Governor George Voinovich talks about the defeat of state issue two at a conceding press conference in the Ohio Secretary of States office in the Rhodes Tower. (© James D. DeCamp | http://www.JamesDeCamp.com | 614-367-6366) [Photographed on Fuji film using Canon F-1 & T-90 cameras with L series lenses. Digitized with Kodak RFS 2035 plus film scanners]

Two days after this year’s election, the New York Times published a list of the results of notable election campaigns, including ballot measures across the country.

Missing from the list was an important ballot measure to workers: An Ohio proposal to gut the state’s workers’ compensation system, the system that provides medical benefits and compensation to workers injured on the job.

In a stunning victory for organized labor, citizen groups and workers’ compensation attorneys, Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected the proposal known as Issue 2, by a 57-to-43 percent margin.

Big Business in Ohio poured at least three times as much into the “yes” campaign as opponents contributed to the “no” side. Corporate interests probably spent something approaching $10 million on the campaign, although official numbers will not be available until a December disclosure deadline. By mid-October, just the Big 3 automakers, plus Honda (which has a plant in Ohio) had donated approximately a million dollars to the campaign.

The big corporations’ “yes” campaign relied on saturation advertising that alleged injured workers routinely defraud the workers’ comp system (while neglecting to provide any evidence of significant worker fraud) and charged that lawyers representing injured workers siphon money from the workers’ compensation system (without mentioning that those lawyers are necessitated in large part by the highly paid corporate lawyers employed to represent employers and to contest claims that employers know to be valid).

The “yes” campaign was not above employing some dirty tricks. Perhaps the most egregious was a mailing encouraging a “yes” vote that was sent to Democratic voters. The envelope featured a donkey (the Democratic Party’s logo) and said “A Message to Democratic Voters.” To all but the most knowing of eyes, it appeared to be a mailing from the Party — although in fact the Democrats had officially endorsed a “no” vote. In an emergency hearing, the Ohio Election Commission found probable cause that the mailing violated Ohio election law.

The “yes” campaign also prominently featured Republican Governor George Voinovich, who appeared in a couple television commercials and actively campaigned for a “yes” vote. Voinovich degraded himself and the governor’s office by signing on to a fundraising letter to corporations reminding them that, in Ohio, there are no corporate campaign contribution limits for a ballot referendum. Voinovich also sent a letter to contractors with the state, urging them to contribute to the “yes” campaign.

Organized labor, the workers’ compensation lawyers and their allies were able to overcome the massively funded “yes” campaign with a grassroots effort that educated workers (and especially injured workers) of the threat posed by Issue 2. Issue 2, they explained, would make it virtually impossible to get workers’ compensation benefits for workers who contracted carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries. Issue 2 would have prevented consideration of a worker’s education, skill level and past work experience in determining whether the worker was permanently and totally disabled. And Issue 2 would have made important records maintained by the state Division of Safety and Hygiene secret.

Organized labor and the opponents of Issue 2 spread their message not just through television advertisements, but through hundreds of thousands of leaflets, mailings, newsletters, phone calls, letters to the editor, demonstrations, lawn signs and buttons. In the weeks leading up to November 4, the campaign really took off — neighbors spoke to each other about Issue 2, workers discussed the referendum at coffee breaks, ministers gave sermons opposing the injustice of Issue 2. People took up the message of the campaign as their own.

On November 4, Ohio voters turned out in relatively large numbers for an off-year election and defeated Issue 2.

On the heels of the successful UPS strike, the Ohio victory on Issue 2 suggests that organized labor may finally be finding its footing. When organized labor mobilizes its members and clearly articulates the concerns of working people, it can attract widespread public support.

But that is a story the major media seems eager to ignore. Instead, they preferred covering ballot measures on matters like assisted suicide and affirmative action — important issues, to be sure, but not questions that so directly challenge corporate power.

November 4, 1997/0 Comments/by James

Real People Tour – Michigan

Real People Tour – Missouri

Real People Tour – Iowa

Real People Tour – Minnesota

Real People Tour – Wisconsin

President George W. Bush

Gov. George Voinovich

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