McNamara: Zimmann could be another Kaptur in Congress

Ron Rothenbuhler, chairman of the Lucas County Democratic Party, left, stands by Angela Zimmann, who is running against U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) as she accepts an endorsement from Joe McNamara, Toledo City Council president, right, in front of One Government Center.

The Democratic president of Toledo City Council on Thursday predicted that many people would be surprised not to see longtime congressman Marcy Kaptur’s name on the ballot next month — despite extensive news coverage of the redistricting that carved the city into two congressional districts.

“A lot of Toledo voters are going to be surprised when they go to the polls and can’t vote for Marcy Kaptur any more. I am one of those voters,” Councilman Joe McNamara said.

Many Toledo households that used to be in the 9th Congressional District were switched into the 5th Congressional District — which is a seat held by Republican incumbent Bob Latta, who is challenged by Democrat Angela Zimmann and Eric Eberly, a Libertarian.

Mr. McNamara on Thursday endorsed Ms. Zimmann and said “hyper-partisanship has carved up Toledo like a Thanksgiving turkey.”

He bashed Mr. Latta, saying he put his philosophy of conservatism and Tea Party ideology ahead of the needs of people in the district.

Mr. McNamara and Ms. Zimmann appeared together for a news conference outside One Government Center.

“We have an opportunity to send someone else to have the same potential as Marcy Kaptur, and that woman is Angela Zimmann,” Mr. McNamara said.

Ms. Zimmann, a Lutheran minister and a writing instructor at Bowling Green State University, again Thursday criticized Mr. Latta for opposing both a bill guaranteeing equal pay for equal work for women and the 2009 bailout of the auto industry.

“We all share a common interest in keeping our communities and families strong; however, during my opponent Bob Latta’s tenure in Congress, this district has lost too many jobs — 38,000 to be exact.” Ms. Zimmann said.

Mr. Latta on Thursday said many voters in the district have voiced concerns in line with his own beliefs — including “over burdensome regulation, the high cost of energy,” taxes, and President Obama’s health-care legislation. He said that during the summer he visited 80 businesses, factories, and farms.

A lawyer and former Wood County commissioner, state senator, and state representative before his election to the Congressional seat once held by his father, Delbert Latta, Mr. Latta has also cited his family’s roots in the area.

Ms. Zimmann said she wants to debate Mr. Latta head to head, but he has not agreed to it. Mr. Latta counters that he has attended a number of candidate events already in the district.

Contact Ignazio Messina at: imessina@theblade.com or 419-724-6171.