Justin Coussoule: Candidate for Congress, 8th Congressional District
2010
This was the official website for Justin Coussoule when he ran for Congress to win back the 8th district in Ohio from the Republican and Speaker of the House John Boehner.
Coussoule announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives on February 18, 2010, in Hamilton, Ohio. He has said “I’m running because I think that we are facing big issues right now that need long-term solutions, thoughtful approaches. I’m afraid these things will be around for my kids, they are only 2 and 4, 30 years from now if we don’t act like adults and address them now. In particular when you consider who my opponent is. I would consider him the chief architect of ‘No’ and obstructionism and delay.”
He won the May 4th primary where he ran unopposed with 17,807 votes. On November 2, 2010, Boehner defeated Coussoule 66% to 34%.
The content below is from the site's 2010 archived pages.
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I grew up in the 8th district of Ohio, and felt the same way as Coussoule in his assessment of Republicans in Congress. Consequently I followed the race closely from my home in Virginia. One evening during a business chat with several colleagues including my boss at TNG/Earthling, Rev Sale, I realized how important the politicians running our government are to the success of small businesses. He and his partner Bob Sakayama have been running this high powered SEO consultancy for over 20 years and have been dabbling in technology for decades prior. Read this amazing post about some of the work they've been doing: TNG/Earthling : Exposing Google Failures. And everyone here agrees that leaders like Coussoule have encouraged the creation of a climate that rewards businesses that take measured risks by investing in both infrastructure and people to propel forward looking ideas into stable enterprises. Because we see in him someone advocating for us, we will back him by contributing to his campaign and actively spreading the word for him.
Circa 2010
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your support, encouragement, hard work, energy, and commitment to this important campaign. I am excited to hear from you and work together to win back this seat for the people of the 8th District.
With your help, we can push this race over the top and win a victory in November.
Yours in service,
Justin Coussoule
Candidate for Congress,
8th Congressional District Ohio
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Justin's Issues
I'm running for Congress this year to stand up for the voters of the district who are suffering job loss, decreasing wages, and insecurity about their children's future.I want to fight for you - to ensure progress, not partisanship, in Washington, and to work constructively toward solutions that benefit the people of our district.Please check out some of my thoughts and ideas on the issues that matter to the people fo the district.
Growing Our Economy and Creating Jobs
Rebuilding the middle class by growing our economy and creating jobs must be our country’s first priority.As the communities of the District struggle to recover from the devastating impacts of the current recession, we must focus our efforts and our resources on two objectives:
- investing in the foundational building blocks of our economy that will most directly promote economic recovery and job creation;
- implementing the changes that will bring oversight and accountability to Wall Street in order to prevent the reckless and self-serving behavior that caused the collapse of the financial sector in 2008 from occurring again.
We invest in the foundation of our economy by:
- cutting taxes on working, middle-class Americans
- promoting the creation and expansion of small-businesses with tax breaks and lending;
- funding infrastructure projects to repair, update and expand the roads, bridges, and rail networks that will serve tomorrow’s economic growth;
- strengthening the manufacturing sector by encouraging development of homegrown clean and alternative energy industries, funding retraining programs for unemployed workers, and implementing fair trade policies that open foreign markets to American-made goods;
- investing in the a world-class education for our children that engenders the skills, competitive spirit and innovative thinking necessary for our long-term prosperity;
- ensuring the health and well-being of our citizenry through affordable and accessible healthcare for all.​
Returning Responsible Oversight to Wall Street
Even a revitalized Main Street will remain forever vulnerable to the recklessness of Wall Street, unless we bring oversight and accountability to the financial sector by:
- prohibiting the predatory lending practices that significantly contributed to the mortgage crisis by preying on Americans who were approved for home loans they simply could not afford;
- creating watchdog agencies to oversee and regulate consumer financial products and services (from mortgages to credit cards to overdraft fees), and to scrutinize Wall Street firms and their activities;
- regulating derivatives and other complicated financial instruments that precipitated the financial meltdown of 2008 and intertwined so many banks and other financial institutions;
- requiring publicly held companies to submit executive compensation packages, including ‘golden parachute’ payments, to a vote by shareholders;
- empowering the government to identify and protect against the failure oflarge financial institutions that would threaten the stability of the entire financial system and the economy as a whole (the ‘too big to fail’ scenario).
Strengthening the Middle Class
As the son of a carpenter and a commercial food service worker, I believe firmly that America's economic security is tied directly to the strength of our middle class.We must collectively reinvest in ideas, values and programs that will create jobs while strengthening and expanding the middle class.
Ending the Foreclosure Crisis
The current foreclosure crisis, decades in the making, was caused by the actions and inaction of both the government and the mortgage industry. Ending the foreclosure crisis will likewise take the long-term, active involvement of both the public and private sectors.
Reducing Our Debt and Controlling Spending
Our long-term prosperity, continued economic growth and national security depend on dramatically reducing our national debt in the very near-term. Shamefully, many of our elected officials have carelessly approved spending beyond our country’s means for years, acting with knowing disregard for responsible and sustainable fiscal practices, and choosing instead to put our children’s futures at risk by embracing uncontrolled deficit spending.
Preserving Our Freedom and Security
The two greatest threats to our national freedom and security today are terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Defending America from these threats while supporting our brave men and women in uniform is a fundamental responsibility of our government.
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Investing in Our Children and Our Future
Public education offers an equal opportunity to all citizens when we provide the environment necessary for students to thrive. And making a high-quality public education available to all our children is the foundation for America’s future.
Pursuing Sustainable Energy Solutions
The events of the past three decades have dramatically demonstrated the direct link between energy policy, our economy and our national security.
Supporting and Honoring Our Veterans
As a graduate of West Point and former Army officer, I believe that supporting our men and women of our Armed Forces is a duty and responsibility of the highest order. Not only am I a veteran, I am also the husband, son, brother-in-law, and son-in-law of veterans. I will always fight for veterans’ rights and interests. As a nation, we owe no higher obligation than to those who serve and have served.
Protecting the Environment and Growing Our Economy
I will fight to ensure environmental standards are upheld both here and with our trading partners abroad to protect the health of Americans, protect and preserve the environment and defend American workers from unfair competition.
Supporting Our Farmers
We must pursue forward-thinking agricultural policy initiatives that support our farmers as they work everyday to feed America. Our national farm policy should promote renewable energy, agricultural conservation and development of our rural economies. When we position our farmers to thrive in a rapidly changing global economy, then we all succeed.
Returning Public Service to the 8th Congressional District
For too long, the people of the 8th District have been ignored and taken for granted by our Representative in Congress. In fact, to often our Representative is not even in his district. ‘We the people’ should not have to shout over the iron fences of gated golf course communities, or all the way to the mahogany-paneled walls of private Washington D.C. clubs brimming with well-heeled lobbyists, just to try to be heard by our Congressman.
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About
Justin Coussoule
(pronounced kuh-soo-lee)
• West Point Graduate and former Army Captain
• Attorney
• Small business owner
• Corporate purchasing manager at Procter & Gamble
• Husband and father of two
Justin brings a wealth of experience and a passion for public service to his fight to take Ohio’s 8th Congressional District back from the grip of Washington’s ultimate insider and champion of corporate special interests, John Boehner, and return forward progress to the district.
Working-Class Roots
Justin was born and raised in Adams, a small town of fewer than 9,000, namedfor patriot Samuel Adams and the birthplace of suffragette Susan B. Anthony. Anall-American community ringed by pastoral dairy farms and the picturesque wooded hills of the Berkshires, Adams is home to working-class families that have experienced the decline of a once thriving manufacturing base and knowwell the struggle to create new economic opportunities. From a family whoseheritage is Greek, Irish, Italian and French, Justin's roots represent the promise>of American opportunity.
Justin knew the dignity of public service from an early age through the example ofhis grandfathers, one a 30-year police officer and the other a careerfirefighter. Justin also learned the meaning and value of hard work from his family. Hispaternal grandmother labored in a textile mill as a young woman. Justin’smaternal grandmother raised eight children and owned her own business,runninga boarding house. His mother also owned and operated asmall business, andeventually retired from a career as a commercial foodworker. His father was aself-employed roofer and painter, and Justin spentmany hours working alongsidehim. Justin’s small-town roots and working-classfamily upbringing formed thevalues and work ethic that have guided himthroughout his life, and whichcontinue to define him to this day.
Military Service
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Justin had the ;privilege and honor to serve as a commissioned Army officer for over fiveand a half years with the men and women of our Armed Forces. Justin’syears as a West Point cadet and Army officer reinforced the core principlehe first learned from his family and hometown: always put the welfare of;those you serve first.
Public Service
Following his military service, Justin earned a law degree at the University ofMaryland School of Law in Baltimore. While a law student, he worked in city,state and federal government. With the City of Baltimore, Justin worked on themayor’s initiative to eliminate blighted property in urban neighborhoods by returning 5,000 neglected properties to productive use. With the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland, Justin worked to enforce regulations against tobacco companies and testified before the state legislature in support of bills designed to reduce the sale and use of tobacco. Justin also served within the Federal Government, where he interned for Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D NY) in his Capitol Hill office assisting with legal and legislative affairs. Each of these experiences confirmed Justin’s firm conviction that public servants have an obligation to work to serve the people - to help improve their lives.
Legal Experience
After graduating from law school, Justin was admitted to the Massachusetts
Bar and was hired as an associate attorney at a regional law firm. Assigned to the firm’s litigation department, Justin practiced primarily in the state Worker’s Compensation system, advocating on behalf of injured workers and fighting to secure payment of their compensation and benefits for work-related injuries. Here, Justin saw first hand the struggles of the working middle class, and the urgent need to stand up to insurance companies and big business to fight for what was right and fair for working families.
Business Experience
While working as an attorney, Justin also established a small business, serving as both general manager and construction laborer. For two years, Justin managed the rehabilitation of aging properties for new residential and commercial uses. The main street commercial property now houses three small businesses: a candy shop, a clothing retailer and an antique furniture shop. The other property consists of four affordable housing units.
After relocating for his wife’s career, Justin accepted a position as a corporate purchasing manager at Procter & Gamble, a global consumer products company headquartered in Cincinnati. Justin’s day-to-day responsibilities at P&G include: stewardship of company assets; saving company money; and building collaborative business partnerships to achieve common objectives.
Justin’s experiences as both a small business owner and corporate employee have provided him with first-hand insight into the challenges that confront businesses large and small. Justin’s experiences in the business community solidified his belief that government can play a vital role in fostering a vibrant and responsible private sector.
Family Values
Justin, 35, and his wife Amanda have been married for nearly ten years. Amanda, also a West Point graduate and former Army officer, works full-time in corporate sales in the consumer products industry. Justin and Amanda are blessed with two children, Caroline (4) and John (3), and live in Liberty Township, Ohio, where they are proud to call the 8th District and southwest Ohio their home.
More Background On CoussouleForCongress.com
CoussouleForCongress.com was the official campaign website of Justin Coussoule, the Democratic nominee who challenged Republican Congressman John Boehner in Ohio’s 8th Congressional District during the 2010 election cycle. While the site no longer functions as an active political campaign platform, archived versions provide a fascinating snapshot of congressional politics during one of the most consequential election years of the modern era.
The website served as the central online headquarters for Coussoule’s campaign, presenting his biography, policy positions, campaign announcements, volunteer opportunities, fundraising appeals, and arguments for replacing one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington. At the time, Boehner was House Minority Leader and was on the verge of becoming Speaker of the House following the 2010 midterm elections.
Today, CoussouleForCongress.com stands as a historical artifact documenting a grassroots Democratic effort to compete in a district that had become strongly associated with conservative Republican politics and with one of the most influential congressional leaders of his generation.
What Was CoussouleForCongress.com?
CoussouleForCongress.com was the official campaign website for Justin Coussoule's congressional run in Ohio's 8th District. The site functioned as the campaign's primary communications platform, introducing voters to the candidate while outlining his positions on economic recovery, education, veterans' affairs, energy policy, fiscal responsibility, and government reform.
Like many campaign websites of the late 2000s and early 2010s, it combined traditional political messaging with digital organizing tools. Visitors could learn about the candidate, read issue statements, follow campaign developments, donate money, volunteer, and contact campaign staff.
The website was designed around a straightforward objective: convince voters that Justin Coussoule represented a new generation of leadership capable of challenging the entrenched political establishment represented by incumbent Congressman John Boehner.
The Political Environment of 2010
To understand the significance of the website, it is necessary to understand the political climate in which it operated.
The 2010 election cycle occurred during a period of significant economic and political upheaval. The United States was still recovering from the financial crisis of 2008 and the Great Recession. Unemployment remained elevated, foreclosures continued affecting communities across the country, and public dissatisfaction with Washington was widespread.
Ohio was particularly sensitive to economic issues because of its manufacturing heritage and the effects of industrial decline throughout many communities.
At the same time, Republicans were building momentum toward what would become one of the largest midterm election victories in decades. The election ultimately resulted in Republicans winning control of the House of Representatives and elevating John Boehner to Speaker of the House.
Against this backdrop, CoussouleForCongress.com attempted to position its candidate as a practical problem-solver focused on economic growth and middle-class prosperity.
The Candidate Behind the Website
One of the strongest sections of the website was its extensive biography of Justin Coussoule.
The campaign emphasized a diverse professional background that included military service, law, business ownership, and corporate management. According to campaign materials, Coussoule was:
- A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
- A former Army officer.
- An attorney.
- A small-business owner.
- A corporate purchasing manager at Procter & Gamble.
- A husband and father.
The site consistently presented these experiences as evidence that he possessed practical leadership skills and understood both public and private sector challenges.
Rather than portraying himself as a career politician, Coussoule was presented as someone whose experiences reflected the concerns of ordinary working families.
Working-Class Origins and Personal Story
The campaign website devoted considerable attention to Coussoule's upbringing.
According to the site, he came from a working-class family whose members included police officers, firefighters, tradespeople, small-business owners, and laborers. The campaign frequently connected these roots to his policy priorities.
The biography section argued that growing up in a family that valued hard work, public service, and personal responsibility shaped his political outlook.
This narrative was important because it allowed the campaign to appeal to voters who might otherwise be skeptical of Democratic candidates in a traditionally conservative district.
The site emphasized that Coussoule understood firsthand the challenges faced by middle-class families struggling with economic uncertainty and job insecurity.
Military Service as a Campaign Theme
Military service played a central role in the campaign's identity.
The website highlighted Coussoule's education at West Point and his service as an Army officer. These credentials were presented not merely as professional achievements but as evidence of character and leadership.
Throughout the website, military service was linked to themes of:
- Duty.
- Responsibility.
- Integrity.
- Accountability.
- Service before self.
The campaign also emphasized his commitment to veterans and military families, arguing that those who served the nation deserved strong support from their government.
For many voters, military experience provided credibility on issues involving national security and public service.
Challenging John Boehner
One of the defining characteristics of CoussouleForCongress.com was its direct challenge to incumbent Congressman John Boehner.
By 2010, Boehner had represented Ohio's 8th Congressional District for nearly two decades and had become one of the most powerful figures in Congress. He served as House Minority Leader and was widely expected to become Speaker if Republicans gained control of the House.
The campaign portrayed Boehner as a symbol of Washington insider politics.
Throughout the website, Coussoule argued that district residents had been taken for granted and deserved more responsive representation.
The site frequently contrasted:
- Public service versus political power.
- Community priorities versus special interests.
- Long-term solutions versus partisan gridlock.
- Local representation versus Washington influence.
This contrast formed the core narrative of the campaign.
Economic Recovery as the Top Priority
The most prominent issue on the website was economic recovery.
The campaign argued that rebuilding the economy and creating jobs should be the nation's first priority. The site repeatedly emphasized the difficulties faced by workers and families during the aftermath of the Great Recession.
The proposed solutions included:
- Tax relief for middle-class families.
- Support for small businesses.
- Infrastructure investment.
- Workforce retraining programs.
- Manufacturing growth initiatives.
- Educational investment.
The website framed economic policy as an issue that directly affected everyday families rather than merely a debate among political elites.
Support for Small Business
A particularly notable aspect of the campaign was its emphasis on small-business development.
Because Coussoule had experience as a business owner and corporate manager, the campaign frequently discussed entrepreneurship and economic growth.
The website argued that government should create conditions that allow businesses to grow and create jobs.
This included:
- Improving access to capital.
- Encouraging investment.
- Supporting local enterprises.
- Reducing barriers to growth.
The campaign sought to demonstrate that support for economic development and support for working families were complementary goals rather than competing priorities.
Wall Street Reform and Financial Accountability
The financial crisis remained fresh in voters' minds during 2010.
As a result, the website devoted substantial attention to financial reform.
Campaign materials argued that stronger oversight was needed to prevent future economic collapses and protect consumers from abusive financial practices.
Among the proposals discussed were:
- Consumer financial protections.
- Regulation of complex financial instruments.
- Restrictions on predatory lending.
- Greater accountability for financial institutions.
- Shareholder oversight of executive compensation.
The campaign presented these ideas as common-sense measures designed to protect ordinary Americans.
Strengthening the Middle Class
Another recurring theme throughout the website was the importance of the middle class.
The campaign argued that America's long-term economic success depended on maintaining a strong and expanding middle class.
According to the website, policies should focus on:
- Stable employment.
- Educational opportunity.
- Affordable healthcare.
- Homeownership.
- Retirement security.
This message reflected broader Democratic themes of the era while also addressing concerns specific to communities throughout southwestern Ohio.
Education and Workforce Development
The website treated education as an economic issue as much as a social one.
Campaign materials argued that future prosperity depended on maintaining a world-class education system capable of preparing students for increasingly competitive global markets.
The site connected educational investment to:
- Innovation.
- Productivity.
- Job creation.
- Long-term competitiveness.
This emphasis reflected concerns about economic transformation and the changing nature of work in the twenty-first century.
Energy Policy and Environmental Stewardship
Energy policy was another important issue discussed throughout the website.
The campaign advocated developing alternative and renewable energy sources while reducing dependence on foreign energy supplies.
Interestingly, environmental protection was often framed as an economic opportunity rather than solely an ecological concern.
The website argued that investment in clean energy industries could:
- Create jobs.
- Promote innovation.
- Strengthen national security.
- Support long-term economic growth.
This approach sought to appeal to both environmental advocates and voters concerned about economic development.
Supporting Veterans
Given Coussoule's military background, veterans' issues received significant attention.
The website argued that the nation had a responsibility to support those who served in uniform.
The campaign promoted:
- Improved veterans' healthcare.
- Employment assistance.
- Strong benefits programs.
- Recognition of military sacrifice.
Veterans were portrayed not merely as a political constituency but as individuals deserving meaningful support from their government.
Agriculture and Rural Communities
Ohio's 8th Congressional District includes significant agricultural areas, making farm policy an important topic.
The website emphasized support for farmers through policies promoting:
- Agricultural conservation.
- Rural economic development.
- Renewable energy initiatives.
- Sustainable farming practices.
This outreach reflected the campaign's effort to connect with both urban and rural voters throughout the district.
The District Itself
Ohio's 8th Congressional District occupies the western portion of the state near the borders of Indiana and Kentucky.
Major communities associated with the district included:
- Hamilton.
- Fairfield.
- Middletown.
- Eaton.
- Greenville.
The district has historically leaned Republican and became nationally prominent because of John Boehner's long tenure and leadership role in Congress.
For any challenger, winning the district required building support across suburban, small-town, and rural communities with diverse economic interests.
Election Results
Justin Coussoule secured the Democratic nomination without opposition during the 2010 primary election. Official election records show he received Democratic primary votes unopposed as he advanced to the general election.
In the general election, however, he faced the considerable challenge of running against one of the most recognizable political figures in the country.
John Boehner ultimately won reelection comfortably, receiving approximately two-thirds of the vote while Coussoule earned roughly one-third. The result reflected both the district's Republican orientation and the broader Republican wave that swept the nation in 2010.
Although unsuccessful electorally, the campaign succeeded in presenting an organized Democratic alternative and contributed to political debate within the district.
Media Coverage and Public Attention
Because of John Boehner's national prominence, the race attracted media attention beyond what most congressional contests receive.
Political reporters covering Boehner's path to the Speakership frequently referenced his challengers, including Justin Coussoule.
While national attention focused primarily on Boehner, the campaign website provided an avenue through which voters could learn about the Democratic alternative without relying solely on traditional media coverage.
Archived campaign videos and social media accounts further expanded the campaign's digital presence and remain available in various online archives today.
Popularity and Historical Legacy
CoussouleForCongress.com was never among the nation's most heavily visited political websites. Its audience consisted primarily of:
- Ohio voters.
- Democratic activists.
- Political observers.
- Journalists.
- Campaign volunteers.
- Donors.
Its importance today lies less in popularity and more in historical value.
The website captures a specific moment in American politics when economic recovery, healthcare, financial reform, government accountability, and partisan conflict dominated political discourse.
It also illustrates how congressional campaigns increasingly relied on the internet to communicate directly with voters.
Cultural and Political Significance
Viewed retrospectively, CoussouleForCongress.com offers insight into the political tensions of the early Obama years.
The website reflects many of the themes that defined the 2010 election cycle:
- Economic anxiety.
- Frustration with Washington.
- Debates over government spending.
- Financial reform.
- Healthcare policy.
- Job creation.
- Political accountability.
At the same time, it highlights the challenges faced by congressional challengers attempting to unseat deeply entrenched incumbents with extensive political resources and national visibility.
For historians, political scientists, and students of modern campaigns, the site serves as a useful example of how candidates attempted to build grassroots support during a transformative period in American politics.
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CoussouleForCongress.com was far more than a campaign website. It was the digital face of Justin Coussoule's effort to represent Ohio's 8th Congressional District during one of the most significant election cycles in recent American history. Through detailed policy discussions, extensive biographical information, and sharp contrasts with incumbent John Boehner, the website sought to persuade voters that new leadership was needed in Washington.
Although the campaign did not succeed in unseating Boehner, the website remains a valuable historical resource documenting the issues, priorities, and political dynamics that shaped the 2010 midterm elections. It captures a moment when economic recovery, government accountability, and competing visions for America's future dominated public debate. As an archived political website, CoussouleForCongress.com provides an informative window into both congressional campaigning and the broader political environment of the early twenty-first century.
