Ohio Republican Party Elections & Shenanigans! Don't Be Mislead by Swampers

 There are a lot of questions and misconceptions regarding the election of officers with the Ohio Republican Party. 

Vice Chair Bryan Williams, in trying to mislead and use slight of hand so he can wrest control and be elected Ohio Republican Chair at the next meeting in violation of state law and the bylaws, wants to use the ORC to force an election. Then after realizing he was misinterpreting the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) he is trying to use the Ohio Republican Party (ORP) bylaws and he is also wrong in his interpretation of them.

Since they can be confusing and hard to follow, I will do my best to try and explain the who, where and what's of the ORC and ORP Bylaws as they pertain to this matter.

At first Bryan was incorrectly saying ORC 3517.04 allowed the State Central Committee Organizational meeting (officer elections) to take place after the election and certification of the SCC elections. It does not.

Section 3517.04 | Organization of state central committees

The members-elect of each major political party state central committee shall, except as otherwise provided in this section, meet following the declaration of the results by the boards of elections of the election of members of the state central committees, at a suitable place and time to be designated by the retiring chairman of the committee in accordance with party rules.

In the case of a county central committee, the meeting shall be held not earlier than six nor later than fifteen days following the declaration of the results by the board of elections of the election of members of county central committees in that county. Notice of any meeting held pursuant to this section, giving the place and time, shall be sent to each member-elect by the retiring secretary of the committee by mail and a copy of the notice shall be posted in the office of the secretary of state or board of elections, as the case may be, at least five days prior to any such meeting. The meeting shall be called to order by the retiring chairman or secretary or if there is no such officer, or if such officer is absent, then by a member of such committee designated by the secretary of state in the case of the state committees, and by a member of the board of elections of the same political party, designated by the board, in the case of county committees. A temporary chairman and secretary shall be chosen and the committee shall proceed to organize by the election of a chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, secretary, and such other officers as the rules provide.

The ORC 3517.04 clearly differentiates between State Central Committee and County Central Committee. Organization of State Central Committees is to be after the SCC election at a place and time designated by the retiring chairman in ACCORDANCE WITH PARTY RULES (bylaws).

Whereas the County Central Committees have a defined time of no less than 6 days and no more than 15 days after the results of the county central committee races are verified - the State Central Committee are to hold an organization of the committee per the party rules.

ORC 3517.04 was amended to include "per the party rules" by the state legislature over 20 years ago. The Republican Party did not want to hold elections for officers before the general elections, the Democrats did. So since they could not agree - it was amended to allow each party dictate how officers were elected.

So the ORC sets that State Party are to hold organizational meetings (elections) of party officers per the party rules/bylaws - not as Williams is leading people to believe. Williams is very well aware of the language change and intent.

Realizing that he was pursuing a failing argument – Williams switched arguments and is now trying to force an early election through the ORP bylaws.

Williams new argument or angle is that under Article 1 Section 2 of the ORP bylaws he can force an early election. Again, Williams is incorrect as the time and election procedure of ORP Party officers is clearly defined in Article 2 Section 1...

Article 1 Section 2

“At the first meeting of the State Central Committee following the election and qualification of its members, all of its officers, the chairman and co-chairman of the Ohio Republican Finance Committee, and the National Committeeman and National Committeewoman, shall be nominated and elected to the State Executive Committee, which shall then be merged into the Republican State Central Committee.”

While poorly written, this is saying - that at the first meeting after the election of SCC members, the members of the stated Executive Committee will be merged with the newly seated SCC.

This DOES NOT reference or mean there are elections for new officers.

In Section 2 Article 1 there is clear, defined and very specific language laying out the time and process for election of officers.

Section 2 Article 1 - Officers

"During the month of January of each odd-numbered year, the Committee shall meet and elect its officers by a majority vote of the seated members of the Committee (but not including vacancies in the Committee)." ---

As you can see the time for elections (January of odd year) is very specific.

Also in question has been the time frame of the first meeting. Since the change of the ORC noted above, the standard procedure, per the ORC 3717.04 and the bylaws is - after the primary elections usually held in March or May, the new State Central Committee is seated at the following meeting. At times an additional meeting may be held if needed. ORP bylaws state they must meet a minimum of 3 times per year. So simple math and a calendar will dictate there are meetings after the newly elected members are seated and the election of officers in January of the odd year.

Above I am just citing ORC, bylaws and fact on the manner in which they are applied AND with the intent in which they were written and passed.

Prior to now, Williams has never had issues, questioned or challenged the election of officers being in January of odd year when he was being investigated by the FBI for trying to strong arm candidates out of the race for John Kasich and Matt Borges, when he was Summit County GOP Chair or a member of the SCC himself. In fact, Williams was elected Vice-chair of ORP SCC under Timken in January 2019 & again in 2021. Only now that he is trying to strong arm himself in as the next ORP Chair does Williams take issue with the time frame of officer's elections as set forth by the ORC and the ORP bylaws. For the future of the Ohio Republican Party, our stae and voters - we must get this right!

Jim Renacci – Pro-life Justifications?? Give Me a Break!!!!

There has been talk lately about Mr. Renacci’s recent endorsement by the Ohio Right to Life organization. Apparently the Ohio Right to life believes end of life care is reason enough to endorse, for Mr. Renacci has no record whatsoever of participating in Right to Life activities unlike Matt Miller and Paul Schiffer who both have extensive records. This was brought up in a recent Medina Republican Roundtable event last week when Matt Miller commented on the endorsement saying “This is nothing against you Mr. Renacci.” and then went on the express his disappointment in regards to the endorsement after Paul Schiffer had brought up the issue. He was told by members of the Ohio Right to Life organization that they only endorse based on the amount of monies that are raised by a candidate. Mr. Renacci seemed to confirm this when he went on record saying he had personal one on one meetings with each board member prior to the endorsement. Hmmm…. Can you say payoffs? Certainly sounds like it doesn’t it. Let me be frank there is no proof at this point that money exchanged hands but Mr. Renacci’s justification of his endorsement smells based on his own words.

Then just the other day a letter that Chairmen Bill Heck wrote to the Ohio Right to Life Organization was posted on the blog NO MUZZLE POLITICS:

Mr. Gonidakis,

Thursday, April 15th. at our Medina County Republican Round Table Congressional Candidate night Matt Miller, the Republican candidate for the Congressional 16th District, denounced the Ohio Right to Life endorsement of Jim Renacci for Congress. Matt said from his follow-up discussion of the Board’s decision Matt said, “he challenged the Board for making the Jim Renacci endorsement”… and that, “the Director told him the Ohio Right to Life organization endorsed Jim Renacci because he had more money.” Matt went on to tell the crowd of nearly 50 people, “that something to critically wrong with the Ohio RTL and the Board if this is where their values are since he had years of dedication supporting the organization activities and events.”

Jim Renacci then provided some insight to his endorsement process by the Ohio Right To Life. Jim highlighted his 27 years of being in the healthcare business and protecting not only the rights of the unborn but also, the seniors and others in his care facilities who were living in his facilities during their end of their lives situations. Additionally, Jim Renacci went on to say got that six months ago Jim Renacci wasn’t known to most voters throughout the 16th District. Jim set out to meet with each Ohio Right to Life Board member and tell his life-long story of concern and caring he has provided in his care facilities, his deep catholic beliefs, and his commitment for everyone at both at conception and at end of life. He completed the ORTL interview paperwork provided to all candidates and made his position and Right to Life values known to the Board.

The emotional level of Matt’s allegations against the Ohio Right to Life organization, the board, the person in charge and most disturbing, his confrontational statements regarding the value base of the Ohio Right to Life organization, made most at the forum very uncomfortable. Of the nearly 50 people who heard Matt speak this night, here are some people who would verify and also have shocking comments of Matt’s presentation in addition to myself:

[Phone Numbers Redacted]

I want to take this opportunity to apologize to you and the Ohio Right to Life organization and your Board. All Medina County citizens and the Medina County Republican Party, support and greatly appreciates the work that the Ohio Right to Life organization does throughout the state and country.

Sincerely,
Bill Heck
Chairman,
Medina County Republican Party

Here is a suggestion Chairman – go back to school and learn proper English. Here is the link so that you can see for yourself that this letter has not been altered in anyway by the writer of this post. http://nomuzzle.com/2010/04/21/miller-rebuked-for-slandering-right-to-life-in-oh-16/

Now read below for a response from a couple in Ashland County that has seen firsthand the work Matt Miller has done for the Pro-life Movement.

What has happened to the election process in our country? Parties and special interest groups alike have taken it upon themselves to prematurely endorse certain candidates before the primaries. These actions have shed a disparaging light on the “un-endorsed” candidate causing many to forego their research into ALL the candidates.

This very thing has happened to Matt Miller, Ohio 16th U.S. Congressional District Candidate. Sadly, Ohio Right to Life has chosen to circumvent the primary election process by choosing to endorse one candidate over Matt Miller. However unintentional it may be, this action has placed the paradigm into the mind of the voters that Matt Miller is “less pro-life” than another candidate. We dogmatically want to say how untrue that paradigm is.

Here are the facts: Matt Miller states “It is imperative that we strive to continue to work to protect each life from conception until their natural death… we must never lose sight of the fact that every human life is a gift from our Creator. We must not destroy one life in an effort to preserve another.” (see his entire statement at www.mattmillerforcongress.com).

Matt Miller doesn’t just talk a good pro-life talk; he has a long list of actions that back up his statement. Matt Miller has personally attended and participated in Ashland County’s Sanctity of Human Life Community Events for many years, has been the MC for several pro-life pregnancy help center fundraising banquets, participated in LifeWalk fundraising events, and helped plan, promote and implement Ashland County’s 40 Days for Life Campaign. The list goes on.

Please research the candidates for yourself without regard to endorsements. Vote on May 4, 2010.

We encourage you to vote for Matt Miller, the pro-life candidate that talks the talk and walks the walk.

Sincerely,
Gordon & Ducia Hamm
Ashland County, Ohio


In addition to Matt’s contributions to the Pro-life movement, Paul Schiffer has made many contributions himself. He has even gone to jail for his pro-life beliefs. Has Mr. Renacci every put his freedom on the line for the Pro-life movement? Has he ever attended a rally or hosted a pro-life event? When Mr. Renacci was asked these questions all he could say was that he believed in life from conception to natural deal. What??? So do many people and I believe you would be hard pressed to find many people out there that disbelieve in natural deal (Well except for the loons in Oregon but that is another post)

The pro-life movement is not about whether or not someone has a natural death … it is about abortion plain and simple. Mr. Renacci says he is Catholic and that proves he is pro-life. Mr. Renacci do you actually know anything about your faith? Yes, the Catholic Church opposes abortion but there is a large contingent of Catholics who believe in abortion so to use your religion as a justification for your beliefs is pathetic at best. Being Catholic does not make you pro-life. It is your experiences and your beliefs that make you pro-life.

So I am again going to ask the question: What Mr. Renacci have you done for the pro-life movement other than believe in it?

Reason #548, 721 ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine should be given a Pink Slip

Below is a thread from an exchange on Face Book between the Ohio Republican Party and a very active member in the GOP, Rachel Manias. It is amazing the attitude in which the party treats some of their very active and highly motivated members.

While ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine is most likely not the one making the ORP comments (he was probably too busy shining his cousin Little Mikey DeWine's shoes), it shows just how out of touch the ORP is with their rank & file members and the condescending, "your stupid, just do as we say & support who we tell you" attitude that is so prevalent with his failed party leadership.

That ORP Chairman DeWine is unable to even control his Frat Boys on Face Book clearly shows the party polluting stench emanating from the stalls of the OH Elephant Clan in Columbus need a good delousing....

(Emphasis added)

Ohio Republican Party Really enjoying watching our number of fans grow so quickly with the new Page. Thanks to everyone for being a fan, but more importantly, being a part of our community.

Rita Pannenberg Thomas
Only If You Keep It Conservative...No Compromises
Yesterday at 4:42pm · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
And no more endorsements of handpicked candidates. I tossed my ORP slate card.
Yesterday at 4:44pm · Report

Steven Salander
Ditto Rita. Keep it to the beliefs of our Founding Fathers and I'll stay. Become a second Democratic party and I am outta here faster than I joined. I hold my Tea Party beliefs VERY tightly.
Yesterday at 10:59pm · Report

Tony Obert
just became a fan on a trial basis, was going to make a new comment but Rita took my thunder. Ohio Republicants are just as commie as the "D"'s lately.
21 hours ago · Report

Tobe Smellie III
Ditto to that!
11 hours ago · Report

Ohio Republican Party
We appreciate your enthusiasm. And we believe in Limited Government, Strong Defense, Fiscal Discipline and Personal Responsibility. If the "Tea Party" holds to those beliefs as well, then we have common ground to work together.
7 hours ago · Report

Ohio Republican Party
Rachel, the Ohio Republican Party proudly supports Rob Portman, John Kasich, Jon Husted, Dave Yost and Josh Mandel. Each of these individuals spent months and years earning the support of our Party leadership and the grassroots. None of these candidates were "handpicked."
7 hours ago · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
ORP, you have no business endorsing prior to the primaries or even prior to filing deadline. While I support most of these candidates you must remember the lessons of the Scott Brown's election. These seats belong to the people, not the Chairman of the ORP. When you endorse as you have done then you isolate people like me who support other ... See Morecandidates. I resigned my volunteer position for the ORP and will devote my time to my County party instead.Why is the Central Committee endorsed on the slate card? They endorsed themselves?!
7 hours ago · Report

Ohio Republican Party
Rachel, the Chairman does not issue endorsements. The endorsements are made by the members of our state committee, who spend countless hours meeting with our potential candidates and engaging with grassroots supporters. These individuals are also elected to represent their constituents on the committee, so to suggest that candidates are "handpicked... See More" by the Chairman or that our committee makes decisions based on personal interest shows a lack of understanding of the process. We should also add that endorsing a candidate should not isolate anyone from the process. Clearly, we believe Portman, Kasich, Husted, Yost and Mandel are the best candidates for the job. Those decisions were based on a lot of factors. But you are just as welcome to support a candidate of your choice. We are a "big tent" Party.
6 hours ago · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
No "lack of understanding" on my part. My eyes are wide open. Speak to those who represent me on the Central Committee. They will tell you a different story on the AoS endorsement. One actually didn't even know there was another candidate in the race at the time of endorsement which refutes your assertion that there a were "countless hours" ... See Morespent. I am proud to be a Republican but my vote is too precious to give it to 66 people on the Central Committee, many of whom didn't give proper thought to their endorsement. No slate card needed here!
6 hours ago · Report

Ohio Republican Party
If it's not a "lack of understanding" here, then you are simply falling prey to people spreading a false story. Each member of the committee was aware of the fact there were other candidates in the AoS race. In fact, there were three candidates. The members of the committee were lobbied directly by the candidates themselves in an effort to gain their endorsement. Our political staff here at the Party also personally contacted the members of our committee to make them aware of the endorsement process. But let's cut to the chase: the issue isn't the endorsement process - it's who was endorsed. Your home county issued an endorsement in the AoS race, but you seem content with that, to the point of "devoting your time" to the county party. That's great! We need good volunteers in every one of our 88 counties.The bottom line is this: Good people are going to disagree. We're ok with that and look forward to working with you and thousands of other grassroots supporters to elect Republicans in November.Oh, and the last time I checked, it was the liberal Democrats who were the bad guys!... See More
6 hours ago · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
I am "falling prey" to nothing and I take great offense that the ORP suggests that I am unable to come to my own conclusions. You are welcome to call me and I will prove that I am not ignorant as you are suggesting. I know what my ORP Central Committee people told me. One said there were no other candidates in the race at the time of ... See Moreendorsement. The other actually threw Kevin under the bus and said he shut out the other candidates. I don't agree with endorsements prior to the primary. The people need to chose. I have discussed this with my county party chairman on several occasions. The reason I chose to vote in the endorsements in my county was to right the wrongs of the ORP Central Committee. There are bad guys everywhere. Although I take great joy in teasing liberals, to assert that bad guys are only Democrats is naive. Shall I continue? I've got all night.
5 hours ago · Report

Ohio Republican Party
Then your own conclusions are wrong. And no one was shut out of the endorsement process. Anything else is just a "conspiracy theory."Here's a better way to spend your time:Why don't you make some phone calls on behalf of our candidiates?http://www.ohiogop.org/call
3 hours ago · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
My conclusions? This is what my Central Committee people told me. Are you insinuating that they are lying to me? If that is the case then I really am concerned about the endorsements the voted for. I am sorry that the ORP has taken time out of it's busy schedule to publicly assert that I am ignorant. Although I have been a stay at home mom ... See Morefor the past decade I promise that I am not ignorant and I have am not "falling prey" to anything, including your slate card. I am proud to say I am a Republican and that I will be voting for most of the candidates you support. I believe in the platform of the party. But, to attack me for my initial comment which was harmless truly makes me question the leadership of the party.I will be walking my precinct tomorrow to inform people of the best choices in the May primary. I will NOT be calling off your list.
3 hours ago · Report

Rachel Mullen Manias
Sorry for the typos.
3 hours ago · Report

Joe Vasil
The arrogance resonating in the ORP responses to Rachel's posts are what got the Republicans in trouble in the first place. While I am not by any way suggesting that the endorsed candidates are not worthy, endorsements prior to primaries circumvents grass root efforts from your constituents, which is critical in getting the independent vote.
49 minutes ago · Report

Jim Renacci – It’s all about him

Saturday March 6th, I had the pleasure or shall I say displeasure of listening to Jim Renacci at the New American Patriots vetting breakfast this morning. Once again it is all about him and what he has accomplished not what he is willing to do for us. He was going to keep his bio brief because we had limited time due to a funeral taking place and an appointment he had but instead he spent most of his time talking about himself and very little time answering questions from the audience.

Although he is a much better speaker now than he was at the Akron Tea Party vetting breakfast, he still can’t seem to get past the fact that it is not all about him. I frankly don’t care that he grew up poor near Pittsburgh, PA. Don’t care that his parents sold their home in 2000 for $6,000 dollars. It must have been a very crappy house or in a really crappy neighborhood if that is all they could get for it. That frankly is not my problem. What I want to know is: What are you going to do for the 16th district?

So far he has not said anything other than he will oppose what is happening right now re: health care, cap and trade and ect. Great but those bills are dead in the water right now. Health care may pass due to reconciliation but then again even that looks iffy. So what are you going to propose that is going to change health care in this country? I mean you must have some great idea because you have so many years in the health care industry. Except that we have not heard any of your ideas at all. Hmmm…. Does that mean that you really don’t have any ideas or do you have them but want to wait until after the election to tell us? Sounds like a democrat to me.

On the subject of experience . . .

Mr. Renacci that is wonderful that you have all that experience behind you. So do the 535 people in Congress currently and what has that done for this country. Nothing, absolutely nothing. I applaud you for your rags to riches story but that is not going to make me vote for you. I want to see the real you, the one who talks about his constituents not himself. So far all I have seen is a typical arrogant politician who thinks it is all about himself and cannot help making snide comments about his competition in the Republican Party. Let me see so you do not need the job, ever think that the other men running aren’t doing it because they need a job but instead are doing it because they want to make a difference. You are so hung up now about not needing a job then pledge to donate you salary to charity the whole time you are in Congress. Then maybe just maybe I might have a little respect for you. Then the other comment about being good looking and a good speaker. Yep your right Barak Obama was both of those things but that is not who you were talking about is it. Grow a pair and just slam Matt Miller (good looking and great speaker) and Paul Schiffer(needs a job) by name instead of the snide comments. Then maybe I and others would have more respect for you. Until then campaign with some dignity because you are not without your faults Mr. Chosen one.

Now that is an interesting subject – chosen one. There is no doubt that you were chosen because you are rich and nothing more. The Chairmen’s letters that you sent to the Central Committee members of the various county parties are rife with that drivel and then to have the Medina Executive Committee endorse you prior to a primary makes one wonder how much of a payoff occurred for you to secure those endorsements. And what is this nonsense that you were asked to run for this and asked to run for that and I have no political ambitions. So you have to be asked to serve your country? You cannot make that decision on your own – well that calls into question every decision then that you have made in your lifetime. Did you make those decisions because you were asked to do or because you wanted to? Is someone pulling the strings Mr. Chosen One because you just seem too good to be true.

Hmmm…. Manchurian Candidate anyone?

Seth Morgan Crushes Dave Yost in Brown Co. GOP Endorsement for State Auditor

It looks like the Ohio Republican Party endorsed candidates will be wearing their handy-dandy endorsements like a scarlet letter when it comes to the support of the rank & file GOP members. Even with the smear campaign being waged against Seth Morgan by Chairman Kevin DeWine and his OH Elephant Clan cronies, Morgan handily defeated Yost in the Brown County GOP endorsement meeting....

From Return of the Conservatives --

Huber Heights, Ohio - State Auditor candidate Seth Morgan, CPA was endorsed by the Brown County Republican Party with 75 percent of the vote on Thursday, Feb. 11.

"Republican leaders in Brown County selected Seth Morgan overwhelmingly," said Rob Scott, Friends of Seth Morgan Communications Director. "This is just another example of leaders across our state publicly recognizing that Seth Morgan is the most qualified candidate of either party for Auditor of State."

Both Morgan and Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost were in attendance to ask for the county's endorsement for state auditor. Yost received 13 percent of the vote.

"This endorsement further solidifies the base of support Seth is gathering across the state. Not only is he being supported by the leaders of conservative organizations statewide as well as the Tea Party movement, the Republican 'establishment' is joining these groups and proclaiming Seth as their candidate for Auditor no matter what the Party 'elite' want the rank and file to believe", said Emery Phipps, Friends of Seth Morgan Political Director.

The Brown County Republican Party waived party rules in order to endorse Seth Morgan for Auditor of State.

Seth Morgan, CPA was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2008 after serving seven years on the Huber Heights City Council. He is a Small Business Owner and Certified Public Accountant. For more information about Seth Morgan visit SethMorgan.org.

Even more telling and an indication the out of touch lemon-like leaders of the ORP have read the "tea leaf's" incorrectly because in the same meeting, Mike DeWine, who was the ONLY name presented in the AG race, failed to get the Brown County GOP endorsement.

Jim Renacci: Jobs Creator, Really?

Jim Renacci is campaigning on his record of being a jobs creator. He consistently talks of his 27 years of business experience with 24 years in the nursing home industry and how he has created jobs. But what about his other business ventures, specifically the Arena Football League were he caused the loss of hundreds of jobs in various cities.

Jim Renacci claims he was only a minority owner in the Columbus Destroyers and a minor player in the restructuring of the Arena Football League (AFL). In fact, he was the leader of the AFL Board of Directors restructuring campaign and under his failed leadership, the league had to suspend the 2009 season and to date the 2010 season is effectively cancelled as well.

Mr. Renacci, lead a faction of owners that was disingenuous with their intentions concerning the league specifically, when it came to voting on whether or not to suspend the 2009season. When the first vote did not go their way, a second vote was demanded after Mr. Renacci and his cohorts convinced two other owners to change their votes thereby setting up a 75% threshold that would make future votes impossible to meet. These types of underhanded tactic as well as a centralized business model created by Mr. Renacci lead to the demise of the league.

In addition, many insiders to the process found Mr. Renacci’s lack of leadership to be a problem. Troubling as well is the concept of a centralized business model which is the anti-thesis of what people are looking for in a congressman currently. Is this centralized planning a model that he intends to bring to Washington, DC? One has to wonder because if so he will fit right in with the Democrats as this type of centralized planning is strangely reminiscent of President Obama’s agenda.

Voters of the 16th district need to decide if they want Jim Renacci who appears to be Obama light or a real conservative who actually listens to the people. You make the decision.

Arena Football restructuring leader Jim Renacci launches political campaign in Ohio

Scramble to call a timeout

Who Really Killed the AFL?

Dave Yost: "I was for being Attorney General before I was against it."

You just got to wonder what one time State Attorney General candidate, now State Auditor candidate and puppet-boy for the lemon-like leadership of the Ohio Republican Party - Dave Yost - wants to be when he grows up.

Again obeying the wishes of his puppet master, the current maestro of political musical chairs -- ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine -- and performing in the sonata's of switcheroo for the "party" appears to be what Yost does best. Having political patronage jobs would be his other talent.

In 2/2003, Yost, abandoning the residents & his post as Delaware County Auditor before his term was up, all of a sudden and at the beck & call of the party powers, wanted to play Johnny Law Dog and be the Delaware County Prosecutor.

From Right OH --

Voters won't elect a new county prosecutor for more than a year, but behind-the-scenes politicking is hot and heavy to decide who will be appointed this month to fill the position.

Delaware County Republican leaders will meet Tuesday to choose between a candidate with a proven track record as a criminal prosecutor and another with proven electability. Neither Assistant County Prosecutor Dane Gaschen nor County Auditor Dave Yost is confident enough to predict victory, but both say they deserve the job.

"The qualifications for this office are a lot more than just going into a courtroom," Yost said. "You need administrative experience. When you look at the entire picture, I believe I'm the most-qualified candidate."

Outgoing and politically savvy, 46-year-old Yost is seen by some as the front-runner: He's faced two elections for auditor, which have earned him valuable name recognition. He also built up political connections through a series of appointed government jobs, including deputy director of the Ohio Department of Health, press secretary to former Columbus Mayor Dana "Buck" Rinehart and assistant to the director of the Columbus Public Safety Department.

So in 2003, Yost as a County Auditor -- wanted to be County Prosecutor, now as County Prosecutor, Yost wanted to be State Attorney General and stated he is a prosecutor and not a politician. Then after a nice pat on the head & some warm & fuzzy words of encouragement from the party, like a true politician, Yost suddenly realizes he wants to run for State Auditor as an unqualified candidate.

I was wondering if you needed a college degree to be a puppet-boy for the lemon-headed leaders of the OH GOP.... I now see the only requirement is having a lack of integrity.

Yost secures Butler County GOP Endorsement for OH Attorney General

The GOP primary for OH Attorney General is shaping up to be very interesting. Not because we have two good candidates (Duh - this is OH), but because we finally have some new blood that can truly be considered a conservative -- Dave Yost, running against a career politician -- Mike DeWine, who can probably spell the word "conservative" but is missing over half the pages in his "Conservatism for Dummies" book.

Yes, this would be the same Brady Bill supporting, gun hating Mike DeWine that was soundly spanked at the polls by the now Senator Sherrod Brown.

Why is this race interesting? Because the ORP wants to do business as usual and give the state party endorsement to Little Mikey DeWine, who is related to ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine, because they know he will do as they say. But things are now quite working out that way.

Yost, who has the support of 70% of the Republican county prosecutors in OH, just landed another gem of endorsement that can be politically equated to peeing in Mikey's bowl of cereal...

From Right OH --

Defeats Mike DeWine for Butler County Endorsement, calls victory a “game-changer”

(Hamilton) Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost last night secured the endorsement for Ohio Attorney General from the Butler County Republican Central and Executive Committee, defeating former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine. Butler County is the seventh largest county in Ohio boasts one of the state’s strongest GOP bases.

“This is an enormous win for our campaign – but it’s even more important as a signal of a fresh start for Ohio,” Yost said. “I’m humbled and encouraged by this vote of confidence as a signal of the desire among voters for a new generation of leadership.”

Butler County, a Republican stronghold among Ohio’s 88 counties, is crucial for any candidate seeking statewide office. The Party endorsement requires a supermajority of 60%. Yost won with 68%.

So will the Ohio GOP respect the will & wishes of their rank & file members and all the newly awakened conservative voters or will they continue their business as usual by endorsing a anti-2nd Amendment candidate in Mike DeWine and "Scozzafava" the voters in OH?

Stop the OH GOP from Disrespecting 9/11

Only the tools running the Ohio Republican Party could be so tasteless!

From CTPP --

Tea Party Patriot Action Alert

As we near the date of 9/11, the day of one of the most vicious attacks on American soil, many of us will be going to an event honoring the fallen, their families and the heroes of that day. As everyone did 8 years ago, and for some time afterwards, partisan politics were put aside and we came together as Americans. Our leaders acted in the best interest of America and “for which we stand.”

Unfortunately, as this fateful and sacred day in our country’s history nears, instead of being respectful by honoring, commemorating and remembering the victims and their family and instead of putting partisan politics away for a day, the Ohio Republican Party insists on donning their Elephant lapel pins and going to work.

In the most disgraceful way, the State Central Committee for the Ohio Republican Party will be meeting at 10:00AM on Fri. 9/11 at the Hilton Polaris (8700 Lyra Dr. / Near the Polaris Mall) to give out state party endorsements for the May 2010 primary.

After speaking with quite a few other Cleveland Tea Party Patriots (CTPP) who were also upset about this meeting, I contacted Chairman DeWine’s office to express our concerns. I identified myself as one of the CTPP coordinators, and that I was calling with some concerns about an upcoming endorsement meeting.

It was stated that we find it offensive, and most importantly disrespectful, that the OH GOP feels the need to hold partisan political meetings on 9/11 for the reason of giving out party endorsements. Surely, with the primary race over 6 months away -- there could be no rational or justifiable reason for giving out endorsements on this sacred day. (Or so I thought!)

Furthermore, it was stated that we feel party endorsements should not be given out in primary races and that the candidates should be elected on the merits of their accomplishments and/or their proposed platforms. I then requested, that if the endorsements must be given for primary races, that at least in good taste, the endorsement meeting should rescheduled for another day.

Since the OH GOP Chairman, Kevin DeWine, or his Executive Director, Jason Mauk, refuses to return calls, we are left to go by what was stated by DeWines office staff on his behalf....

In response to my above remarks it was confirmed the meeting is being held on 9/11/09, that the endorsement meeting will go on regardless of the date and something will be done to remember the victims. It was further stated by the Chairman’s office that, “the GOP Chairman in ALL 88 county’s and ALL of the members on the OH GOP State Central Committee felt the need to ‘direct’ voters in the primary on who to vote for and that is why the endorsements will be given.”

As we can clearly see, while the OH GOP claims they hear our Tea Party Patriot message that -- we are free-thinking conservative voters, we don’t need their 'direction' & are tired of being told who to vote for -- their actions do not show it.

If you feel it is disrespectful and offensive to meet and give out party endorsements on 9/11 and you do not to need to be told who to vote for - we are urging you to contact the OH GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine, all 88 County GOP Chairman and all GOP State Central Committee members and ask that the endorsement meeting be canceled on this sacred day and no endorsements be given out for any primary races.

If the OH GOP Chairman DeWine refuses our requests we will request that any candidate, in honoring the victims and the heroes that stood up for our freedom on that sacred day, refuse the endorsement on the grounds that 9/11 should be national day of remembrance free of partisan politics.

Take Action:

---then forward this---

1.) Call OH GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine (614)228-2481

2.) Call your Republican Party County Chairman (from the list below). Leave brief message with your opinion on the endorsement meetings.

3.) E-mail members of the Republican State Central Committee. E-mail them as a group by copying / pasting their e-addresses:

1val@sbcglobal.net; acoughlin@neo.rr.com; Aesabath@aol.com; Bennett@ohiogop.org; betkitchen@aol.com; bjbinkley@msn.com; bryancwilliams@verizon.net; Burkeamb@hotmail.com; casey524@aol.com; cetodd1@aol.com; chairman@starkgop.org; christa.criddle@fuse.net; christim@fuse.net; cscal81@zoominternet.net; Curt3638_2000@yahoo.com; cwing@lakewoodrepublicans.org; dalefellows@sbcglobal.net; davebaileybadco@yahoo.com; dean@en.com; DGunning@ralaw.com; dhtalmage@voyager.net; djbjsherman@gmail.com; dmehaffie@woh.rr.com; doug@franklincountygop.org; dwjohnson@summitville.com; edonsim@aol.com; jadavidson@ameritech.net; JBecker@Fuse.net; jeantwinoaks@voyager.net; jowac@aim.com; kay1@zoomnet.net; kjohnston@insight.rr.com; lauragroux@hotmail.com; ledicesae@roppe.com; llf@bright.net; mark@compcoind.com; Montgomery@aol.com; nancegop@adelphia.net; NCLaria@gmail.com; nuts2u2@earthlink.net; Ohioandy@aol.com; owenhall@owenhall.com; payne@ohiogop.org; pflanaga@aol.com; ph@putnamtruckload.net; philbow@roadrunner.com; phog@northcoastwindandpower.com; phyllismosley1234@yahoo.com; randylaw4ohio@aol.com; rexdamschroder@yahoo.com; rhouck@willard-oh.com; seau@adelphia.net; Spaethchair@aol.com; srjones5@sbcglobal.net; Stewartd@mcohio.org; swain5030@yahoo.com; tmorgan@gradyhospital.com; mauk@ohiogop.org; gormley@ohiogop.org; chairman@ohiogop.org

Republican Party County Chairmen -

Find your county Chair & call him/her:

Allen Keith Cheney 419-228-7040 419-331-5655
Ashland Bob DeSanto 419-289-1710 419-289-1454
Ashtabula Richard Hornstein 440-992-4008 440-576-6925
Athens Pete Couladis 740-589-9914
Belmont Kent Moore 740-676-0206
Brown Paul Hall 800-525-4255
Butler Joseph Schwarz 513-893-5292
Carroll David Jones 330-735-2200
Champaign Ron Coder 937-653-6073 937-653-1477
Clark Dan Harkins 937-324-8482 937-307-0607
Clermont Tim Rudd 513-876-3466 513-732-1611
Clinton Roger Bennett 937-382-3778 937-382-3444
Columbiana David Johnson 330-223-1511
Coshocton David Burns 740-622-8960 740-622-2011
Crawford Don Long 419-562-8739
Cuyahoga Robert Frost 216-621-5415
Darke Gerg Fraley 937-548-0313
Defiance Jeffrey Strausbaugh 419-782-2625 419-784-3700
Delaware Teri Morgan 614-888-6085
Erie Jude Hammond 419-433-3031 419-627-6650
Fairfield Steve David 740-689-1746
Fayette Robin Beekman 740-426-6273
Fulton Sandra Barber 419-335-4428 419-337-9282
Gallia Lawrence Tawney 740-446-1856
Geauga 440-834-0680
Greene Marilyn Reid 937-431-5000
Guernsey Donald Brown 740-439-3443 740-432-5638
Hamilton Alex Triantafilou 513-381-5454
Hancock Rick White 419-422-3824
Hardin James Crates 419-675-7272 419-673-1129
Harrison Dennis Watson 740-968-0112
Henry David Grahn 419-592-5520 419-592-3503
Highland Kay Ayers 937-393-6512
Hocking Rod Hedges 740-385-6044 740-385-5392
Holmes Robin Hovis 330-674-3763 330-674-5000
Huron David Kniffen 419-668-4622 419-668-7576
Jackson Alan Stockmeister 740-286-2122
Jefferson Rick Desmar 740-283-3981
Knox Ken Lane 740-397-2462 800-307-8038
Lake Dale Fellows 440-352-0704
Lawrence Ray Dutey 740-532-1760 740-533-4308
Licking Richard Salvage 740-973-5440
Logan Robert Erwin 937-593-7120 937-593-9065
Lorain Robert Rousseau 440-235-6298
Madison Pete Kitchen 614-879-7044 614-879-6400
Mahoning Mike Smith 330-482-0200
Marion Karyle Mumper 740-389-4329 740-244-4344
Medina Ralph Berry 330-723-0415
Meigs Charles Barrett 740-742-2578 740-992-2911
Mercer Owen Hall 419-586-4078 419-586-7728
Miami John O'Brien 937-339-1112 937-332-6912
Monroe Roger Clause 740-567-3168
Montgomery Patrick Flanagan 937-434-0734 937-223-5200
Morgan Dean Cain 740-559-2248
Morrow Dan Osborne 419-947-3435
Muskingum Pat Hennessey 740-454-2841 740-454-1221
Ottawa Terry Lowe 419-898-0628 419-898-6874
Paulding Tony Langham 419-399-4933
Perry Dave Freriks 740-342-4130 740-605-0647
Pickaway Jeffrey Call 740-869-3884
Portage Norm Sandvoss 330-297-5718
Pike Doug Miller 740-493-2459 740-493-3199
Preble Hal Yoder 937-456-8148
Putnam Gary Grant 419-596-3327 419-596-3848
Richland Mike Smith 419-524-1808
Ross Ron Fields 740-775-2323
Sandusky Lee Shaffer 419-665-2316 419-332-1527
Scioto Dr. Terry Johnson Tjohnson@somc.org
Seneca Charles Knight 419-435-4000
Shelby Ralph Bauer 937-295-3714 937-497-7222
Stark 330-456-6333
Summit Alex Arshinkoff 216-650-5055 330-434-9151
Trumbull Craig Bonar 330-638-3251 330-392-2511
Tuscarawas Doug Wills 330-343-6131
Union Jim Westfall 937-642-0869
Van Wert Martin Burchfield 419-238-5198 419-238-6553
Vinton Patricia Napier 740-385-5898
Warren Les Spaeth previous 513-398-4761
Warren Tom Grossmann 513-357-9384 513-754-8660
Washington Marilyn Ashcraft 740-373-6830 740-732-2331
Wayne Jim Carmichael 330-264-4744 330-466-1474
Williams Bob Winzeler 419-485-3543 419-485-3147
Wood John Miller 419-354-5927
Wyandot Sherman Stansberry 419-294-3237

Go Get 'em Patriots!

The George Voinovich "I'm an Idiot & a RINO" Award

So today we will temporarily rename the George Voinovich "Golden RINO Award" to the George Voinovich "I'm an Idiot & a RINO Award."



I really thought this award would be tucked away until after RINOvich stumbled out of office and it would have to be renamed. But George is out there again and he's talking. Yep, we all know what happens when Voinovich talks... he either starts crying or says something stupid and shows us he's even dumber and a bigger RINO than we ever thought.

Unable to pass him like a wrinkled prune, the elected idiot slams Strickland for out smarting our spinelss OH Senate President Bill Harris, says the only thing wrong with Barack Obama is Nancy Pelosi, and the best -- he thinks the Republican party has too many fiscal conservatives!

For the narrative on this one, Matt at Weapons of Mass Discussion highlights more of our elected idiots remarks made here in the Columbus Dispatch.

Voinovich's remarks are really not that surprising though - he comes from the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County. This is the Republican Party where the Chairman publicly applauds members that financially support Democrats over Republicans, is NOT pro-life and supports same-sex marriage and/or civil unions -- so this is not surprising coming from Voinovich.

The good thing about all this is... Curious George will be out of office soon! We have the chance to get a good person elected - that is if we don't elect RINO Rob Portman.

On a side note, the two leading contenders for having the George Voinovich Golden RINO Award named after them are State Senator Tom Fatton and Bush flunkie - Rob Portman. Patton is on the list because he voted for Gov. Ted Strickland and Portman is on the list and rising fast for supporting the UN over the US, voting against strenghthening our borders and voting against tax cuts.

Will Ohio Republican Party back Anti-Gun Mike DeWine?

It looks like once again the party hacks in the Republican party will support another retread politician. Like a punch drunk boxer that doesn't know when to quit - it appears Mike "take their guns" DeWine will be looking to run for office again!

Instead of supporting candidates that share our conservative values and honor the rights protected by our Constitution - the Republican party will support an openly anti-gun candidates is par for the course. And some of you thought Kevin DeSwine (ORP Chair) would be any better than the Blob Bennet the hack that he replaced as State Party Chairman. Nope - different name - same crap...

From Buckeye Firearms --

In 2006, the Ohio Republican Party employed a strategy of supporting candidates with state-wide name recognition (and anti-gun records) over pro-gun candidates that were less well-known.

The state party, under the control of then-Chairman Bob Bennett, backed anti-gun Jeanette Bradley over pro-gun Sandy O'Brien for Treasurer, and anti-gun candidate Betty Montgomery over pro-gun candidate Tim Grendell for Attorney General.

Believing that "O'Brien can't win" in November, party leaders sunk the party's resources into Bradley. Despite having earned statewide name recognition while serving as Lt. Governor in the Taft administration, and despite her opponent having almost no resources (in comparison to the Ohio Republican Party-backed candidate), pro-gun Sandy O'Brien defeated anti-gun Jeanette Bradley in the primary.

Betty Montgomery, meanwhile, who once infamously told Buckeye Firearms Association Chairman Jim Irvine she would "never be the candidate of the NRA", won her primary, but was defeated in November - by a far lesser known and less well-funded (but pro-gun!) Democrat.

Is history about to repeat itself, just one state-wide election cycle later? Will the Ohio Republican party, under the new leadership of Chairman Kevin DeWine, continue the failed strategy of supporting candidates with name recognition over those with a record of strong support for gun rights?

The 2010 race for Attorney General is shaping up to be an excellent bellwether.

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, who lost his seat in 2006, has filed a designation of treasurer statement with the Ohio secretary of state's office, a move which will allow him to begin raising funds.

DeWine has not said what office he plans to seek, but many political observers believe he has an eye on the attorney general's office. Given that Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost has already declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Attorney General, DeWine's move could signal a 2006 deja-vu all over again, pitting vehemently anti-gun DeWine's strong name recognition against the lesser well-known, pro-gun Yost.

Has the Ohio Republican Party learned its lesson? If so, they will quickly signal their support for Dave Yost's campaign, and begin funneling dollars his way. Or, rather, will they decide to back the anti-gun, name recognition candidate, Mike DeWine?

Let's be clear about one thing. Even with party support, Mike DeWine is destined for the same fate Jeanette Bradley and Betty Montgomery suffered in 2006.

The most likely scenario is that he will lose in the primary, leaving the party and media "experts" to once again wonder how a little-known candidate like Prosecutor Yost beat a former U.S. Senator.

If DeWine somehow defeats Yost in the primary, he will find himself facing a pro-gun Democrat, incumbent Richard Cordray, come November.

Either way, DeWine will go back into the political dust bin with the last two well-known anti-gun Republican candidates.

Ask an Ohio Republican Party official today, and they'll be happy to tell you that Republicans are the pro-gun More...

And they wonder why people are disgusted with the Republicans! They can't even stand up for what they believe!

Mandel for Treasurer - Why?

It looks like Josh will be running for Treasurer...

From the PD --

After a spring spent laying the groundwork at Republican dinners, State Rep. Josh Mandel today announced his run for state treasurer.

The 31-year-old former Lyndhurst city councilman, who served a pair of combat tours in Iraq as a Marine, declared his statewide candidacy this morning in a Web video posted on joshmandel.com. More...

I like Josh, but I don't think this is a smart move at all. Unfortunately for some, just because I like someone - that does not mean I will agree with all that they do. That a candidate other than Josh cannot be found is somewhat surprising. I believe there are other good candidates out there and believe Josh should stay where he is at.

Ganley closer to kicking off run for U.S. Senate

Local auto dealer, Tom Ganley is one step closer to making a formal announcement on his run for the U.S. Senate....

"We're in the final stages of interviewing a campaign manager," Ganley said in a telephone conversation this afternoon. Once that is done, possibly by the end of next week, he will plan a kickoff news conference and a series of press events across Ohio.

"I am very, very serious about this," he said when told that some people dismiss his candidacy. "I think we're going to be much more aggressive and professional about this than people expect." (PD)

Ganley, a political newcomer, faces an uphill battle against lifetime politician & Bush retread, Rob Portman. While Ganley will face an uphill battle, saying some people have already dismissed his candidacy is an understatement. As soon as Portman announced he would be running for Senate the political hacks were tripping over their do-nothing asses as they lined up to support him.

I know locally, while maybe smiling & patting Ganley on the back, the party hacks and leaders have already decided to back Portman. You can be sure the party patsies here in Cuyahoga County will be using everything in the book to sway the RPCC endorsement towards Portman.

Efforts will be taken to try and talk Ganley out of running, ala Blob Bennett's mantra of no primary competition between candidates. The power structure of the ORP does not like it when their "chosen" candidates has competition in the primary race. They feel this is a drain on money and resources which can be used in the general election.

Though no physical threats are used, political intimidation is the usual tool of choice, as we can see here from Portman's campaign manager...

Asked to comment, Paduchik said via e-mail, "Since Rob Portman announced his campaign for Senate we have secured the endorsements of an overwhelming majority of Republican elected officials, party leaders and grassroots activists; and have raised more than $3 million.

Hopefully this sheds some light on the political party tactics for the newly politically motivated people. For the average person wanting to get involved, for most, the statement from Portman's campaign manager would be enough to scare them away.

What does it say at this point in time, without knowing who or if anyone would challenge Portman, that GOP elected officials, party leaders and grassroots activists would blindly back Portman?

It says and shows that to keep in favor with the party, they will blindly back the party leader favorite. This is why most often people are left to pick between the lesser of two evils on general election day.

Let's hope that is not the case with Ganley who has the financial wherewithal to possibly make this a competitive primary.

Ohio's next Chief Justice must be a Strong Defender of our 2nd Amendment rights

The potential GOP primary between Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor and political retread, former Ohio AG Jim Petro, for chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court is sure to be interesting. Justice O'Connor, a highly respected jurist along with being the highest vote getter in the last election, and pay to play professional - Pancake Jim Petro - who by his own admission is just looking for another political job, will be looking to replace the retiring Chief Justice Moyer.

With the full-frontal assault on our 2nd Amendment rights that we are expected to face during the hopefully only one term of President Obama & his gun-grabbing loyalists, gun-owners must remain vigilant in selecting candidates in any race and especially mindful of where these two potential opponents stand on Gun Control.

Noting that both candidates have been steadfast in their support of our 2nd Amendment rights, Buckeye Firearms, though not yet endorsing any candidate, indicates Justice O'Connor can always be counted on and has a perfect record in supporting our right to keep and bear arms. They also note that Pancake Jim, while usually supporting our 2nd Amendment rights has waffled once before and tried giving us gun owners a swift kick in the "pistol"...

When it was first passed in 2004, Ohio's concealed carry law contained a media access loophole, inserted by Governor Taft as an 11th hour poison pill. Petro upset gun owners by repeatedly argued in favor not-only of giving the media access to this private information, but the public at large.

At the time, legislators in Ohio were warned that newspapers would abuse the law and publish entire lists of CHL-holders. They were also warned that such lists could then be exploited by criminals wishing to steal firearms, and that instances of criminals targeting particular locations they know to contain specific valuables (such as firearms), and staking out or casing residences to make sure no one is home, are common and well documented.

Petro called such scenario "a stretch", yet in the following year we documented two instances in Ohio where a robber and rapist used newspaper ads to lure their victims into a trap.

In all fairness, as our AG, Petro defended the constitutionality of the Carry/Conceal law for Ohioans. But as we can see - he was also willing to open our living rooms and jeopardize the safety of gun owners & their families by giving gun-hating liberals and criminals free access to their personal information. In other words, Petro, while supporting our 2A rights, was also willing to make legal gun owners identifiable targets for the anti-gun goons and offer up a menu of potential victims for the criminals.

In voting for Justice O'Connor gun owners, through her track record, will KNOW we have a strong defender of our 2nd Amendment rights. As for Petro - gun owners, through his above noted actions, can only HOPE for a strong supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights.