Well, dear readers, we had our first meeting of the County GOP Central Committee last night. There is another issue I will be writing on in a different post that should scare all Ohioans concerned about their rights as voters. However, first to discuss Bob Bennett. As readers know, Mr. Bennett has decided to run again for State party Chair. I have highlighted elsewhere why I think this is a BAD idea, and from what I read at the Pullins Report and elsewhere, they still seem to be disjointed under Bennett's leadership. Anyway, our rep on the State Central Committee, Mr. Becker, visited with us and opened with this question: how do you want me to vote on Bob Bennett? He seemed to be looking at me before he said that. Maybe he read my post threatening support for any candidate who opposes people for voted for Bennett. At first, no one seemed willing to speak, then our elder statesman, Bill Herdmann, rose and offered his support of Bennett, citing that one loss should not justify throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Bill reminded us of the achievements of Mr. Bennett, including his recognition at a National Convention as best chair.
Bill had not even sat down yet when I spoke up. I said I hated to disagree with my mentor and friend, but Bennett has to go. I cited the example of Ken Mehlman, whom everyone said was a great campaigner in 04 but who fell on his sword after just one try. I also recognized Mr. Bennett's service, but said the time has come for new ideas and fresh leadership. I said that this campaign was poorly coordinated, especially with the strength of some candidates (Montgomery)who should have won, it shows a lack of leadership and coordination, and thatw as what I thought party chairs should do.
No one else seemed to want to say anything, or maybe didn't feel like they should. Then Mr. Becker asked our party chair, Paul Hall, his opinion to break the 1-1 tie. Paul hesitated, then he said he agreed with me. He said Bennett needed to go. He cited the example of a college he sits on the board of. The President of 11 years recently stepped down, not out of discontent, poor reviews, or bad health. President Dukes thought that it was time for new blood, new ideas, and 10-12 years is enough for one person. Paul said he felt the same way about Bennett, and he cited the running of the election as an example. He said that the Chair's only main job is to coordinate candidates and to get the team together. Too many candidates ran as stars, in fact Paul said there was no coordination between candidates, and he laid blame on the candidates and Bennett. He talked about how the stars were stubborn and didn't work as a team, something the Dems did. He said ultimately, that falls on the chair. Many nodded their heads in agreement.
We then asked Mr. Becker what was his feel for the rest of his counties he represents. He said that all the ones he had talked to want Bennett gone. He cited Scioto county as strong against, except for their party chair, who is a Bennett supporter. He said Clermont is vehement against Bennett, almost unanimous. He said Clermont practically demanded that he vote against Bennett even if, as at present, Bennett has no challenger. He also said that in talking to some counties outside his representation, there is a huge feel in SW Ohio that Bennett has to go, for exactly the reasons Paul and I stated, as well as SW Ohio feels like we were taken for granted, and we were, in this last election.
Again, I call on someone to rise up against Bennett, and send him off, like he should have done himself after the 04 election. For the sake of revitalizing this chaos that now is the party, BOB BENNETT MUST GO!
