The details come from the Cincinnati Enquirer:Hamilton County Republicans endorsed Westwood attorney Robert Mecklenborg Friday to fill state Rep. Bill Seitz's Ohio House seat after Seitz is appointed to the Senate next month.The interesting thing is that Hamilton County GOP Chairman George Vincent has decided not to disclose very many details about the vote which involved some 30 Central Committee members.
But the county GOP committee vote did not deter runner-up Dick Hammersmith, a political consultant from Green Township, who promises to challenge Mecklenborg in the March 2008 primary election if Statehouse Republicans appoint the nominee.
"I know how to run these campaigns," Hammersmith said shortly after Friday's vote. "I'm in. We are certainly not deterred."
Mecklenborg, a former Cheviot law director and former Cleves prosecutor, issued a statement saying, "I am honored to have the overwhelming support and trust of the Hamilton County Republican Party as well as the unanimous support of my township Republican Party."
Mecklenborg, of Green Township, said he was honored that party members recognized his experience as an elected officeholder in Cheviot and a small-business owner.
He also serves on the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority board.
Hammersmith plans to take his appeal directly to House Republicans later this month and says that he will challenge Mecklenborg in the primary to retain the seat. As usual, this comes down to money... Hammersmith says that he has raised $20,000 more than Mecklenborg and in a time where Democrats are coming for Republicans all over the map, that may just be enough to persuade our friends in Columbus.
