Ohio Chief Justice Race: Petro Out

From some highly placed sources, I have heard that former State Attorney General Jim Petro is dropping his bid to run for Chief Justice. This leaves current Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor as the only candidate for the Republican side. In related news, Supreme Court Justices Judith Lanzinger and Paul Pfiefer are running for reelection.

Why Are Southern GOP Chairs Dragging Feet in Yost/Dewine Race?

According to sources, there was a meeting held October 24, 2009, in which the Southern Ohio GOP County Chairs Association met to endorse the same candidates that the ORP has endorsed. There was also discussion of endorsing David Yost. The committee decided to wait and see what the ORP decides in this race. Do these people not realize the power they have? The Southern Ohio area is some of the strongest in GOP support and membership. Why wait to see what Mr. P., Kevin DeWine, and his toadies up north are going to do? Are you intimidated? Why are so many Republicans afraid of Mike DeWine? This guy lost to an also ran like Sherrod Brown, even though he outraised Sherrod Brown and outspent him. This is a guy who ran a horrible state campaign for John McCain. This is a man who betrayed southern Ohio values and conservative principle by being a member of the Gang of 14, by voting against drilling in ANWR, as well as by not exactly in his legislative past being an ardent defender of gun rights, even though he has changed his tune now.

Is it the cashola? Is it the DeWine name, does it send a tingle up the spine? Me, it makes me vomit. As written elsewhere, more people are realizing that liberals are not needed. More conservatives are standing up to the liberal country club republicans. Why didn't the Southern Ohio Chairs stand up to Mr. P, Kevin Dewine, and the rest of the no principle crowd and vote for someone who is conservative, who campaigns, and does more than give out thanksgiving recipes and hold ice cream socials with barbershop quartets?

People are tired of arrogant, self serving, uncommunicative arses like Mike Dewine. People were sick of him last time he ran for office, and they aren't feeling any better now. He let us down then, he will let us down now. Call your county chairs and ask them why they aren't voting to endorse a true conservative. Ask them why they aren't voting based on you, the constituents they were elected to serve, and why they are waiting for marching orders from Mr. P Kevin Dewine and the clowns in C-bus!

Brown County Update

Petitions Submitted Regarding County Sales Tax Hike

Three business owners spearheading an effort to get a recent increase in the county sales tax on the spring ballot delivered petitions to County Auditor Doug Green on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Daryll Gray, of Gray's Maytag in Georgetown, as well as Seth and Tina Meranda, owners of Meranda-Nixon Winery in Ripley, turned the petitions over.

Many local business owners in the county spoke out against the .25 percent increase in the county sales tax, due to take effect January 1. The increase will make the sales tax for all taxable good in the county to the state set maximum of 7 percent.

The all Democrat County Commissioners (Jennings, Paeltz, and Geschwind)voted to approve the hike after two public hearings on October 28. Meranda's group had 30 days to submit a petition signed by 1500 voters in the county. According to the Merandas, they secured 25% more than required.

If enough signatures are verified, a referendum will be placed on the spring primary ballot. More from a local paper carrying the story:

The Brown County Commissioners said the delay would force the county to make additional cuts due to the loss of revenue from the first quarter of 2010. The Commissioners passed a temporary budget in the beginning of October but they will need to pass an updated temporary budget by the end of the year.

Commission Board President Margery Paeltz said if the petitions are approved and the referendum goes on the ballot they will not be able to figure the potential increased revenue into their budget. Additionally they cannot use potential increases from property taxes due to Certified Agricultural Use Value changes. Paeltz said they are expecting the state to give them finalized funding amounts for next year on Dec. 1 and at that time they will have a clearer picture of how much they will need to cut from the budget. The Commissioners will then meet with the county elected officials to discuss where those cuts will come from. Brown County Commissioner Bill Geschwind said the county would need to make additional cuts even if the sales tax increase is not put into effect.

Green said the petitions will be kept under lock and key for 10 working days and at the end of the day on the 11th day they will be turned over to the Brown County Board of Elections for certification. The BOE will have 10 days to certify the petitions.

Brown County Clerk of Courts Tina Meranda helped her husband Seth circulate petitions. She said in total there were 30 volunteers that helped.

“The Commissioners said they did the hard thing and raised the sales tax,” Tina Meranda said. “But sitting in their office and raising taxes is not hard. Spending every evening for 30 days away from your family travelling around getting signatures, that was hard.”

Former Commissioner Candidate Eagan Seriously Injured in Car Accident

Two time Republican candidate for County Commissioner Rick Eagan was seriously injured in a car accident Tuesday November 24th. At approximately 6:40am, Eagan struck and killed a deer on New Hope White Oak Station Road, just south of Goose Run Rd. He stopped his vehicle left of center and started to get out of his vehicle. As he was exiting the vehicle, a 17 year old Sardinia male driving a 2002 Ford Mustang struck Eagan and the door of the Explorer. Eagan suffered a compound fracture to his right leg, multiple fractures to his right arm, and internal bleeding, among other injuries. He was taken by Mt. Orab EMS to Mercy Hospital and later taken to University Hospital. The accident remains under investigation.

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Eagan Family.

Brown County Republican Dinner Set for December 5th

The Brown County Republican Dinner is set for Saturday, December 5th at the Southern Hills Joint Vocational Center just off of Rt. 68 on Hamer Road in Georgetown. See browncountygop.org or their facebook page for details. Candidates Josh Mandel for Treasurer and Jon Husted for Secretary of State have been invited to speak. Let's hope that Mandel speaks because the JVS may never be able to remove the slimy residue from its floors if Husted is the one to speak.

2nd Congressional District Comings and Goings

Some of this may have been covered elsewhere, but felt need to write about it. So, here goes....

Reality TV footnote Seeks to Eke Out their 16th Minute of Fame

Some schlep castoff of a season of the Donald Trump reality series the Apprentice has decided to go into politics. Surya Yalamanchili is running as an independent, joining fellow attention seekers Jim Parker of Waverly, who previously ran as a Democrat in the land of indepedents. Chili, as he is known, has a website that is strong on sentiment but little on substance.

Book Drops Out over Union Nastiness, Leaves Angry Armenian Dems' Lone Kook Hope

State Representative Todd Book, of the 89th district, has bowed out of the 2nd Congressional District Democrat Primary. Book made the announcement last week, saying he wanted to spend more time serving his constituents in the 89th. He cited the state pension issue (one which the state and the individual pension organizations have fumbled heavily)as something that will require his attention. There is a looming Pension bill that will come out of the committee Book chairs. Book was elected in 2002 and is serving his fourth term.

Book's announcement comes just a week after the Tri-State Building and Construction Trades Council rescinded its endorsement of him on November 17th. The source of the unendorsement has not been fully disclosed, but there is a great deal of speculation that it had to do with a deal that went down in Scioto County. The scrum was about labor used to build the new school building in the Portsmouth Clay School District. Evidently, the general contractor subcontracted a job with Book's dad's company. This company used a few green card immigrat workers which made the local unions upset. Therefore, some have surmised, the union wanted to get back at Book, even though Book had no control over the hiring decisions, and did not even know his dad's company was working for he district.

There has been some speculation as to what the future holds for Mr. Book. Some have said that he may run for the seat in the Senate being vacated by Tom Niehaus (R) in a few years. Also, some may be saying he might run again for the dem nomination for the 2nd congressional. Just a few months ago, he was considered a shining star for the party. Now, because of union politics, he is sitting this one out.

That leaves resident kook and nutjob David Krikorian the only Democrat filed for the race. Krikorian tried previously to run as an independent, claiming conservative values and pro business views. This was in stark contrast to his ties to the Democrat party and his donations to the like and appearance with Barack Obama. Oh boy, looks like Redfern and company are going to have a real keeper on their hands. Would appear to be good news for Jean Schmidt, the Republican incumbent...However...

Does the C Stand for Conservative? WMD Would like to Know

...a Republican challenger has filed to run against Jean Schmidt for the Republican nomination for the seat she currently holds serving the 2nd Congressional Distrct. The person? C. Michael Kilburn, a Warren County commissioner, and former booster of one Jean Schmidt. Mr. Kilburn is a Warren County commissioner who made headlines for refusing to take stimulus money from the US Government, a bill that Jean Schmidt voted for (see CORRECTION below). Kilburn has been in office since 1982. From a local paper:

My first day in office our payroll check bounced. Today we've got a wonderful reserve fund, we're one of the few counties that don't have serious financial problems," Kilburn said. "Warren County is just one success story of less government, less spending, and prudent financial management and I think I can take those skills to Washington."

Kilburn was the only Warren County elected official to endorse incumbent Jean Schmidt when she ran for office in 2006, three years later he said he no longer believes she is the right person for the job.

"I don't want to say anything bad about Jean ... I don't sense that Jean Schmidt's favorability is very high at this point," Kilburn said. "I just don't think she's the real true conservative that we need up there at this particular time and I think I am."

Kilburn said he is a very strong conservative like his father and his grandfather and he has always been in favor of electing Christian conservatives to office.

"My full name is Charles Michael Kilburn, my ballot name is C. Michael Kilburn. People ask me what the C stands for and I tell them conservative," Kilburn said.

According to his website, he was one of the first local elected officials to speak out against accepting Federal stimulus dollars, money that Warren County never accepted. He said officials in Washington today, and especially Republicans, have lost their way.

"We've got a social program for every hangnail problem in society and we can't afford it," Kilburn said. "We never could afford it but no one wanted to believe it. Now we're in a situation where we've got two choices we can continue our reckless fiscal ways. We can continue to borrow money from China to finance our insatiable desire to grow government, or we can elect some true conservatives who are going to be for less government, less spending, less taxes and get this economy back on its feet."

Mr. Kilburn has some impressive accomplishments as commissioner:

In fact Kilburn said Warren County has refunded county property owners all of their local millage, a total of more than $100 million according to Kilburn, over the last 10 years.

During his time in office Warren County was the first county in the state to adopt a county-wide 911 emergency communication system and standardize emergency radios with 800 megahertz equipment. He said his county has focused on doing more with less.

"We built our system for $3 million ... and Montgomery County, the county to the north of us, put in an 800 system four or five years later and they spent $30 million on it," Kilburn said.

Warren County has built a new jail, a new county administrative building, and a new juvenile detention center ... each was built without borrowing any money. Kilburn said the county saved up and paid for each one in cash.

"Warren County is the second fastest growing in the state of Ohio and to have no debt, that's an accomplishment," Kilburn said.

Mr. Kilburn said he would be mentored by former state senator Cooper Snyder.

While that is all well and good, we at WMD still pose the questions we ask of others, what would you do differently than Jean Schmidt? What specific votes would you have differed, and what would you do differently?

Analysis at this Point

The departure of Book seems to make this more likely of being a Republican hold, but the question is: who is going to hold it? And, looking at some of the local news organizations and comments, many people who don't even know who David Krikorian is nor his shady and expletive filled invective past are saying better him than Kilburn or Schmidt.

Schmidt, who has fought against the odds since she won the big primary fight vs. Bob McKewen et. al., has been at times her own worst enemy. During the big Cincinnati Tea party rally, she said some rather questionable statements regarding the judicial system and the stimulus spending. However, she has fought hard and held the seat and the power of incumbency is on her side. However, with the populist uprising against ANY member of Congress and the approval rating being so low, will she be a casualty? Right now, she is the favorite. She has the experience and the connections and donors to mount a good campaign. Kilburn? We don't know. His resume is impressive, but we at WMD need to know more. As for Krikorian, the more you listen to the guy and hear about his screed all over the state, the more you realize that putting him in office would be like giving the keys to the car to a raving lunatic. As for Chili, go back to your day job.

CORRECTIONS

While Rep. Schmidt did indeed vote for the TARP bill, she did NOT vote for the stimulus bill.

Happy Thanksgiving from John Kasich

Note:

[Today] is Thanksgiving Day, and I want to wish you a happy holiday. This is a day when we can put a pause on our busy lives and be thankful for what we have. It is a day I look forward to every year as a time to be with those I cherish, and I hope you will have the opportunity to do the same.

I am happy one of our country’s most beloved holidays is one which brings family and friends together to reflect on what they are thankful for in their lives. As you gather with those you cherish, I hope you will also take a moment to be thankful for the great country we live in and for every man and woman who has served or is currently serving in our military today.

I am also extremely thankful for all the support you have shown the Kasich for Ohio movement so far. My family and I continue to be inspired by supporters like you, and I hope you will have a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day.

Thank you,

John Kasich

Happy Thanksgiving from Rob Portman

Note:

Jane and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. We hope you are able to enjoy time together with your friends and family.

The first Thanksgiving was a time of tribulation for the pilgrims. But even in the face of great adversity they took time to thank God for all His blessings, asked for guidance and looked forward with optimism.

During these difficult economic times for Ohio and our nation, their example is inspiring. Many times in our nation’s history we’ve faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges, but we have always found a better way and made it through. That is the spirit of America and a part of what sets us apart.

As we gather tomorrow to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is a time to reflect on our many blessings, including the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy as Americans. We must preserve what has made America a land of opportunity and a beacon of hope for the rest of the world and ensure these blessings can continue for our children and grandchildren.

Let us also pause to thank those serving our nation overseas, away from their loved ones during this holiday season, and ask God’s blessings for them and their families.

Finally, I want you to know how grateful I am for your continued support and encouragement. I look forward to our work together over the next year.


God bless,

Rob Portman

Happy Thanksgiving from Mary Taylor

Note:

Dear Friends,

As we approach Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season, my family and I would like to extend our warmest holiday wishes to you and your family. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on our blessings and say thank you for your continued support.

Our oldest son, Joe, started college this year at The University of Akron (go Zips!) and our younger son, Michael is a freshman at Green High School. It seems only a short time ago that they were learning to tie their shoes or ride a bike. Now, its work boots and driving lessons. My parents are both retired and my wonderful Grandma is approaching 96. I am blessed with a loving family and am honored to also serve you as Ohio's Auditor of State.

Our best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, Joyous Holiday Season, and Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Mary Taylor

Don't Be Fooled OhioGOP, DeWine-Yost DOES Represent a Significant Difference of Opinion

Howard Wilkinson writes a piece on the Ohio GOP's worst kept secret: There is a serious split in the party between the conservatives base and the country club establishment.

Clermont County's GOP Chairmain Tim Ruud gets it:

And, in Clermont County, GOP county party Chairman Tim Rudd said he expects his executive committee will do the same when it meets in January.

With DeWine, Rudd said, "there has been a feeling that he has not been conservative enough for a conservative southwest Ohio county."

Hamilton County's GOP Chairman Alex doesn't:

Hamilton County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou - who said his party is not likely to endorse in the race - said the talk of an ideological split in the DeWine-Yost race is overblown.

"You can't compare this to the New York situation, because there, you had a Republican running who had taken a lot of liberal positions on issues,'' Triantafilou said. "You can't say that here. Mike DeWine is a conservative Republican. He's nothing like the liberal Republican who was running in New York."

Alex needs a refresher course on Mikey's record...I suggest he checks out the "Mike DeWine" tab on WMD...

Now, let's get to the peeps who think they matter the most: the Ohio GOP.

The Ohio GOP endorsed two candidates who are likely to have primary opposition in the May primary - former congressman Rob Portman for the U.S. Senate over Cleveland car dealer Tom Ganley; and former Ohio House speaker Jon Husted for secretary of state over Sandra O'Brien of Ashtabula.

But, on the DeWine-Yost race, the party was silent.

John McClelland, the state party's communications director, said that because of DeWine's late entry into the race, party leaders decided to skip the attorney general's race.

"We decided to be neutral on this one; and it may well stay that way," McClelland said.

DeWine's "late entry" might be providing the cover that the Ohio GOP is using; but the way I hear it, the state central committee has more votes for Yost than DeWine. The only reason why they didn't endorse Yost is a lack of courage. The Chairmain's last name might also have been a factor...

Conservatives are finally fighting back against the liberal wing of the party. And if the OhioGOP doesn't get with it, they may very well find themselves in serious trouble down the road.

TIB RADIO: WMD Program Notes and Live Blog

The WMD Program is on the Air at 6PM Eastern..... Click the link to listen; participate in the live blog...





Listen Now!

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Ohio College Republicans on Cordray's Defense of Privacy Invaders

Release:

(COLUMBUS, OH) In a statement released today by the Ohio College Republicans, Chairman Jonathon Snyder called on Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray to withdraw his taxpayer-funded defense of the three disgraced government employees involved in snooping on a private citizen for partisan political gain.

“We just want Attorney General Cordray to side with Ohioans and not just the Ohio Democratic Party.” said Ohio College Republican Chairman Jonathon Snyder.

“Our Attorney General has a choice in the matter, yet he is choosing to side with party over principle. In choosing to provide a taxpayer-funded defense of employees involved in grossly abusing government resources for partisan political gain, Richard Cordray is showing his true colors. Ohioans need an Attorney General who represents them, not the Ohio Democratic Party.”

Snyder noted that College Republicans from across the state are contacting the Attorney General's office this week to urge Cordray to make the right choice. He stated that, “We want to make sure our voice is heard on this, and we know many Ohioans agree with our view here. The bottom line is that there is an opportunity for Richard Cordray to make this right, and we want him to make the right choice for Ohio, not just the Democratic Party.”



The Ohio College Republican Federation (OCRF) is the statewide body of all College Republican chapters across Ohio, currently giving support and aid to over 45 chapters. The OCRF brings together nearly 10,000 members throughout Ohio and provides crucial grassroots support to Republican campaigns and organizations in Ohio, serving as the preeminent Republican youth organization in the state.

Ohio Update: 2010 US Senate Edition

I keep hearing that there is another guy seeking the Republican nomination to be Ohio's next US Senator, but I sure don't see evidence of him running a statewide campaign.

I also hear that this guy, whoever he is, is claiming to be a conservative's conservative. But like former Senator Mike DeWine, this guy sure has a funny sense of what it is to be conservative.

Take property rights, for example. The conservative position on property rights is that if you own your property, it's yours. But it appears that if you are Tom Ganley and people own property you want to enlarge your vast empire, you threaten the Akron city council until you get what you want.

Want another example? How about government handouts? The conservative position on unnecessary entitlements is to eliminate them. But it appears that if you are Tom Ganley and you are presented with an opportunity to take advantage of a government handout, you exploit it.

Do we really want a US Senator who thinks like this? How does one go about making the argument for less intrusive government when one has used the government to advance one's own agenda? Good for me but not for thee?

We can do better... While Rob Portman's campaign to date has resembled a beauty pageant, we know FAR more about Rob than we do Mr. Ganley.

Cleveland Update: Legislating From the Bench Edition

Here is a story that hasn't gotten a whole lot of play but it is important on several fronts. The 8th District Court of Appeals is thumbing its nose at the Ohio Supreme Court and a ruling by that body that settled the issue of whether or not local gun control laws had any teeth. The answer to that question was decided by the Ohio Supreme Court in Ohioans For Concealed Carry, Inc. v. Clyde but that hasn't stopped the Democrats in Cleveland from pushing their radical agenda.

I said that this issue was important on several fronts and it is... Take the Republican primary race for Attorney General for instance. In Dave Yost, we have a solid conservative who supports the Second Amendment without question. In Mike DeWine, we have a liberal with a vast record of trashing the Second Amendment whenever it suits him.

It is also important, because we have several Courts of Appeals races going on RIGHT NOW around the state. Two seats in the 12th District are open this time. I happen to know that Rachel Hutzel is a strong Second Amendment supporter, but have no idea about Robin Piper (maybe somebody ought to ask him). These are all very relevant and important questions that we should be asking judicial candidates.

Butler County GOP Endorsement Recap

The final night of endorsements featured Yost vs. DeWine for Attorney General...

12th District Court of Appeals (First Seat:

Votes Cast - 181
Votes Needed - 109

PIPER - 162 89%
No Endorsement - 19

12th District Court of Appeals (Second Seat):

Votes Cast - 180
Votes Needed - 108

HUTZEL - 169 94%
No Endorsement - 11

Attorney General of Ohio:

Votes Cast - 174
Votes Needed - 105

YOST - 119
DeWine - 50
No Endorsement - 5

Juvenile Court:

Votes Cast - 148
Votes Needed - 89

KING - 126 85%
No Endorsement - 22

Area III Court:

Votes Cast - 85
Votes Needed - 51

HAUGHEY - 85 100%
No Endorsement - 0

53rd District of Ohio House:

Votes Cast - 64
Votes Needed - 39

DERICKSON - 62 98%
No Endorsement - 2

54th District of Ohio House:

Votes Cast - 45
Votes Needed - 27

COMBS - 38 88%
No Endorsement - 7

55th District of Ohio House:

Votes Cast - 49
Votes Needed - 30

COLEY - 40 81%
No Endorsement - 9

Boehner on Veterans Day

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement honoring our nation’s servicemembers and veterans:

“This is a particularly somber Veterans Day, as tragedy has focused our attention on the tremendous sacrifices the members of our Armed Forces have made to protect this nation. We honor the memories of the fallen and keep faith with their loved ones, whose quiet courage sets an example for all of us.

“One generation of Americans after another has answered the call of duty without fail. These brave men and women call themselves veterans. We call them heroes. Today, we renew our commitment to repaying the debt we owe them knowing we can never fully do so except to cherish the blessings of freedom they have preserved for us and stand with the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who carry on in their stead.”

Spaces’ Health Care Vote Raises Taxes and Slashes Benefits for Seniors

Release:

Lakeville, OH – Senator Bob Gibbs, candidate for Ohio’s 18th Congressional District, reacted today to Rep. Zack Space’s vote to favor the Nancy Pelosi government run health care program.

“It is unacceptable that Zack Space just voted to slash benefits from the Medicare program, raise taxes, and add 118 new government bureaucracies” said Senator Gibbs. “Zack has been dodging his constituents’ views on the issue of healthcare because he knows that this district is against the Pelosi plan.”

“Not only does this bill implement a $729.5 billion dollar new tax on our families, it also does not address skyrocketing health care costs and criminalizes non-compliance which increasingly erodes our freedoms and individual liberties,” Gibbs added.

Zack Space has been publicly criticized in recent months for refusing to meet with his constituents on the issues of health care reform and cap-and-trade. Space voted to support both cap-and-trade and now health care, two bills which are strongly opposed by his districts workers, families and seniors. “Once again, Zack chose Nancy Pelosi’s agenda over the good of his constituents,” commented Gibbs on the recent health care vote. “Never before have I seen a congressman so neglect his constituents and their wishes.”

For three decades Bob Gibbs has served as a small business owner and community leader, operating a farm and rental property business. He served on the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees for fifteen years and is a past president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.

Cates for Butler County Commissioner?

I found a very interesting throw away line in the Cincinnati Enquirer piece covering last nights festivities t the Butler County GOP Endorsement Meeting. It is from Commission Don the Democrat Dixon:

It could pave the way for some "big names," such as state Sen. Gary Cates, to enter the race, Dixon speculated. Cates, a state senator since 2005, will term limit out in 2012.

Senator? Anything you'd like to say? :)

However...I MUST object to something else that made it in to the piece (on page 2). Robert Weber is NOT a Republican. He is -- in fact -- a socialist. Just ask him.

BUTLER COUNTY UPDATE: GOP Endorsement for County Commissioner

There were five rounds of voting...

FIRST ROUND:

Alvarez - 91
Carpenter - 66
Jolivette - 54
Nix - 84
Retherford - 13
No Endorsement - 10

SECOND ROUND:

Alvarez - 105
Carpenter - 57
Jolivette - 50
Nix - 94
No Endorsement - 7

THIRD ROUND:

Alvarez - 111
Carpenter - 56
Nix - 107
No Endorsement - 25

FOURTH ROUND:

Alvarez - 109
Nix - 113
No Endorsement - 68

FIFTH ROUND:

Alvarez - 97
Nix - 113
No Endorsement - 69

RESULT: No Endorsement.

NOTES:

John Kasich was endorsed for governor tonight (97%)

Steve Chabot was endorsed for the OH-01 congressional race.

Roger Reynolds was endorsed for Butler County Auditor.

Barbara Carter Schneider was endorsed for Court of Common Please Domestic

Ed Shelton called me a "dip$#|+"

Chris Wunnenberg thanked me for calling him a lousy politician. Humor was appreciated, Chris...

My spies tell me that Prosecutor Robin Piper (who is running for 12th District Court of Appeals) and Sheriff Jones (who I really don't have a problem with outside of his unwillingness to yield to reality on the budget) don't like me very much.

I must be doing something right...

Why do I do this? I think part of the problem in Butler County is that far too many people are willing to talk behind closed doors and in whispers, but not out where people can really know what the score is... I receive information from sources in and out of the party that I trust far more than I trust some of our elected officials. I get information from people who have worked for some of these people. If I didn't hear it from at least two sources, you won't see it on WMD...

I have stuff that I am working on that will really bring the house down...so, no, my friends, I'm not done yet. What will it take for the corrupt influences that have plagued our county for so long finally get the message that the good people of Butler County are fed up? We just might find out...

Keep the faith, my friends...we still have a LONG journey ahead of us.

UPDATE: I was just reminded that Mike Fox had the nerve to show up. No wheelchair in sight... I'm just putting it out there...

VIDEO: Turner Stops By the Tea Party Rally Against Pelosi Health Care Reform Bill

Mike Turner greeting people at the Washington, DC Tea Party Rally against the Pelosi Health Care Reform Bill...



...I wonder if the Congressman took any questions about pork? Thankfully, the Congressman is with us on this health care bill, but this crowd opposes wasteful government spending too!

AARP: Just Another Greedy Insurance Company

From the House Republican Conference:

AARP: Just Another Greedy Insurance Company

November 4, 2009

“Either you’re a voice for the elderly or you’re an insurance company—choose one….They put themselves forward as non-biased observers, but they’re very swayed by business interests.”

— Independent consultant Dean Zerbe, quoted in Washington Post expose

Press reports indicate that AARP may endorse Speaker Pelosi’s health care bill as soon as Thursday. However, even as AARP teams up with Democrats to challenge a recent study demonstrating that premiums would rise under Democrats’ government takeover of health care as an “insurance industry hatchet job” that’s not “worth the paper it’s printed on,” an analysis of the organization’s operations reveals that it functions as a de facto insurance company—one that has participated in ethically questionable dealings:

· A letter from AARP admits that during the years 1999-2008, AARP received an average $339.7 million dollars per year in “royalty fees” from licensing its brand name to various insurance products. Extrapolating this average over the entire decade, AARP received nearly $3.4 billion in windfall profits from selling health insurance and other similar products.

· Moreover, a review of its financial statements finds that relying on average “royalty fees” over the last decade significantly underestimates AARP’s existing revenue base, as the organization has focused heavily on increasing its “royalties” in the past few years. In 2008 alone, AARP received more than half a billion dollars in revenue from selling products like Medigap supplemental insurance policies—$652.7 million in direct “royalties and fees,” an increase of more than 31 percent from $497.6 million in similar fees in 2007. While royalty revenues now comprise more than half—60.3 percent—of all AARP revenues, a Bloomberg news analysis published in December found that in 1999, royalties comprised only 11 percent of the organization’s total revenues.

· AARP’s financial statements also note that of the $657.2 million in “royalty fees” received in 2008, 63 percent—more than $414 million—came from United Health Group, an insurance company which markets AARP-branded Medigap and Medicare Advantage supplemental insurance policies. Nearly 40 percent of AARP’s 2008 revenue came from United Health Group—more than it received in membership dues, grants, and private contributions combined.

Most concerningly, the growth in “royalty” revenues has resulted in a series of business practices and controversies which AARP members and independent outside observers questioning whether the organization is serving its members, or its own bottom line:
· The Bloomberg article highlighted what one observer called AARP’s “dirty little secret”—overcharging its senior members, many of whom who felt betrayed after paying hundreds of dollars above market price for AARP-branded coverage. One of its own members noted that “AARP has great buying power, and people should be able to get the best deal….This is unconscionable, what AARP has allowed to happen.” Another disillusioned senior wrote to the organization’s leadership asking whether AARP had a “‘special relationship’ with [insurance carriers] by which it receives commissions, incentives, rebates, or dare I say ‘kickbacks?’”

“There’s an inherent conflict of interest….They’re ending up becoming very dependent on sources of income.”

— Former AARP Executive Marilyn Moon, quoted in Bloomberg article

· While the AARP website claims that the organization supports “guaranteeing that all individuals and groups wishing to purchase or renew coverage can do so regardless of age or pre-existing conditions,” a review of the New York State Insurance Commissioner’s website finds that AARP-branded Medigap coverage imposes a six-month waiting period for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Some may therefore question whether the AARP’s desire to sell insurance coverage bringing the organization high “royalty fees” is interfering with its mission to serve seniors, including those in most need of medical coverage.

· In November, news sources reported that AARP suspended the sale of “limited-benefit” health insurance policies, largely as a result of pressure from Republican Members of Congress concerned that the organization was selling policies advertised as a “smart option for the health care insurance you need,” even though the policies would only pay up to $10,000 for surgery costs. However, the fate of the more than 1 million policy-holders who purchased limited-benefit coverage from AARP remains unclear—and the organization has made no public offers to return the “royalty fees” on the “bare bones” policies it sold under questionable pretenses.

While the Pelosi bill includes strict restrictions on virtually all other forms of insurance, it includes no additional restrictions on Medigap policies—thus allowing AARP to continue making billions of dollars in “kickbacks” by overcharging seniors for insurance policies and denying access to seniors with pre-existing conditions. With Speaker Pelosi calling insurance companies “immoral villains,” and Sen. Jay Rockefeller deriding them as “rapacious,” many may question why Democrats are so quick to rely on an organization that has received billions of dollars in windfall profits from those same insurers as an “independent” source to support their government takeover of health care. More importantly, a fundamental question presents itself: With its own members believing that AARP is “making money on the backs of old people,” who should believe that the organization is looking out for seniors’ interests and not its own?

BUTLER COUNTY: Reynolds Continues Revaluations

Release:

HAMILTON, OH – Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds committed in 2008 to adjust property values on his own this year and the process is nearing completion. After taking office in April of 2008, when a state-mandated revaluation based on higher market values (2005, 2006, 2007) had been virtually completed, Reynolds promised to analyze values this year and adjust them accordingly.

“Butler County did not escape the free fall of home values in 2008 and 2009,” Reynolds stated. “While there has been some recent stabilization of the market, homes are clearly selling for less than they were in 2006 and 2007.”

The revaluation will take into account residential sales data collected in 2008 and 2009.
By utilizing the office’s real estate software, the majority of the work has been accomplished in house.

Reynolds sees different levels of decline across the county. “Based on real data, certain areas of the county have faired better than others. As expected, homes in suburban areas such as West Chester and Liberty Township have declined, but not near the level of decline that we have seen in the more urban areas of Hamilton, Middletown and parts of Trenton.”

“The bottom line is the state regulated 2008 revaluation was based on 2006 and 2007 data, which did not come close to reflecting the economic realities of the last two years. I am committed to analyzing and reducing values wherever necessary,” Reynolds said.

After this year’s revaluation, the next scheduled county-wide review will take place in 2011. “Like all property owners, I’m hopeful values recover and the economy strengthens. However, until such time I’m committed to appraising real estate at a conservative, fair value.”

Reynolds plans to have the reductions in place before the end of the year.

GUEST COLUMN: "Honoring America’s Veterans"

By State Rep. John Adams

As a Navy veteran, I have always believed that supporting and honoring our nation's veterans is the best display of patriotism. Today, there are approximately 25 million military veterans living in the United States, and Veterans Day on November 11th is the perfect opportunity to show reverence for the sacrifices of our nation's veterans and service members.

Veterans Day, formerly called “Armistice Day,” commemorated the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. It was designated a holiday that was “dedicated to the cause of world peace” and became a day to officially honor veterans of World War I. President Woodrow Wilson broadcasted the importance of Armistice Day in his final national address, proclaiming that “the anniversary of Armistice Day should stir us to great exaltation of spirit because of the proud recollection that it was our day, a day above those early days of that never-to-be-forgotten November.”

Following World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was renamed “Veterans Day” to honor American veterans of all wars. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed, “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

In continuing the traditions of this holiday, it is important to never take the service and sacrifices of our nation's service members for granted. By being good citizens and being proud of the country that has been built upon the blood and sweat of our nation's veterans, we can ensure that we will never forget the challenges our country has overcome throughout the years. None of what we have accomplished together would be possible without the strength of our military and the bravery of those who have answered the call to duty.

This Veterans Day, I encourage you to proudly fly the American Flag as a symbol of our enduring freedoms and to honor the men and women who have lost their lives defending it. I would like to take a moment to thank all my fellow comrades in arms who have stood in the face of danger, who have put themselves in life-threatening situations to protect their neighbors and loved ones back home. Whether you were storming the beaches of Normandy, fighting in Pacific jungles or traversing the deserts of the Middle East, we all have been brought together by the common threads of patriotism and a love for all that America stands for.

INFO: New Federal Bureaucracies Created in Pelosi Health Care Bill

The House Republican Conference has compiled a list of all the 118 new boards, bureaucracies, commissions, and programs created in H.R. 3962, Speaker Pelosi’s government takeover of health care:



1. Retiree Reserve Trust Fund (Section 111(d), p. 61)

2. Grant program for wellness programs to small employers (Section 112, p. 62)

3. Grant program for State health access programs (Section 114, p. 72)

4. Program of administrative simplification (Section 115, p. 76)

5. Health Benefits Advisory Committee (Section 223, p. 111)

6. Health Choices Administration (Section 241, p. 131)

7. Qualified Health Benefits Plan Ombudsman (Section 244, p. 138)

8. Health Insurance Exchange (Section 201, p. 155)

9. Program for technical assistance to employees of small businesses buying Exchange coverage (Section 305(h), p. 191)

10. Mechanism for insurance risk pooling to be established by Health Choices Commissioner (Section 306(b), p. 194)

11. Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund (Section 307, p. 195)

12. State-based Health Insurance Exchanges (Section 308, p. 197)

13. Grant program for health insurance cooperatives (Section 310, p. 206)

14. “Public Health Insurance Option” (Section 321, p. 211)

15. Ombudsman for “Public Health Insurance Option” (Section 321(d), p. 213)

16. Account for receipts and disbursements for “Public Health Insurance Option” (Section 322(b), p. 215)

17. Telehealth Advisory Committee (Section 1191 (b), p. 589)

18. Demonstration program providing reimbursement for “culturally and linguistically appropriate services” (Section 1222, p. 617)

19. Demonstration program for shared decision making using patient decision aids (Section 1236, p. 648)

20. Accountable Care Organization pilot program under Medicare (Section 1301, p. 653)

21. Independent patient-centered medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302, p. 672)

22. Community-based medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302(d), p. 681)

23. Independence at home demonstration program (Section 1312, p. 718)

24. Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research (Section 1401(a), p. 734)

25. Comparative Effectiveness Research Commission (Section 1401(a), p. 738)

26. Patient ombudsman for comparative effectiveness research (Section 1401(a), p. 753)

27. Quality assurance and performance improvement program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1412(b)(1), p. 784)

28. Quality assurance and performance improvement program for nursing facilities (Section 1412 (b)(2), p. 786)

29. Special focus facility program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1413(a)(3), p. 796)

30. Special focus facility program for nursing facilities (Section 1413(b)(3), p. 804)

31. National independent monitor pilot program for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities (Section 1422, p. 859)

32. Demonstration program for approved teaching health centers with respect to Medicare GME (Section 1502(d), p. 933)

33. Pilot program to develop anti-fraud compliance systems for Medicare providers (Section 1635, p. 978)

34. Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange (Section 1647, p. 1000)

35. Medical home pilot program under Medicaid (Section 1722, p. 1058)

36. Accountable Care Organization pilot program under Medicaid (Section 1730A, p. 1073)

37. Nursing facility supplemental payment program (Section 1745, p. 1106)

38. Demonstration program for Medicaid coverage to stabilize emergency medical conditions in institutions for mental diseases (Section 1787, p. 1149)

39. Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund (Section 1802, p. 1162)

40. “Identifiable office or program” within CMS to “provide for improved coordination between Medicare and Medicaid in the case of dual eligibles” (Section 1905, p. 1191)

41. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (Section 1907, p. 1198)

42. Public Health Investment Fund (Section 2002, p. 1214)

43. Scholarships for service in health professional needs areas (Section 2211, p. 1224)

44. Program for training medical residents in community-based settings (Section 2214, p. 1236)

45. Grant program for training in dentistry programs (Section 2215, p. 1240)

46. Public Health Workforce Corps (Section 2231, p. 1253)

47. Public health workforce scholarship program (Section 2231, p. 1254)

48. Public health workforce loan forgiveness program (Section 2231, p. 1258)

49. Grant program for innovations in interdisciplinary care (Section 2252, p. 1272)

50. Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment (Section 2261, p. 1275)

51. Prevention and Wellness Trust (Section 2301, p. 1286)

52. Clinical Prevention Stakeholders Board (Section 2301, p. 1295)

53. Community Prevention Stakeholders Board (Section 2301, p. 1301)

54. Grant program for community prevention and wellness research (Section 2301, p. 1305)

55. Grant program for research and demonstration projects related to wellness incentives (Section 2301, p. 1305)

56. Grant program for community prevention and wellness services (Section 2301, p. 1308)

57. Grant program for public health infrastructure (Section 2301, p. 1313)

58. Center for Quality Improvement (Section 2401, p. 1322)

59. Assistant Secretary for Health Information (Section 2402, p. 1330)

60. Grant program to support the operation of school-based health clinics (Section 2511, p. 1352)

61. Grant program for nurse-managed health centers (Section 2512, p. 1361)

62. Grants for labor-management programs for nursing training (Section 2521, p. 1372)

63. Grant program for interdisciplinary mental and behavioral health training (Section 2522, p. 1382)

64. “No Child Left Unimmunized Against Influenza” demonstration grant program (Section 2524, p. 1391)

65. Healthy Teen Initiative grant program regarding teen pregnancy (Section 2526, p. 1398)

66. Grant program for interdisciplinary training, education, and services for individuals with autism (Section 2527(a), p. 1402)

67. University centers for excellence in developmental disabilities education (Section 2527(b), p. 1410)

68. Grant program to implement medication therapy management services (Section 2528, p. 1412)

69. Grant program to promote positive health behaviors in underserved communities (Section 2530, p. 1422)

70. Grant program for State alternative medical liability laws (Section 2531, p. 1431)

71. Grant program to develop infant mortality programs (Section 2532, p. 1433)

72. Grant program to prepare secondary school students for careers in health professions (Section 2533, p. 1437)

73. Grant program for community-based collaborative care (Section 2534, p. 1440)

74. Grant program for community-based overweight and obesity prevention (Section 2535, p. 1457)

75. Grant program for reducing the student-to-school nurse ratio in primary and secondary schools (Section 2536, p. 1462)

76. Demonstration project of grants to medical-legal partnerships (Section 2537, p. 1464)

77. Center for Emergency Care under the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (Section 2552, p. 1478)

78. Council for Emergency Care (Section 2552, p 1479)

79. Grant program to support demonstration programs that design and implement regionalized emergency care systems (Section 2553, p. 1480)

80. Grant program to assist veterans who wish to become emergency medical technicians upon discharge (Section 2554, p. 1487)

81. Interagency Pain Research Coordinating Committee (Section 2562, p. 1494)

82. National Medical Device Registry (Section 2571, p. 1501)

83. CLASS Independence Fund (Section 2581, p. 1597)

84. CLASS Independence Fund Board of Trustees (Section 2581, p. 1598)

85. CLASS Independence Advisory Council (Section 2581, p. 1602)

86. Health and Human Services Coordinating Committee on Women’s Health (Section 2588, p. 1610)

87. National Women’s Health Information Center (Section 2588, p. 1611)

88. Centers for Disease Control Office of Women’s Health (Section 2588, p. 1614)

89. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Office of Women’s Health and Gender-Based Research (Section 2588, p. 1617)

90. Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Women’s Health (Section 2588, p. 1618)

91. Food and Drug Administration Office of Women’s Health (Section 2588, p. 1621)

92. Personal Care Attendant Workforce Advisory Panel (Section 2589(a)(2), p. 1624)

93. Grant program for national health workforce online training (Section 2591, p. 1629)

94. Grant program to disseminate best practices on implementing health workforce investment programs (Section 2591, p. 1632)

95. Demonstration program for chronic shortages of health professionals (Section 3101, p. 1717)

96. Demonstration program for substance abuse counselor educational curricula (Section 3101, p. 1719)

97. Program of Indian community education on mental illness (Section 3101, p. 1722)

98. Intergovernmental Task Force on Indian environmental and nuclear hazards (Section 3101, p. 1754)

99. Office of Indian Men’s Health (Section 3101, p. 1765)

100. Indian Health facilities appropriation advisory board (Section 3101, p. 1774)

101. Indian Health facilities needs assessment workgroup (Section 3101, p. 1775)

102. Indian Health Service tribal facilities joint venture demonstration projects (Section 3101, p. 1809)

103. Urban youth treatment center demonstration project (Section 3101, p. 1873)

104. Grants to Urban Indian Organizations for diabetes prevention (Section 3101, p. 1874)

105. Grants to Urban Indian Organizations for health IT adoption (Section 3101, p. 1877)

106. Mental health technician training program (Section 3101, p. 1898)

107. Indian youth telemental health demonstration project (Section 3101, p. 1909)

108. Program for treatment of child sexual abuse victims and perpetrators (Section 3101, p. 1925)

109. Program for treatment of domestic violence and sexual abuse (Section 3101, p. 1927)

110. Native American Health and Wellness Foundation (Section 3103, p. 1966)

111. Committee for the Establishment of the Native American Health and Wellness Foundation (Section 3103, p. 1968)

112. Grant program for mental health and substance abuse screening (Manager’s Amendment, p. 31)

113. Centers for Disease Control Office of Minority Health (Manager’s Amendment, p. 35)

114. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Office of Minority Health (Manager’s Amendment, p. 35)

115. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Office of Minority Health (Manager’s Amendment, p. 36)

116. Health Resources and Services Administration Office of Minority Health (Manager’s Amendment, p. 36)

117. Food and Drug Administration Office of Minority Health (Manager’s Amendment, p. 36)

118. Outreach program to increase awareness of diabetes screening benefits (Manager’s Amendment, p. 39)

Strickland and Details

You know the 527 Media is still in the tank for Democrats when they let fat pitches right down Broadway like this one go without even swinging the bat...

"Strickland insists that he provided detailed plans when he ran in 2006 and that 'no one should strive to be the governor of Ohio without being willing to be specific about what they intend to do with that office.'

COME ON! Seriously, Columbus Dispatch...you have GOT to be kidding. Here is stuff from YOUR OWN PAPER refuting that nonsense:

"He provided no details, and asked afterward when he would unveil those details, Strickland said, 'I will do that if I win this election.'" (The Columbus Dispatch, 8/18/06)

"Critics say that on some of the most important issues facing Ohio, including education and taxes, Strickland, enjoying a lead in the polls, has so far avoided providing many specifics." (Columbus Dispatch, 8/27/06)

"John Green, director of the University of Akron's Ray C. Bliss School of Applied Politics, said it appears that Strickland has been vague on some controversial issues." (Columbus Dispatch, 8/27/06)

"So far, Strickland has played it safe, eschewing sweeping proposals for fixing Ohio's economy and schools in favor of a series of relative baby steps encompassed in his 'Turnaround Ohio' plan." (Joe "The Hack" Hallett, The Columbus Dispatch, 9/3/06)

And that's just the Columbus Dispatch!

Remember this, folks, when Democrats say that they have a secret plan that will be revealed only if you elect them, they are -- in fact -- lying.

ATHENS UPDATE: Gwinn & Co. Remain Defiant

Every time I get stunned at GOP arrogance, I have to remind myself that the Republicans are the amateurs on that particular stage. Ohio Democrats are the real professionals when it comes to tin eared, blatant hypocrisy and arrogance. The nerve of these people is amazing.

Yesterday, it was reported that Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern called the $5 a Vote scam a stupid scheme and asked for the resignation of the Athens County Chair, a woman already under indictment for other crimes in office. What do Athens County Democrats do? They double down...and call for Redfern's resignation.

Nate Nelson has that story at Nate, Uncensored.

Butler County GOP: Retherford for Commission Campaign Flyer

Retherford Campaign Brochure 2

2009 Election Recap

The Good:

Republican governors in Virginia and New Jersey

Republican mayor in Dayton. Congrats Mr. Mayor-Elect Gary Leitzell

David Esrati loses again...this time for Dayton City Commission.

Mayor D'Epifanio re-elected here in Fairfield

The good people of Allen County repealed a tax increase put in place by Republicans in that county. Congrats to SOB Alliance member Mark Vernik for his victory on this one!

The Bad:

Mayor Mallory re-elected in the city of Cincinnati. Brad Wenstrup was a surprisingly good candidate, but Cincinnati is a lost cause.

It doesn't look like the face of Cincinnati City Council changed...

Hoffman's loss in NY-23. That seat will be in play again and the NRCC will STILL find a way to screw it up.

Friend of the Show Scott Spradlin lost his race to be Union Township Trustee...better luck next time Scott!

The Mixed Bag:

Issue 1 passed. Our veterans deserve every benefit we can give them, but we really can't afford this one at this time.

Issue 2 passed. It is an expansion of government. And it won't hold off HSUS and PETA from trying to make it worse. But our farmers got what they wanted.

Issue 3 passed. It wasn't perfect, but it was better than previous attempt at bringing gambling to Ohio. The best part is seeing that LiarPAC loses.

What is wrong with the Republican Party- Part 2

This is the big one... PRINCIPLES and VALUES! Thats right, we use to have them, some of us still do, but the one's who write the laws, vote on the bills, pass the resolutions, well a majority of them have seem to left them at home. Even though this is the big one, its the simple one.
In his speech to CPAC in 1975 the great Ronald Reagan said, "Our people look for a cause to believe in. Is it a third party we need, or is it a new and revitalized second party, raising a banner of no pale pastels, but bold colors which make it unmistakably clear where we stand on all of the issues troubling the people" He then went on to list fundemental elements that Conservatives should stand on. These principles were...
-Fiscal Integrity, sound money and the retirement of the national debt
-Permenent limits on the amount of money the govt can take from someone
-Simplification of the tax code
-Free Markets will always be the best provider for the people
-Stop the over-regulation of businesses which slow and sometimes stop growth
-Ward of socialism and promote private ownership of business
-We have the responsibility to protect our LAW ABIDING CITIZENS
-Maintaining whatever level of strength is neccessary to preserve freedom
He then went on to conclude his speech with, "I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way"
"LET THEM GO THEIR OWN WAY!" What a powerful statement. Unfortunitely we have left that. What use to be the Reagan rule, "If they get 8 out of 10 right, then thats doing good" became the "Big Tent" rule of "3 or 4 out of 10 works good enough" That rule led to Olympia Snowe, Arlen Spector and others.
We, as Republicans, for too long have allowed our Republican Office Holders (side note: this does not apply to every Rep Office holder, but an increasing majority of them) to move away from the principles.
With the election of Obama in Nov 08, a lot of these Republicans have started to find their way back to those values, but only time, and a majority will tell whether or not they will stick to them. For the sake of this country and the sake of the party I hope we will.
Over the next few years we need to start weeding out these officials who do not believe in the principles. We then must find truly conservative candidates that are willing to serve and hold these principles and can actually relate and relay to the general public why those policies work for all.
We must stand up and start shaking it up and we must do it now. It must start at the local level with county, city and township offices and work its way up to state then federal offices. I want to change one thing to what Ronald Reagan said. If we have Republicans who are not willing to stick to these values and principles, then we must make them "go their own way"

Voinovich on Issue 6 Passage

Statement:

“I want to congratulate the bipartisan leadership group that banded together to take the future of Cuyahoga County into their own hands. I am pleased that the voters of Cuyahoga County responded to their call for action. They know that the ship is sinking, and the passage of Issue 6 will ensure another vessel is in place to move this county forward. Establishing a new form of county government will demand that the community come together to make it successful. As a lifelong resident of Cuyahoga County, a 5-year county auditor, a 2-year county commissioner, and as mayor of Cleveland for 10 years, I intend to do all I can to work with the committee to make this transition work. Together we can do it! Finally, words cannot adequately express my true appreciation to the Cleveland Plain Dealer for their leadership on this vital issue.”

ATHENS UPDATE: OU College Republicans Respond to Redfern

Release:

The Ohio University College Republicans applaud the statement of Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern regarding the current vote bounty controversy. Chairman Redfern stated: “The Ohio Democratic Party had no role in this stupid idea, and I urge Athens County Chairwoman Susan Gwinn to suspend the program immediately and not issue any payments that may have been planned. I call for a complete investigation and prosecution for any wrongdoing in this case.” The Ohio University College Republicans endorse Redfern’s call for embattled Athens County Chairwoman Susan Gwinn and the Ohio University College Democrats to suspend the program and conduct a full investigation into the matter.

Furthermore, in light of the recent revelations, the College Republicans are concerned about prior instances of this votes-for-cash bounty program. During the 2008 election in the 92nd Ohio House District, Republican candidate and Athens County Auditor Jill Thompson lost to the current representative Democrat Debbie Phillips by less than 600 votes. The College Republicans hope that a full investigation will reveal whether or not the College Democrats implemented a similar program during the 2008 election.

Christine Fahl, the candidate for Athens City Council 4th Ward who was to be the potential benefactor of the fraudulent votes, played a major role in Debbie Phillips’s 2008 campaign.

The Ohio University College Republicans will continue to meet, and ask for the involvement of, the university administration, local law enforcement, and state-wide election officials. In addition to the potential criminal acts, the OUCR’s believe that the College Democrats have violated the university’s Computer and Network Use policy, and will be filing charges with the judiciaries to that effect. It is the club’s hope that a thorough investigation of all these charges will help restore confidence in the sanctity of local elections.

DSCC "All But Endorses" Fisher Over Brunner

Hey kids, check this out...even the tools at the DSCC think Jenny Brunner is toast.

Of course, as per usual with "professional" politicos, it's all about the Benjamins.

When Chuck asked Menendez about key Senate pick-up opportunities for Democrats next year, the chairman singled out Ohio and Fisher. But he barely referred to Brunner, and didn't even mention her by name.

When Chuck followed up and mentioned Brunner's name, Menendez responded that she has just over $100,000 cash on hand. By comparison, Fisher has nearly $1.6 million cash on hand.

No mention what so ever about the Fisher Gun Show though...

ATHENS UPDATE: Redfern's Stupid and Phillips' Trouble

Two items you may or may not be aware of as an update to the $5 a vote scheme going on in Athens county with the College Democrats...

Somebody finally got around to asking Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern what he thought of the scheme. How dumb do you have to be for Redfern to call you "stupid"? Now we know...

It turns out that this scheme may have been around in 2008 as well. What does this mean for State Rep. Debbie Phillips who may have known about the program? It may mean that she would have to resign... RUT-ROH! She only won by about 500 votes...

UPDATE: OhioGOP Chariman DeWine calls on Gov Strickland to demand the resignation of Athens County Democratic Party chair.

ATHENS UPDATE: $5 a Vote Edition

Check this out from the OU College Democrats:

Hello all you darling Dems!

Just a reminder that today we will be *MARCHING TO THE POLLS* at *1PM*! We
will be meeting outside the *4TH FLOOR OF BAKER*. If you have not voted yet
please come on out and *bring some friends* in the same situation. If you
have already voted, we'd love to see your lovely faces cheering down Court
St. too! Remember, if you bring a friend from 4th ward they are more then a
friend, they're 5 bucks! Remember, if you didn't sign up you can still come
out! The more the better!

After we all vote it would be great to keep up the momentum for canvassing
through East Green at 2pm and 3pm.

Remember to bring your license to the polls!

Thanks for all your support and dedication everyone! 4 more days!!!

-Kellie
--
Vice President, Ohio University College Democrats

Emphasis added.

A voter in Athens is worth $5...but only if they vote Democrat... Did they learn this trick from their friends in ACORN or the Democratic Party?

Where is the 527 Media? Absent as per usual...

UPDATE: My good friend Jesse Hathaway has more at Athens Runaway...

BUTLER COUNTY UPDATE: Email Wars Edition

Here is a release from the Butler County Republican Party regarding the emails that have been hitting inboxes the last few days:

Butler County, OH - The Butler County Republican Party is denouncing e-mails that were sent to a large number of its membership and County residents this past Friday (10/30/09 approx. 3pm ET) and on Sunday (11/01/09 approx. 4pm ET). Neither of the e-mails were authorized or sent by the Party.

Someone claiming to be the ‘Butler County GOP’ and ‘Real ButlerCty GOP’ sent mass e-mails from two Gmail accounts and used the subject lines ‘Butler County GOP News’ and ‘Butler GOP short video’. The sender attempted to mask their identity and provided no name. The content of the first message consisted mostly of an attached copy of a recent blog post from a local political opinion blog. The second message contained an old video attachment from Channel 12 WKRC.

The Butler County Republican Party does offer a voluntary subscription to occasional e-mail updates. However, the e-mail addresses are kept confidential to avoid abuse and to respect the privacy of its members and others in the community that want official communication from the Party. Those addresses have never been sold, distributed or made public for any reason.

Executive Chairman Tom Ellis explains, “Someone is deceiving our membership by sending these unsolicited e-mails. That isn’t acceptable in business and will not be tolerated by our Party. We will protect our members, our community, and the GOP brand. We are investigating these incidents and pursuing every avenue, including legal remedies. This attempted deceit will stop.”

I support the Chairman on this issue 100%.