TIB All Stars -- Show Notes and Live Blog

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OH-07: Mitchel to Challenge Austria

Release:

Beavercreek , Ohio , February 25, 2010: John Mitchel, former Air Force officer, is seeking the 7th Congressional District seat. He will be the sole challenger in the Republican primary to first term incumbent Steve Austria. Mitchel is not new to politics. He challenged Bob Taft for governor in 1998, and George Voinovich in the 2004 Republican primary when he received more than 195,000 votes.

In response to the announcement, Mitchel said, “ America is at the abyss, and we are not far from the point of no return. Since 1983 we have had a series of career politicians representing the 7th Congressional District including Mike DeWine, Dave Hobson and Steve Austria. It’s time for that line of succession to end.”

Lieutenant Colonel Mitchel stakes out what he says are three irreconcilable differences with the incumbent: His passion for government reform, term limits and tax reform, specifically the FairTax.

“It all starts with government reform. Recall the 1994 Contract with America when the Republican caucus drafted a bill that declared Congress must live by the same laws as the people. That was a virtual confession that 435 congressmen and women were operating outside the law, but nothing changed,” commented Mitchel. “It’s time to bring citizen legislators to Washington; term limits and a tax code that is fair, simple and pays the bills will help make that happen.”

Boehner on First Anniversary of Tea Party Movement

Statement:

WASHINGTON – House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement marking the first anniversary of the Tea Party movement:

“The Tea Party movement has reminded us who’s really in charge of this country, and that’s the American people. These great patriots have been at the forefront of a growing political rebellion born from the American people’s opposition to greater government control over our economy and our lives. They are leading a diverse and growing movement, one comprised of Americans from all walks of life, many of whom are becoming engaged in politics for the first time because they are so fed up with Washington and the direction of the country.

“It’s not enough, however, for Republicans to simply voice respect for what the tea partiers are doing, praise their efforts, and participate in their rallies. Republicans must listen to them, stand with them, and walk among them.

“In these uncertain times, when government is growing and our nation is being driven deeper and deeper into debt, the Tea Party movement has given Americans who believe in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights the opportunity to band together and say ‘enough is enough.’ Government is no substitute for the hard work and common sense of the American people, and only by preserving this most self-evident of truths can we truly protect the blessings of freedom and liberty. This is exactly why the American people want us to scrap this massive government takeover of health care and start over.”

ORP Update

I had an opportunity to exchange a few emails with Ohio Republican Party Executive Director Jason Mauk this morning and I wanted to share two items from that discussion.

Strickland vs. Kasich

Regarding the Quinny poll, Jason says:

First, the Q poll is a registered (not likely) voter survey. That always tends to skew the results. The more telling problem for Strickland in this poll is that he continues to trend below 50 percent. That’s bad news for him. This post will add some insights along those lines.

That aside, we’ve always expected the race to be tight, and I won’t be surprised to see it go back and forth a few times.

While I think Jason makes a very fair point regarding the registered vs. likely voters (3BP has a great post to suppliment this point too), I find it reassuring that the race is expected to stay tight for awhile. That makes a lot of sense based on what we've seen and heard so far in this race.

Lucas County GOP Chairman Fiasco

The last I heard, the State Central Committee was to decide who the actual winner is but that was some time ago. here is what Jason had to say about that:

The court has instructed our state committee to decide which faction should be legally recognized as the Lucas County Republican Party. Our attorneys are reviewing the ruling and advising us on how to proceed. I believe Jon Stainbrook has filed another appeal. Not sure yet whether that will again keep the committee from proceeding.

Keep your eyes on this, sports fans, because it is one hot mess.

Arshinkoff Endorses Morgan

Release:

Huber Heights, Ohio - Alex Arshinkoff, Chairman of the Summit County Republican Party and statewide Republican leader, has endorsed Seth Morgan for Auditor of State.

"Seth clearly is the most qualified candidate to be Ohio's next auditor. He espouses many of Mary Taylor's qualities as a state auditor candidate, and voters made it clear in 2006 having a CPA as their fiscal watchdog is important. Seth is a fresh face with bold ideas, and the excitement his campaign is generating is just what our ticket needs to beat the Democrats in the fall," said Summit County Republican Party Chairman Alex Arshinkoff.

"I'm honored to have the public support of Chairman Arshinkoff," said Seth Morgan, CPA. "Alex is a longstanding, respected leader within the Republican establishment here in Ohio, and to gain his endorsement is truly exciting for this campaign and adds to my campaigns broad support throughout Ohio."

Alex Arshinkoff is largely considered to be the leading county party chairman in Ohio, and has served in that position for 33 years. Chairman Arshinkoff made his first run for office at age 18, while a student at The University of Akron, seeking election to the City Council's 5th Ward in Akron. At age 23, he became one of the youngest county Republican chairman in Ohio.

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 www.SethMorgan.org.

UPDATE: Previously on WMD: Mike DeWine and Alex Arshinkoff

Its Another Cold Day in Hell...

...and yes, I realize that there is snow on the ground here in the Greater Cincinnati area, but Lori Viars and I agree on something...again. 2010 sure is a weird year...

Seth Morgan has picked up the endorsement of the Family first PAC which Viars runs.

Check out Nate's analysis and the Morgan press release at the link above...

STATEMENT: Sen. Cates on Gov. Strickland Visit to Butler County

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Senator Gary Cates (R-Butler County) issued the following statement in response to Governor Strickland’s visit to BizTech this afternoon to discuss small business job creation initiatives.

“I would like to thank Governor Strickland for traveling to Butler County today to talk about ways we can help stimulate job creation and grow small businesses in Ohio. However, I must question why after three years of failing to address major barriers to economic development in our state and doing very little to ‘turn around Ohio’ as he promised, the Governor is now ready to talk jobs just as campaign season starts to heat up.
“Under the Governor’s watch, Ohio has lost more than 300,000 jobs. He has refused to talk about concerns with recent rate increases at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, which increased premiums for thousands of small businesses in our state, and he has not pushed House Democrats to pass a regulatory reform bill that Senate Republicans approved months ago.
“In addition, he chose to raise taxes on Ohio families and businesses during one of the worst economic periods in our state’s history, and his unwillingness to even discuss many reasonable long-term cost-saving ideas is leading our state down a path toward an even larger tax increase in the future.
“Really, the Governor’s only big jobs proposal over the past several months has been advocating for renewal of the Ohio Third Frontier program, which was established by former Governor Bob Taft and the Republican General Assembly.
“While I am glad the Governor chose to discuss job creation in Butler County, his paltry economic record over the past three years and lack of action on critical reforms that would improve our business climate, gives me serious doubt that he is qualified to turn around our economy and put our state in a position to grow and succeed in the future.”

Watchdogs of the Treasury

A number of state legislators were awarded Watchdog of the Treasury Awards today for the 127th General Assembly. The award recognizes key legislators or policymakers every year who work tirelessly to restore responsible limited government, lower taxes, encourage free enterprise and regulatory relief, and promote personal freedom.

Rep. Combs:

“A recent Gallup Poll found that Americans believe that about half of government expenditures is wasted,” Combs said. “This speaks to the mounting skepticism people have toward the government and its effectiveness. As a state lawmaker, I have been striding to restore the public’s faith in Ohio’s government by making it more accountable and cost efficient.”

Rep. Adams:

“As a legislator, we are charged with the responsibility of safeguarding the taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” said Rep. Adams. “I am honored and humbled to receive this award.”

The awards were presented at a breakfast ceremony in Columbus, held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The United Conservatives of Ohio supports the responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and the free-market system of competition among private sector firms.

UPDATE:  Senator Gary Cates also received a Watchdog of the Treasury Award.

UPDATE 2:  More...

COLUMBUS—Lawmakers from across the state were today honored at the “Watchdog of the Treasury” Award ceremony for the 127th General Assembly. The award recognizes key legislators or policymakers every year who work tirelessly to restore responsible limited government, lower taxes, encourage free enterprise and regulatory relief, and promote personal freedom.

“As state representatives, our most important function is to ensure that taxpayer money is well guarded,” said Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “I am proud of our Republican members for standing up against frivolous spending.”

“This award is given to those members whose principles of fiscal prudence, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and personal responsibility champion their legislative decisions,” said Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster).
Lawmakers who received the award include:
John Adams, Sidney
Ron Amstutz, Wooster
Kevin Bacon, Minerva Park
Bill Batchelder, Medina
Danny Bubp, West Union
William Coley, Liberty Township
David Daniels, Greenfield
Bruce Goodwin, Defiance
Cliff Hite, Findlay
Jay Hottinger, Newark
Matt Huffman, Lima
Ross McGregor, Springfield
Joe Uecker, Miami Township
Lynn Wachtmann, Napoleon
Jeff Wagner, Sycamore
Jim Zehringer, Fort Recovery

The award was presented at a breakfast ceremony in Columbus, held by the United Conservatives of Ohio. The United Conservatives of Ohio supports the responsible spending of taxpayers’ dollars, the elimination of government waste, and the free-market system of competition among private sector firms.

UPDATE 3: Here is the complete list of legislators who received the award:

State Senators

Amstutz
Austria
Buehrer
Carey
Cates
Faber
Goodman
Harris
Jacobson
Mumper
Niehaus
Padgett
Schaffer
Schuler
Seitz
Wagoner

State Reps:

Adams
Aslanides
Bacon
Batchelder
Brinkman
Bubp
Carmichael
Coley
Collier
Combs
Core
Daniels
Fessler
Flowers
Gibbs
Goodwin
John Hagan
Hite
Hottinger
Huffman
Husted
Jones
McGregor, Ross
Reinhard
Schlichter
Setzer
Uecker
Watchmann
Wagner
Webster
White
Widener
Wolpert
Zehringer

UPDATE 4: State Rep Bob Gibbs:

“With more than three decades of business experience, Senator Gibbs understands the importance of smart fiscal management, whether you are a company trying to make payroll or state government,” a statement released by the Ohio Senate stated after Wednesday’s announcement, adding “he has championed the responsible use of taxpayer dollars and supported public policy that works to limit government, keep taxes low and foster a climate in Ohio that encourages investment and job growth.”

Gibbs said he was pleased to be recognized by the UCO, an organization that advocates public policy that promotes free enterprise, low taxes and greater efficiency in government. “It is those conservative principles that will lead us out of the mess we’re in,” noted Gibbs, who vowed to take the fight against wasteful spending to Washington.

“The days of trillion dollar spending sprees and leveraging our future by borrowing more and more have got to end,” said Gibbs. “I’m honored by the title of ‘Watchdog’ – it’s exactly the reputation I intend to bring with me to Washington, where restraint is badly needed,” he added.

Gibbs also received the award in 2004 and 2006.

Butler County Auditor Awarded for Financial Reports

Release:

HAMILTON, Ohio – For the second consecutive year, Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds has been awarded for the county’s financial reports produced by his office.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada presented awards of outstanding achievement for the two county financial reports produced by the Auditor’s office and submitted for review in 2009. Both the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the Popular Annual Financial Report for the year ended Dec. 31, 2008 met the stringent requirements of the GFOA for award recognition.

“Accurate financial reporting is our top priority. It’s an honor for our finance team to be recognized again this year.” Reynolds said. “Even though we have gotten leaner we’re committed to delivering superior services, as evidenced by these awards.”

The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Program recognizes those state and local governments that go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles to prepare comprehensive annual financial reports that provide transparency and full disclosure.

Reports submitted to the CAFR program are reviewed by selected members of the GFOA professional staff and the GFOA Special Review Committee, which comprises individuals with expertise in public-sector financial reporting and includes financial statement preparers, independent auditors, academics and other finance professionals.

The Popular Annual Financial Reporting Awards Program recognizes individual governments that are successful in extracting information from their CAFR to produce a high quality popular annual financial report specifically designed to be readily accessible and easily understandable to the general public and other interested parties without a background in public finance.

Popular annual financial reports submitted to the PAFR Program are reviewed by selected members of the GFOA professional staff and by outside reviewers with experience in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

The reports are available on the Auditor’s web site at www.butlercountyauditor.org or in the Auditor’s office on the 4th floor.

TIB All Stars -- Show Notes and Live Blog

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More on Delaware County GOP Shenanigans

The Delaware Gazette has a story that fills in some of the details.There are a few things in it that we need to examine, let's start with this: The guy who called Morgan isn't Tea Party, he's 9/12...

Earlier this week, Powell resident Mike Gemperline called county GOP chair Teri Morgan to inquire about the Feb. 25 meeting, which he plans to protest.

Gemperline, 55, is a member of the Delaware County 9/12 group, which he describes as a loosely-affiliated group without membership rolls that meets semi-monthly at a local Panera Bread store.

The group’s name is a reference to the “nine principles” and “12 values” espoused by conservative talk show host Glenn Beck, and part of his effort to launch a grassroots political movement.

The 9/12 movement is somewhat affiliated with the Tea Party movement, which itself is non-centralized and non-specific.

Teri Morgan and the establishment Republican Party is so disconnected from the grassroots, they don't even know which groups are which!

what is the real problem here?

Gemperline said in a phone interview he is concerned that “progressives” have infiltrated the Republican Party. He said he is also concerned with what that will mean for the direction of the United States.

Gemperline said he told Morgan he doesn’t think the local Republican Party should endorse before the primary election.

“Our observation is there’s a ‘good ol’ boys’ club, and that’s got to stop. The American people need to choose, not the club,” he said.

I do not believe, not even for a moment, that "progressives" have infiltrated the Delaware County Republican Party. I do believe that it is possible that more "moderate" elements of the party could be asserting their influence on that county party, but let's not pretend that is the same thing.

This is the first indication that I have heard of a "good ol' boys club" in Delaware County. I know Dave Yost to be an honest man of integrity and I find it very hard to believe that a guy who has taken on political corruption on both sides of the aisle would sit back and watch his own county party turn in to Cuyahoga or Butler.

What I think he means is that the party works hard to protect its members, and that is true no matter what county you are talking about. On the TIB All Stars Show, we have frequently talked about what the role of the party is in choosing our candidates. I believe that the county parties exist to do two things: 1) help select the most worthy candidates for office; and 2) help those candidates win. The notion that the party chooses the candidates for the electorate is a false one (and this is a lesson that I have had to learn myself over the years as my friends in Columbus will attest). The party can only make a recommendation. The party can't tell a millionaire like Mike DeWine not to run for office. Likewise, the party can't tell candidates like Seth Morgan not to run either. Ultimately, the people get to make the choice...

A few years ago in Butler County, the party refused to endorse an incumbent Republican running for County Auditor. The party believed that this candidate was involved in some really bad things and they choose to endorse a different candidate. Guess what happened in the primary? The electorate decided that the Republican standard bearer should be a woman who ultimately plead guilty to fraud. The lesson: sometimes the party knows what it is doing.

Back in 2006, Jeanette Bradley, a pro-death "moderate" Republican got the support of the State Central Committee to run for Treasurer of State. She even got Jon Husted to be her state chairman. Bradley had quite a sum in her war chest too. But the electorate decided that the Republican standard bearer ought to represent our values even when the chances of victory over the general election looked grim. Sandy O'Brien won the primary. The lesson: Sometimes the party has to be reminded that our values and principles do matter even if we lose the general election.

Back to Delaware...

What is going on in Delaware? My instincts tell me that we have a chair who is not in touch with the grassroots. That's not uncommon with the Republican or Democratic Parties. If I had a nickel for every time some political operative or egghead told me that parties aren't about ideology, they are about winning elections; I would be a very rich man and I wouldn't need to blog on the side for extra cash... The truth is Teri Morgan is probably very good at her job: winning elections. Unfortunately, people who do care about moving the ball down the ideological field aren't impressed with the roster of players if the team isn't scoring touchdowns. And let me explain that further for my "party" friends. Elections aren't the real scoring. Elections are the plays that get called. The real scoreboard is the one that tallies up what we've accomplished after we've run a successful play.

My good friend and fellow Butler County Republican Party Central Committee Member, Bill Lack asked a very good question of me on Facebook. He asked why the Tea Party (or anyone else for that matter) should have the right to speak at a Central Committee Meeting. And the answer is: they don't. My guess is that most of the Tea Party folks don't even know who their precinct captains are let alone have talked to them. On the other hand, I don't think it is right for the party to preemptively call the cops on a protest that hasn't even happened yet. I like to think that the Republican Party is strong enough and has a big enough tent for a little disagreement now and then. This is an issue even in Delaware County:

Central committee member Janelle Grubbs, who represents a Powell voting precinct, is a vocal opponent of the party’s practice of issuing endorsements. She said the party should allow for a specific portion of the meeting for time-limited public comments.

“What are they afraid of? Open and honest dialogue and differing opinions in a civil manner? I think we would be all for that,” she said.

Which brings me to my next point. The Tea Party movement needs to realize that not everybody on Central Committees across this great land is their enemy. Some of us have been working very hard for years to effect real change that matters to this party. At great sacrifice, many members have been struggling to promote principle over politics and I don't think it is too much to ask that those efforts be recognized.

Last issue deals with the Feb 2. State central Committee endorsement meeting which the Tea Party protested:

He said he is upset about how Morgan characterized their conversation and the Feb. 2 protest.

The protest was passionate, but lawful, Gemperline said. A report in a Columbus newspaper described protesters as chanting and waving signs.

“There was no unruliness,” Gemperline said. “There were signs. Anyone who did not want to see those signs may have found it offensive.”

“But so what? That’s America,” he said.

This is Kent Moore's legacy. And the Ohio Republican Party has made no effort to clear this up publicly. Privately, I have been assured that the ORP did not call the cops. I have been told that the ORP did not feel threatened; that the crowd was well behaved and treated folks with respect. All of that may be true, but unless the ORP sets Chairman Moore straight in a venue that tells the whole story, the perception will remain that the ORP supports Moore's version of the story of an event he didn't attend.

Bottom Line: the legacy Republican Party is hearing some very angry voices at a time when they think all of the animosity is being deployed at the Democrats and they don't understand it. That they don't get it is a sure sign that we all still have a LOT of work to do and I think we will get better results if we work together. But as the great Ronald Reagan once said, "If you can't get them to see the light, make them feel the heat." The Republican Party is feeling some heat.

Ohio House GOP to Attorney General: Challenge the Federal Health Care Proposal

Release:

COLUMBUS—Ohio House Republican members today issued the attached letter to Attorney General Richard Cordray urging him to join their caucus in an effort to challenge the federal health care legislation that is currently being discussed in Washington D.C.

“As more details emerge from the compromises that are being brokered behind-the- scenes, I grow more concerned for the state of Ohio and the hardworking tax payers of our state,” State Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said.

A current provision being discussed exempts the state of Nebraska from paying for any newly eligible Medicaid recipients ad infinitum, while other states would have to pay for Nebraska’s new enrollees. Additionally, in another brokered deal, Florida residents keep their Medicare Advantage plan at no additional cost to the state.

“I believe Ohio is being placed at a disadvantage as discussions on the federal health care reform continue,” House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) said. “Though the outcome of the final legislative product remains to be seen, we question the constitutionality of the deals that were reached for the states of Nebraska and Florida.”

RELEASE: Commissioner Jolivette Filed for Re-Election

Release:

(Hamilton, Ohio) Butler County Commission President Greg Jolivette today filed petitions of candidacy for re-election. With broad support, the Jolivette campaign plans to focus on the Commissioner’s strong record of accomplishments and leadership demonstrated while serving the people of Butler County.

As a commissioner, Greg Jolivette has fought to keep the tax rate among the lowest in the state, reduce taxpayer cost by keeping water and sewage rates down, and by attaining the highest bond rating in county history.
“Since first being elected to public service, I have worked hard to provide the people of Butler County with the professionalism and leadership they expect from their elected officials. Our efforts have succeeded – as many counties have faltered in the face of a state and nationwide financial crisis, our county has weathered the storm.”
“Today, our tax rate is among the lowest in the state. As people are fleeing other areas across Ohio, our communities are growing. As commissioner, I have fought to keep our taxes low and to attract new business and revenue to Butler County. “
“I have fought to hold the line on spending and keep our elected officials accountable to the demands and expectations of the taxpayers by promoting fiscal responsibility in our government. But, there is more work to be done - and I plan to finish the job we started.”

“I am running to ensure the long-term well being of the people I have been privileged to serve. My goal is to continue to bring opportunities to our children, safety to our communities and prosperity to our state. As a public servant and small business owner, I fully understand the difficulties we face in job creation, growth, and sustainability. In the face of an economic crisis unlike any in our state’s history, I believe it is imperative we continue to maintain the fiscally sound, strong leadership the people of Butler County deserve.”

“I look forward to the challenge, and to the opportunity to continue serving the people of Butler County by making our community a better and more prosperous place for our families and for the generations to come.”

Greg Jolivette has a long record of public service, including Butler County Commissioner, State Representative (54th District), Mayor of the City of Hamilton and Hamilton City Council. Mr. Jolivette is also the owner and operator of Jolly’s Drive-In in Hamilton, a small family business that has employed hundreds of Butler county residents in it’s 71 years of operation.

Let's Help Gov. Strickland Join the Peace Corps

In this article at the Vindicator, Governor "T-Shirt Ted" Strickland says this about his time AFTER being governor:

Strickland said he has no plans for a quiet retirement. After leaving elected office, Strickland said he’d like to volunteer for a service organization, specifically mentioning the Peace Corps.

“Am I too old to join?” No, there’s no maximum age.
I’m sure his critics would like to see him join as soon as possible.

Well, Governor, you can apply to the Peace Corps RIGHT HERE.

Anybody have Ted Strickland's email address?  I suppose we could use his Contact page...

SIDEBAR: When asked about Bob Taft, Strickland says:

During our conversation, Strickland brought up ex-Gov. Bob Taft, a Republican who served eight years prior to Strickland. When Taft left office, his approval rating was one of the worst in the country.

Strickland said he keeps in touch with Taft and the two are friends.

Strickland really is Taft's third term...

Delaware County GOP is TERRIFIED of Tea Party

One of my plethora of spies sent this in from delaware County:

From: TMORGAN3@[REDACTED]


To: magnum@[REDACTED]

Cc: [REDACTED]

Sent: Tue, Feb 16, 2010 11:24 am
Subject: Feb. 25 Protesters
Magnum--I am concerned about Central Committee members' safety on Feb. 25 and wondering if there is a cost to have deputies at the north campus of the Delaware Area Career Center that evening? I just received a call from [REDACTED] from a man who didn't give his name but says he heads up the local Tea Party group. He says his group will be protesting at our meeting on Feb. 25 because they do not want us to endorse.
He was very upset that his group could not speak at our meeting and I expect them to try. He was threatening in tone and stated several repercussions if we do endorse, such as running their own candidate. Having just experienced this with State ORP and the group outside our endorsement meeting for Yost, they are very unreasonable and threatening people! I am concerned about getting order during the meeting too.
I know you can't be there that evening, but I think we need at least one outside the room and inside the room? Your thoughts? Thanks!
Teri Morgan

Let me start by saying that IF this guy actually was threatening bodily harm (which you'll note that Teri doesn't actually say...), then he is doing the movement no help at all and should get out.

But, if he merely stated the movement's desire to send up their own candidates...I have no problem with that at all.

Once again, we see that Kent Moore's LIES have spread like wildfire amongst the establish Republican circles.  We can now add Teri Morgan's name to the list of those slandering the Tea Party Movement in this state.

People like Teri are upset because their back room deals are being exposed for the shams that they are...

UPDATE: You could say that they are preemptively calling the cops on the Tea Party.....

RELEASE: Morgan Wins Greene County GOP Endorsement

Release:

Huber Heights, Ohio - Auditor of State candidate Seth Morgan, CPA was endorsed by the Greene County Republican Party with 60 percent of the vote on Thursday, February 18.

"Seth Morgan continues to be recognized as the most qualified candidate of either party for Auditor of State," said Rob Scott, Friends of Seth Morgan Communications Director. "This endorsement further builds on the huge base of support Seth has gathered across Ohio."
Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine currently serves as a Greene County Central Committee member and resides in the county. Both Morgan and his primary opponent Delaware County Prosecutor Dave Yost were in attendance to ask for the county's endorsement for state auditor.
The Greene County endorsement is the second county endorsement Seth Morgan has received in more than a week.

RELEASE: Ohio House Republicans Continue Robust Presence to Regain Majority

Release:

COLUMBUS –The Ohio House Republican Organizational Committee (OHROC) today announced that House Republicans are well positioned to help put Ohio back on the right track.  A strong slate of candidates are set to run this November to help Republicans regain the majority in the Ohio House.

"Many of our Republican candidates have said it is their 'duty' to run for the Ohio House so they can help solve the crises we currently face,”  said House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina).  “These fine men and women have already served their city, state, and country in numerous other ways already and we are humbled by their willingness and desire to serve in this new capacity.”

Under the guidance of House Republican Leader Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and OHROC Chairman Rep. Matt Huffman, the House Republicans are raising money, recruiting strong candidates across the state and implementing a campaign strategy to regain the majority in the Ohio House in 2010. 

"Our caucus began recruitment efforts 15 months ago and we are privileged to say that we have nearly 99 Republican candidates for the Ohio House of Representatives,” said OHROC Chairman Matt Huffman (R-Lima).

In 2008, Republicans lost the majority in the Ohio House by fewer than 2,000 votes in the aggregate. Leader Batchelder, Rep. Huffman and OHROC officials say they are honored and humbled by the statewide support for the House Republican Caucus.

"I am pleased that our caucus has such a diverse mix of Republican candidates,” said OHROC Executive Director Mike Dittoe.  “Profiles for our candidates include small-business owners, teachers, engineers, doctors, veterans, entrepreneurs, and local elected officials."

Greene County GOP Endorses Seth Morgan

Either Greene County GOP really doesn't like that Dave Yost had the courage and conviction to take on their boy Mikey or Dave Yost has a serious problem and miscalculated (read "was misinformed") how much support he had.

I am told that Seth won the endorsement with 60% of the vote.

I owe an apology to my Greene County GOP Facebook friends...  I was pretty sure that this was going to come down exactly the way the Ohio Republican Party wrote the script, but that didn't happen.

If anyone in the vast WMD audience was in attendance, I'd love to hear all of the gory details...

UPDATE:

Mike DeWine Lied

ObamaCare Lives...

I told ya so...

Pathetic...

UPDATE (Introducing the DeWine Meter):

UPDATE 2:

Ganley's Problem Hasn't Gone Away

I've been watching all of the usual suspects applaud Tom Ganley's move to the OH-13 Congressional race with some amusement because while Mr. Ganley would be a VAST improvement over Rep. Betty Sutton, the Big Deal Problem that I had with his US Senate candidacy hasn't gone away and still hasn't been addressed.

Mr. Ganley does not respect individual property rights.  He is a living, breathing, walking Kelo case and nobody seems willing to ask the car don from Cleveland about this most distressing attribute. 

Again, Ganley would be better than Sutton, but I really do think he ought to take this issue more seriously than he has and voters ought to beware of him until he does.

REPORT: Ohio -- Where Are the Jobs?

Ohio Where Are the Jobs

Seth Morgan Files for Auditor

Release:

Huber Heights, Ohio - Ohio State Auditor candidate Seth Morgan, CPA filed his petitions today with the Ohio Secretary of State's office containing 2,215 signatures.

"Seth Morgan's petitions have signatures of support from all four corners of Ohio," said Rob Scott, Friends of Seth Morgan Communications Director. "All of Seth's petitions were circulated totally by volunteers."
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 http://www.sethmorgan.org/.

I am told there were 2215 signatures from all across the state...

Gibbs Files Petitions for Congress

Release:

New Philadelphia – State Senator Bob Gibbs today filed his official petitions to become a Republican candidate for Congress in Ohio’s 18th district. The petitions were filed at the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections, which is the largest county in the 18th District.

“I’m proud to officially file as a candidate for Congress in the 18th,” said Gibbs of the filing. “As I’ve traveled throughout this district there is one common theme regardless of party affiliation; people are fed up with Zack Space for betraying their trust and voting against the workers and families of this district every chance he gets.”
Upon filing, Gibbs encouraged all voters in the district to compare the voting records of both he and Space. “There is a clear difference between me and Zack and our voting records,” commented Gibbs. “Zack votes with Nancy Pelosi on damaging legislation like Cap and Tax (Trade), government run healthcare and a failed stimulus package. His votes support higher taxes, higher energy costs, higher deficit spending and more government. Conversely, I co-authored a 21% income tax reduction for every Ohioan and repealed burdensome job killing taxes on businesses. I fought for four years and successfully passed legislation to overturn additional and costly sales tax collecting requirements on Ohio’s retailers. I sponsored and passed legislation to protect property rights from overzealous government entities from eminent domain proceedings. I have a strong conservative record for fiscal responsibility, lower taxes and protection of our freedoms,” concluded Gibbs.
Gibbs is one of a handful of legislators to be recognized by the National Federation of Independent Businesses, NFIB for his work, NFIB awarded Gibbs with their prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award. Additionally, Gibbs has several times been awarded the Watchdog of the Treasury Award from United Conservatives of Ohio.
Gibbs is currently serving in the Ohio Senate, being elected to that position in 2008 after serving three terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. He and his wife Jody live in Lakeville and have three grown children.

Tea Party Takeover

As the discussion regarding the importance of the Tea Party movement continues, the focus has now shifted to the "What's next?" phase.  My fellow Butler County Republican, Michael Shawn McCabe, has a worthwhile and thought-provoking piece up over at his blog that you all should check out.  Shawn asks if the Tea Party is the final nail in the Republican Party coffin, but what I find interesting is that the URL of the post asks if the Tea Party is bad for Republicans.  Previously on WMD, we examined the poll numbers and concluded that the Tea Party movement outperformed the Republican Party in all demographics save the over 65 age group and while more recent polls have shown the GOP regaining some ground, these results shouldn't be tossed aside.

The issue at the heart of Shawn's piece deals with the Precinct Project.  The Tea Party folks have taken it upon themselves to try and get as many people as they can on to the ballot for "precinct captain" positions.  Supposedly, there are 50 of these folks running right here in Butler County.  I applaud them and and encourage this participation. Quite frankly, I would appreciate the help.  If the Republican Party establishment is unwilling or unable to respond to the will of the people and make effective change, then what is required is a change of personnel.  That has been the message that I have been delivering here on WMD for years, but the Tea Party activists have taken it to heart.

Others are referring to this plan as a "coup" or an "attack" but these people fail to realize that this is what the party has been asking for all along.  How many times have we heard about the apathy among the electorate?  How many times have we heard our leaders talk about getting people involved?  I suspect that many in the party's Old Guard expect that new blood will fall in line or will be "reckoned with" accordingly, but that's not how the world of politics we are now experiencing in the age of social networking and new media.

If this party is to survive, we have to get younger and we have to respond to the needs of the 30 to 40 year old dempgraphic.  Right now, we are pandering to 40 to 65 "Boomers" who have consumed FAR more than they have produced and are now realizing that the only way they are going to make it is if they rip off their kids and their grandchildren.  Of course, this isn't a straight up heist, but how else are we to describe putting the debt on future generations so we can erect "STIMULUS WORK HERE" signs all over the country?  How many bailouts can our children and grandchildren afford?

These are the central questions facing the Republican Party as we interact with the Tea Party movement.  The GOP used to be the party of fiscal responsibility, of smaller government, and greater freedom but as many a politician in this state is saying, we have lost our way.  The Tea Party represents the rank and file of what our party was before we let the elite assume control. 

I asked Shawn if he thought the Tea Party running for central committee seats to be a net positive or a negative?  Here is his response:

It could net positive because of the similarity in message to Republican values. However, it seems that they've been so good at creating their own brand and separate fundraising that I'm doubtful their leadership will just absorb into our Party in any positive way. And, because it's doubtful we'll have a three party system; I see them as the Ross Perot effect.


Locally it will simply creates another faction. It will create essentially another 'auxiliary' organization (that's a whole different topic) further antagonizing the split-factionized Party we have now and killing hopes of collective fundraising and momentum.

I believe we, as a Party, shouldn't have ran to speak at their events and claim brotherhood, but rather figure out how to encourage their support of the existing Party organization and efforts. Most of the Tea Party members are high-educated, motivated, hard working people that would have been wonderful to get involved in the Republican message. Some are just angry.

We have a candidate for governor who claims he was Tea Party before there was a Tea Party and I know there have been a LOT of politicians seeking the Tea Party out in order to see what it is all about.  The Hamilton County GOP is actively seeking Tea Party folks to run for Central Committee to help strengthen their ranks.   
Let me say this, I don't believe the Tea Party is going to willingly be "absorbed" by anybody or anything.  If they are coming, they want to see real change in the way things are being done.  They aren't running for seats because they like what they have seen so far and want to join in the fun.  They are angry...as we all should be because our party has let us down.  And they are a force for change.  The Republican Party should brace itself because something is going to happen.  Even if the Tea Party folks fail to make significant gains, the attempt -- particularly with this scale of effort -- ought to be recognized for what it is: a message.  That message is resounding with the American people across the country, across the state, and even right here in Butler County.
 
The days of politics as usual are numbered...

Errata

I just realized that I have been unfair to Kevin DeWine with the headline to this piece. Kent Moore is an idiot who -- near as I can tell -- acted alone. That it is even plausible that the Ohio Republican Party would sanction this slander against the Tea Party movement says a LOT about the state of affairs here, but I should have been more careful with the headline.

While we're on the subject, I have been told that our friends in Columbus still actually read WMD.  Which is a surprise to me because I never hear from them unless I send them an email.  I'll say this again, and leave it as an open invitation: If you guys think something I have written is unfair or not the whole story, email me.  I want to get the story right.  Sometimes I post things that even I know can't be the whole story.  Part of why I do that is so that people can start looking at the way these things happen.

Thank DeWine for ObamaCare Failure? Puh-leeeeze!

I've been seeing the Mike DeWine camp trying to get somebody...anybody...to write a story giving the failed senator credit for blocking ObamaCare from being passed.  Joe Hallett decided to comply...(Check out the exerpts -- and analysis -- over at BizzyBlog)

For the love of all things sacred and holy...  Mike DeWine must think we're gullible or stupid (likely both).  DeWine's involvement in the Gang of 14 had NOTHING to do with ObamaCare.  The judicial and legislative filibusters are "second cousins" at best and have very little to do with each other.  (Tom Blumer's comments over at Rose's BizzyBlog post sums it up best: "The Constitution demands an up-or-down vote of the Senate on judicial appointments as part of advise and consent; the filibuster has not ever been and CAN NEVER BE a constitutional option in connection with votes on judicial appointments.  The filibuster’s availability for all other matters has never been in question, and the Gang of 14’s attempts in connection with judicial appointments have had NO bearing on its continued existence. None.")

In case you work for the Republican Party in Columbus or Greene County, the real reason why ObamaCare failed is...

YOU

Your phone calls, letters, and faxes are the reason why ObamaCare failed.  All those polls where the American People overwhelming rejected ObamaCare is the reason why it failed.

Senate Republicans weren't even talking about a filibuster.  Even threatening such a move would require having a backbone that our "leaders" in the United States Senate don't have.

Furthermore, here is a secret that Mike DeWine and his liberal friends don't want you to know...

OBAMACARE ACTUALLY PASSED

The only reason why ObamaCare hasn't hit the President's desk is that the version that the Senate passed is not the same version that sailed through the House.  Our "leaders" in Washington are unable to come to an agreement on whether or not to send the Bad version or the Even Worse version to the President.

And we're supposed to believe Mike DeWine saved the day?  If it weren't so pathetic, it would be hilarious.

UPDATE:  What really is irritating about this is that the piece doesn't even address the real problem that the Gang of 14 caused.  We lost a LOT of good judges because Miek DeWine wanted to grab a few headlines.

What about Miguel Estrada, Priscilla Owen, Charles W. Pickering, Carolyn Kuhl, David W. McKeague, Henry Saad, Richard Allen Griffin, William H. Pryor, William Gerry Myers III and Janice Rogers Brown?  How about Terrence Boyle, William J. Haynes, II and Michael B. Wallace?  Let's hear how DeWine saved Peter Keisler, Robert J. Conrad, Steve A. Matthews and Glen E. Conrad?

These are just the names from a Wikipedia entry, there are LOTS more that got screwed by Mike DeWine and his liberal friends in the Gang of 14.  That last set was held up by Senate Democrats so that Obama could fill those appointments. 

Obfuscating the issue is the real travesty here.

TIB All Stars -- Show Notes and Live Blog

The TIB All-Stars Show is back on the Air at 6PM Eastern.....  Click the link to listen; participate in the live blog...







Tonight's Guest: John Becker, State Central Committee Member



Listen Now!

Click the "Listen Now!" text above to listen to TIB RADIO.

First County Endorsement in Race for Congress Goes to Gibbs

Release:

(Millersburg) – Republican State Senator Bob Gibbs won the endorsement of the Holmes County Republican Party today in his bid to unseat Zack Space in Ohio’s 18^th Congressional District.  Holmes is the first county party to endorse in the race.

“I am very pleased that Holmes County has once again recognized Bob's experience in state government and his enthusiasm in representing Holmes County's interests in Congress,” said County Republican Chairman Bob Hovis. 

Gibbs won over the support of the committee largely by demonstrating his strength and ability to win in the Fall.  He told the Committee in his remarks that he had raised over $250,000 in his bid for Congress, more than three times the amount of any other candidate.  He has key support among the grassroots, including several County Chairs, the entire Republican delegation to the Ohio House and Senate from the district, and several Ohio Republican members of Congress.  He was also lauded by the conservative group Americans for Prosperity for signing the “No Climate Tax Pledge”.

“This is a great step forward for us, but we have much work to do,” said Gibbs. “I’ll put together the resources to win this race and beat Zack Space.  I’m pleased and honored to have the support of the Holmes County GOP.”

Now Kevin Sends a Hatchet Man and Liar at Seth Morgan

The following is an email sent by Belmont County Chairman Kent Moore to fellow county chairmen.  In it, Chairman Moore continues the outright LIE that the Ohio GOP is repeating so often that they hope you start to believe it.  More on that on the other side...

Dear fellow Republican County Chairman,

Having served as a County Chairman in two very different county's in my lifetime, it never ceases to amaze me on how some folks ego's can cloud their judgment.
Rarely in politics have I come across a candidate who is at once so openly disdainful of our party and our process, yet still brazen enough to ask for your support. Seth Morgan is currently trying to have it both ways with you, and I thought you should know the truth about this young man.
Recently, we needed to fill a void on the statewide ticket left when Mary Taylor decided to join John Kasich’s campaign and not seek re-election. You may recall that I immediately sent you an email requesting your consideration of Dave Yost for that spot. Dave had been all over Ohio during the previous year, and had built a statewide network that was truly impressive. Dave’s been in my county, and undoubtedly in many of yours. He is a former County Auditor, and is ready to fill Mary’s shoes right away. Polling has already shown that voters want an Auditor to be Auditor, which neither Seth Morgan, nor David Pepper is or has ever been.
I for one, not even knowing Seth Morgan's interest at the time, did reach out to Dave and ask him if he, given his Auditor background, would consider running for State Auditor. Given the importance of this office and with his proven track record, he would give us the best opportunity to retain it. I along with others I am sure, suggested for him to consider it, knowing he would be the one who would have to make that decision. My decision to urge you to consider Dave’s candidacy was decried by Seth’s campaign as a “backroom deal” and he accused Dave of “bending to political pressure” when he made his decision to step up and bring his considerable skills to the Auditor’s race. But Seth saw fit to judge my decision as political expediency – even though he does not know me. His campaign’s barrage of negative attacks on the party and our traditions and processes did not end there.
About two weeks ago, the Ohio Republican State Central Committee met in Columbus to consider an endorsement in this race. Dave Yost won the endorsement easily, joining the other slate of endorsed candidates we had already chosen to win back Ohio for us in 2010. Seth Morgan’s name was not placed into nomination by anyone on the Committee.
Seth had spent several days leading up to the meeting, apparently asking his small group of vocal supporters to call and harass voting members. Many were told they would draw challengers for their seats when their re-elections came up. They were bombarded with scripted emails and angry phone calls from individuals accusing them of playing old politics and calling them “RINOs” among other things. Instead of vying for the nomination and respecting our party, Seth created a spectacle outside of party headquarters with people holding signs, yelling at committee members as they walked into the building, and chanting angry slogans – all for the media to see – based on fallacies about our party and our chairman, assumed to be true by Seth. One Committee member was physically threatened by a misguided individual who was sent to Columbus. The whole thing was shameful, orchestrated by a guy who thought attacking them would scare them into supporting his candidacy. They are volunteers, elected by the members of their party in their districts – and I for one, don't respond well to threats or scare tactics when doing what I believe to be best for my party.
Now Seth has sent around the email below, asking you at the county level to consider supporting his candidacy. For one, he’s asking you to ignore the State Central Committee, who has already endorsed, in another attempt to divide allegiances and draw attention to himself. He’s also asking you to pay no attention to the pitiful tactics he’s already employed when criticizing party leaders, many who are volunteer's like you and me, following their conscience and doing their jobs on behalf of a well qualified candidate who has out-worked Seth.
Seth may in fact have a future in our party, but he has a lot to learn about working with and for people. I suggest, that as a newly elected official, he work harder at doing the job of which people in his district elected him to do. I’ll be happy to explain to Seth that the reason he will not receive the support of this chairman at this time is not because I believe in “waiting your turn” as Seth again assumes to be the case – but because he needs to learn to respect the GOP and it's elected leaders, before he can expect to earn our support. I hope you’ll join me in delivering this message to him.
Sincerely,
Kent Moore

Belmont County Chairman

Kent Moore, you sir are a LIAR.  I know for a FACT that the spontaneous protest of that Central Committee vote was orchestrated by a member of the West Chester Tea Party group and NOT by Seth Morgan or his campaign.  Stop lying.  That the Ohio Republican Party continues this shameful tactic is a testement to the level of desperation they are experiencing.  
I have been told by a couple of State Central Committee members who were actually at that meeting that the protest was peaceful and that there were no problems.  Are you, Kent Moore, calling these State Central Committee Members liars?
 
Did the Ohio Republican Party actually call the police as Tea Party members who attended the event believe?  Come on, Kent Moore, tell the whole story or are you a coward too?
 
Finally, Kent Moore, YOU and the "leaders" of the Ohio Republican Party don't get to make these decisions.  Since you are too arrogant and ignorant to know this, I will educate you, Kent Moore.  The people who actually get to make this decision is the good people of Ohio.  And the message that the Tea Party protesters were trying to deliver but the Ohio Republican Party "leadership" is too insolent to heed is that we are sick of back room deals like the one that was made to clear the field for Mike DeWine.  And THAT is what the Auditor appointment of Dave Yost is all about.  Do you honestly think we are so stupid to actually believe that the intelligensia that is the Ohio Republican Party "leadership" worked so hard to shut out Dave Yost for Attorney General wishing that he would just go away and are now ready and willing to welcome him with open arms?  What kind of fools do you take us for, sir?
 
Lastly, I have always been told that the Republican Party stood for freedom and liberty.  There is nothing more sacred than our right to choose our own candidates.  The Kent Moores of the Ohio Republican Party would strip Seth Morgan of his right to run for office if they had their way.  The Kent Moores of the Ohio Republican Party would disenfranchise the rank and file and do away with the primary system all together if they had their way.  Is this the sort of people you really want running the party of freedom and liberty?  I not only say "NO!" but "HELL NO!"  There is NOTHING democratic about back room deals that limit our freedom to elect whomever we choose.

2/15 UPDATE:  I just realized that I have been unfair to Kevin DeWine with this headline.  Kent Moore is an idiot who -- near as I can tell -- acted alone.  That it is even plausible that the Ohio Republican Party would sanction this slander against the Tea Party movement says a LOT about the state of affairs here, but I should have been more careful with the headline.

Batchelder: Cost-Containment and Job Creation Ensure Ohio's Economic Success

Statement:

COLUMBUS—House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today issued the following statement in response to the Strickland administration’s announcement of nearly $366 million in cuts to state government spending:

“While I am pleased to see Governor Strickland start to focus on the costs of state government and how we can reduce those costs, I’m disappointed that more has not been done over the past year. By passing a budget that increased all funds spending by over 10 percent, these claims of reduced spending are counterintuitive to the long term economic stability of Ohio.

“Reducing government spending is only one step in the process to revive Ohio’s economy. We must also create new jobs to broaden our tax base, which will cause an overall positive economic result for our state. Job growth means revenue growth for state government without taking more of the individual taxpayers’ money. It is with these two factors together that we can start to see real outcomes, which will get Ohio out of this recession.
“Had Governor Strickland early on thought to make our state government more efficient, he would have urged House Democrats to hold numerous hearings on House Bill 25, along with the numerous other government reform proposals offered by House Republicans. By making fundamental changes to the structure of how our government operates, combined with sensible economic incentives for businesses, then we would be able to talk about serious cost savings for our state.”

02.03.10_Government Reform Package

RELEASE: Brown County Endorses Morgan for Auditor

Release:

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.

In 2 of 3 Key Races, Brown County Tells Kevin DeWine and the ORP Establishment to Buzz Off

Kevin Dewine and the Jason Ochocincos and John Ochocincos thought they had it all figured out. Snow Dave Yost into giving Mike DeWine a clear path to the AG, and tell little Seth Morgan to know his place and wait his turn. Well, the people of Brown County told Kevin and Co. that they don't agree with backroom deals and trying to take away the choice of the people. Tonight in Georgetown, in 2 of 3 key races with Kevin DeWine's pawprints all over them, the people of Brown County started telling Columbus thanks but no thanks.

In Brown County, a candidate must receive 65% of the vote of the Central Committee to win endorsement. The party had to suspend the rules regarding the standard endorsement procedure to vote on the State Auditor's race, due to the late departure of Mary Taylor and the subsequent announcements of candidacy by Yost and Morgan.

I will run down the races beginning with US Congress 2nd District. Incumbent and frequent firebrand Jean Schmidt is opposed by Mike Kilburn of Warren County and Debbie Allsfelder (sp?) of Mariemont.

US Congress, 2nd District

Mike Kilburn was first to speak. Mike has served the good people of Warren County for over 20+years as a Warren County Commissioner. In his tenure, the County went from being broke to having 180 million in the bank. He spoke of his dedication to fiscal conservatism, and his record on cutting costs and being pro growth are testaments to that. He spoke of his belief in capitalism and low taxes on entrepeneurs and businesses, as well as all people. Mr. Kilburn has an impressive record as a Commissioner of one of Ohio's biggest and fastest growing counties, and the story of Warren County is one to be lauded. He would bring fiscal conservatism and common sense to Washington. He made news and appeared on the Glenn Beck show for standing up and saying "we don't need Obama's filthy stinking stimulus money" for Warren County. He is pro 2nd Amendment, a gun owner, and is a solid social conservative as well. He gave a very informational speech and his record speaks volumes about his conservative credentials. Two big lines from his talk: God only asks for 10%, why should we give government so much more?" and he is a big flat tax advocate.
Debbie Allsfelder is originally from Clinton County and currently resides in Mariemont. She is a CPA and a lawyer, and her three sons all attended West Point. Her oldest is getting ready to start his 2nd deployment and her 2nd son is getting ready to be deployed. Her 45h child is a little 10 year old girl. She is very active in her community. She is in favor of term limits, as well as a strict constructionist view of Constitution. She said she would have a 3 part test for bills that came to her desk: 1. is it constitutional? 2. Can we afford it? 3. Do we need it? One of her biggest assets is that she is not a career politician and doesn't want to be one. She wants to serve her country like her boys are. She says she is conservative across the board and talked in general about strong defense, lessening size of government, and cutting spending and taxes.
Jean Schmidt is the sometimes controversial incumbent. She said you know where she stands and has fought for the district. She is mad at the direction the country is going and was appalled last week when the Democrats applauded after getting the votes to raise the debt ceiling for the 5th time in 14 months. She said she is solidly conservative, pro gun, pro life, pro traditional marriage. She talked of her assistance to crisis pregnancy centers, as well as her role in helping Perry twp. with water troubles. She also talked about how President Obama has not kept his promise to Ohio to send money and business to the Piketon plant, money which is now going to go to Iowa and a French company, our tax dollars going to the French. She urged people to call the White House Switchboard and tell the President to honor his promises and also to express dissatisfaction with his myopic focus on side issues like healthcare, cap and trade, etc. when the main issue is jobs. That number is
(202)456-1414. Jean faced a very deft question from Mt. Orab resident Dennis Wright, who asked her about her stance on the stimulus and bailouts. Jean said she voted for TARP I because local businesspeople were telling her they would not be able to survive if she didn't. She did say she voted against TARP II and is opposed to the Stimulus. She said she voted for TARP I because it would help loosen credit, however, as most people can tell, that hasn't happened.

2nd District US Congress Results

Jean Schimdt won the endorsement with 81% of the vote. All three candidates have some impressive credentials and would be great in public service, but the Central Committee in Brown County felt Jean Schmidt should get the endorsement and return to Washington.

US Senate

Tom Ganley had no representation. A rep from Portman's campaign spoke and discussed Rob's ties with the district, his record, etc. They discussed his solid NRA rating as well as right to life rating of 100 percent. They also said they were advancing in the new media aspect, including text updates you can get by texting "rob" to
46262. 9000 donors have given Portman a bank account of over 6 million as of the end of 2009.
RESULT: Rob Portman received 94% of the vote and won the endorsement of the county central committee.

Judge, 12th District Court of Appeals

Rachel Hutzel, prosecutor of Warren County and WMD contributor, won endorsement for one of the seats on the court with 94% of the vote. She spoke of her solid record as a prosecutor and her conservative credentials.
Robin Piper, prosecutor of Butler County, won endorsement for the other seat on the court with 89% of the vote.

88th District, State House of Representatives

Danny Bubp is seeking one last term before being term limited. He spoke of his solid conservative record on guns and life and such, as well as detailing the horrible actions by the current speaker in regards to the essay contest winner discussed earlier here at WMD. Danny Bubp won endorsement with 88% of the vote.

County Commissioner

Rick Eagan, two time former candidate, is seeking to run again, despite his debilitating car accident detailed previously on WMD. His daughter spoke for him as he is continuing his recovery. She gave an impassioned plea to the central committee, citing Rick's love for the area and his service in many different facets. Rick won endorsement with 75% of the vote.

State Central Committee, Male

Incumbent John Becker, who keeps everyone in his area informed through appearing at tea parties, rallies, and committee meetings, as well as the Becker report, fell two votes shy of the 65% needed for endorsement, but did have a majority of the votes. He has represented us well and I was disappointed for John. He votes how the people tell him and is willing to take unpopular stands. I wish him the best and hope he continues to fight hard for SW Ohio.

State Treasurer

Josh Mandel is an up and comer on the Ohio political scene. Danny Bubp spoke on his behalf. He won endorsement with 89% of the vote.

Secretary of State

Unfortunately, the establishment won this one. Jon Husted won endorsement with 83% of the vote, despite being a State senator who represents Montgomery County but lives in Columbus. Despite bringing this up, I was unable to get people to vote against him. He did not show up himself, but sent a representative who deflected the residency question by saying the Ohio Supremes voted unanimously for Husted, but not detailing it was all Repubs and that the questions remain. He said he voted for lower taxes but did not discuss the CAT tax. Ugh. One win for team ORP.

Governor of Ohio

Brown County spoke with one voice in saying we want a New Day and a New Way by voting 100% to endorse John Kasich and Mary Taylor. Danny Bubp spoke on John's behalf, who will be the keynote speaker at Brown County's Lincoln Day dinner, March 13th, at the Eagle's Hall in Georgetown. Check out the Brown County GOP's website for further details or hit them up on facebook.

County Auditor

The popular Doug Green won endorsement with 88% of the vote. He has served the county for 12 years, I do believe, and has headed up the State County Auditor's association, also, I think.

And now, for the kick in Team ORP's behind....

State Attorney General

Mike DeWine carried Brown County solidly in his failed reelection to the US Senate vs. Sherrod Brown. I guess he thought he didn't need to show up to speak to us hicks, because he sent campaign staffer John Hall to speak to us. Mr. Hall spoke about how DeWine wanted to improve efficiency in the crime lab, and how DeWine wanted to stop suing businesses in Ohio like Cordray has done. Well, the fit hit the shan when it was opened up to questions. Doug Sikking asked how dewine wanted to improve the efficiency in the crime lab and picked apart Mr. Hall's answer, saying it wouldn't make much difference. Mr. Hall was also asked how Mike DeWine could claim to be pro 2nd Amendment when the NRA gives him an F as does the Buckeye Firearms folks and how he could be pro traditional marriage when he was opposed to Ohio's DOMA and was endorsed by a gay activist group. Mr. Hall gave the standard DeWine dodge that he believes in the right to bear arms and will seek more reciprocity for conceal/carry and that he thought Ohio's DOMA was vague. Mr. Dewine failed by double digit percentage points to win the endorsement, despite his 2nd cousin clearing the field for him. Wonder what Dave Yost was thinking as he prepared to discuss the auditor's race?

State Attorney General Results

The central committee of Brown County rejected backroom deals and nepotism by REJECTING Mike DeWine. No endorsement awarded by double percentage points.

State Auditor

First, let me say that I really like Dave Yost. I admire his record as a prosecutor and as an auditor, and he writes a great blog. He is a man of deep moral beliefs and has conservative values. He is a great guy who has promoted our blog and reads it regularly. He sai some very gracious things to my party chairman Paul Hall regarding our work here and how much he appreciates what we do. That being said, I was disappointed in Dave's decision but was resigned to possibly supporting him for State Auditor. Dave discussed his record as a prosecutor and county auditor, having won a certificate of excellence as auditor 4 times in a row. He received awards as auditor from both Jim Petro and Betty Montgomery. He says he is the only candidate who has been a county auditor and who has headed an executive agency. He discussed how the only jobs Obama has created are in NJ, VA, and MA. Dave gave a good presentation. One central committee member asked Dave why he switched races and he said it was because that the state apportionment board is important and that he was asked by people around the state because he brought experience, no offense to his primary challenger Seth Morgan. He said he mulled it over and thought it was best for the party that he switch.

Seth Morgan took the podium and was electric. He discussed his humble beginnings as an outsider council member in Huber Heights and how he fought against incumbents and worked his way to the Ohio Statehouse. He talked about how he stood for what was right above party as he discussed taking on the party on several key votes, including standing up for conservative House Republican leader Batchhelder against the establishment pick of Matt "the tool" Dolan. He is a CPA and a small businessman. He said the key to beating the Daddy Bigbucks campaign of David Pepper is to have a candidate who presents a clear choice to the people. He said Ohioans were fed up with the establishment and politics as usual and that his recor has shown that no bureaucrat or party is too big for him to take on. While Dave Yost discussed experience as an auditor, Seth Morgan said he has experience standing up under pressure and doing what is right, and that is what Ohio need more than someone who could be charged with bowing to political pressures on backroom dealing. He discussed how he forced transparency in education in Ohio as well as taking on his own party to do not what was safe, but what is right, adn that we need more transparency and someone who will not bend to political pressure and his record has shown that.

State Auditor Results

Seth Morgan won the endorsement with 75% of the vote, while Dave Yost garnered 13%. I felt really bad for Dave Yost. He got screwed over by Kevin DeWine and the establishment ORP. He fell prey to the calls for unity and doing what is best for the Dewines, er, I mean the ORP. Instead of standing on principle, Dave went for making friends in the party. While that may win him some cash and some invites, these people are not his friends. They played Dave to clear the field for Mike DeWine as well as trying to keep an outsider like Seth Morgan from stepping out of line and daring to buck the elite. Dave Yost is a good man who agonized over this decision, but I think he chose wrongly. People were turned off that Yost gave up on his original goal, especially after winning endorsement after endorsement. The cash would have come as things heated up, especially in the general. But, Dave was seduced by the forked tongue of Kevin DeWine, who has engineered this whole thing. If this is his leadership, I don't think we should be impressed by 13 percent. Dave Yost went all in for the party, and he got screwed. A good man was humbled tonight, but another good man was given momentum in a vote that shocked many of the political class in the room. However, this should be a bellwether to Team ORP. Stop the politics as usual. Let the people's voice be heard, and quit the mindgames and manipulation. Or, continue on the path of expediency and continue to wander in the wilderness. For a wrinkly old fossil of a second cousin, Kevin DeWine sacrificed the political future of Dave Yost, who lost credibility when he switched, even though he did so for what he felt were the right reasons. I hope it was worth it Kevin, and I hope other county parties continue to send the message that the Ohio Republican Party should stand for something other than expediency and backroom dealing.

Still Not Buying It

I've watched my good friend Kyle Sisk tease this poll over the last few days and while he has given us a little more information in this post than previous mentions, what data he does present only asks more questions rather than answer the old ones.

First of all, the only link in Kyle's piece is to some pollster's bio.  Like that is going to convince me of something.  Come on, Kyle, you can do better than that.

Meanwhile, over on Twitter, our good friend phoning it in from Virginia is trying to say that a poll (the same poll?  I dunno, he doesn't link to anybody or anything.  He could be pulling these numbers out of the air for all I know...) has Republicans backing DeWine 96 - 3 90 - 3 (he had to issue a correction).  Has ANY Republican, let alone an Ohio Republican EVER had numbers that looked like that in Ohio and have something not be wrong with the poll?  I can't think of one...  if this is a poll of 600 likely voters, then all the Republicans were at Beef O'Brady's in Greene County.....

Even Kevin Holtsberry has been sucked in by this crazy talk...

Where is the poll???  Public Opinion Strategies did this poll, so where is it?  somebody provide a link that gives us all the details.  I got the impression that this wasn't even a poll about this race, so what was it about?  What were the target demographics?  What was the purpose of the poll?  Who put the poll in the field?  And who paid for it?

Seriously, my fellow bloggers, we should be a little more skeptical of some of the stuff that we get from campaign sources.

One last point, one poll does not a trend make.  Even if these numbers have some basis in a reality somewhere outside of Greene County, you simply can not tout these numbers as gospel until there is a trend.  There are reasons why instead of going through the Rasmussen polls line by line, I create charts that plot trends...

UPDATE:  Here is a piece that djtablesauce left out of his tweets courtesy of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

DeWine campaign consultant Mark Weaver pointed to  DeWine's 90-3 margin in the poll with voters who called themselves "strong Republicans" as evidence that the GOP base is happy with his candidate.

Let's hear what DeWine's numbers with "strong conservatives" is rather than "strong Republicans"...we all know where the "establishment" "strong" "Republicans" stand on the issue of Mike DeWine...
 My gut still  tells me that this is a VERY bogus poll...

CHART: Governor (Ohio)

SOURCE: Rasmussen Reports

Do We Have a Conservative GOP AG Candidate?

Maybe.

A Hardin County lawyer has stepped in to the ring to take on the aging "champion" Mikey DeWine.  So far, he is saying the right things:

“The overriding theme (of the campaign) is that we need a conservative on the ballot, someone who understands the constitution,” said Christopher.

House Speaker Denies Pro-Life Teen Access to House Floor

Release:

COLUMBUS - In an unprecedented act of partisanship, House Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beechwood) denied Shelby County teen Elisabeth Trisler a legislative honor routinely presented to others. Budish is refusing to allow Trisler on the House floor to accept a legislative resolution. The resolution, authored by Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney), honors her accomplishment as the National Right to Life Oratory Contest winner. Such honorary resolutions are routinely presented at the start of Ohio House legislative sessions to constituents, including those who win athletic championships or academic contests.

"Surely Speaker Budish can put aside his partisanship for 10 minutes to honor the accomplishments of a talented and optimistic teenage girl," said Ohio Right to Life Executive Director Mike Gonidakis. "Perhaps his real message to Ohio's teens is that excelling in public speaking isn't worth being honored if their views are different than his."
Trisler won the National Right to Life Oratory Contest held at the NRLC Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina in June, 2009. During the second half of 2009, Rep. Adams's office worked to schedule the presentation of Trisler's proclamation on the House floor, as is typical of such awards. The presentation was scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, 2010.
However, on January 29th, the House Clerk informed Rep. Adams's office the presentation was canceled because the Speaker "had a problem with the subject matter." The Clerk advised the representative's staff to take the matter up with the Speaker. Speaker Budish supports abortion.

"The Ohio House chamber is a monument to the importance of oratory and persuasion on the great issues facing our state," added Gonidakis. "Silencing someone because you disagree is a terrible lesson to teach teens. The Speaker should reconsider his unfortunately petty decision."
"The Ohio House of Representatives is known as the 'people's house'," said State Representative John Adams. "It is an outrage that Speaker Budish has decided to politicize and deny the presentation of a proclamation honoring national pro-life award on the House floor that was previously approved by the Speaker," Adams said.

CHARTS: US Senate Race (Ohio)

SOURCE: Rasmussen Reports

1: 9/25/2009

2: 12/7/2009

3: 1/12/2010

4: 2/05/2010

The Whole Dang Round-Up, Feb 6, 2010

Hey all...it has been a trying few weeks since the holidays, but I survived. Figured I would chime in some on some things going on.

First....

Happy Birthday, Ronald Reagan

Our 40th President would have been 99 today. The Great Communicator was the greatest President of the 20th Century, and is one of the top 10 in our history. We have discussed the wonders of Ronaldus Maximus in other posts, but I just wanted to give acknowledgement again to the Gipper and hope that we lean more toward his ideas and less toward the squishes as we move forward, or else we will continue in the morass and wilderness we find ourselves in, and will not get back to the Shining City On a Hill.

NASCAR stuff: Love Mark Martin, but the Car is Ugly

NASCAR is back...did it ever leave? Geez, this season makes baseball look like a one day tournament. Mark Martin won the pole for the Daytona 500. Woohoo! I hope he finally pulls through and wins both the 500 and the championship. However, his new sponsor, Godaddy.com, has an ugly paint scheme. And Mark does not fit in with the godaddy girls, to be sure.

Super Bowl

I am disappointed there will be no Favre, but it should still be a game that pulls people in. I will be rooting for the Colts. 1. I like Peyton Manning--he is humble but funny, and he works hard to be the best. 2. Obama picked New Orleans. 3. I am tired of hearing about Hurricane Katrina. I am sorry for all the death and destruction but let us not forget that Hurricane Hugo destroyed much of North Carolina and they were able to rebuild bigger and better and we don't still harp on things every time we see the Panthers or Hurricanes or the Tar Heels win a game that they are giving hope to people. It has been five years. Enough already. 4. I don't root for someone who allows himself to be called Brees Jesus. Sorry, Drew, you seem like a nice guy, but that is just too much. Go Colts!

Ohio's Republican Party Leadership Vaccuum

Too often in Ohio and across the nation, those of us involved have not taken our positions of leadership seriously enough. As members of central committees we have not done enough to let our constituents voices be heard to the central party leadership and to our elected officials. This has led to a leadership vaccuum and has created the mess we are in. Tonight on the radio I said I would take my job more seriously and I am going to do so. At my county's next central committee meeting, I am going to move that we admonish/censure State Senator Tom Niehaus for his recent vote to enact what is a retroactive tax increase on the good people of Ohio. I am also going to move and ask my fellow members to vote no endorsement for Mike DeWine as well as John Husted. These two men are not trustworthy and should not be given a free pass. I encourage other counties' central committees to do the same and stand firm against what has been a shell game by feckless party chair Kevin DeWine. And, I suggest that we hold our state central committee people accountable in their votes as well......In this way, we can make sure our voices are heard and let the people who try to subvert the will of the people like Kevin DeWine know that those days are over....

Obama's State of the Union

How's all that hope and change and unicorn farts working for you now? Not so much, huh?

Oh yeah? And Michelle Obama Says Her Kids Are Fat!

Imagine if Laura or W had said their kids were fat. There would be calls for child service intervention. However, Mrs. The One says it and it is like a breath of fresh air.....

Oprah to talk to child molesters this week

Funny, I didn't know she would be so active in the running of her "school" in Africa.....

Dave Yost's Switch to Auditor

I am very disappointed in Mr. Yost, and wish he had not been fooled by the cries from Kevin Dewine and others that this is "for the good of the party." What about the good of the state? Mike DeWine and Dick Cordray are different shades of the same color. Yost offered a clear choice. Mr. Yost put politics over principle and the faith of the people who endorsed him.

Tea Partiers Go National

The little engine that could continues to grow, and if the GOP is not careful, they will find themselves on the ash heap of history because they took these people too lightly and just thought platitudes and public appearances could placate them. People aren't so easily fooled now, folks, you better get your acts together. And if in November the GOP doesn't make strides, it will be the GOP's fault, not these folks or Glenn Beck.

People of all stripes are angry at the arrogance of the two big parties. Keep on your current path and one day the jackass and the pacyderm may be the endangered species.

Well, it is getting late and it is cold out. Until next time, God bless you all and God bless America....