Today in the Ohio Senate

The Senate will consider the following during today’s session (1:30 p.m.):

Urging Disapproval of the Iran Nuclear Deal: Senator Joe Uecker (R-Miami Township) sponsored Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 to urge Congress to vote against President Obama's proposed Iranian nuclear agreement. Beyond security concerns, the proposed agreement includes coercive language that may compel state and local officials to change their policies in order to satisfy the new relationship between the United States and Iran.

Administering an Efficient Justice System: House Bill 11, sponsored by Representative Andrew Brenner (R-Powell), seeks to create a judgeship to the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas, which currently has two judges. Delaware County has nearly doubled in population over the last 25 years. The growing population requires additional services from the county, including an additional judgeship to focus on domestic relations.

Raising Awareness about Breast Cancer: Sponsored by Representatives Al Landis (R-Dover) and Nan Baker (R-Westlake), House Bill 93 permits motorcycles to apply for a “Breast Cancer Awareness” license plate.

Honoring Astronaut Neil Armstrong: Senator Shannon Jones (R-Springboro) sponsored Senate Bill 131, which designates a stretch of State Route 123 within Warren County as the Neil Armstrong Memorial Highway.

Supporting Baseball for All: Senate Bill 159, sponsored by Senator Jim Hughes (R-Columbus), designates a "Baseball for All" license plate with proceeds from each purchased plate going to the Grove City Little League Dream Field Fund. Dream Field allows people with special needs, including those who use wheelchairs and walkers, to be able to access and use the field.

Brown County GOP Update: The Return of Paul Hall...and Revisiting Schmidt v. Wenstrup

Last night the Brown County GOP Central Committee held its post-election reorganization meeting. Officers were elected. Paul Hall, who originally was not going to seek a return to the chairmanship, was nominated and elected to continue as chair. Mariah Votel was elected vice chair. Roxanne Malone elected secretary. Steve Luerke elected treasurer. Business discussed included rewriting the by-laws, as well as meeting to recommend that Clark Gray, winner of the primary for clerk of courts, be hired in that capacity this month when interim clerk of courts Michelle Harris will be leaving. Summer plans were discussed, as were finances.

However, at this meeting and in talking to boots on the ground in Clermont County, I now have a new take on the Schmidt v. Wenstrup race. I still stand by what I said post primary (see archives), but there is indeed a big mistake made by team Schmidt. It involves some information I will borrow from Tom Blumer over at Bizzyblog. Here is the link to his article pre primary day regarding slate card chicanery.

In my investigation, it was revealed to me that indeed the Schmidt camp took a gamble and sided with Don White (then incumbent prosecutor, now defeated) and produced this slate card. Team Schmidt also got Nick Owens to go along and have his name put on the card. Rumor has it Paul Hall was asked but said no, because he said doing such a thing might destroy the party. Actually, it had the opposite effect.

The slate card silliness galvanized the fractured Clermont County GOP into an all out assault on Jean Schmidt, and to a lesser extent, Don White and Nick Owens. One person whose name was on the slate card who didn't get any grief was Joe Uecker, who narrowly it appears has defeated Paul Hall to be state Senator. So, instead of further fractionalizing the party, the tactic by White and Team Schmidt served as a rallying cry to get the party unifed to go after these two and anyone (except, evidently, Uecker) who sided with them on the slate card.

So, in addition to the dirty tricks by Wenstrup and his lies, Team Schmidt pulled a last minute blunder by seeking to take advantage of a confused and disjointed party. Instead, it only served to galvanize them into defeating Jean, even at the cost of possibly losing the seat in the general election.

My exit question is: why was Joe Uecker spared the wrath? Was it because he was endorsed by the party, even though he apparently went along with Schmidt and White in having his name on the slate card. Shouldn't Joe Uecker be criticized a bit for playing both ends? Just curious. So, this adds a further explanation to the loss.

Brown County/Uecker Update: Some Revisions and Extensions

Last week, we discussed the upcoming Ohio Senate primary between state reps Danny Bubp and Joe Uecker. We discussed some of the rumors and observations people have had. In fact, at some point, we asked what has Joe Uecker done for Brown County. Well, upon further review, Joe has done some things for Brown County worth notice and appreciation. These items mentioned come from emails from folks and comments from readers:

While Colonel Bubp was away in service to his country in Iraq, Rep. Uecker helped Brown County officeholders, citizens and trustees with issues. Mr.Uecker also engaged in battle with colleagues over issues that affect Brown County, even when he was a twp trustee in Clermont County himself.

Also, dear readers, we engaged in a bit of hyperbole, that some may have taken as too serious. Mr. Uecker has made the rounds to Brown County republican events, and has been seen in parades, though often times just as part of the party and not necessarily on his own or what have you.

Perhaps Niehaus isn't steering Uecker, but I know Niehaus is steering Brown Countians to Mr. Uecker. Niehaus should stay out of things, especially since he isn't exactly on the best terms with taxpayers, or did you not remember that HE VOTED TO RETROACTIVELY RAISE YOUR TAXES?

So, some of what we previously wrote may have been either in error or a bit hyperbolic. We almost always appreciate when readers logically and rationally contact us to correct the record....Note: this automatically disqualifies Dennis Varnau supporters from contacting us. :)

Col. Bubp and Mr. Uecker have both been congenial and open to discussion during my interactions with them. I hope both of them run an honest race and no matter who wins, they will continue to support strong conservative values.

Columbus Whispers and Brown County Update: Niehaus Interfering in Race for Successor

My spies in Columbus tell me that State Senate Majority Leader Tom"I campaign as a conservative but did you know I retroactively raised your taxes"Niehaus is trying to play kingmaker in the race to succeed him in his Senate district. Niehaus is term limited by law and cannot run again. Niehaus is heavily pushing state Rep. Joe Uecker over popular state rep. Danny Bubp. The reason? Old grudges. Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus for some reason don't like Danny Bubp because they think he supported Jean Schmidt in their old primary race for State Senate. In fact some people say it was Tom Niehaus that convinced Brown County GOP chair Paul Hall to run against Danny Bubp a few years ago, despite Bubp's overwhelming popularity in Brown, Adams, and Clermont Counties among others in Bubp's district.

Niehaus just needs to get out of politics. Some of the things I have been hearing Niehaus is doing to help Uecker are just dirty pool. Word has it Niehaus is steering Uecker to where the Senate lines are going to be redrawn based on insider info. Also, Niehaus is giving Uecker, who until recently was never seen nor heard from in Brown County, the lists of places to go to get votes, as in festivals and such. In fact, Niehaus has been hard at work in Brown County to undermine Bubp. Whispers tell me that Niehaus has given his disciples a line to use with people: "What has Bubp done for Brown County?"

Well, my initial response is: what has Joe Uecker done for Brown County? Until this seat became open, most people had never heard nor seen Joe Uecker. And Joe Uecker hadn't spent much time in the county, either. This can be demonstrated by what I witnessed and later had confirmed by others. Uecker was down for the annual Ohio Tobacco festival in Ripley. I happened to be driving home from there at the same time as Uecker and I followed him. He made an odd turn off of rt 68 going north to be heading to where he said he was going, back home to Clermont County. Well, I stopped for a minute at the same spot and waited. Sure enough, here came back Joe Uecker back onto 68, and he went down the road after getting lost. For someone who at the festival claimed he had been through there "many times" he seemed to get lost easily.

However, the question remains. What has Danny Bubp done for Brown County? I am going to be investigating this and getting back to you, the loyal readers of WMD. Here is what I know: Joe Uecker has done ziltch for Brown County until he decided to run for this Senate seat. I know that Tom Niehaus is a bitter hack who retroactively raised my taxes, and who may be putting the futures of the employees of the largest employer in the county into jeopardy. Tom Niehaus needs to man up and go off into the sunset, and let the two primary opponents have a clean race without the need to try and manipulate things and play kingmaker. For someone who talks about how he is not a politician, Niehaus certainly acts like the consummate dirty politician.

Stay tuned........

Gov. Kasich Signs HB 78 ("Viability" Bill)

Release:

COLUMBUS—Today Gov. John R. Kasich signed House Bill 78 (Uecker, Roegner) into law. The bill prohibits abortions after the viability of an unborn child is confirmed and requires physicians to test fetuses for viability at 20 weeks into pregnancy or later.  If viability is confirmed, an abortion cannot be performed except in the case of a medical emergency or if the mother has a serious health condition.

“Life is a gift from God and one way that we express our ongoing gratitude for it is by respecting it.  This bill does that in a very fundamental way and I’m proud to have signed it into law.”

Bill Prohibiting Taxpayer-Funded Abortions Under Washington Mandates Passes Ohio House

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Reps. Danny Bubp (R-West Union) and Joe Uecker (R-Loveland) have announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 79, which will prohibit the coverage of elective abortions within the health plans required by the new federal health care law.

 

The federal health care law requires each state to establish an “American Health Benefit Exchange” to encourage the purchase of health care plans, which may include elected abortions as a health care benefit. However, a state may prohibit abortion coverage in its own health benefit exchange if the state passes a law specifying as such.

 

“Currently, 29 other states have either introduced or plan to introduce similar legislation,” said Bubp. “It is important that we join this nationwide movement to protect the taxpayers from being forced to pay for abortions out of their own pockets, while at the same time taking steps to protect our most vulnerable Ohioans.”

 

“The people of the State of Ohio already face one of the highest tax burdens in the nation, and we have an obligation as lawmakers to rein in the cost of state government the best that we can,” said Uecker. “I think that this legislation is just one of the ways that our government can be accountable to the taxpayers.”

 

House Bill 79, which passed with bipartisan support, was originally introduced in May 2010 of the previous General Assembly. It will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

St. Reps. Combs and Uecker Discuss Resolution to Honor Military Members

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Courtney Combs (R-Hamilton) and Joe Uecker (R-Loveland) today held a press conference to unveil a resolution designating the Honor and Remember Flag as Ohio’s emblem representing the sacrifice of those in the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

The Honor and Remember Flag recognizes all individuals who have died as a result of serving in the U.S. military, acting as a symbol of national gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the nation’s freedom and prosperity. It also serves to help recognize military families who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

 

“This legislation will ensure that those who have given their lives for our country will truly be remembered,” said Combs. “As we approach Memorial Day, we felt it was appropriate to take steps to honor our fallen military members by drafting and introducing this resolution as just one way of showing our gratitude.”

 

“It is long overdue that we support a national symbol that pays tribute to those who have died while protecting their families and neighbors back home,” Uecker said. “I’m honored to sponsor this bill with Rep. Combs and bring Ohio one step closer to recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform.”

 

The goal of the resolution is to establish the Honor and Remember Flag as a permanent, officially sanctioned symbol to fly continuously in remembrance of fallen military servicemen and women. It differs from the Gold Star Service Flag because it allows all Ohioans the opportunity to show their respect for those who gave their lives for their nation, as opposed to the Gold Star Service Flag that is reserved for military families.

Bubp on the Budget...and Other Issues

My representative to the Ohio Statehouse, and a great American, Colonel Danny Bubp (who should spend more time calling into the TIB All Star Show than Eric Deters Show, I'm just sayin'), spoke to the Brown County Press recently about the new state government and the rough year ahead:

State Representative Danny Bubp (R-West Union) says "double digit" cuts are coming to the budget for Ohio.

Bubp said he could not be more specific at this time, but added that the state of Ohio was looking at a budget deficit of eight to ten Billion dollars, approaching twenty percent of the total budget, and that cuts were unavoidable.
Bubp said "the people spoke loud and clear on Nov. 2 that they want change in Ohio" and that current spending levels are "putting the future of all Ohioans in jeopardy and we cannot do that."

Bubp acknowledges that the spending cuts being proposed will affect nearly every person in the state and likens the coming cuts to taking medicine.

"The medicine might not taste good, but it's necessary to nurse the patient, in this case the state budget, back to health."

He said that the Republicans, who control the State House and Senate chambers and the Governors Office, would be working to create jobs and "put out a welcome sign for businesses" in Ohio.

Bubp said he was already working on a couple of bills in the first full week of the 2011 Legislative Session.

Rep. Bubp also has some bills he is working on, as well as some committee assignments under the new Speaker of the Ohio House Bill Batchelder:

Bubp was appointed last week by Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) to serve as chairman of the House Judiciary and Ethics Committee during the 129th General Assembly. In addition, he will serve on the Veteran's Affairs and Criminal Justice committees.Bubp said he was already working on a couple of bills in the first full week of the 2011 Legislative Session.

"We're working on crystallizing and improving our concealed carry law to protect the second amendment rights of our citizens", Bubp said.

He also said he was working with Rep. Dr. Terry Johnson of the Portsmouth area on legislation to fight painkiller "pill mills" in Ohio.

"These pill mills are responsible for far too many drug deaths in our state", Bubp said.

"We have to work to make sure doctors and law enforcement are on the same page to keep these pills off the street."

One solution Bubp discussed is to make better use of a statewide reporting system so doctors, pharmacies and law enforcement agencies can spot patterns of prescription drug abuse.

Regarding his appointment, Bubp said "I'm deeply honored to have been appointed by Speaker Batchelder to serve as chairman of the Judiciary and Ethics Committee."

"I will continue to seek pragmatic solutions to the concerns of our community and help create jobs for our state."

Rep. Bubp is rumored to be considering running for the Ohio Senate seat currently occupied by the term limited (and retroactively tax raising) Tom Niehaus. Bubp's Republican primary opponent will likely be fellow State Rep. Joe Uecker. Both Uecker and Bubp are term limited in the statehouse at the close of this next term.

Brown County GOP Celebrates Holidays and Election Sweep

Last night, the Brown County GOP celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas and the Holiday Season with a Dinner at the Southern Hills Career and Technical Center. The event was a thank you to poll workers and others who contributed to the victory in the 2010 general election. Paul Hall made clear some of the important gains aside from the electoral victories. Where the GOP had only 3 presiding judges before the election, it now has all 32 for each precinct. Among the honorees were Al Spiller, for being an all around utility man and precinct captain, as well as Central Committee MVP Jeanne Glassmeyer, for working hard in Perry Twp. Other awards were handed out including gifts for every poll worker and central committee member. Rick Eagan received an award for his perseverance and hard work in overcoming a near death experience in a car crash and reverse the vote totals from his first run against defeated Democrat incumbent Margery Paeltz, turning over 4000 votes to his side. In other news, it was revealed that Margery's husband Wade, who attends Republican meetings, voted for Dick Cordray, the losing democrat, to (snicker snicker) "moderate" Republican Mike Dewine. I guess this shows Wade has a history of backing the wrong horse, so to speak.

New Senate President Tom Niehaus couldn't make it, probably partying with the tax hikers in Columbus too much. Jean Schmidt was not in attendance, but her husband Peter and staffer Steven Caraway represented her well. State Reps. Danny Bubp and Joe Uecker, two of several sponsors for the event, were also in attendance. Rumors swirl that these two will be facing off for a State Senate seat candidacy in two years, as I believe both are term limited in the state house. Many of those present "in the know" say Danny is the frontrunner, with Uecker's main hope being if Kasich appoints Bubp to some type of administrative or judicial position.

Danny Bubp made a great point in discussing the NRA and the Buckeye Firearms Association. They backed Ted Strickland based on a promise he is not keeping, regardin the improvements of the concealed carry law. Ted promised both organizations, according to Bubp, that he would sign the bills and make sure they passed. However, he is being a sore loser and is not doing it. Danny said it is time these organizations got back behind people who do what they are say they are going to do and have a track record that is believable on the gun issues.

Other luminaries in attendance included: former County Treasurer Gail DeClaire, Judge Scott Gusweiler, Prosecutor Jessica Little, State Board of Education member Jeff Hardin, Sheriff Dwayne Wenninger, County Clerk of Courts Tina Meranda, County Auditor Doug Green, who gave an informative presentation on his journey as an election observer to Albania, as well as members of the Central Committee and other elected officials. Also in attendance was Hannah Faulkner, a Brown County resident who is also the President of the Northern Kentucky University Young Republicans club, who closed the evening in prayer and benediction.

Ohio Jobless Rate Soars Under Democrat Leadership

Release:

Increased unemployment and business exodus plagues Cincinnati

Columbus—With Ohio’s unemployment at 11 percent, House Republicans decried the partisanship and inactivity displayed by House leadership throughout this General Assembly.
“We all know that our state has been in an economic struggle for some time, and southwestern Ohio is not immune to the financial stresses Ohioans have faced across the state,” Rep. Robert Mecklenborg (R-Green Township) said. “If we’re going to bring jobs back to our constituents, House leadership must be willing to reach across the aisle and embrace innovative, effective solutions to our problems.”
While Ohio has lost 194,000 jobs in the past year alone, the Cincinnati metropolitan area saw unemployment rise to 10.9 percent in February 2010 – the highest rate since 2000.
“My colleagues and I in the legislature see the regrettable path Ohio’s economy has taken under this leadership, and we’ve proposed bill after bill to help solve increasing unemployment and out-of-control government spending,” Rep. Ronald Maag (R-Salem Township) said. “Ohioans deserve for our proposed legislation to have a chance on the House floor, and I urge my fellow lawmakers across the aisle to give us that chance.”
In an effort to create jobs and make Ohio more business-friendly, the House Republican Caucus introduced two packages of proposals aimed at creating jobs and restoring accountability to state government. These “Future of Ohio” jobs and government reform packages would help bring Ohio into the competitive race for jobs by improving the business climate, reducing taxes on families and businesses, and restoring a fiscally responsible state government. To date, none of the “Future of Ohio” proposals have been permitted a vote in committee or on the House floor.
“When your proposals are not working, you have to be able to swallow your pride and ask for help,” Rep. Joseph Uecker (R-Miami Township) said. “The statistics show that the few Democratic solutions to bringing jobs and business back to Ohio have not worked. Ohioans want to work in a business-friendly environment, and my colleagues and I maintain that our “Future of Ohio” packages can accomplish that.”
“As state legislators, our constituents entrust us with the responsibility to be sure that Ohio can fulfill their needs as mothers, fathers, and business professionals,” said Rep. Danny Bubp (R-West Union). “My House Republican colleagues and I remain confident that an effective session will take place before summer recess that will begin to address bipartisan solutions to Ohio’s economic woes.”

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.

Becker Running for Ohio Senate

I had heard from a few sources that this was going down, but now that Howard Wilkinson has reported on it, I might as well give you my thoughts on it now...

I think John Becker is a great guy and a smart conservative. He's deft enough of a politician to be the only vote against returning Bob Bennett to the Chairmanship of the Ohio GOP and that holds a LOT of weight in my book. One of Howard's commenters makes the suggestion that Beck may be too partisan for this role, but I couldn't disagree more. If ever there was a time for partisanship, it's now. Ohio Republicans are going to need principled fighters in Columbus doing God's work as only a strong conservative voice like Becker's could provide.

With redistricting coming, Becker may find himself on the wrong side of the line though...

Another of of Howard's commeters mentions State Rep. Danny bubp as a possible replacement for State Senator Tom Niehaus -- who will be term-limited after this session -- and I think Danny would be a fantastic choice as well.

One thing is for sure: there is no shortage of good candidates for the spot. Another name mentioned was State Rep. Joe Uecker. I'm less familiar with Uecker; so if anybody has a recommendation, I'm listening...

Exit Question: Is it entirely too early to be talking about a race in 2012?