RELEASE: State Representative John Becker Announces Six Right-to-Work Constitutional Amendments

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) today announced six Right-to-Work related constitutional amendments as follows:



• Private-sector Right-to-Work – No worker should be required to subsidize a union as a condition of employment. Additionally, this amendment will tell the world that Ohio is “open for business.”



• Public-sector Right-to-Work – This legislation is about freedom of association. The same as the private sector, no worker should be required to subsidize a union as a condition of employment.



• Public-sector Prevailing Wage – Repeals the requirement for taxpayers to pay artificially inflated wages, rather than those that are market-based.



• Public-sector Paycheck Protection – This amendment prohibits state and local government employers from withholding union dues or fees from workers’ wages. Additionally, unions will be prohibited from spending workers’ money on political activities without workers’ consent.



• Public-sector Project Labor Agreements – This legislation is the Michigan model approved by the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. State and local government entities will be prohibited from minimizing competition for construction projects by requiring that only union or non-union labor can be considered. A level playing field will be required.



• Public-sector Union Recertification – Requires annual reconsideration and recertification of workers’ bargaining units. This amendment will open up competition for new bargaining units, will give workers a chance to have their voices heard, and will make union leadership accountable to their membership.



With these proposals, Becker asks Ohio’s General Assembly to put all of them on the ballot for the people to vote on individually.



“Now that 28 states, and four out of five of Ohio’s neighboring states, have enacted Right-to-Work laws, the nation’s future is for all workers to have the right to work free of the burden of mandated union payments as a condition of employment,” said Becker. “Ohio is being left behind, and it is time for the people to decide Ohio’s future.”

"Conservative" Ohio Republicans and Their Budget

According to St. Rep. John Becker, the legislature passed a "budget that is a mix of state and federal dollars. The annualized spending of state dollars is increasing at triple the 1.6 percent inflation rate from current actuals. Federal dollars are being spent at 4.8 times the inflation rate. The people of Clermont County did not send me to Columbus to spend their money faster than they can earn it. Did I mention that Obamacare Medicaid expansion was baked into this?"

He's right. That budget was and is a disaster. But Ohio Republicans, many of whom go around their districts claiming to be conservatives and fiscally responsible, are still bending over backwards trying to pat themselves on the back for their support for continued expansion of government that is already runaway out of control and, in the case of the federal government, staggeringly in debt.

Let me emphasize something Rep. Becker said, "The annualized spending of state dollars is increasing at triple the 1.6 percent inflation rate from current actuals." You have to ask yourselves if everybody else in the state got a raise or something. Where is this money coming from? Team Kasich is telling us that this budget cuts taxes...and it does, sort of...by shifting the burden of taxation elsewhere. But "conservative" Ohio Republicans will still talk about how they are cutting taxes. What they aren't telling you is that they are spending even more tax dollars than before.

Whatever happened to the idea of reining in spending and reducing government? "Conservative" Ohio Republicans have no answer for that question because they have no interest in doing either. All they care about is conning you into voting for them.

Here's what I wrote in my Heartland Institute piece on the budget:

"Government spending will increase by 11 percent, compared to the previous biennial budget, most of which comes from Kasich’s continued support for increasing entitlement spending, such as Medicaid.

Kasich’s Medicaid expansion program is costing state taxpayers $1.4 billion per year—about $258.14 per taxpayer—more than budget projections predicted, causing the program to exceed its budget by about 63 percent."

But at least St. Peter will be happy with us.....

Ohio Republican Party Jumps Shark

ORP FAILS TO ENDORSE JOHN BECKER

The Enquirer is reporting that the Ohio Republican Party has failed to endorse John Becker and two other area Republican state representatives because they DARE to hold the line on spending.

John Becker has done more for the Ohio Republican party than anybody I know. He has fought the good fight with friends in the Tea Party and other conservative groups that the ORP was an organization worth investing time and energy. His dedication to that cause is one of the reasons why WMD has restrained itself from completely and utterly abandoning any and all hope that the ORP could be reformed. All of that is nothing.

THIS is how the Ohio Republican Party rewards people who have differing views. Where's the 80% with us bullshit line now?

I had always suspected that Bill Batchelder was a tool. That he has allowed this nonsense confirms what I have always suspected. This guy is a loser and I'm grateful that he can do us no more damage thanks to term limits.

These idiots have even recommended endorsing Peter Beck. That dude is going to prison.

SERIOUSLY.

I can't stand this much Stupid.

St. Rep. Becker Encourages Constituents to Attend Town Hall Meeting with AFP-Ohio

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Twp.) will be joining Americans for Prosperity and other interested parties in a discussion on state spending. The event is open to the public and Rep. Becker encourages residents of the 65th House District to attend and offer their views.

“I’m looking forward to discussing the state budget directly with my constituents and answering questions anyone may have regarding bills I’ve introduced or any other policy questions,” Rep. Becker said.

The event will be held on Thursday, August 29th at 7 p.m. at the Eastgate Holiday Inn (4501 East Gate Blvd., Cincinnati, OH 45245).

Residents of the 65th District are also welcome to contact Rep. Becker’s office directly if they are unable to attend the event.

St. Rep. Becker Introduces Bill Allowing Hunters to Use Noise Suppressors

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) has introduced House Bill 234, legislation that will allow hunters to use noise suppressors on their firearms. In order to qualify, a hunter would be required to have a valid Ohio hunting license and a Federal Class 3 license for the suppressor.

He is co-sponsoring the bill with Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City).

“I am very pleased that Representative Grossman asked me to join her as a joint sponsor of this bill,” Becker said. “This legislation will help prevent hearing loss for those who choose to use a suppressor. It will also cut down on noise that can be disturbing to others.”

HB 234 will be assigned to a House committee where it will be taken up for consideration.

Becker Introduces HB 210 - Confiscated Weapons Shouldn’t be Destroyed

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township–Clermont County) introduced HB 210 to prevent law enforcement agencies from destroying confiscated firearms. "I cringe when I'm watching TV and I see a table full of firearms headed for destruction. Many of those firearms are collectors' items and/or have a high monetary value. With HB 210, they will be used within the law enforcement department, sold to licensed firearms dealers, or turned over to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Regardless, the department selling the firearms will keep the proceeds and reduce their demand for additional taxpayer dollars," said Becker. He went on to say that, "HB 210 is a win-win for law enforcement, firearms collectors, sportsmen, and taxpayers”. HB 210 had its first hearing this week in Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday.

St. Reps. Retherford and Boose Introduce Health Care Compact Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Wes Retherford (R-Hamilton) and Terry Boose (R-Norwalk) recently introduced legislation that would enter Ohio into a multi-state health care compact.

A multi-state health care compact would allow Ohio to have full control over the federal health care dollars spent within the state, which in Ohio alone would equate to $35 billion annually. Additionally, states within the compact have the authority to craft their own health care systems and regulations to best suit their individual needs, rather than relying on centralized control by the federal government.

From left to right: Rep. Mark Romanchuk, Rep. John Becker, Rep. Wes Retherford, Rep. Terry Boose

“Entering into an interstate health care compact would have tremendous long-term benefits for the state of Ohio,” said Rep. Retherford. “It will allow us to retain local control over tax dollars and help us to reduce waste, increase efficiency and provide better health outcomes for our citizens.”

“We need to allow our health care system the flexibility to provide sustainable, quality health care for Ohioans,” said Rep. Boose. “With health care decisions made at the state level rather than by unaccountable, distant federal bureaucrats, Ohio could tailor its own systems to address its needs.”

Eight states have passed health care compact legislation. The compact would go into effect with the approval of the U.S. Congress.

The legislation will be designated a bill number and assigned to a House committee in the near future.

St. Rep. Becker Introduces Gun Legislation

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) yesterday introduced legislation related to how Ohio defines certain firearms.

House Bill 191 would change the state’s Weapons Control Law by removing from the definition of “automatic firearm” a semi-automatic firearm that is designed or adapted to fire more than 31 cartridges without reloading.

"Ohio law includes a clause that defines a semi-automatic weapon as fully automatic when it carries more than 31 rounds, but it is ridiculous to call any weapon ‘fully automatic’ based on an arbitrary magazine size," Becker said. "An AR-15 rifle doesn't suddenly become a machine gun by inserting a 40-round magazine.”

Rep. Becker drafted the bill after hearing from constituents in his district. If enacted, House Bill 191 would align Ohio’s definitions of the firearms with those of federal law.

St. Rep. Becker Introduces Bill That Eliminates Marriage Tax Penalty

Release:

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township) has introduced legislation that would eliminate the marriage penalty in Ohio’s income tax system.

House Bill 188, introduced on Tuesday, changes the way the joint filer tax credit is computed so that married couples pay the same amount of tax on a joint return as they would had they filed separately. In tax year 2012, a married couple working full time and earning minimum wage, paid an Ohio Marriage Penalty of $184.

"I have long been in favor of abolishing the Ohio marriage penalty, and I will continue to fight for Ohio families for as long as I am a member of the General Assembly,” Becker said. “House Bill 188 allows taxpayers to calculate the difference between filing joint and separate. That amount would then be entered as the joint filing credit. Ohio’s tax code should not discourage and punish marriage.”

HB 188 was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee.

GUEST COLUMN: "Municipal Income Tax Holding Ohio Back"

St. Rep. John Becker

BY: State Rep. John Becker

In many respects, being unique is a welcomed quality. But one aspect that makes the state of Ohio unique also drastically hurts its chances for attracting businesses.

Ohio is the only state in the country that allows each city and village to establish its own set of rules and regulations for collecting taxes. Municipalities collect what is called the municipal income tax to help it meet local governments’ costs. This is very similar to how the state or federal governments collect income taxes.

Today, there are more than 600 different municipalities enforcing their own compliance regulations. When every municipality in the state can establish its own set of rules for merely collecting taxes, small businesses in particular are hurt because the costs of complying with all these different sets of regulations add up in a hurry.

At the beginning of this year, legislation was introduced in the House that aims to bring uniformity to the process of collecting municipal taxes. House Bill 5 is currently being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee.

I support this legislation because it is a common-sense approach to encouraging businesses to locate and grow in our state. The states are as competitive as the free market itself, and tax policy certainly weighs heavily on the minds of employers when looking for a location. Business owners and site selectors have told us that Ohio’s municipal income tax is one of the steepest barriers to them coming to our state.

That Ohio is the only state in the country to have this system should be a firm indication that this is either an antiquated system, or one absent of common sense. Encouraging business growth in Ohio is something that will benefit all villages, cities and townships in the state.

The money saved by reducing businesses’ compliance costs, as well as the new businesses this idea will hopefully attract to the state, will make Ohio more competitive nationwide.

Becker at Day of Resistance in Butler County

Release:

West Chester—State Representative John Becker (R-Union Township – Clermont Co.) spoke to a crowd at The Square at Union Centre during a “Day of Resistance” rally. Supporters of gun rights in southwest Ohio rallied as part of a national campaign aimed to strengthen opposition against proposed new gun laws from the Whitehouse.

St. Rep. John Becker addresses the crowd.

“Many will have you believe that gun-related incidents are on the rise. This is a myth. The yearly number of firearm-related accidents is down an astonishing 79 percent, from a high of 3,200 in year 1930 to 680 in year 2008. In fact, accidental firearm-related fatalities are at their lowest rate since 1903 when record-keeping began.”

Becker himself has been a member of the NRA for about 20 years and works closely with Buckeye Firearms Association on gun issues.

He left the crowd with these words. “Let’s talk about accidental deaths. Every death is a tragedy. Let’s look at numbers: 39,000 accidental deaths from poisonings, 2,000 drownings, and only 600 gun deaths! Let’s talk about banning swimming pools, bathtubs, and household cleaners before we go after guns!”

Becker, a friend of the show here at the TIB Network, also gave us his entire speech:

I’m John Becker, State Representative from Clermont County.
Is anybody out there from Clermont County?

When I was campaigning for this office, I ran on a very simple platform:
ProLife, Pro-Gun, Limited Government and Lower Taxes.
Does any of that sound good to anybody?

We’re here today to talk about the gun issue.
First, a little background information on me:
I’ve been a Life member of the NRA for 20 years or so.
And I’m a concealed carry license holder.
I’d also like to give a shout out to Buckeye Firearms.
They are the people I work most closely with on gun issues.

Gun violence has been the topic in the news lately.
I disagree with the NRA on one point:
We do not need a federal police force inside our schools!

I like the idea of no cost options.
Let’s allow school personnel who wish to carry to have that option.

If you are to remember anything at all about this speech, I want you to remember what to do when confronted by a bad guy with a gun:
It is only two simple words: “Shoot back!”

Along those lines, I have some ideas for legislation and I want to give you one of them:
“Allow all public employees who have Concealed Carry Permits to lawfully carry inside any (non-secured) public building.”
This would include teachers, janitors, administrators, etc.
They will know how to “shoot back.”

Let’s talk about the numbers:
Many will have you believe that gun-related incidents are on the rise. This is a myth. The yearly number of firearm-related accidents is down an astonishing 79 percent, from a high of 3,200 in year 1930 to 680 in year 2008. In fact, accidental firearm-related fatalities are at their lowest rate since 1903 when record-keeping began.

I have a few FBI murder statistics
In the most recent year available, 323 murders occurred with any type of Rifle including the so-called “assault rifles.”
That’s a bad thing.
But let’s put it in perspective:
500 murders were from Blunt Objects (baseball bats, crow bars, hammers)
1,700 murders from knives
And again, only 323 murders from rifles!
Let’s talk about registering baseball bats and kitchen knives before we start talking about rifles.

Let’s talk about Accidental Deaths.
Every death is a tragedy.
But again, let’s put things in perspective:
39,000 accidental deaths from poisonings
2,000 drownings
And Only 600 gun deaths!
Let’s talk about banning swimming pools, bathtubs, and household cleaners before we go after guns!

I’m John Becker, State Representative from Clermont County.
And I want to thank you all for being here today.

Chronicles from the Medicaid Expansion War

While attending the Brown County GOP Lincoln - Reagan Day Dinner last night, Mark and I got a chance to chat a bit with our good friend, State Representative John Becker. John gave us a preview of a statement that he will be releasing in the February edition of The Becker Report.

State Representative John Becker

Those who stand against government-run healthcare have a strong ally in John Becker. I hear that there are a good number of John's friends in the Ohio House of Representatives who feel as he does but aren't quite as vocal in their opposition. To them, I say, "Buck up!" This is the last line of defense. There is no tomorrow. We either push back the statist agenda on health care here, or we face an abyss. The truly sinister part about all of this is that it will be future generations who have to pay for our mistakes if we don't get this right.

Stand up and fight with John Becker against KasichCaid...

Mark's Remarks

It was indeed refreshing to see a member of the General Assembly present who actually stood for something, rather than just talk about all the competing interests and how hard it is to make a decision...I Stand with John Becker, and to those in the General Assembly who do not, we WILL be watching...AND reporting...BANK ON IT!

St. Rep. Becker Receives Appointment

Release:

COLUMBUS - Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has appointed State Rep. John Becker (R-Union Twp.) to serve on the Clermont County Board of Trustees Transportation Improvement District.

The appointment became effective January 18th and will correspond with Rep. Becker’s work on the Ohio House Transportation, Public Safety, and Homeland Security Committee.

“I’m pleased to receive this appointment and look forward to further serving the residents of Clermont County,” Rep. Becker said.

Rep. Becker is currently serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 65th House District in northwestern Clermont County, which includes Loveland, Milford, Newtownsville and Owensville, as well as Goshen, Miami, Stonelick, Union and Wayne townships.

St. Rep Becker Assigned to Committees

Friend of the Show, State Rep. John Becker has been assigned to the Transportation, Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Ways and Means committees.

More information, including a listing of all assignments is coming soon.

Reflections on ORP Civil War

Aside from a a few short posts, you may have noticed that WMD hasn't really weighed in all that much on the Great Civil War of the Ohio Republican Party. There are several reasons why we keep our powder (mostly) dry, but now that the infighting is over we can offer some analysis and deal with some of the fallout. "Unity" Going in to the State Central Committee's organizational meeting, the message of the day was "unity" and that is a codeword for "all you rank and file Republicans shut up we know what we're doing and you don't." The best part, is that both sides were doing it. Team Kasich was especially filled with hubris on this score. Team DeWine was playing this card publicly all along, but nobody really believed it was about anything else but saving the chairmanship. Politics is a strange business sometimes, but hearing the same message from both sides of a fight is kind of a new one on me. The truly sad part is that there is no unity and there won't be any until these wounds heal. That isn't likely to happen before November. "Change" Team Kasich was pushing for change, but is that really what we got? I say "Hell no we didn't." Team Kasich managed to set back the clock on reforming the state party a whole decade by bringing back Bob Bennett, the architect of the 2006 and 2008 debacles here in Ohio. I love hearing about what a great chairman Bennett was. It is like they expect us to forget the chaos of his last two election cycles. Tom Noe. Bob Taft. Culture of Corruption. Good times all around..... On the liveblog for the radio show on Friday, our good friend and state representative candidate -- John Becker -- made an excellent point about just how much change we got as a result of the Great Civil War of the Ohio Republican Party:

Governor Kasich and the Tea Party won the fight. What did they win? It is true that Kevin DeWine is no longer Chairman. If I'm not mistaken, about a third of the committee turns over every two years. Therefore, I would have expected 20 new members. We have 24. With Governor Kasich and the Tea Party in control of the SCC, I would expect major changes. Aside from a new chairman, I don't see it (yet). Prior to the election, the three Party leaders (in alphabetical sequence) were: Bob Bennett (RNC) Joann Davidson (RNC) Kevin DeWine (Chairman) After the reorganization meeting, the three Party leaders (in alphabetical sequence) are: Bob Bennett (Chairman) Joann Davidson (RNC) Kevin DeWine (RNC) This is not a criticism of the process, the committee, or any individual(s). It just appears that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

This is what I call "re-arranging the chairs on the Titanic" because I've seen how this movie ends and the boat still sinks. "The Future" John also said that there was not enough time to vet a new chairman and I agree on that point. Basically, I think the timing of this whole thing displayed just how badly Team Kasich understands the stakes of this election. But the real kicker is who the "leading (only) candidate to replace Bennett" is... Bouncin' Bob McEwen I will never understand the "establishment" mentality that thinks guys like this should be allowed anywhere near any real power. And make no mistake my Tea Party friends, you are now a part of the establishment. How this guy remains politically viable is astounding to me. Aside from the House Bank Scandal and the voting/residency shenanigans, this guy is responsible for the rise of T-Shirt Ted Strickland. The only way Strickland could have won in that district is if the GOP ran someone with McEwen's reputation. I haven't even gotten to the Amway stuff... Bottom line: If this is the future, then they really are the Ohio Stupid Party. UPDATE: This just occurred to me... We are likely to see staff shakeups as a result of this "change" as we head in to the Most Important Election Cycle in History. I have already heard that "new" Executive Director Darren Bearson is packing his bags for greener pastures. Bearson is going to be a BIG loss for us as he is an experienced political hand in dealing with high profile races. Chris Maloney has been a VAST improvement over John McClelland at the communications post. I would hate to see him go...

Candidate for 65th Statehouse Becker Gets Big Endorsements!

Friend of the TIB network and soon to be former state central committeeman John Becker is running for the 65th State House of Representatives seat. He has worked very hard networking and fundraising. His work is bearing fruit. From the Becker Report:

US Senator Rob Portman Endorses John Becker
This is yet another exciting high level endorsement to boost my campaign. Senator Portman also provided the following:
"John Becker has been attending my town hall meetings since 1993. I know John to be a solid fiscal and social conservative. He will serve Clermont County well."
US Senator Rob Portman

"John Becker is a principled conservative who will prove to be an excellent State Representative."
US Senator Rob Portman

My additional endorsements for the 65th State Representative District include:

Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Bill Batchelder
Ohio Republican Party
Clermont County Republican Leadership PAC
Buckeye Firearms with an "A" rating
Ohioans for Concealed Carry
Unanimously endorsed by all 15 trustees in Goshen, Miami, Stonelick, Union, and Wayne Townships. Those are the five townships in the 65th House District.
Milford City Councilman, Jeff Lykins
Ohio ProLife Action
Cincinnati Right to Life
Ohio Right to Life PAC
Ohio Gun PAC
Ohio Pro-Life PAC
Family First PAC: They only endorse candidates who are the most fiscally and socially conservative. I am their first candidate to be endorsed for 2012.
CCV Action PAC: Citizens for Community Values Action only endorses pro-life and pro-family candidates. I am their first candidate to be endorsed for 2012.
Vickie and Phil Burress: He is the president of Citizens for Community Values. (His title is for identification purposes.)
Dr. Jack Willke: He is the founder and president of the International Right to Life Federation, president of the Life Issues Institute, and former president of National Right to Life.
Clermont Post
Weapons of Mass Discussion
Bill Federer: He is a national speaker, author and historian.

Additionally, I've won the "Well Qualified" rating from the Clermont County Republican Party and the "Highly Recommended" rating from Ohio Veterans United.

In addition to this, Mr. Becker has also signed the Cut, Cap, and Balance Pledge, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, and the No Climate Change Tax Pledge.

Mr. Becker's information and positions on issues can be found here.

Disclosure: Weapons of Mass Discussion has endorsed Mr. Becker in this race, and he is a friend of the blog, and the TIB All Stars show, as well as the TIB Radio network.

Tonight on the TIB All-Stars Show

Tonight, the All-Stars welcome back our favorite guest host, John Becker.  We'll be talking about the developments in Columbus and Washington, plus whatever else comes up.  Be sure to tune in for the show, live and direct, starting at 6PM Eastern TONIGHT only on TIB Radio.

PROGRAMMING ANNOUNCEMENT: Becker to Appear on TIB All Stars Show

State Central Committeeman and candidate for the Ohio House, John Becker, will be our guest on next week's TIB All-Stars Show.

We will be talking national, state, and local politics with John on January 21st starting at 6PM.

Have a question for John?  Email the show (wmdtvmatt-at-yahoo-dot-com), participate in the LiveBlog, or call in on the new and improved SkypeLine (513-CLUB-TIB or 513-258-2842 -- long distance rates may apply -- FREE to Skypers @ tib.network)

TIB All Stars -- Show Notes and Live Blog

The TIB All-Stars Show is back on the Air at 6PM Eastern...


Special Guest Host: John Becker

Click the link to listen; participate in the live blog...






Listen Now!

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

NOTE: In case the JavaPlayer doesn't work, try this one.

So, the Establishment Wins...and Conservative Principles Lose...What do We Learn?

OK, here are a few things to take away from last night's primary.

1. The Ohio Tea Party Groups are not ready for prime time. Look, if turnout was only in the low 20s percentage, which I hear it was, then there are two explanations for why Seth Morgan did not fare better. A) the tea partiers maintained independence and just cast a primary vote on the issues; or B)the tea party movement in Ohio is not as strong as advertised or feared by the Chairman and his capos. In all likelihood, it is option B. It is not enough to show up to a rally and hang out. You have to choose a side and vote on it.

2. Endorsements by county parties don't matter unless you get out and work it with your constituencies. You cannot produce slate cards with every candidate and just put a star next to the endorsed one. You have to get out and tell why you are supporting someone.

3. The ORP can never again claim to be fiscally conservative. The sheer amount of money spent on State Central Committee candidates should infuriate anyone. I mean, we are talking about state central committee, for heaven's sake! Kay Reynolds alone sent my household six different mailers with her featured dominantly. Which begs the question...where was my John Becker mailer? Guess the ORP doesn't like him very much.

4. There is no conservative party in the state of Ohio anymore. In Ohio, Glenn Beck is right. There is little difference in the arrogant attitudes of those in power in the state parties.

5. Me--yep, I won my race for central committee in my county. And you better believe Hell's comin' with me!

OK, so now we pick some winners and losers:
Winners:
1. Kevin DeWine, Jason Mauk, et. al.--These shlubs who alienated the hardest working people in the party get to keep their jobs. Of course, they spent your hard earned money to do it.

2. Mike DeWine--His type of political expediency wins the day.

Losers:
1. Conservative voters in Ohio--you don't really have a choice anymore. You get slightly unethical or full goose bozo. Take your pick. Also, you need to quit talking the talk and walk the walk. Don't be afraid of the bozos in Columbus. They work for you, darnit!
2. The Ohio Republican Party--You spent craploads of cash in a PRIMARY! For State Central Committee People! And for an Auditor Candidate! Nice Job, Kev! Don't expect the voters to be willing to pony up for more cashola come the fall and the fun from Cordray and Co. Also, all those hardworking people who were fired up, now don't care a damn about you. Also, you grabbed alienation from the jaws of a winning coalition. You have alienated the tea partiers, who while not ready for prime time, at least they work very hard. Good luck getting small donors to give to your coffers. Better hope Cousin Mikey has very deep pockets.
3. John Kasich, Mary Taylor, Josh Mandel--These folks have to live with sponge spines like Yost and Husted on the ticket, as well as the gun grabber in NRA clothing, Mike DeWine. They also have to live with not a whole lot of help from the party, because the party spent all its cash protecting its rubber stamp central committee (John Becker excluded). If I were Kasich, Taylor, or Mandel, I would be p.o.ed about the spending the party levied in this past primary.
4. Me--I actually have to try and defend the nonsense the morons in Columbus have done recently and encourage, make that beg, people to trust the Republican party in Ohio again. Well, at least we have a good and honorable group in Brown County, for the most part.

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

Well, let me remind the ORP of something. The minutemen and tea partiers of another era did not win the initial victories in battle either. However, who won the war? Like Washington and the Continentals, we must stand firm and continue to defend and push back against the nuanced b.s. garbage of Kevin and Co., and continue to defend our values and take back our party.

I congratulate Dave Yost on his victory. I hope Dave realizes it was never personal in the sense I didn't think Dave wouldn't do a good job. It was personal in the sense that he sold out the voters for the mover and shakers, and the harumphers in the party.

So, you ask, what am I going to do? Well, let me first clarify that there is a difference between voting for someone and supporting them, in my opinion. Support to me means more because it is going out and working the phones, polls, walking the miles, etc. So, with that in mind:

I will support John Kasich and Mary Taylor.
I will support Rob Portman.
I will support Jean Schmidt.
I will support Danny Bubp.
I will support Josh Mandel (oh you better believe I will!)
I will support Rick Eagan.
I will support Doug Green.

I will vote for Dave Yost. I might have to send him a support brace for his spine, but I will vote for him.
I will vote for Jon Husted. I will get nauseated and throw up from the stench, but I will vote for him.
I will....for Mike DeWine. Yeah, not so sure about that one right now, I must say.

Last night was a battle for the heart and soul of the Ohio Republican Party. Unfortunately, the angels didn't win. Unfortunately, the country club blue bloods won and the working conservatives lost. However, as Rome wasn't built in a day, as Britain wasn't beaten in one battle, so too it goes for the state of things in Ohio.