In ORP Civil War, Why Is Team Kasich Thinking of Elevating Benedict Arnolds?

If we can assume that the source(s) of our good friend Justin Higgins can be believed, Team Kasich is now floating such highly respected conservatives such as...wait for it...Betty Montgomery and Jo Ann Davidson for the post of...wait for it...Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

Now if grassroots conservatives and activists were put off by Bouncin' Bob McEwen, Franklin County GOP Chair Doug Preisse, and Summit County Party don Alex Arshinkoff, what could possibly lead this brain trust to think that we'd appreciate having our party lead by one of these two turncoats?

STOP THE INSANITY

ORP Civil War Update

Over at 3BP, Bytor has the latest news that has shocked the Great State of Beautiful Ohio. Apparently, seven Republican county party chairmen of predominately democratic areas of the state have demanded that Kevin DeWine (aka, the Devil We Know) step down immediately.

My gut reaction to this missive is pretty close to Maggie Thurber's. I don't approve of county chairmen using their titles to make statements regarding internal political problems when the county parties haven't weighed in on the subject. It is arrogant presumption on their part to do so.

And what of the other county party chairmen? Doesn't Butler get a say in this? How about Brown County? Were they even asked or is this just about the blue parts of the state getting a say?

Furthermore, I believe it is unwise to force DeWine out until we know who Team Kasich wants to replace him with in the position. There are reasons why I call him the Devil We Know and until someone is properly vetted, I can't in good conscience recommend that Kevin step aside.

As stated previously, the names we have heard in the various trial balloons have all been unacceptable. I don't think it is too much to ask, at least of these seven guys, just who they intend to back as a replacement.

Gentlemen?

Bottom line: I'm getting that "We're about to get screwed" sort of disturbance in the Force feeling...

Mottley for OH-15?

The Ohio Republican Party seems to be having trouble recruiting a candidate for Deb Pryce's US House seat. There is some speculation that former State Rep. Don Mottley may throw his hat in to the ring. Mottley had wanted to run for his old Ohio House seat, but the Montgomery County Republican Party has endorsed Peggy Lehner for that race. Since then, Mottley has changed his voter registration to Franklin county and has established residency in the Columbus area.

An Ohio House run in his new home seems unlikely as the Franklin County GOP has already endorsed a candidate, but check this out (Dayton Daily News):

He is not sure if a Ohio House seat is an option for him because the Franklin County Republican Party has endorsed Bill Schuck for the 22nd Ohio House seat. But Mottley said no one is endorsed for Pryce's 15th Congressional District seat.

"No one in authority has asked me to consider that," he said.

That sounds like he's sending up a trial balloon.

In a story about the Lehner endorsement, DDN's Ellen Belcher says this about Mottley:

Don Mottley is smart, digs into complicated issues and is paying a price in the party because he and state Sen. Jeff Jacobson don't get along. Both men had to leave the House at the same time because of term limits and both wanted the Senate seat that Jacobson now has. Mottley is the only candidate running in the three contests who has legislative experience.

He is experienced and irritates some of the right people...

This is Unacceptable

The Daily Briefing has a story that I haven't heard anywhere else, but probably should. Auditor Mary Taylor (R) tagged the Franklin County GOP for inappropriate usage of funds from the state. Seriously, shouldn't these guys know better? I mean, I've been to the Ohio GOP candidate school and I know that this is not the sort of thing that would be considered appropriate. Using state funds for a direct mailing is a no-no. And why is the party using funds to by sub sandwiches anyway? Can someone explain this to me? Becuase I really think that events such as these damage the Ohio GOP brand and we aren't exactly in a position to shave any more points off that particular scoreboard.