There is no question state Sen. Tim Grendell has lost favor with the Geauga County Republican Party leaders, especially since his name was apparently left off of the list of candidates recommended for appointment as Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge.

But the appointment ultimately is left up to Gov. John Kasich, and he can appoint essentially anyone he wants. That makes Grendell, R-Chester Township, the favorite to become the next judge.

Sources confirm that rather than consider only the recommended names from the county GOP, the governor’s office plans to interview each of the 13 candidates who applied for the position after the death of Judge Charles “Chip” Henry.

The governor’s office originally asked that the Geauga GOP recommend at least three candidates for Kasich to consider, but after Grendell and others cried foul with the process, Kasich will consider the baker’s dozen who applied.

So if the appointment is Grendell’s to lose, what would happen to his Ohio Senate seat? Some would like for state Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township, to be appointed to the Ohio Senate, if he was interested.

But don’t discount someone like former state Rep. Jamie Callender, who lives in Concord Township; and Concord Township Trustee Christopher Galloway.
Both men have announced they plan to seek the GOP nomination for Ohio Senate in 2012.
If Young were appointed, it would be interesting to learn who might replace him in the Ohio House of Representatives. Stay tuned.

It’s official

There will be a referendum vote on Senate Bill 5 as Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted announced Thursday that the issue will be on the ballot in November. The Ohio Ballot Board will need to approve the actual language that appears on the ballot.

More than 900,000 signatures were validated from all 88 counties. In addition, all 88 counties also exceeded the 3 percent threshold of voters from the last gubernatorial election, according to the group We Are Ohio.

U.S. Senate GOP

Last week, I discussed the decision of former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell not to run and I erroneously wrote that Kevin Coughlin was the only announced candidate for the Republican Party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in 2012.

Other announced candidates (that I know of) are Rusty Bliss, an airline pilot from Willoughby who is making his first run for political office and Dr. Michael Pryce of Hudson, who is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel is raising money to run as a candidate, but has not officially announced his intention to run for U.S. Senate.

The winner of the GOP primary in May would likely face incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who intends to seek re-election.

Candidate happenings

* Kimberly Evers announced he has filed petitions with the Lake County Elections Board to run for Eastlake Ward 3 council. Evers is a retired manufacturing and tooling design engineer and U.S. Army Veteran. He cites community involvement including volunteer and coaching work.

* Willoughby Hills Councilman at-large David Fiebig announced he has filed petitions to seek election to a third term. He cites items such as revising the City Master Plan, and crafting reasonable ordinances that improved the community without being intrusive, such as the new residential property maintenance and noise control.

Fiebig will host an “All-American Family Picnic” for the community on Aug. 10 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Campbell Park. The public is invited and there is no cost.

* Brian Wollet announced he will run for Mentor Council Ward 2. As of Thursday afternoon, Wollet had not filed petitions with the Elections Board. He will have a fundraiser from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at Toth’s Place in Mentor. See Carolyn Anderson or Wollet.

Fundies

* Fundraiser for Jamie Callender, candidate for Ohio Senate, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Matchworks Tavern in Mentor. See Emilee Tereszuk or Heidi Callender.

* Kirtland Councilman Doug Davidson, a candidate for mayor, hosts a cocktail reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at a private residence. See John Grazia, Phil Rini or Gina Davidson.

* Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts eighth annual Ferrante Winery Celebration from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at Ferrante Winery and Ristorante in Harpersfield Township. See Ernie Koenig or Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour.

* Summertime Cookout for Chuck Hillier, a candidate for Painesville Township Trustee, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 at Lake Erie Shores Beach Park in Painesville Township. See Ken Fitzsimmons or Diana Hillier.

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JHutchison@News-Herald.com
@newsheraldjah