It’s highly likely that Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican Party presidential nominee, will visit Lake County before the Nov. 6 election.

In fact, party officials say don’t be surprised if the former Massachusetts governor, visits the area twice more. Really, the only major questions are exactly when and where he will make an appearance.

Ohio is one of only a few states that are up for grabs between Romney and President Barack Obama.

Because of that, the president and Romney will continue to spend significant time in the Buckeye State hoping to win the 18 Electoral College votes that are available.

Before we set our sights on the General Election in November, there will be national conventions to officially nominate each party’s presidential candidate and vice president.

Two GOP members from Lake County will play a role to help move forward the national convention planned for Aug. 27-30 in Tampa.

Lake GOP Chairman Dale Fellows was selected to serve on the Permanent Organization Committee.

This committee sets rules for the committee should changes be needed and plans for the future.

Concord Township resident Amy Sabath was selected to serve on the credentials committee for delegates and alternates.

Meanwhile, the Democratic National Convention will be held Sept. 4-6 in Charlotte, N.C. More on this convention later.

The Walker effect?

Now that Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker survived a recall effort, defeating Democratic Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, I’m wondering how and if this translates to how voters feel about the November election?

Will it simply be forgotten after this 24/7 news cycle or will it energize?

The effort to recall Walker was spurred by the governor moving to modify collective bargain laws in the state.

After the election, labor leaders downplayed the failed recall attempt, while many GOP leaders were pleased with the results.

Among them was Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who congratulated Walker and tweeted “Being Governor is about doing what’s right.”

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka referred to a warchest that he said amounted to $50 million to fund Walker’s victory.

“We knew a recall election would be tough, and we knew we would be outspent,” Trumka said.

Wisconsin has trended in the past decade to vote for Democratic presidential candidates. Obama received 56 percent of the vote in 2008, while Sen. John McCain received 42 percent.

Might a win here by Walker prompt national GOP leaders and the Romney campaign to target the state’s 10 electoral votes a little more? Maybe the president diverts resources from other battlegrounds to defend a state he easily won in 2008?

Fundies

n Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, hosts pasta dinner with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Cebars Madison Tavern in Madison Township. See Dick Shreve or Pete Wayman.

n Lake County Coroner Dr. Lynn Smith hosts a picnic from 5 to 7 p.m. June 21 at Painesville Elks Club. See Ronald Taddeo or Jan Swetel.

n Bob Patterson, candidate for Lake County treasurer, fundraiser with special guest state Sen. John Eklund, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Historic Perkins Estate in Mentor. See Sandy Patterson.

n Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik annual golf outing, shotgun start at 1 p.m. June 29 at Briardale Greens Golf Course, Euclid. See Beth Cervenik or Michael Gallagher.

n David Fiebig, candidate for Lake County commissioner, golf outing July 13 at Black Brook golf course in Mentor 9:30 a.m., 5 p.m. dinner. See Fellows or Cindy Quinn-Hopkins.

n Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski eighth annual golf outing 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 13 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Ted or Patricia Andrzejewski.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@NewsHerald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah