The battle to win the May 6 Republican primary for Ohio's 14th Congressional District between U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce and state Rep. Matt Lynch continues as each recently received national endorsements.

Lynch of Bainbridge Township received the endorsement April 15 from the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund, which said in a news release that the overwhelming majority of its grassroots activists in Ohio expressed their enthusiastic support of Lynch's candidacy.

Matt Lynch

Dave Joyce

Meanwhile, Joyce of Russell Township received endorsement April 22 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which said also named his as the recipient of the Spirit of Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber. The award recognizes Joyce’s work to support American workers and businesses through policies that encourage private sector investment and growth.

The latest campaign committee reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission show that Lynch ended with $48,940 cash on hand for his report that showed contributions and expenditures made from Jan. 1 through March 31.

A report for Joyce for the same time period showed he had $1,217,687 cash on hand.

It should be an interesting final two weeks before the primary election.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Democrat Michael Wager, candidate for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, wants U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce to reject a Republican federal budget proposal.

Wager of Moreland Hills is unopposed in his party’s primary and is slated to appear on the November ballot against the winner of a Republican Party primary between Joyce, R-Russell Township, and state Rep. Matt Lynch of Bainbridge Township. Libertarian Party candidate David Macko of Solon is unopposed in his party’s primary.

Wager spoke to a group of supporters April 10 outside Joyce's office in Twinsburg. The photos below were submitted by the Wager campaign.

"I’m calling on Congressman David Joyce to reject this reckless and dangerous Republican budget proposal,” Wager said in a statement released after the event. "Congressman Joyce’s budget is an attack on women, seniors and working families in Ohio’s 14th District. It irresponsibly gives tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans, and pays for it by raising taxes on middle class families by an average of $2,000 per year."

Wager said that the budget would voucherize Medicare and re-open the part D doughnut hole, costing Ohio’s seniors an average of $1,200 more per year in prescription drug costs.

"We have to address the budget deficit, but we have to do it the right way, not on the backs of the middle class and seniors,” Wager said. “Congressman Joyce’s reckless Republican budget represents the wrong priorities for voters in Ohio’s 14th District"

Joyce’s campaign spokesman Kevin Benacci said in an email that America needs a serious, realistic, honest budget that holds Washington accountable and protects taxpayers.

“Mr. Wager’s idea of a budget is one that never balances and increases taxes,” Benacci said. “The simple truth is America can’t afford to spend like it has, and hardworking taxpayers can’t afford the taxes they have to pay.

“Dave Joyce believes America can’t control our future if we don’t own our future. Every day we keep spending and spending, and that means we keep borrowing and borrowing, with much of it from China. That means we are no longer in control of our country’s own economic future.”

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

@newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce recently released his first radio advertisement as part of his May 6 primary campaign.

The 1-minute spot titled “Obama Knew” begins with a snippet from President Barack Obama saying “You’ll be able to keep your health care plan” before the rollout of Obamacare.

The Joyce advertisement says independent fact checkers call it the “lie of the year” and the clip also notes the congressman has voted many times to repeal Obamacare.

The rest of the spot attempts to paint Joyce as a fiscal conservative working to shrink federal spending and get the country on a budget.

It also makes no mentions of his GOP primary opponent Matt Lynch or his potential Nov. 4 opponents Democratic Michael Wager and Libertarian David Macko.

John A. Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It’s been a newsworthy week for Matt Lynch as he earned a prominent campaign endorsement in his race to win the Republican Party nomination for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

I know you'd like to read more, so I wanted to let readers know that moving forward we've come up with a slight change to where you can find my weekly political column online.

The column now will be posted on The News-Herald's main website www.news-herald.com and clicking on the Opinion tab.

Here's a direct link to this week's column titled "Column: GOP congressional primary race is in full swing":
http://www.news-herald.com/opinion/20140321/column-gop-congressional-primary-race-is-in-full-swing

I'll still continue to post political commentary throughout the week, so keep checking in and share what is posted because this blog will have lots more of the local politics you love.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Bainbridge Township Republican Matt Lynch, who is running in an GOP primary May 6 against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, announced that FreedomWorks for America would host a rally March 20 in Bainbridge Township to support Lynch and unseat Joyce.

 Below is a sampling of what was posted online by some people who attended or who were interested in the event:

Blog post by:
John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Bainbridge Township Republican Matt Lynch, who is running in an GOP primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, announced that FreedomWorks for America will hold a rally March 20 that is geared to unseat Joyce.

The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at  at Tanglewood Club House, 8745 Tanglewood Trail in Bainbridge Township.

Lynch, who decided not to seek re-election as a state representative, instead filed to run for Congress.

The winner of the May 6  primary between Joyce of Russell Township and Lynch,  faces Democrat Michael Wager of Moreland Hills and Libertarian David Macko of Solon in November.

Lynch said in an emailed announcement for the event that will include the distribution of 1,000 yard signs and other voter education materials.

Other group representatives slated to attend include: Tom Zawistowski of the Portage County TEA Party, Chuck Laughlin of the Lake County Liberty Coalition, Dana Adams of the Summit County TEA Party, Ralph Spampanato of the Stark-Tusc 9/12 Group, The Rev. Ernie Sanders of the Geauga County TEA Party, and Dom Sciria of the Cuyahoga Valley Republicans.

Lynch also said he recently received endorsement from the Ohio Right to Life Society and was given the “Honor Roll” designation reserved for candidates that have demonstrated a “lifelong perseverance and support of the pro-life mission”

Joyce’s campaign manager Kevin Benacci said in an email that voters are smart enough to figure out who the real conservative is in this campaign.

“Matt Lynch is trying to make history by being the first leopard to actually change his spots. Dave Joyce helped get Washington on a budget, and doesn’t just talk about cutting wasteful spending or standing up to President Obama — he’s actually done it,” Benacci said. “On the other hand, Matt Lynch voted against balancing the state budget and against a $2.7 billion tax cut — all while requesting millions of dollars in earmarks.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The race for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District has grabbed the national spotlight and it’s looking more like there could be a lot of money spent or at least a lot of activity by the respective campaigns.

Earlier this week, the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added the seven-county congressional district’s Democratic candidate Michael Wager of Moreland Hills to its Red to Blue program as an Emerging Race.

The DCCC’s Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.

The national program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns.

Emerging Races highlights candidates and districts the DCCC considers to be increasingly competitive.
Wager, who is unopposed in his party’s primary, said he aims to stand up for the middle class and build an economy that works for everyone.

He said the DCCC news shows his campaign has demonstrated it has the support, confidence and momentum to win in November.

For the Republican Party primary on May 6, incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce of Russell Township faces state Rep. Matt Lynch of Bainbridge Township. Lynch decided not to seek re-election to his seat in Columbus.

David Macko of Solon is unopposed in the Libertarian Party primary.

Joyce’s campaign manager Kevin Benacci responded to the DCCC news by portraying Wager as a liberal who recently moved into the district from Shaker Heights.

Benacci said Joyce has worked to repeal Obamacare, get Washington on a budget, and help secure funding to preserve and protect Lake Erie.

Lynch wasn’t surprised by the DCCC news and said that’s because he along with the DCCC see Joyce as vulnerable. Lynch also believes if Joyce is the GOP nominee rather than himself, then Wager is likely to get elected because conservatives might stay home in November.

Joyce had a substantial fundraising lead over his opponents as of the last report that detailed campaign activity through Dec. 31. Joyce had $1,141,353 cash on hand and Wager had $347,645, according to their reports.

Lynch and Macko haven’t filed reports, but none of the four candidates have had to submit a report this year since the Feb. 5 deadline for partisan candidates to file to run for the position.

RNC social media blitz

The Cuyahoga County GOP has started to promote a social media campaign to encourage people to tell the Republican National Committee to select Cleveland as the site for the 2016 Republican National Committee.

People can visit http://bit.ly/NYCe5m to vote online for Cleveland, follow @CLErnc on Twitter, use #RNC2CLE in tweets, and like the official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/clernc.

Fundies

• Dennis LoConti, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge, hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See LoConti.
• Chris Galloway, candidate for Lake County commissioner, hosts St. Patrick’s Day fundraiser, starts at 5 p.m. March 15 at home of Dave and Beverly Vitaz in Concord Township. See Galloway.
• Geauga County Democratic Party hosts pre-St. Patty's Day Dinner, 6 to 9 p.m. March 15 at party headquarters in Newbury Township. See Janet Carson.
• Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 20 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.
• Kenny Yuko, candidate for Ohio Senate District 25, hosts fundraiser, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 23 at Tizzano’s Party Center in Euclid. See Pamela Yuko.
• Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig hosts annual Spring Fever fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or John Plecnik.
• Wager hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Little Mountain Brewing Company in Mentor. See Ashton Narzisi.
• Ron Graham, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge, hosts cocktail party fundraiser, 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 27 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Gabe Cicconetti or David Eva.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
@newsheraldjah

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added Ohio 14th Congressional District candidate Michael Wager to its Red to Blue program as an Emerging Race.

The DCCC’s Red to Blue program highlights top Democratic campaigns across the country, and offers them financial, communications, grassroots, and strategic support.

The program introduces Democratic supporters to new, competitive candidates in order to help expand the fundraising base for these campaigns.

Emerging Races highlights candidates and districts that are considered to be increasing competitive.

Wager, a Moreland Hills attorney and a former chairman of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority, is unopposed in the May 6 Democratic Party primary.

For the Nov. 4 general election, Wager is slated to face the winner of the GOP primary between incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce of Russell Township and state Rep. Matt Lynch of Bainbridge Township, and also David Macko of Solon who is unopposed in the Libertarian Party primary.

“I am honored by the outpouring of support we’ve had in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, as Ohio residents have joined our grassroots campaign to stand up for middle class families and build an economy that works for everyone,” Wager said in a news release. “The early strength our campaign has demonstrated led us to earn a spot as an Emerging Race in the Red to Blue program, and it means we have the support, confidence, and momentum it takes to win in November, and bring commonsense solutions to Washington.”

DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said in a news release that Wager is committed to what Ohio voters care about most: growing the middle class, spurring the economy, and creating more jobs.

“Michael is working hard to put this seat in play so he can fight to lift middle class incomes and will work together to find solutions for Ohio families,” Israel said. “He is a commonsense leader who is steadfastly committed to getting Ohio’s economy moving again and helping local businesses expand and hire new workers.”

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

I think it would be great for Northeast Ohio if Cleveland is selected to host the 2016 Republican National Convention.

It would be a chance for the city to shine in the national spotlight and to show off so many of the great things Cleveland has to offer.

Seven other cities also are finalists: Cincinnati, Columbus, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

It would be equally magnificent if Cleveland instead was part of the mix for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. However, that’s not the case.

Aside from the politics, a convention would bring in millions of dollars in tourism to not only the city, but also to the region.

Visitors would need places to stay, eat, and spend some cash to enjoy a little bit of entertainment during their down time.

Along with a new convention center, there are several amenities like Lake Erie, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Great Lakes Science Center, Horseshoe Cleveland casino and Progressive Field all right there downtown.

Branch out a little farther and you’ll find places such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Natural History Museum, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The Rainforest, and West Side Market.

Inevitably visitors will need places to stay outside of Cleveland and they will likely go to places outside the city such as Lake and Geauga counties, where there also is much for a tourist to see and do.

Let’s also not forget the weather in Northeast Ohio is among the best in the country in June when you compare the average temperatures that feature a daily high temperate near 80 degrees.

Politically speaking, wouldn’t it be fun to have the big GOP players in town in what likely shapes up to be a presidential election with Ohio again a battleground state that could determine who wins the White House?

Democrats also would be energized as they would use the event to help contrast the differences between the two major parties and I would expect lots of planned activities as part of that effort.

How interesting would it be for Ohio gubernatorial front runners John Kasich or Ed FitzGerald?

Think about this, if the Republican Kasich is re-elected, wouldn’t be fascinating if he put his hat into the ring as a presidential candidate and the convention was held in his home state? Even if he didn’t run for president or figure to be nominated for the position, he likely would be an important player at the convention.

If the Democrat FitzGerald is elected governor, the convention would take place in his back yard where he served as a Lakewood mayor and as Cuyahoga County’s first county executive. It would give him the opportunity to showcase how much different the city and region truly is from some nationally negative perspectives that I don’t need to go into here.

For me, and other people who have never attended a convention, this would be a chance to see what it is all about. It would be great to cover as a journalist along with my Digital First Media colleagues and there would be many different angles for us to pursue.

Lynch staying in race

State Rep. Matt Lynch told me late last week that he is has no plans to drop out of the GOP primary against U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. Lynch said during an interview “I’m in it to win it” and he has no intentions of doing anything other than to win.

Visit my previous blog post http://bit.ly/1dIWA9e to read more.

Lake GOP Lincoln Day

Joyce is slated to be the keynote speaker for the Lake County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner and Silent Auction on March 19 at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake.

Fundies

• Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kip Molenaar.
• Dennis LoConti, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge, hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 11 at LaMalfa Party Center. See LoConti.
• Chris Galloway, candidate for Lake County commissioner, hosts St. Patick’s Day fundraiser, starts at 5 p.m. March 15 at home of Dave and Beverly Vitaz in Concord Township. See Galloway.
• Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 5 to 7:30 p.m. March 20 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.
• Willoughby Hills Councilman David M. Fiebig hosts annual Spring Fever fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 24 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Joyce Hribar Fiebig or John Plecnik.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
@newsheraldjah

State Rep. Matt Lynch said Friday he has no plans to drop out of a Republican primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

Lynch, R-Bainbridge Township, filed to run against Joyce, R-Russell Township, rather than seek re-election to his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives District 76.

“I’m in it to win it,” Lynch said. “I have no plans or intentions of doing anything other than to win.”

Sarah LaTourette, a Bainbridge Township Republican who is the daughter of former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, filed to run for the Ohio House 76th District seat.

After Sarah LaTourette filed to run for the Ohio House seat, Lynch would have a primary had he filed for re-election.

“My only reluctance to run for Congress was (Joyce) was a Republican incumbent,” Lynch said. "Once LaTourette showed me it was OK to challenge a Republican, I went ahead."

He said that he has begun to receive some financial support for his congressional campaign.

“I’m collecting support from liberty groups from all across Ohio,” Lynch said.

He declined to name some of those supporters specifically saying he would rather let them speak for themselves.

Lynch said the weekend after the Feb. 5 deadline to file to run in a partisan primary he received calls from Washington and was on a plane to D.C. on March 10.

“It’s really a national campaign because of the tension that has developed between the conservative wing and what some would call the establishment part of the party,” he said.

Lynch said he hasn’t spoken personally with Joyce since filing to run in the primary, but has exchanged voicemails with the congressman and anticipates seeing him throughout the campaign.

“I have no personal animosity with David,” Lynch said. “I’ve known him for over 25 years.”

The winner of the May 6 Republican primary moves on to face Democrat Michael Wager of Moreland Hills and Solon Libertarian David Macko in the Nov. 4 election.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

State Rep. Matt Lynch decided not to seek re-election to his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives and instead filed to run for Congress.

However, there are some rumblings that Lynch, of Bainbridge Township, might not stay in the race.

What if he decided to withdraw from the Republican primary to represent Ohio’s 14th Congressional District in Washington and instead run as an independent candidate for re-election to his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives in Columbus representing District 76?

If that was the case, Lynch would have until May 5 to file as an independent candidate, as the deadline to file is one day before the May 6 primary. If he opts for the independent run, he won’t be eligible to vote in the Republican Party primary, where candidates declare their political party.

As it stands now, Lynch faces incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, in the Republican Party congressional primary. Democrat Michael Wager of Moreland Hills is unopposed in the Democratic primary, and Libertarian David Macko of Solon is unopposed in the Libertarian primary.

If Lynch stays in the congressional race and were to lose the primary against Joyce, he would have some other options.

Perhaps he would choose to run for the Geauga County Republican Party chairmanship when the party has its organizational meeting after the primary results are certified by the county Elections Board. Chairman Ed Ryder recently announced he won’t seek re-election to the post.

There are others who also may have an interest in what develops in the 14th Congressional District race.

So far, the national Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee hasn’t put a lot of resources into this race to back Wager, I’m told by a Washington D.C.-based source who is familiar with the dynamics of the congressional district.

But that could change, especially if the primary between Joyce and Lynch becomes close. Many currently consider Joyce the favorite to win the primary.

The DCCC would be inclined to get more involved if Joyce leans more to the conservative side during the primary campaign. That would give Democrats more ammunition for the general election.

If Lynch wins the primary, I’m told it’s almost a guarantee the DCCC would jump in, as it would be an open-seat race.

Lake County Dems

The Lake County Democratic Party meets today at Bricklayer’s Hall in Mentor and is expected to decide on endorsements for the upcoming election. Perhaps the most interesting is the endorsement for Ohio Senate District 25. Democratic primary candidates are Thaddeus J. Jackson, and former state Reps. Ed Jerse and Kenny Yuko. How about a dual endorsement between Jerse and Yuko?

Events

Geauga County Democratic Women’s Caucus hosts a soup challenge starting at 3 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Geauga County Democratic Party headquarters in Newbury Township.

The Geauga County Republican Women host an annual Spaghetti Dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 28 at Munson Town Hall.

Candidates forum

The Lake County Liberty Coalition hosts a candidate forum at 7 p.m. March 4 at Harvey High School in Painesville. Another forum is planned for March 18, but details aren’t yet available.

Fundies

• Dick Shreve, candidate for Lake County commissioner, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Willoughby Brewing Company. See Shreve.
• Lisa Klammer, candidate for Lake County Probate Court judge, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Randy Klammer.
• Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kip Molenaar.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The filing deadline on Wednesday saw a flurry of activity as candidates jockeyed to see who would run for different offices in Lake and Geauga counties.

Eyes focused on Sarah LaTourette to see if she would file to run for Ohio House of Representatives District 76.

The Bainbridge Township Republican, who is the daughter of former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, filed with the Geauga County Elections Board in Chardon less than two hours before the 4 p.m. deadline. It prompted a small chain reaction. Apparently, no Republicans wanted to challenge her.

With about 20 minutes to go before the deadline, state Rep. Matt Lynch, also a Bainbridge Township Republican, filed with the Lake County Elections Board in Painesville to run for Congress rather than run for re-election and trigger a primary against Sarah LaTourette.

Lynch’s decision then forced a Republican primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township.

Rumors were that Walter “Skip” Claypool was going to run for the state representative seat if Sarah LaTourette didn’t run.

After she filed, Claypool filed to run for the Geauga County commissioner Jan. 1 term to trigger a GOP primary against incumbent Commissioner Mary Samide.

You’ll remember back in 2012 when Geauga County Commissioner Bill Young retired and the county GOP appointed Claypool as commissioner until the November election.

At that same time, the party appointed Samide, rather than Claypool, to be the party’s nominee for that election to fill the unexpired term, which she won.

It didn’t take long for the Joyce vs. Lynch Republican congressional primary race to get started as verbal fireworks quickly emerged.

Joyce’s campaign manager Kevin Benacci issued a statement Wednesday after the filing deadline bringing up Lynch’s late property tax payment in 2012 and attacked him for voting against the state budget last year.

Lynch posted a press release on his website Thursday calling Joyce a “liberal Republican” and “selling out conservatives more than any other Republican congressman in Ohio.”

Probably the person most pleased by this development would be Moreland Hills Democrat Michael Wager, who is unopposed in a Democratic primary for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

Perhaps with a GOP primary, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee takes a greater interest in the November race?

Sad note

I was heartbroken to learn that Deborah Setliff died this week after a long illness.

Setliff was the press secretary to former congressman LaTourette and previously worked stints as a reporter and columnist for the Cleveland Plain Dealer and as a reporter for The News-Herald.

I didn’t work with her during her newspaper career, but I spent a lot of time talking with her on my beat when she worked for the congressman.

Setliff had a quick wit about her and sometimes her comments would just make me laugh out loud, but she was serious about work.

If ever there was a mistake, you could be assured that she would be on the phone that morning to let you know.

I’m not alone when I say she definitely will be missed.

Arrangements are being handled by the Stroud-Lawrence Funeral Home, and her obituary can be found here: http://bit.ly/1eFxVGi.

Event

Geauga County Democratic Party hosts Spaghetti Dinner Served with Hot Top doors open at 5:30 Feb. 20 at party headquarters in Newbury Township. Chardon Municipal Court Judge Terri Stupica will discuss the Geauga County Opiate Task Force and what families need to know about the influx of heroin and opiates.

Fundies

• Fundraiser for Wager hosted by former Gov. Ted Strickland, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Fire Food and Drink in Shaker Heights. See Ashton Narzisi.
• Dick Shreve, candidate for Lake County commissioner, hosts a fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Willoughby Brewing Company. See Shreve.
• Lisa Klammer, candidate for Lake County Probate Court judge, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Randy Klammer.
• Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts Mardi Gras Party on Fat Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kip Molenaar.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The decision about who runs for Ohio House of Representatives District 76 may just determine whether there is a Republican primary for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

State Rep. Matt Lynch, R-Bainbridge Township, might not seek re-election to his seat in the Ohio House of Representatives that represents a large portion of Geauga County and a smaller section of Portage County.

Lynch has pulled petitions to seek re-election to his position as a state representative, but he also has pulled petitions to run for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District that is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township. Joyce has filed to run for re-election.

The congressional district consists of all of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, plus portions of Cuyahoga, Portage, Summit and Trumbull counties.

Lynch appears to be deciding what office to pick, and he may have a primary opponent for either race.

Sarah LaTourette, a Bainbridge Township Republican and daughter of former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, is considering running for Ohio House of Representatives District 76. She has pulled petitions, but hasn’t filed yet.

If Sarah LaTourette were to run for the Ohio House, I would think she could get some help from her father’s connections, especially since he is the president of the Main Street Partnership in Washington D.C., which seeks to help elect moderate Republicans across the country.

It may be a tough road for Lynch to take on Joyce, a first-term congressman who already has $1,141,353 in his campaign account, according to his latest filing.

Of course, how much money is raised and spent doesn’t mean it’s impossible to beat someone with such a financial headstart, but it certainly won’t make it easy.

According to the last Ohio House campaign spending report Lynch filed back in July, he had $2,747 available to spend, but he also listed more than $32,000 in debts and loans owed by his campaign. Unless he’s had a lot of contributions since, he won’t have much of a financial headstart in an Ohio House race.

Of course, Sarah LaTourette has yet to even file, so Lynch would have some advantage already having campaigned previously in the district.

Decisions may come down to the final hours before the 4 p.m. deadline Wednesday for partisan candidates to be eligible to run in the May 6 primary. Who blinks and files first?

If Sarah LaTourette runs, and then Lynch runs for Congress, wouldn’t that be interesting? You’ll recall Joyce succeeded Steve LaTourette in Congress, and now the former congressman’s daughter potentially entering an Ohio House race could prompt a primary for Joyce.

Fascinating too that Joyce may face a primary challenger from someone who is from the same county, especially since Joyce has such a headstart raising the dollars to run a campaign.

Lynch has earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the Ohio House of Representatives. Perhaps he would get some financial backing from similarly aligned supporters and groups if he runs for Congress. He likely would get them in a bid for re-election.

Even so, with just three months to put together a campaign, support staff along with opposition research and a media campaign, would Lynch be able to unseat Joyce?

On the Democratic side, Moreland Hills resident Michael Wager is the only candidate to file for the congressional seat. Will any other Democrats file? Wager’s last campaign finance report showed he has $347,645 available.

It’s starting to look doubtful Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy, a Willowick Democrat, will run for Congress, as he has pondered, and much more likely he’ll seek re-election. Troy will host a campaign fundraiser in March and information he sent out indicates he’s running for re-election as commissioner, although he hasn’t officially made a decision.

Three Republicans have filed to run for commissioner. After North Perry Village Councilman Dick Shreve filed first, the latest to enter the race are Concord Township Trustee Christopher Galloway and Willoughby resident Kim Laurie, who is president of the 9/12 Project in Mentor.

Fundies

• Lisa Klammer, candidate for Lake County Probate Court judge, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Randy Klammer.
• Troy hosts Mardi Gras Party and Fat Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 4 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Kip Molenaar.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The political silly season is in full swing and I’m hearing some potentially interesting developments in the Lake and Geauga counties political rumor mill that I wanted to pass along.

With the Feb. 5 filing deadline for partisan candidates to run in the May 6 primary getting closer there could be some potentially interesting races in the making.

I’m told that state Rep. Matt Lynch, R-Bainbridge Township, might not seek re-election to the Ohio House of Representatives District 76.

Instead, he might run to represent Ohio’s 14th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives against incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township.

The word is that Sarah LaTourette, a Bainbridge Township Republican and daughter of former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, is considering running for Ohio House of Representatives District 76 and Lynch would rather not run against her.

Sarah LaTourette has pulled candidacy petitions to run for the Ohio House of Representatives seat along with Lynch, who also has taken out petitions to run for the congressional seat.

Both races would require 50 valid signatures to get on the ballot.

If Sarah LaTourette were to run one would be likely to think she could get some help from her father’s connections especially since he is the president of the Main Street Partnership in Washington D.C. that seeks to help elect moderate Republicans across the country.

Fascinating too that Joyce may face a primary challenger from someone who is from the same county especially since Joyce has such a headstart raising the dollars to run a campaign.

Plus, you’ll recall that Joyce succeeded LaTourette in Congress and now the former congressman’s daughter potentially entering an Ohio House race could prompt a primary for Joyce.

Lynch has earned a reputation as one of the more conservative members of the Ohio House of Representatives so perhaps he would get some solid financial backing from similarly aligned supporters and groups, if he runs for Congress.

So far, Joyce is the only candidate to have filed candidacy petitions for the office with the Lake County Elections Board, where they must be filed as it is the largest county of the seven within the congressional district. No Democrats have filed either.

Similarly, no one has filed to run with the Geauga County Elections Board for Ohio House of Representatives District 76.

So it all could be speculation and in the end there are no surprises, but we still have nine more days to go and it should be fun to see what develops.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The decision Monday by the Ohio Controlling Board to accept federal funding to expand Medicaid to a larger group of Ohio residents garnered national headlines and was noticed by the White House, which devoted a blog post to the news.

Gov. John Kasich, a Republican who pushed for the expansion to cover those who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level despite resistance from the Ohio General Assembly, was applauded by many people and groups across the state and nation for finding a way to get it done.

In Lake County, an estimated 5,000 more people would be eligible to receive Medicaid health care coverage through the expansion, according to Deputy Health Commissioner Ron Graham of the Lake County General Health District.

Policy Matters Ohio, which says it is a nonprofit, nonpartisan policy research organization, estimates the expansion would also save the state $404 million and that money would free up resources that could be used to provide funding for things like hiring police, firefighters, teachers, increasing college aid and providing caseworkers for seniors.

Some state lawmakers have also suggested using any potential savings to provide an additional state income tax cut.

However, not everyone is pleased by the Ohio Controlling Board action. Among those unhappy locally are Republican state Reps. Ron Young of Leroy Township and Matt Lynch of Bainbridge Township.

Both state legislators are among the complainants who after the decision filed legal action with the Ohio Supreme Court against the Ohio Controlling Board and the Ohio Department of Medicaid.

Their argument is not based on Medicaid expansion as a public policy issue, rather the matter essentially is whether the executive branch can implement a major policy over the objections of the General Assembly.

Young distributed a report on Oct. 15 (six days before the Ohio Controlling Board decision) that he titled “The Myths of Medicaid Expansion” and it discusses five items followed by paragraphs of what he terms are reality and his sources of research.

In a nutshell, Young’s report aims to debunk claims that Medicaid offers good health care and that expanding it will save countless lives, Ohio would be foolish to turn down federal dollars to expand the program, people should trust the federal government to live up to its promises, if the expansion doesn't work the state can shut it down and walk away, and Medicaid expansion is an opportunity to reform the program.

The state legislator has opposed Obamacare from the beginning and has not wavered on his stance. His report also says — contrary to what Kasich has previously indicated — that it is impossible to oppose Obamacare and yet support a Medicaid expansion.

Time will tell if the lawsuit has merit and if it will present any change to the decision in Ohio to expand Medicaid.

Politically, it also will be interesting to see if positions on Medicaid prompt any serious challenges next year when all members of the Ohio House of Representatives are up for re-election.

Taken out petitions

Dennis N. LoConti has taken out candidacy petitions to run for Lake County Common Pleas Court judge in 2014. LoConti, a Democrat, has until Feb. 5 to file to run for the office. LoConti also ran for Common Pleas Court judge in the Democratic Party primary in March 2008.

Bar Association blessing

The Lake County Bar Association recently announced Mentor Municipal Court Judge John Trebets received a “highly recommended” endorsement. Trebets is unopposed for re-election to a full six-year term commencing Jan. 1. The endorsement was given after a poll was conducted by the organization’s membership. Trebets received 133 votes, and 132 were favorable.

Event

Geauga County Democratic Party hosts a progressive dinner will be held Nov. 2. It begins at the party headquarters in Newbury Township. Schedule and location directions are sent to those interested after registrations are made.

Fundies

• Geauga County Engineer Joe Cattell hosts fall fundraiser 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at Geauga County Historical Society in Burton Village. See Frank Antenucci.
• Geauga County Republican Party Christmas Party, Dec. 6 at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club in Bainbridge. See Ed Ryder or Frank Gliha.

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Ohio Republicans have decided that now is not the time to try to make the Ohio a so-called Right to Work state.

The issue appears to be dead despite the recent introduction of two bills in the Ohio General Assembly that aim to prohibit public and private sector workers from being required to join a union as part of their employment.

Ohio General Assembly Republicans argue that workers should have the freedom to chose whether they want union representation.

Democrats aren’t letting the opportunity pass to use the issue to help them raise money and energize the party base.

They charge that the measures are an attack on collective bargaining and aim to weaken union membership.

A Cleveland-based political action committee named Keep Ohio’s Heritage even ran a recent television spot titled “Middle Class Minute.”

Democrats also say Right To Work comes with reductions to the average rate of pay for workers when compared to states that have a collective bargaining system like Ohio.

State Rep. Kevin Boyce, D-Columbus, who previously served as Ohio treasurer for two years starting in January 2009, recently sent out an email fundraiser appeal to Democratic supporters.

“This threat is real. The bills have been introduced and are just sitting there for Gov. (John) Kasich and his extreme Republican colleagues to bully through at a moment’s notice,” Boyce wrote. “Together we can win like we did against Senate Bill 5.”

The success of the Ohio Democratic Party and union members was evident when a galvanized effort spearheaded the repeal of Senate Bill 5 in November 2011.

It was precisely that fundraising effort that Ohio Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, referred to in deciding it was the wrong time to try to change the state law regarding Right to work.

A hearing on the issue that had been scheduled for last Thursday was cancelled.

My hunch is at some point the issue of Right to Work will appear on statewide ballots in some form.

I believe it would either be to repeal a bill that changes the state law making Ohio a Right To Work state or one that lets voters ultimately decide the matter.

Lake-Geauga YRs

The Lake-Geauga Young Republicans are the host club for the 2013 Ohio Young Republican State Convention on June 7-8 at LaMalfa Centre in Mentor.

Local speakers during the convention include state Rep. Matt Lynch and 11th District Court of Appeals Judge Colleen M. O’Toole. Keynote speaker for the dinner program will be U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Marietta. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce will be inducted into the local club’s hall of fame.

Contact Matt Jaworski or Brian Wollet for more details.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were David Anderson for Willoughby mayor; and Dennis Morley for Eastlake mayor.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions in Lake County are R. Robert Umholtz and Donald P. Webbe for Kirtland Council at large; and Geoffrey W. Weaver for Lake County Common Pleas Court; John R. Murphy for Painesville Council at large Jan. 3 term; Chuck Hillier for Painesville Township trustee; Joshua J. Strickland for Painesville Township trustee; and Mark Timm for Leroy Township trustee.

Deadline

The weekly deadline to submit information for this column is prior to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide, 4:30 to 7 p.m. May 30 at S.O.S. Inc. in Munson Township. See Samide or Jacqueline Moskal.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 18th annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. registration May 31 at Powderhorn Country Club in Madison Township. See Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour or Ernie Koenig.

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap’s Golf and Steak Fry, 10:30 a.m. shotgun start June 7 at Painesville Country Club. See Lu Dunlap or Frank Leonbruno.

n Willoughby Hills Councilwoman Nancy Fellows hosts Flag Day Family Picnic from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at Campbell Park in Willoughby Hills. See Nancy or Dale Fellows.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The Lake and Geauga Area Association of Realtor’s Legislative Committee announced it supports the following candidates for these races:

U.S. House of Representatives, Ohio 14th Congressional District: David Joyce
Ohio Senate District 18: John Eklund
Ohio House of Representative District 76: Matt Lynch
Ohio House of Representative District 61: Ron Young
Ohio House of Representative District 60: John Rogers
Geauga County Commissioner: Tracy Jemison
Geauga County Recorder: Sharon Gingerich
Geauga County Clerk of Courts: Denise Kaminski
Lake County Commissioner: John Hamercheck 
Lake County Commissioner: David Fiebig
Lake County Prosecutor: Charles Coulson
Lake County Treasurer: Bob Patterson
Lake County Recorder: Jason Wuliger
Lake County Clerk of Courts: Maureen Kelly

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@News-Herald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Doesn't it seem like there have been a lot of appointments lately?

I’m not talking about the ones you make with your doctor or business associate.

On Wednesday, the Lake County Republican Party appointed Jason Wuliger as the new county recorder.

That’s because there was a vacancy left by the resignation of former Recorder Frank Suponcic.

Before that, John Rogers was appointed as the Democratic Party’s nominee for Ohio House of Representatives District 60 after Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy decided to drop out as the candidate to finish his last two years on his current term as commissioner.

Shockingly, U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette decided to retire and drop out from running again effective Aug. 8 after he won the Republican Party’s nomination in March. David Joyce was then appointed as the new nominee by the seven county party chairman and central committee secretaries.

To replace Joyce on the Nov. 6 ballot for Geauga County prosecutor, the county GOP last month appointed Jim Flaiz as the new nominee.

At the same meeting, Dr. Robert S. Coleman was appointed as the new Republican nominee for coroner after Dr. John Urbancic dropped out.

In June, former Geauga County Commissioner Bill Young retired and that created two appointments.

First, Geauga Republicans appointed Walter “Skip” Claypool as commissioner to serve until after the Nov. 6 election.

Then at the same meeting, Mary Samide, who lost in a primary for re-election, was appointed as the GOP nominee to run Nov. 6 to fill the unexpired term of Young. Geauga Democrats selected Jim Dvorak as their nominee and he’ll run against Samide.

Matt Lynch was appointed by Ohio House Republicans to serve as state representative to replace Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney for Ohio House of Representatives 98th District. Lynch got the nod after it was agreed that the Ohio House GOP would appoint the winner of the 76th House District’s four-way primary. Matheney had been appointed prior to that to replace Richard Hollington, who became Hunting Valley mayor.

State Sen. John Eklund was appointed last year to represent Ohio’s 18th Senate District after Tim Grendell left the Ohio Senate to be appointed as Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court judge.

Going back in time, there are a few more appointments in Geauga County that all seemed to start when former state Rep. Matt Dolan resigned to run for Cuyahoga County executive.

Appointments are a necessary part of the political process because it’s inevitable that positions become vacant.

But again, doesn’t it seem like there have been more than usual in Lake and Geauga counties within the past year or so?

I wonder how, or if, this might resonate with voters on Nov. 6. Will it really matter?

Candidate forum

Lake County Chambers of Commerce will host a Legislative Candidates Forum and Breakfast to highlight candidates running for the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate at 7:30 a.m. Friday at Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites LaMalfa in Mentor. Contact your local respective chamber for registration details.

Meet-and-greet

Candidates David M. Fiebig, John Hamercheck, Bob Patterson, Ron Young, Wuliger, and Eklund will be at the Willoughby Hills home of Bob and Carolyn Patton, at 3 p.m. Saturday for a meet-and-greet event in conjunction with the Heritage Club of Northeast Ohio.

Fundies

n Fifth Annual Oktoberfest for Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Regovich’s in Eastlake. See Kathy Russo or Robert Leach.

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 61, hosts a fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at Hellriegel’s Inn in Painesville Township. See Lindsay Baruffa.

n Golf Outing and Dinner fundraiser for Nancy McArthur, candidate for Ohio Senate District 32, lunch at noon, tee-off at 1 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. Sept. 22 at Fowlers Mill in Chester Township. See Jim Flaiz or Mike Petruziello.

n Troy hosts his Fall Classic and Clam Bake, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, 5 p.m. dinner, Oct. 1 at Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course in Willoughby. See Troy or Kip Molenaar.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

The Geauga County Republican Central Committee is poised to meet Tuesday to appoint a new county commissioner.

We know that an appointment is needed after Commissioner Bill Young retired from his seat effective June 30. The unexpired term runs through Dec. 31, 2014, so the person appointed could serve through that time.

After Young’s resignation became effective, the Committee has five to 45 days to appoint a new commissioner, according to state law.

When Young announced his retirement in April, I speculated that the appointment could go to Commissioner Mary Samide, who lost her bid for re-election to Ralph Spidalieri in the March 6 Republican Party primary.

Samide’s current term as commissioner is set to expire Jan. 2. But Samide could resign and then switch seats if she was appointed by county Republicans to fill the remainder of Young’s term.

That would also create a new vacancy as Samide’s term would need filled. Who could be appointed to fill the last months?

Spidalieri has said he does not want an appointment, rather he wants to be elected and is on the Nov. 6 ballot facing Democrat Christopher John Lacny, who was unopposed in the Democratic primary.

Among names that have floated around as possible appointees for commissioner are Newbury Trustee Jan Blair, Jim McConnell of Chester Township, and South Russell Village Councilman Jim Flaiz.

How about former state Rep. Mary Brigid “Bridey” Matheney, R-Bainbridge Township? 

She agreed to resign her position in Columbus after the Ohio House GOP agreed to appoint the March 6 winner of the Ohio House of Representatives 76th District Republican primary to serve as the 98th House District state representative.

State Rep. Matt Lynch, R-Bainbridge Township, won that race, and he was appointed to serve the remainder of the 98th House District term that expires this year.

As the 76th House District GOP primary winner, Lynch appears on the Nov. 6 ballot as the party nominee. He’s running against Tom Warren, a Russell Township Democrat who was unopposed in March.

What if Lynch were appointed as commissioner? Probably not likely, but if that were to happen, then another appointment would be necessary to fill Lynch’s GOP nomination as the 76th House District candidate. Then another possible appointment would be needed to fill Lynch’s term for the 98th House District.

My prediction is Samide gets the appointment, but surprising things always seem to happen involving Geauga County politics.

Candidate announces

Eastlake Council President Dennis Morley announced he intends to run for Eastlake mayor next year.

Fundies

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

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

n Fundraiser for Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County recorder, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 16 at the home of Judy and Roger Sustar, with special guest U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette. See Susan Culotta.

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 61, hosts a summer BBQ at 5:30 p.m. July 19 at Perry Township Park. See Lindsay D. Baruffa.

n Geauga County Sheriff Daniel McClelland hosts 2012 Rib Dinner, 6 to 8 p.m. July 20 at Troy Community House in Troy Township. See Craig Richter.

n State Rep. Ron Young hosts a fundraiser with special guest Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Bill Batchelder from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 23 at Young’s home in Leroy Township. See Young.

n Fifth annual golf outing of the Geauga County Democratic Party with a shotgun start at noon and dinner at 6 p.m. July 29 at Pleasant Hill Golf Course in Chardon. See Dave Netzband.

  

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah