The race for the Democratic Party’s nominee in 2014 for the Ohio Senate 25th District has begun to heat up as a prominent endorsement recently was granted.

U.S. Rep. Marcia L. Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights, this week endorsed former state Rep. Ed Jerse of Euclid for the seat. Jerse is running in a Democratic Party primary next year against former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights.

The district includes Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights, South Euclid and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

To his credit, Yuko has the endorsement of state Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, who is not seeking re-election because she is running for Ohio Secretary of State against incumbent Jon Husted, a Republican.

This Ohio Senate race should be one of the more interesting ones to watch next year between two former state lawmakers who had to leave the Ohio General Assembly due to term limits.

So which one of the candidates will emerge victorious? The Republican primary, if there is one, likely won’t be as high profile because the district leans Democratic.

In the grand scheme of state politics, the Ohio Senate is dominated by Republicans who hold a 23-10 majority, and if the seat is kept by a Democrat then it won’t represent a seismic shift in policy. The same holds true if a Republican wins.

However, with so few numbers, members in the minority who serve in Ohio Senate districts throughout the state have to be capable of making their voices heard loud and clear for their party’s ideas and can’t be shy of the media spotlight.

Turner, who was the Ohio Senate Minority Whip until just recently stepping down, has appeared to enjoy that role especially as a frequent guest on MSNBC and actively involved on Twitter with more than 19,000 followers.

On an individual basis, serving as an Ohio state senator can lead to bigger possibilities down the road, such as in Turner’s case as she seeks to win a statewide position.

State Sen. Eric Kearney, D-Cincinnati, who is the Ohio Senate minority leader, was also tapped by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Ed FitzGerald as his choice for lieutenant governor in 2014.

Keep the change

Legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives aims to transfer unclaimed money recovered at airport security checkpoints to nonprofit organizations that provide places of rest and recuperation at airports for members of the Armed Forces and their families. According to the House Homeland Security Committee, the Transportation Security Administration makes on average $465,285 from airport check points annually.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, voted in support of the measure that moves on to the U.S. Senate.

“It’s a simple concept, but certainly a worthy one, considering the sacrifices made by our troops every day,” Joyce said in an email.

Swearing-in event

Three winners in the Nov. 5 election will be sworn-in at 1 p.m. Dec. 18 at Cardinal High School by Ohio Supreme Court Justice William M. O’Neill.

Nancy Ferguson will be sworn-in for Cardinal School Board; Richard Seyer and Ronald Wiech will be sworn in for Middlefield Village Council.

The swearing-in will be held in conjunction with the high school government/politics class to include the students in the political process and to demonstrate the importance of exercising the right and responsibility to vote.

Deadlines

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

Fundies

• Campaign kickoff for Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See Lu Dunlap.

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

The race for governor in 2014 came into a sharper focus this week when Democratic candidate Ed FitzGerald announced state Sen. Eric Kearney would serve as his running mate.

FitzGerald, who next year will finish up his term as the first elected Cuyahoga County executive, picked the lifelong Cincinnati resident as his choice for lieutenant governor.

Kearney has served as an Ohio state senator since 2005 and is currently the Ohio Senate’s minority leader. He is subject to term limits and is not eligible to run next year for another term in the Ohio Senate.

In a campaign email, FitzGerald said Kearney is known as someone who can get things done and is able to reach across party lines.

After the announcement, the FitzGerald campaign made stops across the state as part of a two-day tour visiting Cincinnati, Dayton and Toledo on day one. The next day stops were in Youngstown, Cleveland and Columbus.

The Ohio Republican Party issued a statement from Party Chairman Matt Borges stating the next election will offer a clear contrast between Gov. John Kasich and his running mate Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.

Borges criticized Kearney for opposing the state budget and the tax cuts contained within it and that he supports the Affordable Care Act.

In a campaign email, state Sen. Nina Turner, a Cleveland Democrat who represents Ohio Senate District 25 that includes half of Lake County, applauded the choice of Kearney.

Turner also will be part of the Ohio Democratic Party’s statewide ticket next year as she has announced plans to run for Ohio Secretary of State most likely against incumbent Jon Husted.

One of the biggest challenges FitzGerald will have next year is to broaden his name recognition across the state, especially south of the Cleveland media market.

Kearney may help FitzGerald. Kearney, who is black, also provides the ticket with racial diversity.

So perhaps the selection of Kearney will help awaken additional support for FitzGerald in a race that a recent poll sponsored by the Ohio Democratic Party suggests is a dead head.

It also remains to be seen how or if online reports Friday in publications such as the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cincinnati Enquirer that discussed Kearney owing thousands of dollars on a tax lien will hurt the campaign.

It’s important to note that when people vote for governor they typically are voting for the candidate at the top of the ticket, not for the lieutenant governor.

However, it is the job of the running mate to help the gubernatorial candidate win.

Happy trails

Congratulations to Painesville Township Trustees Jeanette Crislip and Jim Falvey as each rounds up a lengthy career as a trustee.

Neither trustee sought re-election earlier this month and will retire from their respective office.

Falvey attended his last trustee meeting this past week, and Crislip is slated to attend her last meeting next month.

Taken out petitions

Lake County Auditor Edward H. Zupancic has taken out candidacy petitions from the county Elections Board to seek re-election in 2014.

Recently signing in with the Elections Board on behalf U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce to take out petitions for U.S. House of Representatives District 14 was Dino DiSanto, chief of staff for Joyce.

The filing deadline to run for partisan primaries next year is Feb. 5.

Event

The Geauga County Democratic Party will host a Thanksgiving potluck dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday at party headquarters in Newbury Township.

Fundies

• Fundraiser for state Rep. Ron Young, 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Quail Hollow Resort in Concord Township. See Young.
• 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

With Tuesday’s election drawing near there are lots of races and issues in Lake County for voters to decide.

It can be tough to truly gauge who or what might win or lose beforehand, but here’s what I think right now about a few races.

These opinions are by no means endorsements.

Eastlake mayor
Candidates: Ted Andrzejewski, Dennis Morley
Prediction/Comment: Morley. Among the most difficult races to predict and I could also see Andrzejewski winning. Morley is the favorite after he was the top vote-getter in September for the three-candidate primary, which had a very low primary turnout. But Andrzejewski wins if his supporters get to the polls.

Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor
Candidates: Troy Elam, David Eva
Prediction/Comment: Eva. Also a difficult race to gauge as both have been involved in city politics for a long time, but I think the incumbent wins.

Painesville Township trustee (vote for two)
Candidates: Amy Cossick, T.R. Hach, Chuck Hillier, Beth A. Knezevich, Edmund G. Leoson, Susan McGuinness, Josh Pennock, Joshua J. Strickland and Frank J. Zalek Jr.
Prediction/Comment: Hillier, Pennock. I’ll be surprised if I’m correct on both picks for the two open seats because I think Cossick, McGuinness and Strickland each have good chances to be in the mix.

Willoughby Hills Council at large 2-year term
Candidates: John Plecnik, Joe Zawatski
Prediction/Comment: Zawatski. My upset pick because I think Plecnik is the favorite and he has a good chance to win especially because he’s spent a lot of money to raise his name recognition and get his message across. Zawatski appears to have more support from the current city administration.

Laketran continuous 0.25 percent sales tax renewal
Prediction/Comment: Pass. But probably by a closer margin than for past requests. I’m thinking around 55 percent support.

Lake County Children Services 5-year, 0.7-mill renewal
Prediction/Comment: Pass. Levy renewal is approved by a comfortable margin.

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools 5-year, renewal levy to generate $7,585,000 (est. 4.71 mills)
Prediction/Comment: Fail. Should be pretty close, but a 10-year levy request for the same amount of dollars didn’t pass in May.

Hear ye, hear ye

The race in 2014 for Lake County Probate Court judge has started to take shape as two potential candidates took out petitions to run next year. Republican Judge Mark J. Bartolotta took out petitions to retain the seat after his appointment in September to fill the vacancy after former Judge Ted Klammer died.

Mentor Prosecutor Lisa Klammer, daughter of the late judge, also has taken out petitions to run. No one has filed yet to run and they have until Feb. 5 to do so.

But if they both file and eventually meet up in the November 2014 election, it should be quite the race to watch next year.

Ohio Senate District 25

Former state Rep. Ed Jerse, a Euclid Democrat, has pulled candidacy petitions to run for Ohio Senate District 25.

The district consists of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

Former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, a Richmond Heights Democrat, also has announced he’s running for the position in 2014.

If both men do file to run for the petitions, it will make an very interesting primary involving two former state representatives.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, who currently represents the district, has announced plans to run in 2014 for Ohio Secretary of State.

Deadline

For candidates who wish to submit items for this column, my weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday. Email and faxes are preferred.

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

Lake County officials remain concerned about a state law that could force the county to purchase additional voting machines.

A ratio that requires each county to have one voting machine per 175 registered voters was enacted in 2006 and is slated to go into effect next year.

Eliminating that ratio had been discussed as part of the two-year state budget that was passed June 30, but it ultimately did not happen.

Earlier this year, Lake County elections officials estimated the county would have to purchase an additional 54 voting machines based on a voter registration level of more than 152,000.

The cost would be $100,000 to $200,000, depending on if the equipment was new or used.

Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy said during a meeting this week that spending that money to purchase additional machines was an “unnecessary expenditure.”

Troy also recalled that county Elections Board Director Scott E. Daisher previously stated to commissioners publicly that the longest anyone had to wait to vote in the November 2012 election was a report of a 30-minute wait when the polls opened in one precinct.

Otherwise, there have been no long wait times so purchasing additional machines simply isn’t needed, officials said.

Troy said the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and Lake County officials will continue to speak with state lawmakers, including state Sen. Nina Turner, a Cleveland Democrat who represents half of Lake County as part of District 25 in the Ohio Senate.

Turner also is running for Ohio Secretary of State next year and likely will face incumbent Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

When the law was enacted in 2006, it came as memories were fresh about reports of voters across the state who weren’t able to cast a ballot or had to wait for so long to vote that they decided not to bother.

Troy and other election officials in Lake County now argue the ratio is no longer necessary to implement because voters have more options available to them to vote absentee and that has helped alleviate long lines and made it easier to vote.

An interesting question to ponder is what would happen if the law isn’t changed or a solution isn’t reached in time and the county decided not to go ahead and purchase additional machines? Perhaps a potential legal challenge?

It will be interesting to see what develops.

Medicaid expansion

Gov. John Kasich continues to push for an expansion of Medicaid for people who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.

The Columbus Dispatch reported Friday that the governor will ask the seven-member Ohio Controlling Board to approve spending about $2.56 billion in federal money to cover an estimated 275,000 low-income Ohioans under Medicaid.

With four Republicans, two Democrats and Board Chairman Randy Cole, who is a policy advisor for the state Office of Budget Management, it will be interesting to see if a Medicaid expansion basically skips past the Ohio General Assembly.

Candidate endorsements

Candidates in Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties who appear on the Nov. 5 ballot may send in listings of endorsements they receive for the upcoming election via email, fax or standard mail. They will appear online periodically on The News-Herald’s Northern Ohio Politics blog.

Deadline reminder

The weekly deadline for information to appear in this column is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email or fax is preferred.

Fundies

n Matt Jaworski, candidate for Wickliffe Council at large, hosts a bowling fundraiser, noon to 3 p.m. today at Wickliffe Lanes. See Jaworski or Matt Gallik.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran hosts Oktoberfest 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at American Legion Hall in Willowick. See Paul Miller or Kevin Malecek.

n Lake County Recorder Ann M. Radcliffe hosts spaghetti dinner fundraiser 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Park Road Grill in Painesville Township. See Terri Conley.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, has endorsed Armond Budish in the race for Cuyahoga County Executive.

Turner, who represents half of Lake County in Ohio Senate District 25, and Budish released these statements regarding the endorsement:

“Armond Budish is a leader with a deep commitment to public service and the experience to unite diverse communities behind a common goal,”Turner said. “As one of the leaders of county reform, I am confident that he will continue to push for accountability, equity, and efficiency in government and transform Cuyahoga County into an economic powerhouse."

“Sen. Turner is a leading voice for Cuyahoga County both at home and around our state," Budish said. "We both care deeply about attracting good-paying jobs to our communities, and ensuring that every Ohioan has an equal and fair opportunity to exercise their right to vote. I am honored to have her support.”

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted has called a meeting of the Ohio Ballot Board for Thursday at 1 p.m. in Columbus.

As required by Ohio law, the Ballot Board will meet to determine whether a proposed initiated statute regarding Medicaid consists of only one proposed law. The Ballot Board has 10 days from the date the certification is received from the attorney general to complete this task.

The review is one step in the process toward potentially putting the issue on the statewide ballot in November 2014.

Members of the Ballot Board are Husted, chair; Mark Griffin, vice chair; state Sens. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, and Bill Coley, R-Liberty Township in Montgomery County; and and William N. Morgan. Coley will be sworn in as a member to replace Ohio Senate President Keith Faber.

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

Now that state Rep. John Patrick Carney has announced he will run for Ohio Auditor, Democrats have filled most of their slate of statewide candidates who will challenge Republican incumbents in 2014.

Carney is a Columbus-based healthcare attorney who grew up in Bay Village and has served in the Ohio General Assembly for three two-year terms.

He will challenge incumbent state Auditor Dave Yost, a Republican who is finishing his first term in office.

Other races shape up for now to pit Gov. John Kasich vs. Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald; Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel vs. state Rep. Connie Pillach; Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted vs. state Sen. Nina Turner; and Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine vs. former Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy also will be on the ballot next year. No Democrat opposition has announced so far.

Carney said during an interview with The News-Herald that he believes his experience in the health care field would serve him well as he would aim as auditor to carefully examine the large percentage of the state’s revenue that is spent on health care.

Other issues Carney will use as campaign talking points are to protect Lake Erie and waterway assets and what he says is the gerrymandering of legislative districts that eliminates bipartisanship on the state level.

He also believes that JobsOhio needs to be more transparent and said Ohioans deserve to know where public tax money is spent in the effort to help create jobs.

It should be an interesting election season next year to see if Republicans continue to dominate state politics or whether Democrats make any headway.

Welcome to the bench

Congratulations to Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta, who was appointed by Kasich to become the new Lake County Probate Court judge. I’ll write a little bit more on this development in a future column.

Events

Geauga County Democratic Party hosts a spaghetti dinner at 6 p.m. Thursday and a speaker will discuss the new federal health care law. Former Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner will talk about women’s issues and her new book at 2 p.m. Sept. 22. The party’s annual clambake will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 5. Each of the events will be at party headquarters in Newbury Township.

Geauga County Republican Party hosts GOP Steak Roast with a mystery guest speaker at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Troy Township Pavilion.

Lake County Democratic Women’s Club hosts 75th anniversary luncheon and Woman of the Year award on Sept. 21 at Dino’s Party Center in Willoughby.

Candidate endorsements

Candidates in Lake, Geauga and eastern Cuyahoga counties who appear on the Nov. 5 ballot may send in listings of endorsements they receive for the upcoming election via email, fax or standard mail. They will appear online periodically on The News-Herald’s Northern Ohio Politics blog.

Change in publication date

Starting with the Sept. 21 edition, this column will be published on The News-Herald’s editorial page on Saturdays instead of on Sundays.

Fundies

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, hosts a ’60s Night fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Susan or Ray McGuinness.

n Geauga County Auditor Frank J. Gliha hosts Chinese Dinner fundraiser, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at Pineview Lake in Munson Township. See Gliha.

n Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts Fall Classic golf outing and Clam Bake, 12:30 p.m. shotgun start Sept. 27 at Lost Nation Municipal Golf Course in Willoughby. See Kip Molenaar.

n Dennis Morley, candidate for Eastlake mayor, hosts Steak Roast Fundraiser, 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 6 at Boracs Landing in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Dale Bradley.

n State Rep. John Rogers hosts fall clambake, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at Mentor Beach Park in Mentor-on-the-Lake. See Rogers or Kip Molenaar.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran hosts Oktoberfest 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 17 at American Legion Hall in Willowick. See Paul Miller or Kevin Malecek.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It appears that Gov. John Kasich has not given up on the idea to provide Ohio residents an income tax cut.

An emerging proposal aims to increase the tax on oil and gas drilling and send a quarter of the raised revenue back to the state’s Appalachia area, according to various media reports.

The new plan would increase the severance tax to 4.5 percent and send 25 percent of that money to 33 Appalachian counties, where the bulk of the drilling occurs, The Associated Press reported.

That could mean the remaining 75 percent would provide $1.1 billion in income tax cuts during the next five years and $370 million for the Appalachian region.

The Ohio Senate approved its version of the state budget this week, and Kasich’s plan was not included.

However, a conference committee that will hammer out a version between what the Ohio House of Representatives passed earlier and what the Ohio Senate passed Thursday. That version would be sent to the governor and must be signed by Kasich before July 1.

The oil and gas drilling tax increase proposal might be a tough sell, especially in the Ohio House, where Republican members have not been exactly keen on the idea even with an accompanying income tax reduction.

When it comes to a potential expansion of Medicaid in Ohio, something also wanted by Kasich, a plan was not included in either the Ohio House or Senate version.

However, legislative study committees have been established to try to work on a plan potentially before the end of the year.

Lake County Probate Court bench

Shortly after Lake County Probate Court Judge Ted Klammer died in March, Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge Tim Grendell was assigned by Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor to assist with Lake County Probate Court proceedings through Sept. 20.

So far, Grendell hasn’t been needed to sit in, but the appointment allows Grendell to assist retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk, who had been appointed by O’Connor for a three-month assignment to the Lake County Probate Court bench.

Sitting judges of the county Common Pleas Court also have helped to cover the probate court docket until a judge is appointed by Kasich.

From what I’m told four names have been sent by the Lake County Republican Party to Columbus for the governor to consider: Geauga County Assistant Prosecutor Mark Bartolotta; Lake County Probate Court Magistrate Lora Lynne Krider; Lake County Assistant Prosecutor John O’Donnell; and Jim O’Leary, a Painesville Township attorney.

It might be another month or so before Kasich makes an appointment.

Ohio Senate District 25 update

Former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights, announced he will run for Ohio Senate District 25, which consists of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, represents the district. She is eligible to seek re-election, but is considering running for Ohio Secretary of State, although she has not announced her intentions. I would say look for something soon, now that the Ohio Senate has passed a state budget bill.

Former state Rep. Ed Jerse, D-Euclid, also is considering running for the Ohio Senate District 25 seat, but has not made an announcement on his plans.

Portman office hours

Staff for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, will hold office hours in Lake County from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The location will be at the fifth floor of the county administration building, 105 Main St. in Painesville. No appointments are necessary.

Fundies

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.

n John Plecnik, candidate for Willoughby Hills Council, Slovenian Style Dinner from 5:30 to 8 p.m. June 12 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Plecnik or Tony Manfredi.

n Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, ninth annual golf outing, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start July 19 at Pine Ridge Golf Course in Wickliffe. See Andrzejewski.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

It’s still a bit early to discuss the 2014 election year in Ohio, but the first Democratic challenger has filed to run for a statewide position.

David Pepper, a former Cincinnati councilman and Hamilton County commissioner, filed paperwork with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office declaring his intent to run for Ohio attorney general.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, a Republican, hasn’t filed to run for re-election, but he likely will.

Pepper also ran statewide in 2010 as a candidate for Ohio auditor, but lost to Auditor Dave Yost, a Republican.

Other Democrats considering statewide bids and who may file in the near future are Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald for governor and state Sen. Nina Turner of Cleveland for Ohio secretary of state.

The U.S. Senate failing to move forward with gun control legislation may have jump-started another political campaign in Ohio — for 2016.

State Rep. Bob Hagan, a Youngstown Democrat who obviously was upset with U.S. Sen. Rob Portman voting no on weapons legislation, announced on Twitter that he will run for U.S. Senate against Portman.

“Senator Portman shows his lack of courage and testicular fortitude. The NRA wwns him. I am declaring my candidacy,” Hagan tweeted with the remainder of his statement appearing on his Facebook page. “to run against him in the next election. I will be his hair shirt for the next three years.”

A few hours after his comment was picked up by media outlets, Hagan tweeted again and explained what he meant: “Some have asked of my seriousness in challenging Portman for U.S. Senate. I will be his hair shirt making him itch from his pro NRA vote.”

In a statement released after his vote, Portman, R-Ohio, defended his position and said that he carefully reviewed the legislation.

“I do not believe it would be effective in preventing the kind of heartbreaking loss of life seen in Newtown or in other recent tragic incidents,” Portman said. “It does, however, contain several provisions that would make it more difficult for law-abiding Ohioans to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights. I do believe there are actions Congress can and should take to reduce gun violence without infringing on Second Amendment rights, and I look forward to supporting such amendments.”

Bolton Republican Women’s Club

Mother’s Day Event, “Honoring Our Mothers” at 6 p.m. May 6 at The Painesville Area Senior Citizens Center with special guest speaker Lake County Juvenile Court Judge Karen Lawson. See Heidi Callender or call Lake County Republican Party headquarters.

Legislative update

State Sen. Capri S. Cafaro will hold a community meeting at 6 p.m. April 29 at the Municipal Center in Chardon on April 29th to provide residents with a legislative update regarding work in the Ohio Senate.

Candidate filings

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are David Eva for Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor and William Brotzman for Madison Township trustee.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Connie Newyear for Willoughby-Eastlake School Board, Jennifer Jakosh for Mentor-on-the-Lake City Council, Robert Carr for Willoughby Council Ward 4 and Chris Woodin for Willoughby Council Ward 1.

Fundies

n Lake County Treasurer-elect Lorraine M. Fende will host “Fende’s Victory” spaghetti dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 29 at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Diane Fox.

n Willoughby Hills Councilman Kevin D. Malecek’s Annual Cinco De Mayo Fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. May 1 at Willoughby Hills Community Center. See Malecek or Nora Colburn.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Ron Young, 2 to 4 p.m. May 5 at Perry Community Center. See Young.

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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

State Sen. Nina Turner plans to announce the introduction of the Voter Protection Act at a press conference today at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

Turner, D-Cleveland, said the bill would emphasize promoting and facilitating ballot access, prevent arbitrary disenfranchisement of voters, and encourage county election boards to make bipartisan adjustments to meet the needs of their communities.

Turner represents Ohio Senate District 25, which consists of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County , plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

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

Now that former Gov. Ted Strickland has made a decision that he will not run for governor in 2014, expect to see decisions fairly soon from other Democrats.

Gov. John Kasich, a Republican, has not officially announced that he would seek re-election next year, but all signs point to him running.

Kasich will present a formidable challenge for any Democratic opponent after seemingly rebounding after essentially coming up on the losing end of statewide referendum in November 2011 to repeal Senate Bill 5, which aimed to limit collective bargaining rights for public employees.

Expect Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald to make a decision on whether he will run for governor fairly soon. FitzGerald also would be up for re-election in 2014, so he may need to make a choice.

FitzGerald appears to be acting like a candidate as he spoke of his interest to a crowd at the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association on Wednesday night in Columbus. Reports indicate he fell short of making an official announcement or decision.

Others mentioned as possible candidates are U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, and former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley. Former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray also has been mentioned, but he is not permitted to discuss politics because he is chief of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, appears to have a solid interest in running for Ohio Secretary of State in 2014.

Turner represents Ohio Senate District 25, which now includes Ohio House District 60, which contains  Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County, plus Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

If Turner decides to run for statewide office, and a decision will likely happen soon, she would leave an opening for her state Senate seat that will be on the ballot in 2014.

Would someone locally have an interest, such as Eastlake Mayor Ted Andrzejewski, who ran in a Democratic primary for county commissioner last year, or Willowick Democrat James Helmink, who ran in a primary for Ohio House District 60 last year?

How about former state Rep. Kenny Yuko, D-Richmond Heights? Remember, Yuko was termed out in the Ohio House last year.

Absentee, provisional wrap-up

During the Nov. 6 election, more than 1.86 million voters in Ohio cast absentee ballots.

That includes more than 1.26 million by mail and more than 600,000 cast in person, Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said.

That’s up from 2008, when the total number of absentee ballots cast, both by mail and in person, was roughly 1.74 million.

Husted attributed the increase two key policy changes implemented for the first time — all registered voters received an absentee ballot application in the mail and uniform days and hours statewide that included an increase in the number of voting hours available.

Husted did not mention in his news release that a court ruled that Ohio should have in-person voting hours on the final weekend before the election.

Husted’s office also issued a report on provisional ballots that stated of the 208,087 provisional ballots cast, 173,765 (83.5 percent) were counted, up from 166,870 (80 percent) in 2008.

Of the 34,322 provisional ballots rejected this year, 20,119 (58.6 percent) were not eligible to be counted because the person was not registered to vote in Ohio.

Nearly 40,000 provisional ballots were rejected in 2008.

Picked up petitions

People who have officially signed out petitions from the Lake County Elections Board to run for office Nov. 5 are: Ray Kirchner, Janet Dowling and Scott Marn, each for Mentor Council at large; Chris Galloway and Paul Malchesky for Concord Township trustee; Bill Brotzman for Madison Township trustee; Phillip S. Haskell for Perry Township trustee; Amy Cossick for Painesville Township trustee; John G. McCallister for Mentor Council at large and Mentor School Board; Troy D. Elam and David R. Eva for Mentor-on-the-Lake mayor.

Candidates for nonpartisan races for the General Election have until Aug. 7 to file their petitions.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

How Lake County is represented in the Ohio General Assembly in Columbus will have a slightly different look next year.

Filling the seat for Ohio House of Representatives District 60 will be John Rogers, a Mentor-on-the-Lake Democrat, newly elected Nov. 6 when he defeated Painesville Councilwoman Lori DiNallo, a Republican.

Communities in the district are Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Mentor Wards 1-3, North Perry Village, Perry Village, Waite Hill, Willoughby Hills, the townships of Concord, Leroy, Madison, Perry and parts of Painesville Township.

According to final unofficial results (used for all information in this column, as provisional votes will be added next week), Rogers won 25,964 to 21,141 or 55.12 percent to 44.88 percent.

Rogers won each precinct in Eastlake, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Willowick, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, and Lakeline. He also prevailed in Painesville, winning nine of 10 precincts, seven of nine precincts in Wickliffe and nine of 15 precincts in Willoughby.

Meanwhile, DiNallo won each precinct in Timberlake and the two Painesville Township precincts that are part of the district. She also won six of nine precincts in Mentor.

Overall, Rogers won 67 precincts and DiNallo won 16.

State Rep. Ron Young, R-Leroy Township, will remain in the Ohio House, where he’ll represent the new 61st District. He defeated Painesville Township Democrat Susan McGuinness. Young won 31,491 to 26,420, or 54.38 percent to 45.62 percent.

Communities in the district are Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick.

Young, who won his second consecutive term, won each precinct in Kirtland, Kirtland Hills, Leroy Township, North Perry Village, Perry Village, Perry Township and Waite Hill.

He also was the victor in seven of 10 precincts in Painesville Township, 16 of 25 precincts in Mentor, four of seven precincts in Willoughby Hills and 13 of 14 precincts in Concord Township.

McGuinness won six of 10 precincts in Madison Township. Both candidates won one of two precincts in Madison Village and tied with 433 votes each in Willoughby Hills Precinct CC. Overall, Young won 59 precincts and McGuinness won 22 precincts, plus the one tied precinct.

In the race for Lake County recorder, Concord Township Democrat Ann Radcliffe defeated appointed Recorder Jason Wuliger, a Kirtland Republican.

Radcliffe won 52,502 to 47,353, or 52.58 percent to 47.42 percent.

She also won each precinct in Eastlake, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, Willowick, Fairport Harbor, Lakeline, Madison Village and Timberlake. Radcliffe was the victor in 18 of 34 precincts in Mentor, eight of nine precincts in Wickliffe, 12 of 15 precincts in Willoughby, eight of 10 precincts in Madison Township, eight of 11 precincts in Painesville Township.

Wuliger won each precinct in Kirtland, Concord Township, Kirtland Hills, North Perry Village, Perry Village and Waite Hill. He also won four of seven precincts in Willoughby Hills.

Both candidates won two of four precincts in Perry Township, one of two precincts in Leroy Township, and tied with 296 votes each in Mentor Precinct 4H.

Overall, Radcliffe won 103 precincts and Wuliger won 53 precincts.

Lake County’s new state senator

Some Lake County residents may not realize that starting in January there will be a second state senator representing the county in Columbus.

State Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, represents Ohio’s 25th Senate District that will be comprised of Ohio House Districts 8, 12 and 60. Her term expires at the end of 2014, so she was not on the Nov. 6 ballot.

Turner attracted some national attention this past week with her criticism of Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted, accusing him of enacting policies of voter suppression and hinting she might run for the office in 2014, and with what she views as a war by Republicans on women’s reproductive rights, specifically citing a state bill that would ban abortions after doctors can detect a fetal heartbeat.

Prior to reapportionment, all of Lake County was all within Ohio Senate District 18, which is represented by state Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, who retained his seat Nov. 6 after defeating Democrat Jim Mueller.

Now the Ohio 18th Senate district will consist of House Districts 61, 75, 76, which is half of Lake County, two-thirds of Geauga County and all of Portage County. It no longer includes any of Cuyahoga County.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Might state Sen. Nina Turner run for Ohio Secretary of State in 2014?

Turner, D-Cleveland, represents Ohio’s 25th Senate District that in January will be comprised of Ohio House Districts 8, 12 and 60 after reapportionment takes effect. Her term expires at the end of 2014.

Ohio House District 60 will consist of Eastlake, Fairport Harbor, Grand River, Lakeline, Mentor Ward 4, Mentor-on-the-Lake, Painesville, parts of Painesville Township, Timberlake, Wickliffe, Willoughby and Willowick in Lake County.

Ohio House Districts 8 and 12 consist of other communities such as Euclid, Richmond Heights and other eastern Cuyahoga County communities.

Turner was asked in a video interview with Marc Kovac, statehouse bureau chief for Dix News and The Youngstown Vindicator, if she might run for Ohio Secretary of State in 2014.



“I’m considering all of my options, including that one,” Turner said.

She was then asked why she might consider that race when she still has eligibility to run again for Ohio Senate. Turner didn't shy away from criticizing current Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.

“I could run again for the Senate, but you know given what Ohioans had to face in this last presidential election, given that SOS now stands under Husted’s leadership (for) Secretary of Suppression,” Turner said.

“It is very important that the citizens of the state of Ohio have someone that understands that voting should not be partisan, that everybody in this state should have the right and access to vote and certainly our current secretary of state doesn't understand that."

In the video, Turner declined to comment on the likelihood that she will be a candidate for Ohio Secretary of State.

“We’ll see. I have to get through this session, we’ll see,” she said.

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