Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges recently stopped by The News-Herald to discuss some of his vision for the party’s future.

Borges was elected to the post in April and is making his way around the state looking to receive as much input as possible to take back to Columbus.

The 2012 election was disappointing for Ohio Republicans at the top of the ticket, with President Barack Obama’s re-election, but Borges believes there has to be a way to appeal to voters and draw them into the coalition.

Borges said the method is to work hard and to have better candidates, with a better message and to run better campaigns.

He also wants to guard against complacency as Republicans hold so many statewide offices.

“It takes an all-in effort and I want us not to forget that,” Borges said.

If the issue of gay marriage is placed on the November 2014 ballot, it will be up to the Ohio GOP’s executive committee on how the party would weigh in on the issue.

But Borges is unsure whether the issue will be on the ballot or what exactly the language would be.

“If this campaign is one about discriminating against Americans, I don’t want to be apart of that,” Borges said. “If it’s a campaign about values, mothers and fathers and the sanctity of marriage, I think that’s a campaign I could be part of and proud of.”

He defended the party’s reputation and disagreed with narratives from Democrats who say a war was declared on women by the GOP after the state budget was passed.

Borges noted that 12 of 18 staffers who worked on the budget were women and the measure also received good support in the Ohio General Assembly from Republican women who voted for the budget.

When it comes to potential expansion of Medicaid, Borges isn’t certain what exactly will transpire as Gov. John Kasich has continued to push, while the GOP leadership in the Ohio General Assembly refused to put it in the state budget.

He added that the discussion about Medicaid reform is one that likely would not have happened if the issue had not been brought forward.

Filed petitions

Recently filing candidacy petitions in Lake County were Mark Cicero for North Perry Village Council; and Philip Haskell Sr. for Perry Township trustee.

In Geauga County: Claudine Steinfurth and Michael Troyan for Auburn Township trustee; Mark Saric for Chester Township trustee; Edward W. Kaminski and Nadine Pope for Hambden Township trustee; Al Vontorcik for Huntsburg Township trustee; Lu Ann Burger for Montville Township trustee; Carl Sanborn for Troy Township trustee; Mark Porter for South Russell Council; Dennis A. Battles for Geauga County Educational Service Center board; and Barbara Raikes for Ledgemont School Board,

Taking out petitions

Recently taking out candidacy petitions with the Elections Board in Lake County are Albert Paolino and Frank Sarosy for Fairport Harbor Council, J. Jay Fabian for Madison School Board, Jack Miley for Riverside School Board, and Andrew Roberts for Perry School Board.

In Geauga County: John Eberly and Karen E. Quay for Auburn Township trustee; Charles H. Nichols for Bainbridge Township trustee; Kenneth C. Burnett for Burton Township trustee; Michael Brown for Chardon Township trustee; Judy Caputo, Ward L. Kinney and Michael Petruziello for Chester Township trustee; John Bryant for Hambden Township trustee; Jon A. Hunter and Chris Whitney for Huntsburg Township trustee; Robert A. Evans for Middlefield Township trustee; James Marsic for Montville Township trustee; Jan Blair for Newbury Township trustee; Roger Anderson for Parkman Township trustee; Kristina Port for Russell Township trustee; Colleen Goebelt for Aquilla Village Council; Diane Lillibridge for Burton Village Council; Andrew K. Blackley, John Mallen, James Pruce and Thomas E. Ray for Chardon Council; William Blue and Brandon Reed for Middlefield Village Council; Mike Carroll, John Dishong and Bill Koons for South Russell Council; Lois Jeffrey and Janice Koster for Geauga County Educational Service Center board; John J. Manfredi for Berkshire School Board; Kenneth J. Klima for Cardinal School Board; Beth Krause for Kenston School Board; Carol A. Geisman for Ledgemont School Board; Susan Arnold, John Gingerich and Guy Mann for Newbury School Board; and William W. Beers and Sally Gillmore for West Geauga School Board.

Fundies

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

n Susan McGuinness, candidate for Painesville Township trustee, hosts an “Old-Time Backyard Barbecue” fundraiser 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at her home. See Susan or Ray McGuinness.

n Fundraiser for Mentor Councilman Ray Kirchner, 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 29 at Cabanas Restaurant in Mentor. See George Maier or Kirchner.

n State Rep. Ron Young hosts Summer Sizzle fundraiser with special guest U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, 6 to 8 p.m. July 29 at South River Winery in Harpersfield Township. See Young.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish, 10th Annual Ferrante Winery Celebration in Harpersfield Township. 5:30 to 8 p.m. July 31. See Ernie Koenig or Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour.

n Mentor on the Lake Councilwoman Desirea Thompson hosts a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at Amvets Post 109 in Mentor on the Lake. See Desirea or John Thompson.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran, first annual golf outing, 11:30 a.m. lunch Aug. 15 at Madison Country Club. See Shirley Vesel.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

State Rep. Connie Pillich, D-Montgomery, has announced she will run for Ohio Treasurer in 2014.

“I’m running for Treasurer because working families, small business owners, and seniors need someone who will fight for them,” said Pillach in a news release. “Ohioans deserve a Treasurer who will do the job she was elected to do and will make sure our tax dollars are protected and used wisely.”

Republican Josh Mandel of Beachwood is serving his first term as state Treasurer.

Pillach is serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives. Her district is located in southwestern Ohio.

“Whether as a captain in the Air Force, a lawyer and owner of a small business, or a representative in the legislature, I've dedicated my career to listening to concerns, creating a plan of action, and working hard to deliver real results,” she said.

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

The Ohio Young Republicans congratulated Ohio Republican Party Executive Director Matt Borges on his election to become the new chairman for the Ohio Republican Party.

Borges was elected Friday after winning a majority vote from the 66-member Ohio State Central Committee. He will succeed Chairman Bob Bennett who will retire.

Mentor resident Brian Wollett, who is Ohio Young Republican chairman, said Borges was an excellent choice to lead outreach efforts headed into next year’s gubernatorial election.

“He has worked diligently to explain his plan for the Ohio Republican Party and we look forward to being part of that effort.” Wollet said in a statement. “While we are sad to see Chairman Bennett retire, we are confident the Ohio Republican Party is headed in the right direction.”

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

The Ohio Republican Party’s State Central and Executive Committee of Ohio met today in Columbus and elected Matt Borges of Columbus as the new Ohio Republican Party chairman and Kay Reynolds as vice chairwoman.

Borges, who received a majority of the vote, defeated Tom Zawistowski, a businessman and leader of the Portage County Tea Party.

Borges will officially begin his new term as Chairman on June 1. He succeeds Bob Bennett, who after 23 years service is the longest serving chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, will officially step down May 31.

“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of the Committee and proud to lead our Party heading into the next critical election cycle,” Borges said in a statement. “I also want to thank Bob Bennett for his over two decades of service to our party. Our Republican leaders led by Gov. John Kasich need our full support as we continue to build Ohio into the best state to live, work and raise a family.”

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

It was fairly surprising to learn about some of the major components of Gov. John Kasich’s budget proposal that were taken out of the proposal that was unveiled in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Dropping an expansion of Medicaid in Ohio wasn’t completely unexpected, as many Republicans had previously cited concern about the federal government keeping its pledge to fund an expansion at 100 percent for three years before eventually dropping to 90 percent funding.

I hadn’t anticipated a complete scrap of changes to the state sales tax rate that had included a lower overall rate, but expanding the base of services that could be taxed.

That idea isn’t completely dead, as Republican state lawmakers indicated it might be something to consider in the future.

Because Ohio law states the two-year budget must be put into place by July 1, when the state fiscal year begins, GOP leaders decided there wasn’t enough time to study whatever repercussions might stem from changes to the sales tax.

Kasich really wanted a 20 percent reduction in the state’s income tax rates, but instead a 7 percent cut is now on the table.

Also scrapped was an increase on the severance tax on oil and gas drilling, which Kasich said would have helped pay for further income tax reduction.

The state expected more than 365,000 Ohio residents to be eligible next year if an expansion of Medicaid was approved.

Despite the fact it was left out of the Ohio House state budget bill, that battle doesn’t appear to be over.

The governor continues to keep the pressure on to expand Medicaid in Ohio, and Kasich recently told reporters that he doesn’t take it personally that House Republicans dropped it.

Instead, Kasich said that he profoundly disagrees and couldn’t state his position any clearer.

Ohio House Democrats have introduced a bill that is very similar to the governor’s initial proposal for a Medicaid expansion.

As I have written before, I thought an expansion of Medicaid could be something that was pulled from the budget and could be voted on separately.

This might be legislation introduced by Democrats that could have a chance to pass with some Republican support, but it remains to be seen if that would be enough.

Republican Ohio House Speaker Bill Batchelder said he wasn’t sure at this point how many in his caucus would vote for such a measure.

I also think there is a decent chance the Ohio Senate could put a Medicaid expansion back into the budget bill after passed by the Ohio House because the governor hasn't backed down.

Supporters of a Medicaid expansion also will have time to galvanize their efforts to pressure lawmakers, and rallies in Columbus have already begun.

House GOP lawmakers added $100 million for mental health and addiction services, but it doesn’t appear to satisfy the governor and statewide advocacy groups such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio and the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities.

Filed petitions

People who recently have filed candidacy petitions in Lake County are James Bala for Wickliffe Council Ward 1, William A. Brotzman and Kenneth Gauntner Jr. for Madison Township trustee.

Taken out petitions

Recently signing out candidacy petitions are Robert M. Johnson for Mentor-on-the-Lake Council, John Popelka for Willoughby Council Ward 2, Lori DiNallo for Painesville Council at large, Dan Donaldson for Madison Village Council, Joe Zawatski for Willoughby Hills Council and Dave Krych for Wickliffe Council president.

Fundies

n Dennis Morley will host a kickoff fundraiser for his Eastlake mayor campaign, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Trader Jack’s Riverside Grille in Eastlake. See Donna Vaughn or Barb Morley.

n Lake County Commissioner Judy Moran will host a fundraiser from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Dino’s Restaurant and Banquet Center in Willoughby. See Kathy Russo.

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

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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

An interesting state budget battle has already begun with state political leaders engaging in lively banter regarding Gov. John Kasich’s two-year proposal.

Kasich’s budget looks to implement a number of big policy changes such as a Medicaid coverage expansion and changes to state income tax and sales tax rates.

The budget has parts that Democrats and Republicans like, although initially there doesn’t seem to be much mutual agreement.

Interestingly, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said the state GOP wouldn’t officially support or oppose the governor’s plan, rather it would let the legislative process play out.

However, Bennett said the budget delivers on education reform, tax cuts and accelerated job growth for the next two years.

Meanwhile, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern made it known quite clearly the party adamantly opposes the governor’s budget, although he agrees with Kasich’s proposal to accept federal funding to help the state expand Medicaid health care coverage.

The Republican governor raised a few eyebrows when he broke ranks from what some other GOP governors have done by wishing to expand Medicaid.

It may take a bit to persuade some Republicans to go along with that idea, especially GOP state lawmakers who oppose the nation’s new health care law, dubbed Obamacare.

Redfern said Democrats would look to separate a Medicaid expansion from the budget and offer amendments for the issue to be considered as stand-alone legislation.

Republicans have a clear majority in the Ohio General Assembly, but I think Democrats could have some success separating Medicaid expansion from the budget.

I’m probably in the minority there, but I think it could provide a path for some Republicans to then support the governor’s budget and provide them political cover from the more conservative members of the party.

The Ohio Republican Party also cited support of Kasich’s signature program, JobsOhio, to attract new businesses. JobsOhio has received little support from Democrats who say the program is unconstitutional. They also have questioned its transparency.

Bennett also criticized Democrats who “have been hard at work (last) week spreading outright lies about the new budget.”

In fact, Bennett unveiled Thursday a new website, www.StopOhioJobKillers.com, that he said is “promising that the old lies and new lies to come will now be available to the public.”

Redfern blasted Bennett saying “This soon-to-be outgoing chairman has the audacity to suggest it’s the Democrats who want to kill jobs. Quite the contrary.”

The Democratic Party chairman then said former Gov. Ted Strickland offered seniors the largest property tax cut in state history by expanding the Homestead Exemption. He then said Kasich’s plan to expand the base of the state sales tax is one of the largest expansions of sales tax in state history.

Despite the fact the overall rate would be lowered, Redfern said the proposal would disproportionately effect lower-income residents and would now raise the cost of services such as haircuts, funerals and foreclosures.

Joyce makes friends

As a freshmen federal lawmaker, U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce continues to reach across the political aisle in Congress to make friends and build relationships.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, plans to sit next to fellow freshman lawmaker U.S. Rep. Cheri Busto, D-Ill., during President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.

The two members of Congress, who first met during a bipartisan Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, said their decision was based in the spirit of bipartisanship and working together.

Fundies

n Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts his annual Mardi Gras Party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Kip Molenaar.

n Concord Township Trustees Paul Malchesky and Christopher Galloway re-election fundraiser is 5 to 7 p.m. March 4 at Harry Buffalo in Painesville Township. See Malchesky, Galloway or Connie Luhta.

n Re-election kickoff party for Mentor Municipal Court Judge John Trebets, 5 to 8 p.m. March 7 at Holiday Inn Express LaMalfa Centre in Mentor. See Ed or Cindy Hughes.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce announced Wednesday that he has voted in support of H.R. 325, the No Budget, No Pay Act.

“Today, I voted to hold Washington accountable to hardworking taxpayers by supporting the No Budget, No Pay Act. It’s a simple bill: if the Senate doesn't fulfill its duty of passing a budget, then they don’t get paid,” Joyce said in a statement. “At a time in which every American family is prioritizing their spending by being on a budget, Washington must do the same. For too long, Washington has spent and then sent taxpayers the bill. It’s my hope that this legislation stops this irresponsible practice and starts a frank conversation about reducing our debt and jump starting our economy.”

The No Budget, No Pay Act passed the House by a vote of 285-144, according to Joyce’s office. The nation’s current debt stands at almost $16.4 trillion.

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

State Sen. John Eklund, R-Munson Township, was sworn in this afternoon for his first full term to represent the 18th Ohio Senate District, which includes portions of Geauga and Lake counties and all of Portage County.

Eklund – who was first appointed to the Ohio Senate in 2011 – took the oath of office surrounded by family and friends during today’s opening ceremony for the 130th General Assembly.

“Representing the families and communities of Northeastern Ohio in the state Legislature is a true honor, and I am grateful for the trust my constituents have placed in me to ensure their views and opinions are heard at the Statehouse,” Eklund said. “While we accomplished a great deal during the last legislative session in getting Ohioans back to work and transforming our economy, much work remains – and I look forward to tackling the important issues facing Ohio.”

In addition to tending to legislative duties in Columbus, Eklund is a partner in at the law firm of Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, where he has worked for more than 30 years. Throughout his legal career, much of his work has been centered on areas pertaining to anti-trust litigation, trade regulation, price fixing, class actions, and mergers and acquisitions.

Eklund and his wife Meg reside in Munson Township. They have two daughters and one grandchild.

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

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced Tuesday that he not seek the Democratic Party nomination to run for governor in 2014.

Strickland had served as governor for 4 years before he lost a re-election bid to Gov. John Kasich in November 2010.

Cuyahoga County Ed FitzGerald is among a few Democrats who have been mentioned as potential gubernatorial candidates and Strickland’s decision likely paves the way for him to make a decision to run.

Strickland, who served as a campaign surrogate during President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign and may eventually find a position in the president’s administration, released a lengthy statement to announce his decision:

“In many ways, this has been a very difficult decision. I look back fondly on my time as Ohio’s 68th Governor and am proud of my Administration’s efforts to guide our state through the greatest national economic crisis since the Great Depression. With the help of my First Lady — Frances Strickland — my dedicated and loyal Cabinet, and my incredibly hard-working Executive Staff, we held the ship steady. With the help of President Obama, who provided the funds necessary to keep Ohio and all of America from slipping into another Great Depression, we were able to preserve the social safety net, make important investments in education, and position Ohio’s economy for the recovery that started in February 2010.

“And when I look back on my four years as Governor, I am equally proud of those in the Strickland Administration who served the public with honor, integrity, and humility. We sought to make Ohio better.

“My administration was about positioning Ohio as a leader in our rapidly changing economy and global world. We worked to rebuild our infrastructure with a special effort to make sure the national system for rail transportation included Ohio. We worked to ensure there were more Ohioans with affordable health care coverage. We significantly improved our national standing in public education, made sure it did not suffer from deep cuts during the economic crises, and worked to satisfy the Supreme Court’s ruling for equitable funding with a new formula that was less dependent on property taxes. We enacted a comprehensive energy reform bill that helped to stabilize the energy market for consumers and business while creating a renewable portfolio standard that has positioned Ohio as a leader in advanced energy. And, we made college more affordable. Most significant for jobs, we were leaders in investments in alternatives sources of energy and went to bat for the automobile industry; working closely with President Obama on the rescue plan that has been so pivotal in Ohio’s economic recovery.

“In short, I believe my Administration stood and spoke for the causes that count.

“Frances and I will continue to be politically active private citizens. We will continue to stand with working men and women to build a stronger Ohio ---and to defeat anti-worker and anti-middle class legislation that may arise.”


Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said in a statement that whoever decides to challenge Kasich’s record on job growth should think twice.

“Ohio has made giant leaps in progress in two short years under John Kasich and it will be hard for any Democrat to argue why he shouldn’t continue to create jobs for hardworking Ohio families and put Ohio back on the right track," Bennett said


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

U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce was sworn in to the 113th Congress by House Speaker John Boehner during a ceremony Thursday in the U.S. Capitol.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the people of Ohio’s 14th District and I look forward to bringing some Ohio common sense to Washington,” Joyce said in a statement. “The voters sent me here to do a job and I will work every day to represent their interests and create jobs back home in the district.”

Prior to service in Congress, Joyce was Geauga County prosecutor. He, his wife Kelly, and their three children reside in Russell Township.

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

Ohio Republican Chairman Bob Bennett congratulated Ohio’s newest Republican Members of Congress David P. Joyce and Brad Wenstrup as they are sworn into the 113th Congress today and praised John Boehner’s re-election as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives calling it another big step for Ohioans.

“Congressman Joyce and Congressman Wenstrup will show dedication in serving their respective districts as they have throughout their public service careers and we’re proud to support them,” Bennett said in a prepared statement. “Congressman John Boehner’s re-election as Speaker is a distinct honor for all Ohioans as he continues the legacy set by fellow Ohio Congressman Nicholas Longworth who was speaker for the 69th, 70th and 71st Congress.

“Speaker Boehner will lead the 113th Congress with the same sincerity, conviction and commitment that he has shown in Congress for his district and for all Ohio.”

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

Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dale Fellows confirmed that Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will attend a private fundraiser in Lake County on Sept. 14.

The event, not open to the public, will be held at the home of Ed Crawford, who has hosted other GOP presidential candidates before, most recently former President George W. Bush.

Fellows said it is his understanding that at some point before the Nov. 6 election, Romney will appear in Lake County for a public rally.

“We’ve been told he would be, it’s just a matter of when,” Fellows said.

GOP officials also continue work to have Romney’s running mate U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan come to Lake County as well, Fellows said.

Ryan appeared Tuesday in Westlake.

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

Below is the schedule of Ohio delegation events for August 28 at the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

“We Build It”

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine will feature Rick Santorum for Ohio Delegation Breakfast.



All Ohio delegation breakfasts are located at the Mainsail Conference Center. Breakfasts are open to delegates, alternates, honorary delegates, sponsors and members of the press.

* 9 a.m. - Doors Open
*9:30 a.m. - Event Begins
*Chairman Bob Bennett Ohio Republican Party
*State Sen. Jim Hughes
*Chairman Dale Fellows, Lake County Republican Party
*Mike DeWine, Ohio Attorney General
*Sen. Rick Santorum
The Tuesday Session Schedule at the Tampa Bay Times Forum will feature Republican governors
* 2 p.m. to 6:40 p.m. - Business Session at the Tampa Bay Times Forum
*6:40 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Recess
*7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Convention Session at the Tampa Bay Times Forum
Ohio Key-note Session Speeches:
*Speaker John Boehner is scheduled to speak at approximately 7 p.m.
*Gov. John Kasich is scheduled to speak at approximately 8:10 p.m.
*Lisa Stickan of Ohio, chairwoman of the National Young Republicans, will speak during the business session (begins at 2 p.m.)
Afternoon Reception with Featured Speaker Sen. Rob Portman (closed press)
*4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
*Florida Aquarium - 701 Channelside Dr., Tampa

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

Lake County GOP Chairman Dale Fellows said the time of the meeting to select new nominee to replace Rep. Steve LaTourette has been changed to 2 p.m. Friday.

The meeting will be held at Willoughby Hills Community Center and will involve the seven GOP county chairman and county central committee secretaries within the 14th Congressional District.

Ohio’s 14th Congressional District consists of Lake, Geauga, Ashtabula counties, plus parts of Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.

Whoever is nominated will face Solon Democrat Dale Virgil Blanchard; Elaine R. Mastromatteo, a Green Party candidate; and David Macko, a Libertarian candidate.

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

I have to say that I was pretty shocked to learn the news that U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette had decided to retire from Congress.

Many people including me had thought if there was ever a candidate who was the toughest to beat in a bid for re-election in this region it would be the Bainbridge Township Republican.

After all, he’s been elected to Congress every two years since he first won in 1994, and each time it wasn’t really close.

I know many people from Northeast Ohio would have loved to run for Congress over the years, Democrats and Republicans alike but backed off. Now they may have their chance.

Before many didn’t gave a run serious consideration figuring it was an uphill battle, plus with LaTourette’s reputation as a moderate and someone who was easy to work with, he appealed to Democrats, Republicans and independents.

LaTourette was always someone who could work with members of the opposite party such as U.S. Reps. Dennis Kucinich and Marcia L. Fudge and the late Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Much of his legislation he would sponsor had bipartisan co-sponsors.

Here’s what Fudge had to say after LaTourette’s announcement:

“Congressman LaTourette has always been a champion for his district and all of Northeast Ohio; a leader who preferred common sense and meeting the needs of people over towing the party line,” Fudge said. “We need more people like Steve who are gracious and willing to reach across the aisle. I will miss his wit and ability to get things done. His departure from Congress will be a loss to the Ohio delegation. I wish him well in his future plans.”

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, also weighed in with his thoughts:

“As the dean of the House Republican delegation from Ohio, Steve has been a leader for our entire state, and I have enjoyed working closely with him both when I was in the House and now in the Senate,” Portman said. “He is a good friend whose results-oriented approach and expertise on issues important to Northeast Ohio and the nation will be missed by both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.”

This is what Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said:

“Steve LaTourette is a proven leader with a lifetime of service to the people of Ohio. His leadership stretched far beyond typical congressional boundaries and he will be missed by all Ohioans," Bennett said. "I look forward to working together with Congressman LaTourette and all local Republican leaders in choosing a new face to campaign with this fall.”

The Ohio Democratic Party issued a statement after LaTourette's announcement:

“Congressman LaTourette was absolutely right when he said today that the ‘atmosphere in the House of Representatives no longer encourages the finding of common ground.’ House Republicans, led by Speaker Boehner, continue to set record disapproval levels for Congress because their radical, ideological tea party freshmen refuse any and all forms of compromise. A month doesn’t pass where these ideologues don’t threaten to shut down the government, or hold work hostage that is important to Ohio’s economy, like passing a Farm Bill during the worst drought we’ve seen in decades.

Northeast Ohio had the advantage of enjoying LaTourette’s friendship with Speaker John Boehner, who is from the Cincinnati area.

But alas, a change in how Washington now operates — featuring gridlock and resistance to compromise and finding common ground — wore thin on him.

So now, LaTourette will leave Congress on his own terms continuing to serve until January. He will be able to enjoy spending time with his family and as he put it “getting my life back”.

It will be difficult for the next person who wins a seat in Ohio’s 14th Congressional District to fill the shoes of LaTourette, if that’s possible.

After a new Republican nominee is selected by the seven party chairman and central committee secretaries within the congressional district, voters will see a new name on the ballot Nov. 6.

It will be time to pay attention more than ever.


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

It looks like we’ll have to wait a little bit longer to know if a state constitutional amendment will be on the Nov. 6 ballot to change how Ohio draws up congressional and state legislative districts.

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted certified that the referendum effort collected 254,625 valid signatures to fall 130,628 short of the needed 385,253 valid signatures to appear as a statewide issue.

The petitioning group Voters First also needs to collect signatures from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties, and within each of those counties collect enough valid signatures equal to 5 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the most recent gubernatorial election, 2010.

Signatures met or exceeded the 5 percent threshold in 34 counties, including Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Voters First has until Saturday to submit additional signatures to Husted’s office, and the group said that it will continue to collect them.

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett said he wasn’t surprised by Husted’s findings after the GOP examined 2,000 of the petitions submitted.

Voters First seeks to change the process regarding how districts are drawn up to one that is done by a nonpartisan citizens commission.

Every 10 years when U.S. Census results are released with new population totals, Ohio is able to change the Ohio General Assembly districts’ boundaries.

By law, that process is done by the state Reapportionment Board comprised of the governor, secretary of state, auditor, and two state legislators from the opposite party.

Last year, Republicans comprised a 4-1 majority on that board, essentially having a free hand to draw the districts. Democrats last controlled the board in 1971 and 1981.

Shaping the boundaries for congressional districts is done a little differently, as it is done by the Ohio General Assembly, where Republicans currently are the majority in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate.

Legislators also were faced with the task of shrinking Ohio’s congressional districts down to 16 after the state lost two seats U.S. House of Representatives because of stagnant population growth the past decade.

Critics of both methods say partisan politics plays too much of a role and the boundaries that are drawn up often don’t make sense geographically or keep regional interests in mind.

Proponents say that the party that controls these decisions should be able to retain that right because voters had their say when electing statewide office holders and members of the Ohio General Assembly.

Republicans say they also eliminated a GOP and Democratic leaning district as part of the congressional redistricting.

In the past, both Democrats and Republicans have talked about reforming the process to draw these districts, but efforts have stalled because the party in power doesn’t want to give that right up.

So it time to give voters the chance to have a say? We’ll see shortly.

Wondering

Is Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy close to making a decision to leave the race for Ohio House of Representatives District 60? He was selected as the Democratic Party’s nominee during the Nov. 6 primary.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Nancy McArthur, candidate for Ohio Senate District 32, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 26 at the home of Tom and Melissa Pope in Ashtabula. See McArthur.

n Fundraiser for Lori DiNallo, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., July 26 at Fitzgerald’s Irish Bed And Breakfast in Painesville. See Jan Clair or Dale Fellows.

n Lake County Commissioner Robert E. Aufuldish hosts ninth annual Ferrante Winery Celebration, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Harpersfield Township. See Ernie Koenig or Kathie Aufuldish-Freshour.

n Wine tasting event honoring Judge Mary Jane Trapp, 11th District Court of Appeals Court, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at St. Joseph Vineyard, Madison Township. See Mike Apicella.

n Fundraiser for Jim Dvorak, candidate for Geauga County commissioner, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 2, at Colonial Wine and Beverage, 8389 Mayfield Road, Chester Township. See Dvorak.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

One look at the race for U.S. Senate in Ohio between incumbent Sherrod Brown and Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel appears to show a narrowing gap between the two candidates.

A Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of 500 likely voters in Ohio conducted May 29 shows Brown with 47 percent support to Mandel’s 42 percent.

Three percent prefer some other candidate, and 7 percent are undecided. The poll’s margin of sampling error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence.

Meanwhile, a poll conducted by NBC News/Marist College on May 17-20 shows Brown with a 51-37 advantage over Mandel. It also showed 18 percent remained undecided. That poll surveyed 1,103 registered voters.

Yes, it’s way too early to rely on polls to predict whether the Democratic senator Brown is re-elected to a second term or if the Republican challenger Mandel will unseat him. Some may even say that those who conduct these polls may lean toward one side of the political spectrum.

But it is interesting to note that the race is most likely going to come down to the wire, and both candidates are working to get their messages out to the public.

Each side also trades jabs, as Brown’s campaign continues to criticize Mandel’s performance as treasurer, and Mandel continues to attack Brown, calling him “part of a problem in Washington.”

Millions of dollars will be invested in the race, so it takes a little bit of fundraising to keep things going.

Brown’s campaign recently pointed out that more than $6.5 million has been spent by third parties against Brown. Thus, the senator’s campaign is doing what it can to raise its own money to counter and appealed to supporters for contributions while noting the Rasmussen poll results.

This past week, Brown hosted actor/activist Martin Sheen at a meet-and-greet event for campaign supporters and volunteers at the Tricounty Regional Labor Council in Akron.

Sheen, a native of the Dayton area, has played numerous roles on the big screen and television, including starring as President Josiah Bartlett for seven seasons on “The West Wing.”

Sheen’s appearance drew some attention, as the Mandel campaign responded with an email calling for supporters to donate to “Help us fight the Hollywood elites.”

In his message, Mandel said he stands with blue collar men and women and criticized Brown, whom Mandel said stands with “Hollywood elites.”

As the race toward Nov. 6 draws nearer, it’s safe to say the airways and media will be flooded even more with campaign ads from these two candidates.

Deadlines

The weekly deadline to submit information for consideration into this column is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. The preferred method is by email or fax. Have a fund-raiser? Send it in weeks ahead of time.

On the radio

I’ll be appearing on WELW-AM 1330 on Tuesday at 8:18 a.m. to discuss local and state politics. Tune in.

Fundies

n Lake County Sheriff Daniel A. Dunlap, 21st annual golf outing and steak dinner Friday at Painesville Country Club. See Frank Leonbruno or Sheryl DePledge.

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

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

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

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

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah