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

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

A interesting choice by Lake County Probate Court Judge Mark Bartolotta to appoint Gretchen Skok DiSanto as the newest member to the Lake Metroparks Park Board of Commissioners.

When publicly announcing his decision to the board, which is an unpaid position, Bartolotta said his selection was carefully completed after a thorough investigation to select who the best person would be.

It must not have been easy decision and Bartolotta even apologized for the length of time the appointment took as the term of former Park Board Commissioner Ellen Foley Kessler expired Dec. 31.

It’s worth mentioning that Kessler, a Democrat, was the first woman and longest serving Park Board commissioner after she was appointed years ago by DiSanto’s father, the late former Probate Court Judge Fred V. Skok, who was a Democrat.

Bartolotta cited DiSanto’s lengthy résumé and experience along with her high level of education and a lifetime involvement with the park system that began with her parents and continued into her childhood and adult life.

The Concord Township Democrat is well respected within the many circles and she should be quite capable in her new role on the Park Board.

DiSanto, who has two children, also brings with her to the board a perspective of someone with a young family who utilizes the park system on a regular basis.

For Bartolotta, a Republican appointed to the bench in September by Gov. John Kasich, the appointment was his first decision that truly would fall under public scrutiny.

Yes, the judge makes multitudes of important decisions and judgments on Probate Court matters, but when the time comes to make Park Board selections the responsibility is one that typically captures greater public attention.

It did in this case, because it was the first board appointment made by the new judge who is running this year to retain the seat.

If Bartolotta, who was hired years ago as an assistant county prosecutor years ago by former Lake County Prosecutor and U.S. Rep. Steve C. LaTourette had selected a Republican, critics from the other side likely would have emerged for selecting someone in his political party. Because DiSanto is a lifelong Democrat, that wasn’t the case here.

But an interesting connection is DiSanto is married to Dino DiSanto, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Russell Township, and who held the same position with Congressman LaTourette.

Some may say that Gretchen Skok DiSanto’s appointment by the judge looks like a political decision.

The truth is, board appointments are usually political — at least in some capacity — because they are made by politicians.

This appointment to me seems based on strong credentials — with a little bit of politics sprinkled in — and will ultimately be judged by how DiSanto performs in her appointed role.

One vote does matter

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted recently revealed that a review of 110 recounts following the Nov. 5 election showed 35 local races and eight local issues in Ohio were decided by one vote or through breaking a tie.

Husted correctly points out that just one person could have made the difference to decide whether local taxes would go up and whether someone else would have served in important local offices, including township trustee, city or village council and school board.

That was the case in Middlefield Village where the council race for the fourth place — in this case the final spot on council — was decided by just one vote.

Event

Geauga County Democratic Party monthly Spaghetti Dinner Served with Hot Top is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the party headquarters in Newbury Township. State Sen. Capri Cafaro, D-Hubbard, plans to discuss a new bill being introduced by Ohio Senate Democrats to re-instate the Homestead tax exemption.

Fundies

• Bartolotta hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at LaMalfa Party Center in Mentor. See John Redmond or Amy Sabath.
• John P. O’Donnell, candidate for Lake County Common Pleas Court, hosts a fundraiser, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at LaMalfa Party Center. See Mike Lucas, Mike Bucci or Ann Bergen.
• Lake County Domestic Relations Court Judge Colleen A. Falkowski hosts a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 Jan. 30 at LaMalfa Party Center. See Brian Falkowski.
• 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. See Randy Klammer.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce reflected on issues such as immigration, health care, jobs and Syria during a visit this week with The News-Herald.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, has completed his first eight months as a congressman.

When comes to immigration, Joyce acknowledges that this is a big issue especially in Lake and Ashtabula counties, which are part of the seven-county 14th Congressional District.

Joyce believes that for any bill to have a realistic chance to pass through Congress it must address border security, and the process must be improved when issuing visas.

The congressman said he continues to hear from businesses and his constituents about concerns they have about uncertainty of the nation’s new health care law often called Obamacare.

He said people are genuinely concerned about whether they will continue to receive health care from their employer and that some businesses are considering or have already dropped coverage because it may be cheaper for them to pay a fine and let employees buy their own coverage on health exchanges.

Joyce doesn’t believe that defunding Obamacare or shutting down the government is the right approach to address the issue.

Rather, he believes it’s time for President Barack Obama, Republicans and Democrats to work together on health care and find common solutions.

The economic recovery remains soft and there is apprehension about what the future may hold, Joyce believes, adding the number of jobs in the 14th Congressional District remain about the same since the beginning of the year because businesses in general aren’t planning much expansion due to an uncertain feeling as to what their costs are going to be.

He thinks the economy will get better when people feel more secure and can spend their money.

Joyce would like to see the Obama Administration lay out an overall strategy for what to do in Syria after the government there apparently launched a chemical attack.

He feels that the United States shouldn’t launch an air strike to just do it without a greater plan to move forward and to have an end strategy.

Lake County Probate Court update

An appointment by Gov. John Kasich for the Lake County Probate Court bench inches closer and could happen this week.

Candidates said to be under consideration are 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.

In the meantime, retired Stark County Probate Court Judge R.R. Denny Clunk has been filling the seat on the bench until Kasich makes the appointment.

Events

n Former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette is the headliner speaker for the 20th anniversary reception for the behavioral health care service provider Bridges from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Dino’s in Willoughby. Others featured are Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director Tracy Plouck, Ohio Council of Behavioral Health and Family Services Provider CEO Hubert Wirth, and Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services board Director Kim Fraser.

n Bolton Women’s Club Cupcakes Social is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the The Confectionary Cupboard, Mentor.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for John Popelka, candidate for Willoughby Council Ward 2, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at Mullarkey’s Irish Pub in Willoughby. See Popelka, Geoff Weaver or John Bowers.

n Kimberly Evers, candidate for Eastlake Council, hosts his fundraiser 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at The Captains Club in Eastlake. See Diane Goss or Mary Evers.

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 Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. Troy hosts his 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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Federal lawmakers finally approved a proposal that will stop the nation from hitting its debt ceiling limit — at least through May 18.

The legislation would allow the government to borrow money to meet its obligations until that time and resets the debt limit to reflect that change.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill that passed by a 64-34 vote in the U.S. Senate.

Among those who voted against the measure was U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

Portman said that no one was arguing that the country must pay its bills, but rather the debate should be about how to shrink those bills moving forward.

The senator said it would be irresponsible to merely pay past obligations without having a real debate about Washington’s spending habits and how to avoid the situation in the future.

Voted down prior to the bill’s passage were two amendments offered by Portman that he said would ensure one dollar in savings for every dollar in new debt and end the threat of a government shutdown and artificial cliffs.

However, Portman said he was pleased that Senate Democrats have promised to move forward passing a budget.

Now that the debt ceiling has been averted for a few months, can Washington leaders move forward and work together and resolve this issue permanently?

There are other potential topics on the agenda for Congress and the president to work on such as immigration reform, gun control and what to do about entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare to name just a few.

Kasich unveils school funding plan

Gov. John Kasich believes his school funding plan to overhaul educational funding will be pass constitutional muster as the Ohio Supreme Court years ago ruled the state relies too much on property taxes for school funding.

“I think you’ll be surprised by the depth, the content of the plan,” Kasich said, according to the Associated Press.

The governor said his plan would “strip all the politics out,” and focus on directing dollars to classrooms and resources for districts that need the most help.

Early criticism by the Ohio Democratic Party said Kasich unveiled a disappointing new formula.

The state Democratic Party said while the Governor’s proposal was short on specifics and lacked a district-by-district breakdown, it was clear Kasich does not intend to fully restore the historic $1.8 billion taken from the state education budget in 2011.

Democrats said a recent independent study found that due to the governor’s education cuts, more than $1 billion in new tax levies have been on the ballot across the state, and Kasich’s plan ensures that number will only increase.

LaTourette next Transportation Secretary?

With U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood leaving his post, among the names mentioned for a possible appointment is former U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette.

LaTourette, a Bainbridge Township Republican, served for years on the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

LaHood, a Republican, is the only member of the GOP on President Barack Obama’s cabinet.

LaTourette recently retired from his 18-year career as a congressman and now heads a new subsidiary of McDonald Hopkins, a business advisory and advocacy law firm in Washington D.C.

He told the Columbus Dispatch this week it would be a “huge honor” to be picked but that the White House had not contacted him about the possibility.

Picked up petitions

Recently taking out petitions with the Lake County Elections Board are Joshua Pennock for Painesville Township trustee, Dan Hill for Timberlake Council, Desirea Thompson for Mentor-on-the-Lake Council, and Ken Hoefle for Eastlake Council.

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

A new era began in Lake County after Judy Moran was sworn-in Tuesday as the first Democratic female commissioner in the county’s 172 years of history.

Moran, formerly Willowick Council’s president, now is the second woman to serve as a Lake County commissioner. Republican Mildred M. Teuscher was the first woman to serve as a commissioner before retiring in January 2003.

Democratic Party women in Lake County also have fared well in recent elections including winning four positions at the county level on Nov. 6.

Lorraine M. Fende won election as treasurer, Ann M. Radcliffe was elected recorder, and Maureen G. Kelly was re-elected to her second term as clerk of courts.

When Kelly was first elected in 2008, she became the first Democrat in 40 years to be elected to the position and the first Democratic woman to serve as clerk.

As for other candidates who will appear on the ballot this year, only one race in the county is eligible to have a partisan primary in May — Mentor Municipal Court judge.

Judge John Trebets has served as the court’s judge after he was first elected to a six-year term in 2001 and then re-elected in 2007.

The filing deadline to run as a candidate for Mentor Municipal Court judge is Feb. 6 and if there was a primary it would be held May 7 along with any special election involving issues such as school levies.

Nonpartisan races for the Nov. 5 General Election have until Aug. 7 to file nominating petitions with the county Elections Board. Some candidates have already taken out petitions.

Strickland nearing decision?

Look for some development in the next few weeks on who could be the Democratic Party’s 2014 candidate for Ohio governor.

Democrat sources say that former Gov. Ted Strickland is being vetted for a potential position in President Barack Obama’s administration, especially after Strickland played a vital role as an Obama surrogate during the presidential campaign.

If that doesn’t happen, it’s quite possible that Strickland may throw his hat into the ring to challenge incumbent Gov. John Kasich, setting up a possible rematch.

The race between Strickland and Kasich in 2010 was fairly close, so it might be interesting to see the two battle once again.

If Strickland declines to run, many think that Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald will decide to seek the party nomination.

Coming from Ohio’s largest county, FitzGerald likely would do well in Northeast Ohio, but it’s not certain how he would fare in other areas of the state where his name is not as well-known as someone like Kasich or Strickland.

Other names often tossed around as potential Democratic gubernatorial candidates are U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles; and Richard Cordray, former Ohio Attorney General and treasurer, who now serves as director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

To the brink

Once again, the country was led down the path of brinkmanship when Congress passed legislation by a vote of 257-167 Tuesday night to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff.

All five House Democrats from Ohio voted in favor and Ohio’s House Republicans split, six voting in favor and seven against.

Those voting in favor were Democrats Marcia Fudge, Marcy Kaptur, Dennis Kucinich, Tim Ryan and Betty Sutton, and Republicans John Boehner, Bill Johnson, Steve LaTourette, Robert Latta, Steve Stivers, and Pat Tiberi.

Members who voted against the legislation were Republicans Steve Austria, Steve Chabot, Bob Gibbs, Jim Jordan, Jim Renacci, Jean Schmidt and Michael Turner.

As for LaTourette, he leaves his post during an unusually busy final few days of his term. Now U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce, R-Russell Township, who was sworn-in Thursday, will represent Ohio’s 14th Congressional District.

A Sutton move?

There has been some rumblings that Sutton, D-Copley, who is now a former U.S. Rep. who lost a bitter battle on Nov. 6 against Renacci, R-Wadsworth, might consider a move to Ohio’s 14th Congressional District to potentially run again for Congress in 2014. However, local sources say it appears that’s not likely to happen.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep-elect David P. Joyce announced he has hired John Miceli to be his legislative director.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, who will begin his first term in Congress in January, represents Ohio’s 14th Congressional District that consists of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, plus parts of Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial that the laws coming out of Washington empower small businesses to create jobs,” Joyce said in a news release. “I’m looking forward to working with John to create a pro-growth policy agenda that brings jobs to northeast Ohio.”

Miceli graduated from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2008 and Ohio University in 2004.

Prior to working for Congressman-elect Joyce, he worked for U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette for four years, starting off as a staff assistant giving Capitol tours. In 2012, Miceli was named one CQ Roll Call’s 30 Hill aides to know.

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

U.S. Rep.-elect David P. Joyce announced that he has hired Streetsboro resident Nick Ciofani to serve as his district director.

Joyce, R-Russell Township, who will begin his first term in Congress in January represents Ohio’s 14th Congressional District that consists of Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties, plus parts of Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Trumbull counties.

“Nick has worked in the district for several years and his extensive knowledge of northeast Ohio will allow our office to provide the best constituent services possible,” Joyce said in a news release.

Ciofani graduated from Hillsdale College in 2002 and Solon High School in 1998.

Prior to accepting his new position with Joyce’s office, Ciofani ran the Twinsburg office of U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette and worked in the finance department for the city of Solon.

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

When thinking back to this past presidential election, it was one of the most intense and longest in terms of covering an election cycle.

The state of Ohio and the Cleveland media market were flooded with television commercials, radio advertisements, direct mailings, and dozens of visits to the region by the two major party presidential candidates. There was a lot of negativity overall, and it seemed like the spirit of bipartisanship had died.

Well, the election is over and the country has moved on but the real question is whether anything will change.

The country’s next national challenge for federal lawmakers and a re-elected President Barack Obama is how to deal with the so-called “fiscal cliff.”

If you’re not sure what that is, it’s basically trillions of dollars of mandatory spending cuts and tax increases that will go into effect after the end of this year if nothing is changed.

Many economists seem to think if that happens, the nation’s economy will be in peril and the country could fall back into a recession.

The concern is whether the current political climate in Washington, D.C., will make it difficult for anything to get done.

Sure, some congressman and senators won’t be back in January when the next session of Congress begins.

The U.S. House of Representatives is still controlled by the Republican Party, and the U.S. Senate is still controlled by the Democratic Party.

During the next few weeks, there will be lots of political posturing by both parties on exactly what to do to avert the cliff.

There already are lots of arguments by Republicans lawmakers about whether letting the Bush tax cuts expire for the top 2 percent would be a tax increase causing some to violate their pledge not to raise taxes to Grover Norquist, the founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform.

Republicans also want entitlement program reform to be part of any discussion when it comes to tax hikes and spending reductions.

Will the Democrats overreach after feeling they have political capital to spend with Obama’s re-election?

The economy was a prime topic during the election, so let’s hope that Congress and the president can come to some sort of agreement and find a way to move the country along.

Election-weary Americans are tired of the bickering.

Mentor-on-the-Lake shakeup

Now that Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers has been elected to serve as the state representative for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, he soon will need to resign as his city’s mayor.

This means there will be some turnover involving the city’s elected leadership.

Mentor-on-the-Lake’s city charter states that the city council president shall serve as mayor until the next municipal election if there is a vacancy for the mayor’s position.

Currently the council president is David Eva. The city charter then states that council by majority vote will then need to appoint someone else to serve on council. If council fails to fill the vacancy within 30 days, the mayor will fill the vacancy.

Swearing in

A public bipartisan swearing in ceremony for all the recently elected public officials in Geauga County will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 26 at Park Elementary School Auditorium in Chardon, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor will preside at the ceremony. 

Inaugural ceremonies of newly elected Ohio Supreme Court Justice William Michael O’Neill, a South Russell Village Democrat, will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Eighth District Court of Appeals Of Ohio in Cleveland.

Bolton Republican Women’s Club

Group holds its next meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 10 at Lake County Republican Party headquarters in Painesville. See Heidi Callender.

LaTourette farewell roast

A retirement party for U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette will be held at the Croatian Lodge in Eastlake from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 8. Cost is $45 per person. Contact the Lake County Republican Party for reservations.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Lori DiNallo, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, announced she received endorsements by the Ohio Society of CPAs, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association's political action committee, and U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette.

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

With about six weeks to go until the Nov. 6 election, many voters now start to pay attention.

Unless you live under a rock though, most everyone knows that President Barack Obama seeks re-election and the Republican challenger is Mitt Romney.

The race for U.S. Senate in Ohio pits incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, against Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, a Republican.

But what many people don’t realize is there are other people running for these positions as well. They come from “minor” parties or are nonpartisan. A lot of times when a voter goes to cast his or her ballot they might think ‘Who are these people?’”.

In Ohio, there actually are seven candidates on the ballot for president including Obama and Romney. The other five are Stewart Alexander, Socialist; Richard Duncan, nonpartisan; Virgil Goode, Constitution; Gary Johnson, Libertarian; and Jill Stein, Green Party.

For the U.S. Senate race, Scott A. Rupert is a nonpartisan candidate on the ballot running against Brown and Mandel.

There are four people on the Nov. 6 ballot for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District. You know, the one from which U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette decided to retire.

They are Democrat Dale Virgil Blanchard, Republican David P. Joyce, Libertarian David Macko, and Green Party candidate Elaine R. Mastromatteo.

So why do minor parties or nonpartisan candidates run when it seems so often they don’t win or have a realistic chance?

Minor party or nonpartisan candidates who run in partisan contests usually want their voice to be heard. They also want to offer voters another choice.

Perhaps their platform is a combination of what the major parties offer or maybe what they believe and stand for is far different than the mainstream and they want people to know about it.

However, it can be difficult to get that message out because so often it takes money and/or name recognition to accomplish that.

Whenever free opportunities for publicity are provided they must take advantage of that, such as a newspaper like The News-Herald asking candidates to return an election questionnaire. For this election, each of the four 14th Congressional District candidates did that.

Mastromatteo and Macko also plan to conduct their own “Third Party Candidate” debate at 7 p.m. Thursday at Elm Street School in Painesville.

Events

n John and Terri Hamila of Eastlake host an meet and greet 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday for candidates David Fiebig, John Hamercheck, Bob Patterson, Lori DiNallo and John Eklund.

n The Western Reserve Women’s Republican Club hosts a luncheon at the Hillbrook Club in Russell Township on Friday with Joyce as featured speaker. Contact Mary Ellen Schron.

Candidate forums

n The News-Herald, League of Women Voters, and Lake County Chambers of Commerce will co-host a forum for the four Lake County commissioner candidates at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lake Erie College in Painesville.

n Painesville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual luncheon with candidates and issue representatives Friday at Hellriegel’s Inn in Painesville Township.

n The League of Women Voters of Geauga County will host four candidates nights: 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at West Geauga High School, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Geauga County Senior Center in Claridon Township, 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at Chardon Middle School, and 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Kenston School in Auburn Township.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for John Patterson, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 99, with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan as featured speaker, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Grotto Hall in Ashtabula Township. See Michael Triozzi.

n Heidi and Jamie Callender will host a fundraiser for Ohio House of Representative Republican candidates in Lake and Geauga counties, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 at their home in Concord Township. See Heidi.

n Lake County Commissioner Daniel P. 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.

n Werner Barthol, candidate for Lake County prosecutor, hosting Oktoberfest 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 5 at Lake Metroparks Painesville Township Park Community Center/Ballroom. See Kelly Barthol or James Falvey.

n Fall clambake for John Rogers, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Mentor Beach Park in Mentor-on-the-Lake. See Rogers or John Crocker.

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

Before David Joyce was named as the new Republican Party nominee for Ohio’s 14th Congressional District, there were several others who could have been selected.

However, Joyce, who has served as Geauga County prosecutor for 24 years, worked to earn unanimous support from party leaders to get the nomination. He will be a good candidate and I consider him the favorite against Democrat Dale Virgil Blanchard.

I believe if some others had expressed they wanted the nomination it would have been very interesting when the seven party chairman and seven county central committee secretaries met to cast their votes.

Judges Diane and Tim Grendell and Vincent Culotta were among those initially under consideration when U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette decided to retire.

Ultimately, they each passed on the chance to head to Washington.

One reason I think each declined is because they’d have had to step down from the bench in order to run for Congress, as they would not be allowed to run while in office.

That means they’d have to give up a paycheck for several months without any guarantee of winning, although each likely would have been the frontrunner.

Judges like Culotta and the Grendells normally are on the ballot every six years. But, Tim Grendell has an election this fall to keep his seat on the Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court bench for the next few years, because he’s filling an unexpired term.

Those serving in Congress face re-election every two years, so just as you get settled in, it’s time to think about campaigning.

I also think LaTourette’s chief of staff Dino DiSanto would have gotten strong consideration had he wanted the position, but he decided against it.

Others who were interested in the nomination such as former state Rep. Matt Dolan and state Rep. Ron Young apparently didn’t get enough support from the party chairman and central committee secretaries.

But in two years, when the position is up again, it will be all hands on deck. No matter who wins this November, Joyce or Blanchard, I think there will be primaries on both the GOP and Democratic sides in 2014, and look for some of the same names I’ve mentioned.

Lake County recorder update

With Lake County Recorder Frank A. Suponcic’s resignation effective on Friday, the county Republican Party will need to make an appointment to fill the vacant position.

Suponcic said when he announced his resignation that he recommended Jason Wuliger be appointed as the new recorder. Wuliger is the Republican Party’s nominee for the position Nov. 6 and he faces Democrat Ann Radcliffe.

The Republican Party has a meeting set Wednesday for other purposes but once Suponcic’s resignation is official it is likely the party will add making an appointment to fill the vacancy to the agenda.

Although stranger things have happened, look for Wuliger to get that appointment.

Political event

The Bolton Republican Women’s Club invites all interested ladies to attend the Cupcakes and Candidates Social from 5:30 to 7:30 Sept. 12 at The Confectionary Cupboard in Mentor. Attendees will an opportunity to meet candidates and discuss issues.

Fundies

n Fundraiser for Lori DiNallo, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 60, with guest Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Bill Batchelder, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the home of Tonja Schleicher in Willoughby. See Jan Clair or Sally DiNallo.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Casey Kozlowski, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 99, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the home of Tom and Melissa Pope in Saybrook Township. See Kozlowski.

n Fifth Annual Oktoberfest for Judy Moran, candidate for Lake County commissioner, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13 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.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

Jason Wuliger, candidate for Lake County Recorder, announced the following endorsements:

U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette, Lake County Prosecutor Charles E. Coulson, Lake County Commissioner
Raymond E. Sines, Lake County Auditor Edward H. Zupancic, Lake County Recorder Frank Suponcic, Lake County Engineer James R. Gills, Lake County Coroner Dr. Lynn A. Smith.

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

Who would have thought last December when U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette filed to run for re-election that he would step down as his party’s nominee?

LaTourette’s candidacy withdrawal still surprises many people, including me, as he kept his decision close to the vest until a day or so before his news conference. There wasn’t even a hint of speculation that the congressman wouldn’t seek re-election.

As of this column’s writing, who would replace LaTourette wasn’t known, as Republican leaders were scheduled to have met Friday. Names like former state Rep. Matt Dolan and Geauga County Prosecutor Dave Joyce were considered frontrunners.

But more than a few potential candidates had to be prepared for a potentially life-changing decision. Some thought long and hard about a run for Congress, but decided not to throw their hat into the ring.

Eventually around 20 people expressed an interest in the position that if selected would create a flurry of activity as the Nov. 6 election is only 84 days away.

Running for Congress isn’t like running for a county, municipal or township position. There are seven counties in the 14th Congressional District and with so little time, it makes it tougher for candidates to get their message out to voters.

This race, however, should now attract previously unexpected media coverage of the online, print and broadcast variety so that will help the candidates.

The Republican Party’s nominee likely will be considered the favorite in November, but it’s not necessarily a slam-dunk.

Solon Democrat Dale Virgil Blanchard was unopposed as his party’s nominee and has run for this seat every two years since 2000. He won the party’s nomination in 2000, 2002, and 2012.

During those campaigns, Blanchard has never raised or spent much, if any, money. Yet, he always attended candidate events, filled out questionnaires and did whatever he could to be a responsible candidate. Because of this and other previous appearances on the ballot, some voters might remember his name this November.

When I saw Blanchard in July he said he continued to run for Congress each time because he wanted to give voters a choice especially if there was a scenario when LaTourette wasn’t on the ballot.

Now Blanchard has his best opportunity so far and he’s energized and ready to make a run. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has tried to talk Blanchard into stepping down, but as of this writing he hadn’t.

I don’t blame him.

Why should he?

Does he really owe it to the Democratic Party, which after 12 years provided little or no financial support? I’ll be curious to see if this time he raises and spends money on this campaign.

Blanchard won’t have an easy time winning against the Republican Party’s candidate, but this might be his best shot yet. Could he win or make it close?

Deadlines and blessings

The weekly deadline for people who wish to submit information to appear in this column is each Wednesday at 5 p.m. Email, fax or mail is preferred.

Candidates who would like to submit written lists of endorsements for the Nov. 6 election may do so and they will be published online only until Nov. 5 at NorthernOhioLocalPolitics.Blogspot.com. Please note, these are not endorsements by The News-Herald.

Fundies

n Summer Cookout Fundraiser for Ann Radcliffe, candidate for Lake County Recorder, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 at Deekers Sidetracks in Mentor. See Terri Conley.

n Seventh annual steak roast for Lorraine Fende, candidate for Lake County Treasurer, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at Wickliffe Italian American Club. See Diane Fox or Nick Cindric.

n Fourth annual Labor Day Picnic for Wickliffe Mayor Bill Margalis, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Wickliffe Italian American Club Picnic Pavalion. See Sue Margalis.

n Fundraiser for state Rep. Casey Kozlowski, candidate for Ohio House of Representatives District 99, 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at the home of Tom and Melissa Pope in Saybrook Township. See Kozlowski.

John Arthur Hutchison

JHutchison@News-Herald.com

Twitter: @newsheraldjah

U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette made his withdrawal to seek re-election official by submitting the proper paperwork to the Lake County Elections Board.

The seven GOP county chairmen and county central committee secretaries in the district will select the new candidate at a 2 p.m. meeting Friday at the Willoughby Hills Community Center.

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

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

Read LaTourette’s statement of withdrawal letter below.
Steve LaTourette Resignation Letter