The Becker Report
Volume III, Issue X
December 1, 2008

Published by:
John Becker
Republican State Central Committeeman
Ohio's 14th Senate District
Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, and Lawrence Counties
513-753-6440
www.BeckerGOP.com
mailto:John@BeckerGOP.com
www.BeckerGOP.com/TheBeckerReport.htm

Distribution:
Tim Rudd, Clermont County GOP Chairman
Paul Hall, Brown County GOP Chairman
Harty Wallingford, Adams County GOP Chairman
Dr. Terry Johnson, Scioto County GOP Chairman
Ray “Moose” Dutey, Lawrence County GOP Chairman

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Disclaimer
Nobody asked me to include this, but it seems like a good idea:
This newsletter is not sanctioned by the GOP, ORP, or any organization, or affiliation. I am fully and solely responsible for its' content. Although I strive for accuracy, this is not "The Gospel according to John." Additionally, I don't necessarily try to be "fair and balanced." After all, I didn't get into politics to be a news reporter. My agenda is to influence public policy consistent with Southern Ohio conservative values. For more information on my motivations or how to get involved, see: What is a Central Committee?

Prayers Needed
Brown County Clerk of Courts Tina Meranda continues to appreciate all prayers.
State Representative Danny Bubp is home! Our prayers kept him safe while he served our country in Iraq.
Former Clermont County Chairman and Retired State Representative, Rose Vesper, has not been well and needs our prayers.
Senator Bob Schuler is having health problems and needs prayers.
Scioto County Executive Committee Chairman, Rodney Barnett, is having health problems and appreciates being on this prayer list.

News from Columbus
Congratulations to State Senator Tom Niehaus for his promotion to Senate President Pro Tempore! With the departure of Senate President Bill Harris in 2010, Tom is well positioned to finish the last two years of his Senate career as Senate President. That would be a great thing for Ohio!

The Kevin DeWine controversy
I have received more than 100 e-mails that were well thought out and written from the heart. Much emotion and passion were expressed for our Party's conservative social agenda. I personally spent many hours answering each one and having correspondence with concerned citizens. Many people thanked me and informed me that I was the only person (so far) who addressed their concerns. (The way I see it; the people of Southern Ohio elected me to do the job of State Central Committeeman and constituent service is part of it.)
The controversy began on November 6th when Kevin DeWine held a press conference regarding the election results and the future of our Party. He made some remarks that alarmed me and other social conservatives across the state. To his credit, Kevin has issued statements reassuring conservatives that our social agenda will not change and that he meant to simply emphasize that we need to concentrate more on the conservative fiscal agenda as well. After speaking with Kevin, I believe that his heart is in the right place.
Regardless of what anyone else does, says, or may think, I will always stand by our conservative social and fiscal ideals.

Becker for State Senate 2012!!!
For many years, friends and colleagues have been encouraging me to run for a higher office. Most of my readers would agree that we need more fiscal and social pro-family Christian conservatives in government. Therefore, I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the office of State Senate.
Why announce so soon?
In today's world, political campaigns are becoming more expensive and perpetual. We are nearing the end of 2008 and the filing deadline for the Primary election is January 2012. That's not all that far away.
Why not run for State Representative?
I haven't ruled that out. The national census will occur during 2010. All of Ohio's congressional, state house, and state senate political borders will be redrawn during 2011. I currently live in the 14th Senate District. Senator Tom Niehaus cannot run for re-election due to term limits. I could be redrawn into a different district that is not up for election in 2012. Therefore, I may choose to run for a different office. Additionally, depending on the political landscape and my fundraising war-chest at the time, it may make sense to wait until 2014.
Why not wait until 2011 to launch your candidacy?
It will be too late. I need the next few years to raise money, create name ID, and educate myself on the issues and problems that face our government.
How do you intend to raise money?
People can donate money and have it COST THEM NOTHING. A tax credit is available against Ohio Income Taxes for $50 for individuals and $100 for joint returns. Unlike the more common deduction from taxable income, the Ohio political contributions credit is a dollar-for-dollar full tax credit off the bottom line of your taxes. Candidates for State Senate and a few other offices are eligible to accept tax credit dollars. That is how every taxpayer in Ohio can send me $50 or $100 and have it COST THEM NOTHING because they will get the full amount back when they file their tax returns. The credit is on line 55 for 2008 and described on page 26 in the IT 1040 booklet. Ohio taxpayers have two choices: They can give the money to an eligible candidate, or give the money to the state government.
What if a tax professional prepares my tax return?
Like with charitable donations, simply provide them with the canceled check or inform them of the donation and keep the canceled check or receipt with your copy of your tax return.
That's awesome! If I write you a check for $100 before the end of this year, will I get the credit early next year when I file my 2008 tax return?
Yes. For a joint return, $100 is the maximum that is eligible for the credit. Write the check now and you will get the full amount back as soon as you file. Please send it to:
Friends of Becker, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313
What if I've already given $100 to a qualifying candidate? Can I give another $100 to you and claim a $200 credit on my state income taxes?
No. You can give to more than one candidate, but the maximum for the credit is $100 per joint return; not per candidate. However, if you have given, say $25, to a qualifying candidate, you can send me $75 and get the $100 credit on a joint return.
What if I think you're a great guy and I want to give more?
The maximum is $10,670 per person (older than 6-years-old), per campaign cycle. Please include the name of your employer for required reporting purposes.
Let's talk issues. What's your position on abortion?
I'm pro-life and no issue is closer to my heart. Dr. John (Jack) Willke and Family First PAC have endorsed me in the past.
What about guns?
I'm a Life Member of the NRA and a concealed carry permit holder. In previous elections, I've been endorsed by Buckeye Firearms, Ohio Gun PAC, and Ohioans for Concealed Carry.
How should Marriage be defined?
Marriage can only be between one man and one woman.
What's your occupational or professional background?
About eight years in manufacturing, three years in managed healthcare, one year of consulting and adult education, and 11 years in banking and finance.
What is your Education?
I earned my MBA with an emphasis in Taxation at Xavier University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Northern Kentucky University.
Any other credentials?
I am a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and a Licensed School District Treasurer.
What is your philosophy on government?
State government can't be all things to all people. The state must create the economic environment for people and business to achieve success. We need to provide for basic services such as public safety, infrastructure, and education. We need to encourage and enable charitable organizations to do more so that government can do less. This proposal is meant to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of social programs that many rely on.
What about taxes?
All taxes are destructive and some are a necessary evil. In my judgment, the income tax has the greatest repressive impact on Ohio's economy. The tax code can be restructured to encourage virtue rather than punishing success. Let's start by abolishing the Ohio marriage penalty. Allow income tax credits for charitable organizations that operate in Ohio. For example, on the federal level, (501c3) donations are tax deductible (Schedule A). I want those same donations that are specific to Ohio to be allowed as a tax credit against state income taxes. And why not give unwed mothers a tax credit incentive to place unwanted infants up for adoption? That would discourage abortion, reduce the number of single parent homes, and be a blessing to many parents seeking to adopt. That would be a win-win for everybody involved.
What about healthcare?
Allow income tax credits for qualifying healthcare expenses.
What would you do about education funding?
As a licensed school district treasurer, I have specialized knowledge of many of the problems and concerns faced by the public schools. Local schools spend far too much time, money, and resources fighting for the renewal of expiring tax levies and promoting new levies just to cover their inflation expenses. This is ridiculous and needs to be changed. More of their funding should come from the state and less from local sources. As a home school dad (My wife does all the work.), I also understand the motivations for opposing local school levies. The state should pay 100 percent of the cost of state mandates. The local communities can choose to fund any additional programs or activities.
What about charter schools?
Competition is good. Both charter and district schools should be held to high standards.
What's in it for the parents of private school children?
Allow (with no additional strings attached) tuition and curriculum expense tax credits for parents with children in non-public schools to offset, some or all, of those expenses. This would apply to private, parochial, and home school parents.
How does it make sense to allow new tax credits and increase public school funding?
The credits and new spending would be phased in. As the income tax becomes less burdensome, Ohio will become a more attractive state for more businesses and workers. New economic activity will create jobs, increase property values, and create new revenues without increasing other tax rates.
What's in it for the elderly?
Fewer and smaller school levies will reduce their property tax burden. Also, it is likely that their charitable donation credits and healthcare expense credits will reduce or eliminate their income tax burden.
Are you pro-business?
Yes and Cincinnati philanthropist and financier, Carl Lindner, has endorsed me in the past. I am very strongly pro-business and want Ohio to be more welcoming to business. Repressive regulations and bloated bureaucracies that encourage businesses to leave Ohio or not come here at all must be changed. This helps workers by creating jobs. It's a win-win. Furthermore, my wife (retired teacher) and I are both former union members. Labor cannot succeed unless an environment is created for business to thrive.
What about energy?
There has been much talk about conservation and alternative sources of energy. This is good but not nearly enough. Ohio has oil and natural gas reserves. The state must encourage the production of our natural resources. Increasing production creates jobs and reduces energy costs as supplies increase. Additionally, this increase in economic activity and royalties will increase revenues for the state. New revenues allow for a reduction of the tax burden for residents and businesses. This is a win-win for government, business, labor, consumers, and taxpayers.
What spending cuts would you make?
As I said earlier, government can't be all things to all people. Anything that is not related to the primary purpose of state government will be closely examined. Ohio is bloated with hundreds of cabinet agencies, regulatory boards, and commissions. There is a lot of opportunity for streamlining and consolidating.
How can I help?
I'm not asking for endorsements or commitments from any individuals at this time. But I am asking for the following:

1. Prayer - As a committed Christian, prayer is very important to me.
2. Suggestions - I need advice and counsel for formulating a platform, proposals, and areas of government that I should be studying. If you think that any of the above ideas that I outlined should be changed, modified, or clarified, please contact me to discuss.
3. Send Money - (Tax Credit contributions are explained above.)
4. Forward this newsletter to your own network and ask them to support my candidacy. Please keep in mind that checks must be written by December 31st to get the 2008 tax credit.

Past Events
November 25, 2008
The Scioto County Republican Club and Central Committee met in New Boston. Of the 16 in attendance, four were Shawnee State College Republicans. During the Club meeting, Jon Mills suggested that changes be made to officer terms and meeting frequency. Much discussion ensued. During the Central Committee meeting, Rodney Barnett complimented the Ohio Republican Party for sending out absentee ballot applications. The targeting worked and a countless number were processed by the Board of Elections. He also stated that Scioto County produced better results than any other presidential election since Ronald Reagan. Regarding concerns about the ORP's commitment to social values, he said, "If we need a larger tent, go to a circus."

November 20, 2008
Chairman Paul Hall reviewed election results, by precinct, prior to the start of the Brown County Republican Club meeting at their HQ in Georgetown. He emphasized the importance of the slate cards and how they increased the vote totals. The Christmas parade and Christmas Party were discussed and all club officers were re-elected. Much discussion occurred regarding the Kevin DeWine controversy.

November 19, 2008
Ed Humphrey was appointed to fill Mary Walker's unexpired term of County Commissioner by the Clermont County Central Committee.
Chairman Rudd discussed the Palin rally at the Fairgrounds and compared it to the Dick Cheney rally at the Clermont County Airport. He anticipants seeing presidential candidates in Clermont County every four years. He also reviewed the presidential election results and congratulated our local candidates for a clean sweep. Mr. Rudd went on to outline the components for the future success of the Party: Ethics, lower taxes, smaller government, fiscal conservatism, and personal responsibility and accountability.
Erik Kelso was introduced and congratulated for founding the Clermont College Republican Club.

Event Calendar
December 2, 2008
Anderson Twp Republican Club meeting 

December 4, 2008
Chairman Bennett's annual Christmas Party in Columbus from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

December 5, 2008
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

December 5, 2008
Chip Gerhardt's First Friday Happy Hour from 5:00 - 6:45 PM at Via Vite located on Fountain Square. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 3rd. Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune will be their special guest this month to discuss the county budget.

December 6, 2008
Brown County GOP Christmas Party in Macon for $15 at 5:30 pm and dinner at 6:00 pm

December 9, 2008
Scioto County Christmas Party at 6:00 pm at the Friends Center in Portsmouth for $20. Dinner will be served at 6:30 pm

January 5, 2009
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting at the UT Civic Center at 7:00 pm

January 13, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston

January 16, 2009 (Election of Officers)
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

January 21, 2009
Clermont County Central Committee meeting in Batavia at 7:00 pm
Special Guest: ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine

January 31, 2009 
Southern Ohio GOP County Chairs meeting

February 10, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston

February 20, 2009
Clermont County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Eastgate Holiday Inn

March 10, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston

March 31, 2009
Scioto County Lincoln Day Dinner, social -- 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 pm

Paid for by Friends of Becker, John Becker, CTP, MBA, Treasurer, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313