John, Rob should run for Governor. I just can't see him going against an incumbent in his own party, even if the incumbent is Voinovich. Now, if Voinovich retires, which is a real possibility given that his 70th birthday is already in the rear-view mirror and if he continues to serve in the minority, then by all means he should run for Senate.

Dear John, I'd tell Portman to run against Voinovich. We need both he and Kasich and I'd hate to have one of them taken out in a primary against the other.

John - On your question re: Portman - I can tell you that I do not expect Kasich to be able to capture any of the gun vote in Ohio. I hear he is completely unrepentant of his votes for the Clinton Gun Ban. Look for the gun vote to stay solidly in the Dem camp if Strickland is the candidate for our next Governor and Kasich is the GOP nominee. The Republican's are also losing the gun vote with every day that they continue not to send good gun bills to a Governor who now wants to sign them. So on that note, I could see the benefit for the GOP to get Portman to run for Gov., and I think Portman could have a strong angle against Kasich on guns. You are equally correct about the Senate analysis. Voinovich will not win the gun vote, no matter who his opponent is (the '06 DeWine contest offers verification). My concern for Mr. Portman is that a primary contest against a long-term incumbent would be much more difficult, even WITH the gun vote solidly in his camp. I guess I'd lean to him running for Governor.

Great report, John, as usual. My advice for Portman: Go for the governorship. Senators do not make good Presidents.

Kasich is not going to help win the gun owner vote. He voted for AWB (Assault Weapon Ban) stuff, said he was misunderstood by the NRA, and doesn't care if he ever gets in favor with them. He's done with gun owners. Voinovich is weak on the gun issue. Portman could hit him on a lot of other issues as you noted. Some outdoor writers (Jeff Friskhorn and Tom Cross for two) love Voinovich because of his Lake Erie connections. But Mike DeWine had those same good connections and didn't get any gun vote. Only when you get to the Natural Areas & Preserve types do they maybe pull some votes but those folks tend to be Democrats (Jack Shaner OEC types) anyway. If he drills in parks, he will lose those votes because they don't believe in drilling for anything anyplace. I think Portman can beat Voinovich. I think Portman can beat Kasich. Success against Strickland is going to depend a lot on a number of issues between now and 2009/2010. Strickland spoke at USSA banquet. Strickland held a reception for sportsmen at the Governor's Mansion on 12/12. I attended. Strickland is clearly keeping those contacts well oiled. Problem for Republicans: Passing lots of good gun legislation helps reconnect to the base, but Strickland will sign it....so he still wins or at best gets a draw. Don't pass any gun legislation and Republicans are sure to lose. Republicans need to pass some significant gun legislation...something that will really make the big city mayors (the Democrat base Strickland still has to please) really scream. Put him in a position of choosing between them and guns. If he takes guns, okay but he losses a little with them. If he vetoes, Republicans have the override and call his bluff on the gun issue. 

John, I would like to see Rob Portman run for the U.S. Senate against Voinovich. We need him there.

John, if I were forced to choose where Portman would be better, it would be a tough decision. I despise George Voinovich, and John Kasich is just as bad. For Ohio, I think Portman as Governor is more important. Due to Kasich's extreme anti-gun views, I doubt that I could ever vote for him, no matter what the circumstances.

Hi John: My thoughts: Kasich for Governor and Portman for Senate - time for Voinovich to retire.

John, while it is true that Mr. Portman would be an immediate improvement in either of the two offices, I would much rather see Mr. Kasich as our next Gov. I believe he has a vision and passion that our state is in dire need of. Mr. Portman would be my choice to replace Mr. Voinovich even if that means a primary battle. Thank you again for all your efforts on our behalf, it has not gone unnoticed.

If John Kasich is the Republican candidate for Gov., I personally, as a registered Republican, will work hard on getting Gov. Strickland re-elected. Voinovich has got to go! The Republican party continues to keep recycling the same old RINO's time after time, and quite frankly, the people are sick of it. The gun owners spoke loud and clear last Nov., when they threw Mike DeWine and Betty Montgomery out of office. Hopefully they learned from it. But from all appearances, they have not when we have the likes of Kasich wanting to throw his hat back into the ring.

Hi, John! Merry Christmas. Thanks for keeping us local activists informed throughout the year. Re: Kasich or Portman. I would strongly support Kasich. He would be a more aggressively conservative governor. Also having grown up in a working class family would give him broader appeal than Rob who went to prep school and all that. Let's face it, being part of the Bush administration sure won't help his electability. In 2010, however, I'd love to see Rob take on Voinovich.

Next Editorial Page Topic:
Who do you like for president and why?
Also, will the Clintons win the Democrat nomination for their 3rd presidential term?

Past Events
December 17, 2007
Jean Schmidt sponsored another successful Christmas Party at The Towers of Kenwood. Several of my friends from as far away as Adams and Brown County attended. Unfortunately, Jean was unable to attend due to responsibilities in Washington D.C.

December 13, 2007
About 20 people (including Peter Schmidt and Jennifer Black) attended the Adams County Central Committee meeting in West Union. Discussion included the success of the annual Ronald Reagan picnic, petitions for the office of Central Committeeman, endorsements, and why Mike Huckabee is the only presidential candidate who can win in November. Endorsed candidates include: John Becker, Danny Bubp, Kay Reynolds, and Jean Schmidt.

December 11, 2007
The Buckeye Institute hosted a fundraiser at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Dr. Arthur Brooks presented a very compelling argument (and perhaps the best that I've ever heard) on why people should give. He emphasized the positive correlation between giving and the creation of personal wealth. Although counterintuitive, giving leads to greater wealth.
Some of the attendees included Ken Blackwell, Tom Brinkman, Nan Cahall, Gertrud Fleig, Jenna McNulty, and Anthony Munoz.

December 7, 2007
Chip Gerhardt hosted another successful first Friday luncheon at McFadden's.
It was great to see my friend and NW School Board member, Dan Unger, in addition to the new people that I always meet.
The best part of the day was getting to know Matt Van Sant, President, Clermont County Chamber of Commerce.

December 6, 2007
The Scioto County Republican Club hosted a Christmas Party at the Friends Center in Portsmouth.
My friend, and Club President, Doug Cade emceed the event.
About 100 people, or so, enjoyed good company, good food, and good music. 
It was a great pleasure to see Senator Tom Niehaus, my colleague Kay Reynolds, and many other distinguished citizens of Scioto County.

Future Events
January 16, 2008
Deadline to apply for a seat on the Clermont County Board of Elections

January 16, 2008
Clermont County Central Committee meeting in Batavia at 7:00 pm

January 22, 2008
March for Life in Washington DC

February 1, 2008
Clermont County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Eastgate Holiday Inn
Social at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm
Keynote Speaker: Rob Portman

February 4, 2008
Voter registration deadline for March 4th election

February 4, 2008
Union Twp (Clermont County) Endorsement meeting at 7:00 at the UT Civic Center

February 8, 2008 (Election of RNC Representatives)
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

February 12, 2008
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 pm in New Boston

February 23, 2008
Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner

March 4, 2008
Primary Election Day

March 11, 2008
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 pm in New Boston

April 18, 2008
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

June 7, 2008
Adams County Annual Ronald Reagan Memorial Picnic

June 27, 2008 or July 11th
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

September 1 - 4, 2008
Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in Minneapolis, MN

September 19, 2008 (Election of Ohio Presidential Electors)
GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 am

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

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