The Becker Report
Volume III, Issue XI
January 14, 2009

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.
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.

The 500 Club
The Becker Report continues to grow in popularity. I now have well over 500 subscribers! Countless more get forwarded to others.

Becker Endorses Rob Portman for US Senate
Senator Voinovich has announced his retirement from the US Senate. I'd like to thank Mr. Voinovich for his years of service to our country and to Ohio.
Rob Portman has announced that he is a candidate for that office. Run Rob run! 
Anyone interested in helping with the campaign should contact Eric Toy at 513-519-7845.

Becker Endorses Ken Blackwell for RNC Chairman
Ken Blackwell is a fiscal and social conservative. He did a great job while serving in Ohio government. Ken would be a fabulous choice to head the RNC. We need Ken Blackwell's leadership and I am enthusiastically endorsing his candidacy.

Becker for State Senate
I've been very pleased by the outpouring of support since announcing my candidacy for State Senate. I've been especially pleased by the outpouring of cash! I'm still working on my finance report, but in round numbers, I've raised about $3,500 from about 60 people in 2008. Donations for the 2009 tax year are also beginning to arrive.

Shameless Fundraising Appeal
If you wrote me a check in 2008 and forgot to mail it, you will be pleased to know that you will still get the 2008 tax credit provided that you eventually mail me the check. The postmark doesn't matter. Any checks written in 2009 or credit card contributions will make you eligible for the 2009 credit.
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 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. Another way to think of it is as follows: If you pay Ohio income taxes (and who doesn't?) you WILL pay that $100 to the state government as a tax expense OR you can redirect that same $100 to my State Senate campaign. It really is that simple.
Please send it to: Friends of Becker, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313

News from Columbus
ORP Chairman Bob Bennett Endorsed Mike Duncan for RNC Chair.
"As the longest serving state chairman on the Republican National Committee, I have personally witnessed many of our successes and failures," said Bennett in a letter to fellow members of the national committee. "I have seen what works and what doesn't, and I have recognized those chairmen whose leadership has been effective and who know how to win elections. With that in mind, I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Mike Duncan for re-election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee."

News from Clermont County
Congratulations to Tim Donnellon! He is Union Township's newest trustee.

Past Events
January 5, 2009
At the Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting, Debbie Siegroth thanked the crowd for manning the polls on Election Day.
Many volunteered to serve on a committee to establish a mission statement for the UT Central Committee. Brian Ford will Chair "The Future Group."
Much discussion ensued over the Safety Services levy and West Clermont School levy.

December 9, 2008
About 80 people attended the Scioto County Christmas Party. It was my pleasure to spend the evening sitting with Reverend Hall and my State Central Committee colleague, Kay Reynolds. We all enjoyed the great food and Christmas music.

December 6, 2008
Although it was a snowy night, the Brown County GOP Club held a successful Christmas Party in Macon. War hero and State Representative, Danny Bubp, received a, well deserved, standing ovation when he entered the reception hall. Congresswoman Jean and Peter Schmidt were also warmly received. She made a very generous contribution to the club and paid off their campaign debt.

December 5, 2008
Hamilton County Commission President Todd Portune was the guest speaker at Chip Gerhardt's First Friday Happy Hour at Via Vite. He discussed the county budget. I spent most of the evening chatting with State Auditor Field Representative, Carl Enslen, and Forest Hills School Board member, Randy Smith.

December 5, 2008
The following occurred at the GOP State Central Committee meeting in Columbus:
Former AG candidate, Mike Crites, thanked the attendees. He promised that he "will be back to fight another day."
Elizabeth Tracy was honored for her 40 years of service to the ORP.
The election was discussed and Chairman Bennett offered a number of factoids:
o 85% of voters said that "America is on the wrong track"
o President Bush had a 70% disapproval rating
o Third term curse
o 3:1 media bias for Obama
o 5:1 spending superiority by Obama
o 64% of voters under age 30 voted Democrat
o Same-day registration and voting
o Obama got 7% fewer votes than Bush in 2004
o Secretary of State Brunner proved to be a strong ally for the Obama campaign and proved to be the most partisan SOS in history
Deputy Chairman, Kevin DeWine, reviewed several troubling statistics. He then talked about the Reagan revolution and outlined a 10-point plan for the ORP.
Other items discussed included election complaints, opposition research, RNC candidates, the apportionment board, and the 2010 election.

December 4, 2008
More than 200 people attended Chairman Bennett's annual and final Christmas Party as Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party. As always, I saw a few old friends and made a few new friends.

December 2, 2008
Nearly 30 people attended the Anderson Twp Republican Club meeting. Russ Jackson opened the floor to discussion about this past election. He commented that, "In four years, we went from the White House to the Outhouse." Much discussion regarded Board of Elections operations. The attendees wrote down three items that the GOP needs to fix. Russ collected the suggestions. He will provide a summary at the next meeting.

Event Calendar
January 15, 2009
Rob Portman will formally announce his candidacy for US Senate at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse at 6:00 pm

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

January 20, 2009
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting at the UT Civic Center at 7:00 pm
The Safety Services levy will be on the agenda.

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

January 21, 2009
Property Tax Reduction Seminar at the Home Builders Assn, 415 Glensprings Drive in Fairfield from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

January 27, 2009
Property Tax Reduction Seminar at the Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors, 14 Knollcrest Drive in Reading from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

January 31, 2009 
Southern Ohio GOP County Chairs meeting at 9:00 am at Frantina's Restaurant in Piketon

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

February 13, 2009
Hamilton County Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at the Duke Energy Center
Social at 5:30 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm; Call 513-381-5454

February 14, 2009
Meranda-Nixon Winery will be having a, by reservations only, dinner at 5:30 PM for $100.00 a couple and $75.00 single.

February 20, 2009
Clermont County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Eastgate Holiday Inn
Guest Speaker: Mary Taylor; Social at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00 pm

March 2, 2009
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting at the UT Civic Center at 7:00 pm

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

April 14, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston

April 21, 2009
CCV's Spring Banquet featuring David Barton at Xavier University's Cintas Center

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