The Becker Report
Volume III, Issue XII
February 15, 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 suffering from cancer and needs prayers.
Eric Kelso's family is suffering from a
house fire that may not be insured. Please contact him at (513) 520-9609 if you can help.
Donations can be made at any 5th 3rd Bank to the Mearle R. Kelso House Fire
Fund.
Memory Lane
After listening to, and thinking about, Chairman Bennett's farewell address, I
started thinking about the history of this newsletter over the past five years.
I originally intended it to simply be a report, to my five county chairmen, of
the State Central Committee meetings. The report quickly became much larger, popular, and
eventually took on a life of its' own. The first
edition (March 21, 2004) was very brief and was simply a note. The second
edition went out a week later and started to look a little more like today's
format. On April
19, 2004, my third edition included the first event calendar which remains
the most popular part of The Becker Report. I remember being excited about the sixth
edition (September 16, 2004) because I reported on asking President Bush a
question in Portsmouth and shaking his hand afterward. How many people get to do
that? The Twelfth
edition (February 27, 2005) was the first with my www.BeckerGOP.com
web site. It was a milestone. By then it was a monthly issue and hasn't changed
much since. My subscriber list grew from five to more than 500 in less than five
years. Each subscriber was added by permission only. Some contacted me and
requested to be added to distribution. Most often though, I solicit subscribers.
Nobody has ever been added without first giving me permission.
In addition to the evolution of this newsletter, I also thought about how my
opinion of Chairman Bennett has changed during that time. My opinion five years
ago was that both Bob Taft and Bob Bennett had to go. I've never changed my mind
about Mr. Taft, but I have about Mr. Bennett. I've grown to appreciate and
admire his leadership and the way that he conducts the meetings. He always looks
around the room to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak. He doesn't
ram proposals through the committee. We don't all agree with him all the time,
but we always have the opportunity to discuss and challenge any proposals.
News from Columbus
Kevin DeWine Unanimously Elected Republican Party Chair
"We must rebuild our party at every level, and only then can we restore the
confidence of voters who once entrusted us," DeWine said. "Rather than
discarding our platform, we need to embrace it. Rather than purging our ranks,
we need to multiply them. Rather than simply rejecting the ideas of our
opposition, we need to offer bold, visionary solutions of our own."
ORP resignations include Kevin Servick, Kevin Smith, Andrew Peters, Pat Melton,
and Linda Hays. I'd like to thank them all for their service and I wish them
well.
I'd like to welcome the new ORP additions: Apps Akpofure, Deputy Director of
Coalitions & Outreach; John Hall, Deputy Director of Training &
Targeting; Joe Forkin, Deputy Director of Field Operations; Craig Forbes,
Political Assistant to the Chairman; Halle Pelger, Administrative Assistant to
the Chairman.
The ORP has launched a new website and it details the 10 point plan for Party
revitalization. http://www.leadingohio.com/
Strictland Watch
Read my lips. No new taxes. But
what about $1 billion in fee increases?
"Strickland said his spending plan calls for no tax increase."
(Columbus Dispatch, 1/29/09)
"Strickland outlined the major elements of his budget last week in his
State of the State speech. ... The proposed changes include 120 fee increases
..." (Columbus Dispatch, 2/3/09)
"[Governor Strickland] reiterated that he has no plans to raise taxes to
generate additional revenue -- and he went a step further to say he doesn't plan
to raise state fees, saying, 'I think higher fees are higher taxes.'"
(Columbus Dispatch, 1/19/07)
College Republicans
No. That is not an oxymoron. Go to www.OhioCollegeGOP.org
to learn more.
What is the Apportionment
Board? And why should I care?
Nothing is more important, in 2010, than winning a majority of seats (three of
five) on the Apportionment Board. The Board consists of the Governor, Secretary
of State, and State Auditor. We must hold the Auditor's office and at
least one of the other two offices. Two other Board members are selected by the
legislature. Each Party selects one without regard to chamber control.
Therefore, both Parties get at least one vote on the Board. Control is important
because the Board redraws the State House and State Senate districts based on
the 2010 national census. The Party redrawing the district lines will have a
huge advantage in determining control of the legislature in 2012. The
legislature redraws the US House districts.
A Preview of the 2010 Statewide Races
Rob
Portman for US Senate
The Portman for US Senate campaign is moving faster than any campaign I've ever
seen. I expected Southern Ohio to quickly endorse Rob. I didn't realize how
popular Rob was north of I-70. It doesn't appear that Rob will have a primary
challenge.
Bob Paduchik is his campaign manager. Anyone interested in helping with the campaign should contact Eric Toy at
513-519-7845.
Our next Governor?
Kevin Coughlin has announced his
candidacy.
Also, John Kasich has all but
officially announced that he is running for Governor. My readers may want to
take note that whenever I mention John Kasich in my newsletters, I get very
strong negative responses from the people that care most about gun rights. Mr.
Kasich has a lot of work to do to repair that chasm. If he fails to do so, and
he wins the Primary Election, the gun groups have made it very clear to me that
they will be supporting Ted Strictland for re-election. That would be very
disheartening to lose such an important and powerful (traditionally) Republican
constituency. That being said, I like John Kasich. He has a lot of very good
ideas for Ohio. I am especially
excited about him wanting to abolish the Ohio income tax. That is my primary
economic issue for Ohio.
Note to Mr. Kasich: As a freedom loving American, I was very disappointed
by your vote in favor of the failed Clinton
gun ban in 1994. I, and many of my
readers, are passionate about protecting
the 2nd Amendment. Please tell me that you were caught up in the theater of the
moment and made a mistake. Additionally, I want to know that you would take back
your vote if you could. I will accept your apology (if offered) and tell you that all is
forgiven. Please help me to help you win the gun vote.
Auditor of State
Mary Taylor will run for
re-election. It is very important that we support her and retain this
Apportionment Board seat. Mary is a great lady and has been doing a fabulous job
for Ohio.
State Treasurer
Josh Mandel has announced his
candidacy. I've heard many good things about him.
Secretary of State
The name I keep hearing is Jon Husted.
Jon is a State Senator and former Speaker of the Ohio House.
Attorney General
I have reason to believe that Mike
Crites will run for this office again. I've met Mike and heard him speak. He
is very impressive and has had a distinguished career.
Ohio Supreme Court
Chief Justice
Thomas Moyer will be retiring. Former Attorney General, Jim
Petro, will run for that seat. Jim was a great AG. He is very smart and
would be a great Chief Justice. Additionally, Justice Maureen
O'Conner wants to run for Chief Justice. She has also served Ohio well. It
is important to note that Justice O'Connor would have to resign and Ted
Strictland would appoint a Democrat.
Judith
Lanzinger and Paul
Pfeifer will also run for re-election. Being as Justice Pfeifer is the only
liberal on the Court, I'm hoping he chooses to retire and I wish him the best.
News from Washington DC
Kudos to Jean Schmidt and all of the
Republicans in the US House for voting against the massive so-called "stimulus
bill."
Kudos to George Voinovich
and all but three Republicans in the US Senate. The three liberals were Susan
Collins, Olympia Snowe, and Arlen
Specter.
Video Gallery
This pro-life video is well worth the
41 seconds to view it.
Keynesian
Monopoly
The British want their guns
back.
My gun
nut friends will love this one
Born Again American
Becker for State Senate
The Primary Election is three years away. I've been meeting with people, getting
ideas, and raising money.
Past Events
February 6, 2009
Chip Gerhardt and Jim Benedict held another successful first Friday
luncheon. Several speakers told their stories about the excitement in Washington
DC regarding the Obama inauguration. While listening to the presenters, I kept
thinking about the many Obama supporters who seem to think that the government
will now pay off their mortgages, and provide them with free health care, food,
child care, cable TV, utilities etc. The word, "panglossian"
came to mind.
February 3, 2009
ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine hosted his first conference call for the State Central
Committee members and county chairmen. He talked about the following:
o RNC meeting and the election of Michael
Steele for Party Chairman
o Praised the work of Jo
Ann Davidson for her past service as Vice Chair
o Encouraged the Central Committee members to attend and participate in
the Lincoln Day Dinners
o ORP staff changes and their new roles
o Mark the tax check-off box on the federal and state income tax returns
o http://www.leadingohio.com/
and the 10 point plan
o Election fraud
o Q&A
January 21, 2009
ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine
was the special guest speaker at the regular business meeting of the Clermont County Central Committee.
He discussed the Party's 10 point plan and answered a number of questions from
the crowd. Kevin was warmly received and thanked for making Clermont County his
first choice to visit (as chairman) out of Ohio's 88 counties.
The Apportionment
Board was another issue discussed at the meeting. In 2010, we need to
re-elect Mary Taylor and win
either the Governor's or Secretary of State's election.
January 20, 2009
About 25 people attended a special meeting called by the Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee.
A presentation was given by representatives for the Safety Services levy
committee. It was interesting to learn that all
Union Twp employees get 100 percent free health care. However, their dental is
less than 100 percent and they get no vision coverage. The one thing that the
crowd seemed to be in universal agreement about was the fine job that the police
and fire departments do for the community. The question for the community is:
What level of service are you willing to pay for? The question was answered
February 3rd: The levy failed 75% to 25%.
January 16, 2009
We held elections for new officers at the GOP State Central Committee meeting in
Columbus. Kevin DeWine is now Chairman. Kay Ayres remains Vice Chairman. Paul
Hoag replaced Sarah Brown as Treasurer. She chose not to run for re-election.
Teri Morgan is now our Assistant Treasurer. She replaced Carolyn Petree who did
not run for re-election. Marilyn Ashcraft replaced Paul Hoag as Secretary.
Chairman Bennett gave his farewell address and reviewed the history of the ORP
and the changes during his 21 year tenure. After the elections, Chairman DeWine
talked about the challenges and opportunities ahead. He set the tone and the
direction for the new leadership.
Former Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Jim Petro and I had a chat
about his bid for Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court. We also talked about
his ideas to consolidate and streamline the state government. I intend to study
his proposals and adopt some, or all, as part of my State Senate campaign.
Rob Portman was our keynote speaker during the luncheon.
January 15, 2009
Kevin DeWine hosted a party at the Pub at the NorthPoint Conference Center. It
was the first of what will become a regular event before each State Central
Committee meeting. Supreme Court Justice, Maureen
O'Connor attended. There was a good crowd, good food, and good beverages.
More importantly, it provided an opportunity for the State Committee and the ORP
staff to have casual conversation and build friendships.
Event Calendar
February 19, 2009
John Kasich will be the featured
speaker at the Montgomery Inn (in Montgomery) at 6:00 pm for $75 and $100 per
couple. May Taylor is also
expected to attend.
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
February 21, 2009
Rob Portman will be the keynote speaker
at the League of Ohio Sportsmen's 101st Annual Convention in Marietta
February 24, 2009
Reception for Judge Pat DeWine at Blackfinn Restaurant from 5:00 to 7:00 pm for
$175
Contact Kathryn.Streicher@gmail.com
February 24, 2009
Property Tax seminar from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Coldwell Banker/West Shell, 2721
Erie Ave - Hyde Park Square, Cincinnati OH 45208
February 28, 2009
Brown County Lincoln Day dinner at the Eagles Hall in Georgetown. Doors
open at 5:30 pm. Call Paul Hall for reservations 800-525-4255. The cost will be
$25 per person with reservations or $35 at the door.
March 2, 2009
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting at the UT Civic Center at
7:00 pm
March 3, 2009
Greene County Lincoln Day Dinner
Key Note Speaker, John Kasich at
Beavercreek Golf Course for $30 per person at 6pm. John Kasich Speaks at 6:45.
RSVP to Marilyn Reid at mreid7@woh.rr.com.
March 10, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston
March 14, 2009
Adams County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Cherry Fork Community Center featuring John
Kasich.
Contact Stephen Caraway for more details: 937-515-1939
March 18, 2009
Clermont County Central Committee
meeting in Batavia at 7:00 pm
March 20, 2009
Deadline to request the endorsement of the Clermont County Central Committee
for the Primary Election
March 31, 2009
Scioto County Lincoln Day Dinner,
social -- 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 pm
April 3, 2009
Butler County Lincoln Day Dinner
April 14, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston
April 15, 2009
Clermont County Central Committee
endorsement meeting in Batavia at 7:00 pm
April 15, 2009
Deadline to submit letter of interest for the Clermont County Board of Elections
position being vacated by Tim Rudd.
April 21, 2009
CCV's Spring Banquet featuring David
Barton at Xavier University's Cintas Center
April 23, 2009
Banquet for Life at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cincinnati
May 5, 2009
Primary Election
May 12, 2009
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston
November 3, 2009
General Election
Paid for by Friends of Becker, John Becker, CTP, MBA, Treasurer, 925 Locust Lane,
Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313