The
Becker Report
Volume
III, Issue XXVI
April 18, 2010
Published
by:
John Becker
Republican State Central Committeeman and Candidate for 2012 Ohio Legislature
Ohio's 14th Senate District
Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, and Lawrence Counties
513-753-6440
www.BeckerGOP.com
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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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are available at: www.BeckerGOP.com/TheBeckerReport.htm.
Disclaimer
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
Former Clermont County Chairman and Retired State Representative, Rose Vesper,
has not been well and needs our prayers.
Brown County’s Rick Eagan was seriously injured and needs our prayers. He is
currently in Deaconess Hospital in rehab.
OhioGOP
Slate Card Controversy
As a disclaimer, the
following is my opinion and my understanding of the situation. It does not
speak for and may, or may not, reflect the position of the OhioGOP. That being
said, many of my readers have contacted me to seek understanding of what
happened and why? Slate cards were distributed stating that members of the
State Central Committee were endorsed by the Ohio Republican Party. This was a
surprise to many of us because we did not vote to endorse ourselves. Chairman
DeWine has taken the position that a formal vote has never been necessary because
past practice has deemed incumbents as automatically endorsed. After thinking
this through, I’ve come to the following conclusion: It is generally true that
incumbents have always been “entitled” to the use of Party services including
mailings distributed as “paid for by the Ohio Republican Party.” I also agree
with the argument that such mailings constitute an implicit endorsement. Therefore,
explicitly stating that SCC members were endorsed is arguably a change in
tactic rather than a change in policy. Generally, Chairman DeWine has the
authority to change tactics at his discretion. I’ve outlined additional details
in the April 11, 2010 entry below.
Clermont
County
According to “The
Daily Caller,” Clermont County is America’s 36th
most conservative-friendly county.
Anti-Tea
Party – Please beware of this problem.
Activists have been
infiltrating the movement. http://www.crashtheteaparty.org/
Video
Central
Allen West speaks about Islam (10 minutes)
Will Guam Tip Over? (This is less than 3 minutes and an
absolute classic.)
America Explained Part 1 of 3
Political Spectrum (7
minutes)
America Explained Part 2 of 3
Capitalism Fascism Communism Socialism
(6+ minutes)
America Explained Part 3 of 3 Every
American Must Watch This
(5+ minutes)
This 1948 cartoon should also be required in schools. (10
minutes)
The
2010 Statewide Races
State Ballot Issue
#1 is endorsed by the
Ohio Republican Party.
Continuation of the Third Frontier
Program
Argument for Issue #1
Argument against Issue #1
State Ballot Issue #2 is endorsed by the Ohio Republican Party.
Relocation of the Columbus-Based
Casino
Argument for Issue #2
Argument against Issue #2
US Senate
Rob
Portman is endorsed
by the Ohio Republican Party.
Governor (Apportionment Board Office)
John
Kasich and Mary
Taylor are endorsed
by the Ohio Republican Party.
Auditor of State (Apportionment Board Office)
Dave
Yost is endorsed by
the Ohio Republican Party, Delaware, Belmont, Putnam, Preble, and Muskingum
Counties.
Seth
Morgan is endorsed by
Brown, Green, Scioto, Madison, Miami, Summit, Lake, Montgomery, Shelby, and
Cuyahoga counties.
State Treasurer
Josh
Mandel is endorsed by
the Ohio Republican Party.
Secretary of State (Apportionment Board Office)
Jon
Husted is endorsed by
the Ohio Republican Party.
Sandy
O'Brien is also a
candidate.
Attorney General
Mike DeWine is running unopposed in the Primary. Steve
Christopher lost his
fight to get on the ballot.
Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice
Justice Maureen O'Conner is endorsed by the Ohio Republican
Party.
Ohio Supreme Court
Judith
Lanzinger and Paul Pfeifer are endorsed by the Ohio Republican
Party.
What is the Apportionment Board?
The Board consists of the Governor, Secretary of State, State
Auditor, and a Republican and Democrat selected from the Legislature.
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 and beyond. The 2010 legislature will redraw the US House districts.
Congress
Jean
Schmidt is endorsed
by the Clermont County GOP. She is also 1 of 56 House members with a 2009 ACU rating of 100% and a 91% Life rating. Jean
is 1 of 3 in Ohio with a 2009 ACU rating of 100%. Her Eagle Forum rating is
100% and she has a 92% Club for Growth rating.
Debbi
Alsfelder, Mike Kilburn,
and Tim
Martz are also
candidates.
Richard Stobbs is a candidate in the 6th Congressional District.
Clermont
County Commissioner
Batavia Township Trustee, Archie
Wilson, is
challenging Scott Croswell. Archie is endorsed by the Clermont
County GOP. Scott is planning to run as an independent.
Clermont
County Common Pleas Court
Ric Ferenc is running
for the two-year unexpired term of Judge Ringland. Ric is endorsed by the
Clermont County GOP.
Woody
Breyer and Tom Herman
are running for the six-year term of the retiring Judge Walker.
Clermont
County Domestic Relations Court
Kathleen Rodenberg is
running for Domestic Relations Court Judge. She is endorsed by the Clermont
County GOP.
12th
District Court of Appeals
Robin Piper and
Rachel Hutzel are running for separate seats. They are endorsed by the Clermont
County GOP.
14th
State Central Committee
Thea Shoemake is
challenging Kay Reynolds. Kay is endorsed by the Clermont County GOP and the
Scioto County GOP.
I do not have a challenger. However, in preparation for that concern, I have
secured the following endorsements: Clermont County GOP, Union Twp (Clermont
County) GOP, Scioto County GOP Club, Family First PAC, Ohio Gun PAC, Ohio
Pro-Life PAC, and American Family PAC of Ohio. Additionally, Buckeye Firearms
has endorsed me and awarded me an “A” rating. The Anderson
Twp Tea Party named
me as one of four SCC candidates as follows: “The REAL candidates
that have been part of the Tea Party movement since the beginning are also
supported by many other conservative organizations.”
7th
State Senate District
Michelle Schneider is challenging Shannon Jones
for State Senate.
Tom Niehaus, Senate President Pro Tempore, wrote a letter supporting Ms. Jones.
Tom Brinkman, former State Representative, wrote a letter supporting Ms. Schneider.
7th
State Central Committee
Lori
Viars is challenging Mary Ann Christie.
9th
State Central Committee
Joanne Kemmerer is challenging Amber Burke.
4th
State Central Committee (Butler County)
Tim Evans and Mark
Haverkos are running
for the open seat.
Bobbi
Radeck is challenging
Mary Swain.
10th
State Central Committee
David Kearney is challenging Joe Haines.
CJ Bieghler, Ashley Knowlton, and Brenda Lewis
are running for the open seat.
6th
State Central Committee
Donald Birdsall,
Chuck Henthorn, and Philip Cornelius are challenging Pat Flanagan.
17th
State Central Committee
Matt Lamb is
challenging Phil Bowman.
31st
State Central Committee
Monty Lobb, Gary
Burkholder, and Michael Fracassa are challenging Curtis Johnson.
Becker
for Ohio Legislature
The 2012 Primary Election is 23 months away. I’ve raised almost $10,000 and expanded
my donor base to about 130 people. Donation size has ranged from $20 to $125.
All contributions have been from individuals only. I’m Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Limited
Government/Lower Taxes.
Please see the following brief videos regarding my candidacy:
Introduction (38 seconds)
Pro-Life (42 seconds)
Taxes (49 seconds)
State Government Spending (45 seconds)
State Government (37 seconds)
Second Amendment (36 seconds)
Energy (55 seconds)
Gambling (40 seconds)
Creation Science and Evolution (42 seconds)
Donate (50 seconds)
Past
Events
April 16, 2010
Nearly 50 members of the Republican State Central Committee (SCC) met to
hold a regular business meeting. Unfortunately, the meeting was almost entirely
held in Executive Session. Therefore, there is very little that I am at liberty
to report.
April 11, 2010
Matt Hurley invited me to be his guest on the TIB
All Stars Radio Show.
It was my fourth appearance. Much of the evening’s discussion was regarding the
controversial mailings from the OhioGOP. Those mailings stated that members
(and some non-members) of the State Central Committee were endorsed.
Additionally, other OhioGOP mailings indicated that our endorsed candidates had
“Tea Party Values” and sported a Tea Cup logo. I made the following comments to
help explain my understanding of the situation:
· Incumbents (including members of the SCC) are considered endorsed.
· Tim Evans was endorsed by the Butler County GOP. It is a single county district. In those circumstances, the candidate is automatically endorsed by the OhioGOP.
· A slate card inadvertently went out stating that Brenda Lewis was endorsed. After the error was brought to their attention, the OhioGOP stopped the mailhouse from sending out any additional cards. Subsequently, they sent out new mailings stating that there was no endorsement in that race.
· In my opinion, the use of a Tea Cup logo and “Tea Party Values” without consulting the Tea Party leadership may be (or may have been) counterproductive.
· “Tea Party Values” could be broadly interpreted. Many ”moderate” Republicans could argue that they support the Tea Party values of fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets.
· If Chairman DeWine had vetted this through the SCC, he may have made a different decision; or had the blessing of the SCC.
· I’m not aware of any SCC member that was consulted or notified of these mailings.
· A controversial OhioGOP mailing without notification to the SCC members puts those of us “on the front lines” in the awkward position of attempting to explain a controversial situation that we know nothing about.
· Written guidelines will be developed to clarify the OhioGOP endorsement policy.
· OhioGOP Executive Director, Jason Mauk agreed to be the featured speaker at the Beavercreek Liberty Group on April 20th. CJ Bieghler is the group’s leader. No questions are off limits. Also, CJ Bieghler gave me her personal guarantee that the meeting will be a civil and respectful dialogue.
· The following question was asked on the live blog: “We need to clear the house at ORP. The staff TOO. Don't you agree?” My response was as follows: “No. Not just no: Hell no! I’ve always appreciated the ORP staff. They are dedicated hard working people.”
· It was also suggested that I run for SCC Chairman. Never say never. But my current feeling is: "I will not accept if nominated and will not serve if elected." I am focused on the 2012 Ohio General Assembly.
April 10,
2010
Calvin Aicholtz and I
enjoyed the Clermont County Farm Bureau’s “Farmers Share Breakfast” at the
Fairgrounds. The charge for the hearty breakfast was only 50¢. The cost
reflected the average price farmers received for producing the meal. It was
great to chat with Heather Utter regarding legislative issues important to the
Ohio Farm Bureau Federation.
April 8, 2010
More than 100 people attended the Anderson Twp Tea Party candidates night to
here State Senate candidates Shannon Jones and Michelle Schneider. Tom Brinkman
represented Mrs. Schneider because she was unable to attend.
April 7, 2010
Rick Herron and I were the featured speakers at the Pierce Twp Tea Party
meeting. Rick talked about the importance of the position of precinct
committeeman. I reiterated his points and talked about the relationships
between the township, county, state, and national committees. The audience
appreciated my list of NO votes as a state central committeeman and liked the
label of “Dr. No.” About 60 people attended.
April 6, 2010
About 100 people or so attended the Union Twp Tea Party meeting. They were
comparing notes and making plans for a door-to-door pre-election day blitz.
April 5, 2010
More than 300 people attended the annual Scioto County Lincoln Day Dinner. Featured
speakers included Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith Lanzinger, 89th
State Representative candidate Dr. Terry Johnson, and State Auditor candidates
Dave Yost and Seth Morgan. The facility was nicely decorated and it is always
one of my favorite Lincoln Day events.
April 2, 2010
Chip Gerhardt and Government Strategies Group hosted a “First Friday” luncheon
featuring Josh Mandel.
About 50 people attended, including Clermont County Commissioner Ed
Humphrey and State
Representative Joe Uecker.
March 30, 2010
CCV hosted a meeting to discuss the growing problem of Sexually Oriented Businesses
(SOBs) in Clermont County. It was great to see Commissioner Bob Proud, Asst. Prosecutor Woody
Breyer and Union Twp
Administrator Ken Geis in attendance. They were very engaged in the discussions
and most helpful.
March 29, 2010
The Indian Hill Tea Party sponsored a candidate’s night. About 150 people
attended to hear from four Republicans, three Democrats, and one Libertarian.
My colleagues Christa Criddle and Mary Ann Christie attended from the State
Central Committee.
March 26, 2010
Nearly 200 people attended the Adams County Lincoln Day Dinner. It was good to
see large delegations from Scioto and Brown Counties. My State Central
Committee colleague, Kay Reynolds also attended from Scioto County.
March 24, 2010
A standing room only crowd attended the SW Ohio Candidates Night debate in Blue
Ash. Other than the cheap shot Phil Heimlich leveled at Jean Schmidt, he did a
fabulous job moderating the event. He asked tough questions and didn’t pull any
punches. The question that interested me the most was when he asked legislative
candidates how they would solve the $8 billion hole in Ohio’s next biennium
budget. Speaking as a finance guy, I was disappointed with all of the answers.
Nobody could name more than about $3 billion to $4 billion in cuts. I’m
personally working on developing a list to itemize the $8 billion. After that
problem is solved, I’m going to work on finding another $14 billion to
eliminate the state income tax. Stay tuned.
March 23, 2010
Nearly 300 people attended the Lawrence County Lincoln Day Dinner to hear Terry
Johnson and John
Carey. Several of my
State Central Committee colleagues attended: Kay Reynolds, Marilyn Ashcraft,
and Phil Bowman.
March 22, 2010
The State Central Committee met via conference call to discuss endorsing State
Ballot Issues #1 and #2.
Issue #1 is the Third Frontier bond issue. Ohio House Minority Leader
Bill Batchelder was on the phone to help explain its history and purpose. I
expressed the following concerns:
· Bond issues increase the public debt.
· The debt servicing (interest expense) gets paid out of the general fund via taxes.
· Government should not be involved in enterprises that the private sector (venture capitalists) can be involved in.
· It violates the GOP principle of limited government and lower taxes.
· As an alternative, businesses should be lured into Ohio through lower taxation, reduced regulations, and workers compensation reform.
Mr.
Batchelder agreed with everything I said. He emphasized the multiplier effect
and the positive results that the program has experienced.
The SCC endorsed Issue #1 by a vote of 22 to 11. I voted NO.
Issue #2 is the Columbus casino relocation issue.
I explained that I support the right of the people of Columbus to choose if
they want a casino and where, or if, it will be built. Additionally, I
questioned the wisdom of the Ohio GOP taking a stand one way, or the other, on
the issue.
The SCC endorsed Issue #2 by consensus. Again, I voted NO.
March 17, 2010
At the Clermont County Central Committee meeting, Chairman Rudd announced that
Emily Niehaus and Ken Tracy are co-chairing the Kasich campaign in Clermont County.
Mr. Rudd also read his speech that had been prepared for the Lincoln Day
Dinner. He announced that March 4, 2011 was the tentative date for the next
Lincoln Day. Several candidates addressed the crowd.
March 13, 2010
More than 250 people attended the Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner to hear John
Kasich. His speech was the best that I have heard him give. Kasich is clearly
the guy we need as our governor. I had the pleasure of sitting with Jesse Millikan
and my SCC colleague Kay Reynolds. Several people from Clermont County
attended: Calvin and Dorothy Aicholtz, Tom Niehaus, Robert Ringland, Peter and
Jean Schmidt, Ken Tracy, and Joe Uecker.
Spotlight on State Senator Tom Niehaus:
After the event had ended and nearly everyone had exited the room, if was
refreshing to watch the Senate President Pro Tempore cleaning off tables,
sweeping the floor, climbing ladders, moving tables, and whatever else was
necessary to help the cleanup effort. If memory serves it was Tom Niehaus who
had recently cleaned up the GOP HQ in Batavia. Tom is clearly the kind of guy
who believes in public service at all levels without regard to public
recognition.
March 13, 2010
The Pro-family forum conducted a meeting in Columbus to discuss candidates and
issues. I discussed the Ohio Marriage Penalty and provided some basic information
about the Republican Central Committee. Anyone interested in being part of the
Pro-family forum should contact Phil Burress at: PhilBurress@fuse.net. I highly recommend getting involved
and becoming part of the solution to Ohio’s problems.
March 9, 2010
About 40 people met at the Scioto County Central Committee meeting, Club
meeting, and annual pie auction. They raised more than $1,700 and endorsed Kay
Reynolds and Seth Morgan. In addition to my Scioto County friends, it was great
to see Peter Schmidt and Stephen Caraway in the crowd.
Event
Calendar
April 19, 2010
CCV Annual Spring Banquet at the Cintas
Center at 6:00 pm
April 19, 2010
Pastor’s and Church Leader’s Briefing in New Boston featuring Bob McEwen at
12pm. RSVP to Tim Throckmorton (tnt1@zoomnet.net) or Kevin Craft (kccraft@roadrunner.com).
April 19, 2010
Join Dr. Terry Johnson for a discussion of your state government's role in
encouraging small businesses. Face-to-face opportunity to get to know him, to
tell him what is important for your business. Employment and Your Tax Dollars:
5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 19 at Campaign Headquarters, 507 Chillicothe St.,
second floor. This is the Charter One Bank building. Tickets are $25.
Refreshments will be served. Please... pre-register. For more info, contact
Campaign Headquarters at (740) 355-7171.
April 20, 2010
Breakfast reception in support of Josh Mandel at the The Queen City Club for
$250. Contact Scott Guthrie at 440-554-7112 or scott@joshmandel.com.
April 21, 2010
Clermont County Central Committee meeting in Batavia at 7 pm
April 22, 2010
Bill Harris will be the featured speaker at a Senate caucus dinner in Indian
Hill at the home of Ginger and David Warner from 5:30 – 8 pm for $250. RSVP to 614-221-7722
April 22, 2010
Banquet for Life at the Cincinnati Hyatt Regency featuring Vera Faith Lord for
$50. The Social will begin at 5:30 pm and dinner at 7pm. Contact 513-321-3100
to RSVP.
April 23 2010
Butler County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Savannah Center from 7 – 9pm for $125.
513-893-5292
April 23 - 25, 2010
2010 Ohio College Republican Federation Convention. Contact them at
740.360.4955 or via email at jsnyder@OhioCollegeGOP.org.
May 4, 2010
Election Day
May 4, 2010
Union Twp Tea Party meeting at the Eastgate Holiday Inn at 7pm
May 7, 2010
Government
Strategies Group will
host a “First Friday” luncheon featuring Office of Budget & Management Director
J. Pari Sabety
May 11, 2010
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston
May 14, 2010
ORP Candidate Training Seminar (Day 1)
May 15, 2010
ORP Candidate Training Seminar (Day 2)
May 22, 2010
Ohio
Christian Alliance
Freedom Banquet in Columbus
June 4, 2010
Government
Strategies Group will
host a “First Friday” luncheon featuring Steve
Driehaus
June 8, 2010
Scioto County Central Committee at 7:00 pm in New Boston
June 9, 2010
Clermont County Central Committee reorganization meeting in Batavia at 7 pm
June 16, 2010
Clermont County Central Committee meeting in Batavia at 7 pm
June 19, 2010
State Central Committee meeting in Columbus
June 19, 2010
Ohio Republican Party Headquarters Open House
June 19, 2010
ORP State Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Columbus featuring John
Boehner
June 24, 2010
Reception for Justice Maureen O'Conner for $250 at the Taft Center, 425
Walnut St. Cincinnati
June 27, 2010
DeWine Family Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at 1pm
September 7, 2010
CCV Community Cup Golf Classic at
Glenview Golf Course at 1 pm
September 10, 2010
State Central Committee meeting in Columbus
September 10, 2010
ORP Leadership Summit
October 4, 2010
Voter Registration deadline
October 21, 2010
Evening for Life featuring Abby Johnson
November 2, 2010
Election Day
Paid
for by Friends of Becker, John Becker, CTP, MBA,
Treasurer, 925 Locust Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45245-1313