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The Becker Report
Volume
IV, Issue XII
April 25, 2011
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?
Who is running for US Senate in 2012?
The list seems to change from day-to-day, but the following are
candidates who have declared, or will likely declare, their candidacy: Ken Blackwell, Captain Rusty Bliss, Kevin Coughlin, Eric Gregory, and Josh Mandel. The GOP establishment seems
to be favoring Josh Mandel. However, Ken Blackwell could change that. It’s
interesting to watch Rusty Bliss and Eric Gregory. They are working hard to
make a difference.
Ohio GOP Endorsement Policy
I am on a subcommittee that will be meeting in Columbus on May 4th
to discuss proposing a policy regarding congressional candidates, state school
board, court of appeals, local offices, and members of the state central
committee. We may also address our existing policies regarding statewide and
legislative offices. I detailed this topic in the May
17, 2010 edition of The Becker Report. From that, I received about a dozen
responses that were well reasoned. Unfortunately, there was no real consensus
of opinion. This is an issue that I’m continuing to struggle with and I need
more input from my readers.
My thoughts are as follows: If it were entirely my decision, our endorsement
policy would be very simple. “We don’t endorse in primaries.” That being said,
a few other comments are necessary: What about state school board and other races
where there isn’t a primary? Furthermore, since we do have an endorsement
policy in place, I’m the one who led the charge to endorse Rob Portman. And I
always participate in the Clermont County and Union Twp
endorsement processes. I have mixed feelings about endorsements.
Additionally, I feel that the Ohio GOP should always defer to, and take a back
seat to, endorsement decisions made at the local level. These decisions should
always be bottom up rather than top down.
The realities are that we will continue to have an endorsement policy. I will
argue on behalf of consistency, fairness, and local control. (As an aside, I’m
having minor dental surgery that morning. Unfortunately, I may be limited in my
physical ability to argue at all.)
Healthcare Freedom Amendment
Please contact Clermont County coordinator,
Jane Brandt, at jbrandt8@cinci.rr.com
and schedule a time to help out. Jim Lewis is the Southwest Ohio Coordinator
for the Ohio Project. Contact him at: rlewis1@zoomtown.com.
Video Central
Josh
Mandel Speech on School Choice (4 minutes)
Nullification: Interview
with a Zombie (8 minutes)
Fascinating
National Education Assc. (NEA) video boasting of
their power (6 minutes)
Gov. Kasich First 100 Days
(3 minutes)
Chairman DeWine’s April 24th
Update (1+ minutes)
Ohio
Tea Party PAC
Tea Party supporters are being asked to donate $25 in an April
Virtual Fundraiser.
Becker for 2012 Ohio House of Representatives
The 2012 Primary Election is 11 months away and only 9
months until early voting. I’ve raised $18,300 and expanded my donor base to
nearly 225 people! Donation size has ranged from $5 to $125. All contributions
have been from individuals only. I’m Pro-Life, Pro-Gun, Pro-Limited Government
and Lower Taxes. Please see the following brief videos regarding my candidacy:
|
Introduction (38 seconds) |
Second Amendment (36 seconds) |
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Taxes (49 seconds) |
Energy (55 seconds) |
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Pro-Life (42 seconds) |
Creation Science and Evolution (42 seconds) |
|
State Government Spending (45 seconds) |
Donate (50 seconds) |
|
State Government (37 seconds) |
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Past
Events
April 19, 2011
The CCV VAT (Values Action Team) met in Columbus to discuss several topics
including the Heartbeat Bill and other pro-life initiatives. We also got
updates from the Ohio Adolescent Health Association and a variety of other
proposed legislation.
Afterward, I had a brief meeting with Chairman DeWine and enjoyed lunch with
Michael Bir.
April 13, 2011
About 30 people attended the Anderson Twp Tea Party
meeting to hear Asst. Fire Chief Tom Riemar talk about safety issues. Randy Smith
gave an update on Forest Hills Schools and talked about SB5. Megan Shanahan
also addressed the crowd.
April 7, 2011
Kevin DeWine hosted a conference call for State
Central Committee members. Topics discussed included Mary Swain’s resignation.
The Butler County GOP nominated Bea Lyons to replace her. Chairman DeWine also
discussed the State Dinner, a Candidate Training Seminar, and SB5. Mike DeWine joined
the call to discuss events in the Attorney General’s office. Kay Ayres
announced that the Endorsement Policy Committee will meet on May 4th
in Columbus. Executive Director Darren Bearson talked about the Ohio GOP’s good
customer service and that he is interviewing candidates for the positions of
Political Director and Communications Director. He also said that they were in
the process of validating the Repeal Obama care petitions. A Q&A followed.
April 6, 2011
About 150 voting members of the Clermont County Central Committee held an
endorsement meeting at the Eastgate Holiday Inn. Two Municipal Court seats will
be on the ballot in November. Judge Tony Brock was endorsed for re-election to
Municipal Court. George Pattison was endorsed for Municipal Court Judge on the
second round. Kudos to Mary Lynne Birck for stepping aside to
make Mr. Pattison’s endorsement possible. Mrs. Birck received a
well-deserved standing ovation for her professionalism and putting the best
interests of the Party first.
April 5, 2011
The Union Twp (Clermont County) Tea Party met to
discuss mostly local issues. Additionally, Joe
Uecker discussed SB5, Jane Brandt discussed the Obama Care
petitions, and Roger Baxter presented other state and federal issues. About 200
people attended.
April 4, 2011
The Union Twp (Clermont County) GOP Central Committee
hosted a discussion about the West Clermont School levy. Dr. Brooks (Superintendent), Alana Cropper (Treasurer) and Denise Smith (Board Member) gave a presentation and answered
questions from the crowd. Ohio Supreme Court candidate Sharon Kennedy also
addressed the committee. More information on Clermont County
Schools is here.
April 2, 2011
Jean
Schmidt sponsored a
pancake breakfast for her constituents in Brown and Adams Counties. Several
notables attended including Danny Bubp and Hart Wallingford. Brown County
cooking was made exceptionally delicious by Mariah Votel. About 100 people
attended.
April 1, 2011
I was honored to be the featured guest on the TIB All Stars Radio Show.
April 1, 2011
Ohio House Speaker Bill Batchelder was the featured speaker at the First
Friday Luncheon sponsored by Government Strategies Group. He addressed a number of issues
including SB5. During Q&A, Mr. Batchelder was asked about raising the
income tax. Without batting an eye, he responded, “We are planning to address
that issue about a week and a half after hell freezes over.” The crowd loved
it. It was a pleasure to share a table with Russ Jackson, Bob McEwen, and Randy
Smith. State School Board member Jeff Hardin and Representative Joe
Uecker
also attended.
March 29, 2011
About 350 – 400 people attended the Scioto County
Lincoln Day Dinner. Justice Terrence O'Donnell was the keynote speaker. State
Representatives Danny Bubp, Terry Johnson, and Joe
Uecker addressed the
crowd. We also heard from Ohio Supreme Court candidate Sharon Kennedy and US
Senate candidate Eric Gregory. My State Central Committee
colleagues included Kay Ayres, Marilyn Ashcraft, and Kay Reynolds. State School
Board member Jeff Hardin also attended. It was also great to
see Peter Schmidt and Lawrence County GOP Chairman Ray “Moose” Dutey.
March 26, 2011
Garry Brenner emceed the Adams County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Ohio Valley
Career and Technical Center in West Union. Jon Husted was the featured speaker.
Other speakers included Jean Schmidt, Danny Bubp, and Terry Johnson. Several of my State Central
Committee colleagues attended: Kay Ayres, Christa Criddle, and Kay Reynolds.
Clermont County was represented by Jeff Hardin, Peter Schmidt, and Joe
Uecker.
March 25, 2011
About 160 people attended the 4th Annual Friends of NRA event at
Eastgate Receptions. Many elected officials attended including Jean
Schmidt, Joe
Uecker, Danny Bubp, Ed Humphrey, and Kathy Rodenberg. It was also great to see Peter
Schmidt and Barry Cole. I especially enjoyed having dinner with retired US Army
Colonel Howard Hill.
Event
Calendar
April 25, 2011
CCV’s Annual Spring Banquet featuring
David Barton
at Xavier’s Cintas Center
at 6:30
April 26, 2011
Scioto County GOP Club meeting in New Boston at 7pm
April 28, 2011
Tea Party movie at the Eastgate Holiday Inn at 7pm: “Waiting for Superman”
April 30, 2011
Jackson County Lincoln Day Dinner at the James A. Rhodes Building in Coalton featuring Senator
Portman.
April 30, 2011
US Grant Birthday Celebration at Point Pleasant in Clermont County
April 30, 2011
Hope Church, in Mason, Ohio, is hosting a one-day event from Exodus
International
specifically targeted towards family members and loved ones impacted by the
issue of homosexuality from 8am – 5pm
April 30, 2011
Southern
Ohio GOP Chairs Assn Summit in Chillicothe at 9am for $20
May 2, 2011
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting
at 7pm at the UT Civic Center
May 3, 2011
Election Day
May 3, 2011
Union Twp Tea Party meeting at the Eastgate Holiday
Inn at 7pm
May 4, 2011
Anderson Twp GOP Club meeting at the Government
Center at 6pm (social) and 7pm
May 5, 2011
Fundraiser for Matt Beamer at Eastgate Receptions from 5pm to 7:30pm for $100
May 5, 2011
Military Support Group at the Union Twp Civic Center
at 7pm
May 5, 2011
National
Day of Prayer
May 6, 2011
First Friday Luncheon sponsored by Government
Strategies Group at
McCormick & Schmick's at 12pm for $20 featuring Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus
May 7, 2011
Ohio
Pro-Family Forum meeting at the Potter’s House Church in Columbus from 10am to
3pm
May 10, 2011
Scioto County Central
Committee meeting in New Boston at 7pm
May 12, 2011
Miami Twp Tea Party meeting at the Civic Center at
7pm
May 13, 2011
Ohio
Christian Alliance Freedom Banquet
featuring William Federer for $50 in Akron. Call 330-887-1922 to register.
May 14, 2011
The Truth Project will be at College Hill Presbyterian Church from 8:30am
to 12:30pm
May 17, 2011
CCV Values Action Team (VAT) meeting in
Columbus
May 18, 2011
Clermont County Central Committee meeting at 7pm in Batavia
May 21, 2011
American
Majority is hosting Candidate/Campaign Manager Training at the Miami University Voice of
America Learning Center from 9:00am to 4:00pm in Room 116
May 26, 2011
Anderson Twp Tea Party meeting at Anderson High
School at 7pm
June 2, 2011
Military Support Group at the Union Twp Civic Center
at 7pm
June 3, 2011
First Friday Luncheon sponsored by Government
Strategies Group at
McCormick & Schmick's at 12pm for $20
June 6, 2011
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting
at 7pm at the UT Civic Center
June 7, 2011
Union Twp Tea Party meeting at the Eastgate Holiday
Inn at 7pm
June 9, 2011
Miami Twp Tea Party meeting at the Civic Center at
7pm
June 10, 2011
Center-Right Coalition meeting at the Schuler Athletic Complex in Sycamore Twp
at 7:30am
June 11, 2011
Nineteenth Annual St. Vincent de Paul Run for the Poor at St. Elizabeth Seton
Church at 9am
June 14, 2011
Scioto County Central Committee meeting in New Boston at 7pm
June 15, 2011
Clermont County Central Committee meeting at HQ in Batavia at 7pm
June 17 - 18
Citizens for Community Values Action will host a campaign training school in
Columbus featuring former Congressman Bill Redmond, now with Focus on the
Family
June 25, 2011
Clermont County GOP Picnic
July 24 – July 30
Clermont County Fair
Pro-Life | Pro-Gun | Limited Government | Lower Taxes
Paid for by Friends of Becker | John Becker, CTP, MBA, Treasurer | 925 Locust Lane | Cincinnati | Ohio | 45245-1313