The Becker Report
Volume I
Issue XIII
March 20, 2005

Distribution:
Tim Rudd, Clermont County GOP Chairman
Paul Hall, Brown County GOP Chairman
Harty Wallingford, Adams County GOP Chairman
Rodney Barnett, Scioto County GOP Chairman
Ray “Moose” Dutey, Lawrence County GOP Chairman

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News
I am sporting new Ohio GOP business cards.
Derrick Jowers, New Earth Printing in Mt. Orab, did the work.
If you like the look, call Derrick at 513-349-3787 and tell him that he did a great job.

Attorney General Jim Petro sent me some campaign finance information.
Cash on hand for the three gubernatorial candidates as of 12/31/2004 are as follows: Also, Jeff Eichhorn, Jim Petro's Public Affairs Director, sent me some information regarding Mr. Petro's plan to reform Ohio's higher education system.
Look for it at www.JimPetro.com.
Or contact me and I will forward it to you.

2nd Congressional District
Congratulations to Congressman Rob Portman who has been named by President Bush to become the next US Trade Representative.
Unfortunately, upon Senate approval, Rob will be forced to resign his Congressional seat.
To be expected, there has been no shortage of candidates to fill the position.
The names I've heard so far are: Jean Schmidt told me that she has received numerous calls urging her to run for Congress.
She is reconsidering her plans to run for Miami Twp Trustee and will make a final decision after Easter.
State Senator Tom Niehaus called me on Doug White's behalf to let me know that Doug is forming an exploratory committee.
Doug White issued the following statement:
Congratulations to Congressman Rob Portman on his selection as President George Bush’s choice as U.S. Trade Representative. I enjoyed the close working relationship we had during his 12 years in Congress and my 14 years in the state legislature. This was especially true these last two years during my tenure as Senate President.
Shirley and I are carefully considering this opportunity to run for Congress. I’ve been overwhelmed by how many people have encouraged me to run for that office since Rob’s announcement. Former President of the Senate Dick Finan from Hamilton County and Senator Tom Niehaus have already agreed to help.
As a life-long resident I understand the conservative family values of southern Ohio, and can assure you I will take those same values to Washington if I decide to run for this seat.
I also heard from Phil Heimlich who will be making a decision soon.

I can't believe that some of the names that I mentioned above could be considered serious candidates.
However, they were names mentioned to me by some of my contacts.
It is interesting to note that the names that I've been hearing getting kicked around in the media are very different.

ORP Reorganization
Being as Jonathan Gormley has been promoted to Deputy Political Director, P.J. Wenzel will be shifting his responsibilities to SW Ohio.
Those of us in SW Ohio will certainly miss Mr. Gormley's dedication and leadership.
P.J. Wenzel has been the Field Rep for SE Ohio for several years.
SE Ohio's loss will be SW Ohio's gain.
Join me in welcoming P.J. by giving him a call or e-mailing him:
Phone: 614-228-2481
E-mail: Wenzel@OhioGOP.org

It is my understanding that the Ohio GOP is planning to hire two new Field Reps.
The positions are based in Columbus and SE Ohio is apparently one of the open territories.
For more information contact the Ohio GOP at 614-228-2481.

ORP Steering Committee
The Ohio GOP has divided the state into 21 regions.
They are accepting applications to fill those positions.
A sampling of the regions are as follows:

Based on the application questions, it appears that they are looking for activists who can work with Party, community, and business leaders.
Fundraising is a major part of the job.
Contact the Ohio GOP for more information and/or an application: 614-228-2481

Rumor Mill
I was flabbergasted to learn of a rumor that I intend to run for Clermont County Auditor.
The truth is that I've never mentioned or even considered such a campaign.
As far as I can tell, Linda Fraley is doing a fine job as Auditor.
My intention is to support her for re-election.

I am planning to run for re-election as State Central Committeeman.
Clint Warren, Chairman of the Union Township Central Committee, has announced that he will not be a candidate for re-election.
Therefore, I've also decided to run for that open position.
Without regard to the outcomes of the above, I will not be a candidate for re-election as the Union Township Central Committee Treasurer.

Past Events
March 15, 2005
The Lawrence County Lincoln Day Dinner was a huge success.
A record crowd of nearly 300 people attended.
And the event grossed about $6,000.

This was my first visit to Lawrence County.
Although it was a 2 1/2 hour drive (from Eastgate) it was well worth the trip.

It was my pleasure to share a table with Kay Reynolds, Marilyn Ashcraft, Pete Couladis, and Sean Bartley.
Additionally, I briefly chatted with Chairman Dutey, Matt McFarland, Holly Potter, Auditor Betty Montgomery, Chief Deputy Auditor David Varda, P.J. Wenzel, Danny Harmon, Richard Weghorst, and Kevin Waldo.
Mr. Waldo is a candidate for Ironton Municipal Court Judge.
Danny Harmon is a candidate for US Congress for the 6th District.
Richard Weghorst was representing Secretary of State Ken Blackwell.
Pete Couladis was representing Attorney General Jim Petro.
Sean Bartley was representing Jim Trakas.

David Varda explained to me that he could not call himself a candidate for State Auditor until Betty Montgomery officially declares her candidacy for governor. 
However, he has been vigorously crisscrossing the state attending Lincoln Day Dinners, shaking hands, and kissing babies (not babes).

Auditor Betty Montgomery was the keynote speaker.
She talked about the many problems that Ohio faces and her vision for a much brighter future.
Regarding her candidacy for governor, she said, "I don't seek this important office to be a manager. Managers can be hired. I don't come to this challenge to be the master of the clever sound bite. Others have done that far better than I can. I'm running for Governor to LEAD."
Betty hesitantly and briefly talked about her faith.
It was obviously a very deep and personal issue with her.
She mentioned that as a child, her family founded a church.
The audience applauded when she brought up the issue of the Ohio Marriage Amendment and that there was never any question in her mind about supporting it.
Once again, the audience applauded when Betty talked about how, as Attorney General, she successfully defended the state's motto: "With God All Things Are Possible."

The more I hear from Betty Montgomery, the more I like her.

March 15, 2005
Chairman Bennett and Governor Taft held a conference call to discuss his new tax plan.
More information can be found at http://www.jobsforohio.com/
I was distracted during the call because I was driving through Ironton and then attending the Lawrence County Lincoln Day Dinner.
But, it was clear to me that the governor is pushing hard for the plan and Chairman Bennett is firmly behind it.

March 12, 2005
It was last week when I was informed that my eight-year-old daughter would be having her final tournament basketball game.
I had been looking forward to attending the Southern Ohio Chairman's Conference in Jackson.
Faced with a conundrum, I imagined the following conversation with my wife, Dottie, and daughter, Sarah:
John: I'm sorry that I'm going to miss the basketball game. But I have a prior commitment to attend a meeting in Jackson.
Dottie: Why is that meeting more important than your daughter's tournament and final basketball game of the season?
Sarah: Yeah dad. I am your ONLY daughter you know.
John: You two don't understand. This is an important meeting and many important people will be there.
Dottie: Why do you think that you are so d*** important that you have to attend all of these stupid meetings?
Sarah: Yeah dad. All you care about is your politics.
John: That is not the case at all. You see, I have to attend to ensure that the pro-family position is represented.
Dottie: Pro-family? Ha!!! You mean the hypocritical position!!!
Sarah: Yeah dad. Hypo... whatever mom just said.
I enjoyed the game.
Sarah's team won 8-to-4 and she scored two of the points.
Her team finished the season in third place.
And she is very proud of her trophy.

Special thanks to Jeff Hardin who attended the meeting in Jackson as my representative.

March 8, 2005
Chairman Bennett held a conference call with the State Central Committeemen and the County Chairmen.
The topics were: The call was primarily focused on the new campaign finance law.
I asked about eligibility requirements for the steering committee.
Those positions will not be limited to just County Chairmen or State Central Committeemen.
Any Republican activist is free to apply.
Contact the Ohio Republican Party for more information: 614-228-2481

March 7, 2005
About 30 people enjoyed breakfast and listened to Secretary of State Ken Blackwell at the Queen City Club in downtown Cincinnati.
Mr. Blackwell talked about his credentials as a Christian, a social conservative, and a fiscal conservative.
He displayed polling numbers as of December 31, 2004: It was not only a pleasure to chat with Mr. Blackwell, but also Jeff Hardin, Jack Gruber, Dan Unger, and Rick Porotsky.

Future Events
March 22, 2005
Phil Heimlich to make a special announcement. (Gee, I wonder what that might be?)
Free tour, food, and drinks at the Reds Hall of Fame from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Contact Tom Brinkman for more information

March 31, 2005
Citizens for Community Values (CCV) Annual Banquet
Keynote Speaker: Alan Sears, CEO, Alliance Defense Fund (ADF)
Xavier University, Cintas Center, Schiff Family Conference Center at 6:30 PM
Contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or Info@CCV.org

April 3, 2005
First Annual Fun 'n Gun in West Union from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Sponsored by Ohioans for Concealed Carry PAC and the Tactical Defense Institute

April 4, 2005
Union Township (Clermont County) Central Committee Meeting
7:30 PM at the UT Civic Center

April 5, 2005
Celebration of Life at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Cincinnati
Keynote speaker: Steve Forbes
Master of Ceremonies: Secretary of State Ken Blackwell
Contact Life Issues Institute at 513-729-3600

April 7, 2005
Athens County Lincoln Day Dinner at 6:30 PM
Keynote speaker: Mary Taylor
Call Pete Couladis (740-592-2814) for details.

April 12, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

April 19, 2005
Ohio Family Lobby Day in Columbus
8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Adults: ($25 each before 4/8/05, $35 after)
Couples: ($45 per couple before 4/8/05, $65 after)
Children: 12 and under ($10 each before 4/8/05, $20 after)
(cost covers materials for the issues briefing and lunch)
Contact Greg Quinlan at 513-435-1125 for more information

April 20, 2005
Clermont County Executive Committee meeting at 5:30 PM
Clermont County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

April 21, 2005
Banquet for Life at the Hyatt in downtown Cincinnati for the Pregnancy Center East
Keynote speaker: Secretary of State Ken Blackwell
Social at 5:30 and dinner from 7:00 - 9:00

May 5, 2005
National Day of Prayer
12:00 PM on the courthouse steps in Batavia

May 6, 2005
Union Township (Clermont County) Bowling Party
7:00 PM at Cherry Grove Lanes
$15 includes three games and shoes

May 10, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

May 17, 2005
Citizens for Community Values (CCV) Annual Golf Classic
The Golf Center at King's Island at 12:00 PM
Contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or Info@CCV.org

May 20, 2005
Republican State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 AM

June 11, 2005
First Annual Ronald Reagan Memorial Picnic at the Adams County Fairgrounds

June 14, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

July 12, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

August 9, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

September 13, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

September 30, 2005
Republican State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 AM

October 11, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

November 8, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

December 2, 2005
Republican State Central Committee meeting in Columbus at 9:00 AM

December 13, 2005
Scioto County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

February 10, 2006
Clermont County Lincoln Day Dinner
_________________________________________________
John Becker
Republican State Central Committeeman
Ohio's 14th Senate District
Clermont, Brown, Adams, Scioto, and Lawrence Counties
513-753-6440
http://www.BeckerGOP.com
mailto:John@BeckerGOP.com
http://www.BeckerGOP.com/TheBeckerReport.htm