The Becker Report
Volume I
Issue XX
October 18, 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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The Becker Report continues to grow in popularity.
I now have well over 300 subscribers.
Additionally, at least one liberal blog is using my newsletter as a reference: http://loganselm.blogspot.com/

Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Exam
Some of you may recall that I spent about six weeks during June and July cramming for the CTP exam.
I am pleased to report that I PASSED.
The CTP designation, coupled with my MBA, provides me the credentials that I need to obtain a position in the field of Treasury and Cash Management.
I'm still looking for a job, so please let me know if you have any suggestions or leads.

Meeting with Glenn Mathews and Chris McNulty
After the last State Central Committee meeting in Columbus, I walked over to Ohio Republican Party HQ to meet with CFO Glenn Mathews and Executive Director Chris McNulty.
We had frank discussions regarding ORP income, expenses, the direction of the Party, and some specific issues unique to Clermont County.
During my one-on-one with Mr. McNulty, I confessed to him that, in the past, my opinion of the ORP had been negative.
Additionally, I let him know that my opinion had changed.
Since being elected to the State Central Committee, about 18 months ago, I have observed the leadership and management of the Party.
At all levels, I have found the leadership and staff to be professional, dedicated, and fair.
The effectiveness of the ORP is legendary.
We control every statewide office, both Houses of the legislature, the Ohio Supreme Court, and the majority of US Congressional seats.
What is not so obvious is the efficiency.
The Party operates on a "shoestring budget" and gets an enormous "bang for the buck."
The way I see it: The ORP is a "well oiled machine."
After studying the numbers, I have a whole new appreciation for the leadership's and staff's level of dedication.
Take my word for it: Nobody is there for the money.
The next time you see your ORP Field Representative, say "thank you."
They work hard and deserve to be appreciated, respected, and praised.

Ohio's November 8, 2005 Ballot Issues
State Issue 1 - Third Frontier/Bond Issue
Supported by Governor Taft, and the Ohio Republican Party.
Opposed by Ohio Christian Coalition, Cincinnati Right to Life, Warren County Right to Life, The Buckeye Institute, Ohio Taxpayer's Association, Ohio Roundtable, Mission America, COAST, and other groups that are either fiscally and/or socially conservative.

State Issue 2 - Expands Absentee Voting
Opposed by the Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Christian Coalition, Cincinnati Right to Life, and Warren County Right to Life.

State Issue 3 - Political Contribution Limits
Opposed by the Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Christian Coalition, Cincinnati Right to Life, and Warren County Right to Life.

State Issue 4 - Provides for the Redrawing of Legislative Districts
Opposed by the Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Christian Coalition, Ohio Right to Life, Cincinnati Right to Life, and Warren County Right to Life.

State Issue 5 - Creates a Board to Oversee Elections
Opposed by the Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Christian Coalition, Cincinnati Right to Life, and Warren County Right to Life.

The Ohio Republican Party is very strongly opposing Issues 2, 3, 4, and 5.
For more information, go to the Ohio First web site.
Click here to watch their TV ad.

It is imperative that these four issues be defeated!!!
The most apocalyptic of these is probably Issue 3.
Greater amounts of money would be redirected from the State Party to unregulated and unaccountable 527 groups.
And we all remember what problems that caused during the last presidential election.
The labor unions would also be a major beneficiary.

Issue 4 ranks nearly as high because of the chaos that would ensue during the 2008 election cycle.
The redrawing of districts, under the plan, would be the responsibility of unelected and unaccountable "citizens."
Furthermore, the "score" that the plan would attempt to reach would most certainly require a convoluted and confusing patchwork of new legislative districts.
New districts would be redrawn for State House, State Senate, and US Congressional seats.

Issue 5 is the next worst.
The Secretary of State would no longer be responsible for regulating and monitoring fair elections.
Again, unelected and unaccountable "citizens" would be in charge.

The problem with Issue 2 is the dramatically increased opportunity for fraud and the removal of local control from the counties.
John Hritz, the conservative Republican candidate for Ohio Treasurer of State, announced his strong opposition to ballot issues 2, 3, 4 and 5 that will appear on the November 8 ballot statewide.
“These ballot issues are a coordinated and underhanded attempt by liberal special interest groups to hijack our election process,” said Hritz. “These groups are taking an elections system that works and are trying to break it because they have been unsuccessful in winning fair elections.”
State Issues 2 through 5 would constitutionally change important components of the Ohio election process regarding absentee voting, campaign contribution regulations, redrawing legislative districts, and election oversight. The ballot initiatives replace the accountability of elected officials with an appointed panel with which voters would have no recourse. Groups supporting these initiatives include traditionally liberal-leaning organizations such as the Rockefeller family, George Soros, Common Cause, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio, Stonewall Democrats, and the Sierra Club of Ohio.
“These ballot issues are a deceitful attempt to deny Ohio voters the impartial oversight and accountability necessary to ensure honest and fair elections. The groups supporting these initiatives are so desperate to advance their private political agendas that they would eliminate fundamental election safeguards,” Hritz said.
“Ballot issues two, three, four and five will hurt Ohio, and I challenge Ohio’s Republican elected officials and legislators to stand with me for Ohio values and against these deceptive efforts,” Hritz said.

2nd Congressional District Election News
Tom Brinkman, Paul Hall, and Bob McEwen are considering running against Jean Schmidt.
At most, only one of them will run.
If Bob McEwen chooses not to run, Paul Hall may decide to go for it.
If those two punt, Tom Brinkman may give it a second try.
Watch his web site for future announcements: http://www.gobrinkman.com/
Jean's campaign manager, Joe Braun, is convinced that Jean will not have a primary challenge.
I hope that he is correct.

Gubernatorial Election News
Ken Blackwell, Betty Montgomery, and Jim Petro remain the three candidates.
Phil Heimlich is with Jim Petro and remains the only named candidate for Lt. Governor.

U.S. Senate Election News
Retired USAF Lt.Col. John Mitchel and Bill Pierce are challenging Senator Mike DeWine.
Bob McEwen is also a potential contender. See http://bobmcewenforsenate.com/Page1.html

Secretary of State Election News
Ann Womer Benjamin, Greg Hartmann, and Jim Trakas are the candidates.
Rob Montgomery was also mentioned.

State Auditor Election News
Mary Taylor is the only candidate.
David Varda has decided not to run.

Attorney General Election News
Ron O'Brien, David Yost, and Tim Grendell appear to be candidates.

State Treasurer Election News
Jennette Bradley is being challenged by John Hritz.

6th Congressional District Election News
Danny Harmon, Chuck Blasdel, Tim Ginter, and Richard Holt have been campaigning.

88th Ohio House District Election News
Paul Hall is considering challenging Danny Bubp.

Ohio Supreme Court Election News
Chairman Bennett has formed a screening committee for potential candidates.
Kay Ayres is the committee chairman.
The filing deadline for candidates is February 16, 2006.
Twelfth District Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Powell is seeking Party endorsement to run against liberal Democrat Alice Resnick.

Other Candidates
Bob McGee and Barb Wiedenbein are running for reelection for Union Twp Trustee (Clermont County).
Ed Humphrey sent me the following:

Three Republicans are running as incumbents for Miami Township Trustee (Clermont County).
www.EdHumphrey.com, www.MaryWolff.org, and www.KenTracy.net.
All three have opposition.
Mary and Ed are running for 4-year terms and Ken Tracy is running for a 2-year term.
Ken was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Joe Uecker was elected to the House of Representatives.

After eight years of serving as Pierce Twp Trustee, Curt Hartman has decided to run for Clermont County School Board (Clermont County Educational Service Center).
Jo Ann Beamer is running for her last term on the West Clermont School Board.
The Brown County GOP has endorsed Stan Purdy for Municipal Court Judge.
Michelle Jowers, President of the Brown County Republican Club, is a candidate for Pike Township Trustee.
Mike Munoz is a candidate for Hamilton Twp Trustee in Warren County.
David R Smith is a candidate for Deerfield Twp Trustee in Warren County.

Past Events
October 6, 2005
Cincinnati Right to Life held a very successful fundraiser at the Hyatt in Cincinnati.
About 600 people attended to hear Gianna Jessen's powerful story.
Special thanks to Jeff Eichhorn who invited me to sit at Jim Petro's table.
Other table guests included Tom Brinkman, Phil Heimlich, Joe Platte, and Dan Unger.
I greeted a number of additional people including Greg Hartmann, Joe Uecker, Peter Schmidt, Lori Viars, Mike Vollette, Brad Mattes, Paula Westwood, John Hritz, Mike McNamara, Bob Schuler, Sam Malone, and Chris Monzel.
October 5, 2005
About 40 people attended the Anderson Twp (Hamilton County) Republican Club meeting.
In addition to the locals, State Senator Bob Schuler gave an update on happenings in Columbus.
Not to be outdone, State Representative Tom Brinkman also gave an update.
Tom also discussed State Issue 1 and urged the audience to vote no.
I spoke in opposition to State Issues 2, 3, 4, and 5 and strongly urged their defeat.
Upon my request, Tom Brinkman also made some additional comments in opposition to those issues.
As you would expect, the legendary Whistleblower was dutifully taking notes.

October 1, 2005
Nearly 40 people attended the Southern Ohio Chairman's Conference in Jackson.
Keynote speaker, Bob Bennett, mostly talked about the importance of the county parties and the state ballot issues.
John Hritz, candidate for State Treasurer, presented his family values platform.
Marilyn Ashcraft represented Jennette Bradley.
Chuck Blasdel talked about his race for the 6th Congressional District.
Ann Womer Benjamin discussed her candidacy for Secretary of State.
She also assured the crowd that she is pro-life and pro-gun rights.
Sean Bartley represented Jim Trakas.
Pete Couladis represented Jim Petro.
Dana Walch represented Ken Blackwell.
My colleagues on the State Central Committee included Kay Ayres, Phil Bowman, and Kay Reynolds.
Glen Chapman and Jeff Hardin represented Clermont County.

September 30, 2005
Karl Rove addressed the Republican State Central Committee meeting via conference call.
The primary reason for his call was to support Senator Mike DeWine who is running for reelection.
He also gave us a brief Washington update.
Upon asking for questions, I encouraged Mr. Rove regarding the threatened filibuster of the next Supreme Court nominee.
"Bring it on," I said.
My colleagues seemed to agree with my sentiment.

A few minutes later, like Karl Rove, Senator DeWine called.
After his monologue, I asked for the Senator's comments regarding the threatened filibuster.
He stated that he didn't expect a filibuster and would vote to break one if necessary.

During executive session, we discussed all five state ballot issues in detail.
And our lunchtime keynote speaker was State Representative and candidate for State Auditor, Mary Taylor.

September 28, 2005
Between 100 and 150 people attended a Ken Blackwell fundraiser at the home of Ron Beshear in Montgomery.
Ken talked about the state ballot issues and discussed the involvement of George Soros in them.
He also gave a campaign update and credited the Ohio Marriage Amendment for George Bush winning Ohio and therefore a second term.
Ken also fielded a few questions from his enthusiastic supporters.
Subsequent comments covered taxes and spending and his 65-cent classroom initiative.
The other keynote speaker was Anthony Munoz.
In addition to the above, it was a pleasure to see Lara Maston (Campaign Chairman), Tony Maas (JTM Food Group), and Mike Vollette (Life Issues Institute) again.
I also met some new people including Pierre Paroz and Steve Kappers from American Micro Products.
And Mike Giannotta who is with National Bank & Trust.

September 26, 2005
The parade for the Brown County fair was, once again, a huge event.
In support of Michelle Jowers for Trustee, I rode on a truck with Bill Herdman, Gary Himes, Audrey Worthington, Doris Charles, Roxanne Malone, Mary Glasgow, Tom Niehaus, Danny Bubp, and Tina Meranda.
It was also a pleasant surprise to see my friends Mike and Cathy Smith on the parade route.

September 22, 2005
Bob McGee held a very successful fundraiser at Kennedys Landing in Eastgate.
Many of Clermont County's notables also attended.

September 21, 2005
About 50 people attended the Clermont County Central Committee meeting in Batavia.
May 2, 2006 primary candidate requests for endorsement must be made before January 1, 2006.

Future Events
October 19, 2005
Clermont County Central Committee meeting at 7:00 PM

October 20, 2005
Athens County GOP Fall Dinner
5:30 Social and 6:30 Dinner
Keynote Speaker: State Rep. Jim Trakas
Contact Pete Couladis: 740-592-2814

October 27, 2005
Washington County Reagan Day Dinner
5:30 Social and 6:30 Dinner
Keynote Speaker: Attorney General Jim Petro
Contact Marilyn Ashcraft: 740-350-5845

October 30, 2005
Reception for State Representative Danny Bubp at Jazzatti's Rental Hall in Williamsburg from 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Keynote speaker: Congressman Jean Schmidt
Cost: $50 per person or $100 per couple/family
Call 800-DAN-BUBP or 937-544-2581 for more information.

November 8, 2005
Election Day

November 11 - 12
Statewide Leadership Summit at the Columbus Convention Center

December 1, 2005
Chairman Bennett's Annual Christmas Party
6:00 - 8:00 PM for $100
Contact Rita Graham at 614-228-2481

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

December 7, 2005
Anderson Twp (Hamilton County) Republican Club meeting
Speakers: Greg Hartmann and Jim Trakas

December 13, 2005
Brown County Republican meeting at the Georgetown library at 7:00 PM

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

January 1, 2006
Clermont County's deadline for May 2, 2006 primary candidate requests for endorsement
(This date is approximate and subject to change.)

January 9, 2006
Union Twp (Clermont County) Central Committee meeting
7:30 PM at the UT Civic Center

February 4, 2006
Southern Ohio Chairmen's Conference in Jackson at 9:30 AM
Contact Chairman Rodney Barnett for more information: 740-778-2110

February 10, 2006
Clermont County Lincoln Day Dinner at the Eastgate Holiday Inn

February 18, 2006
Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner

April 1, 2006
Southern Ohio Chairmen's Conference in Jackson at 9:30 AM
Contact Chairman Rodney Barnett for more information: 740-778-2110

April 5, 2006
Anderson Twp (Hamilton County) Republican Club meeting

May 2, 2006
Primary Election

June 3, 2006
Southern Ohio Chairmen's Conference in Jackson at 9:30 AM
Contact Chairman Rodney Barnett for more information: 740-778-2110
_________________________________________________
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