FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONTACT: Christopher Maloney (614) 214-1344

Columbus - Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine made the following announcement at the 2011 Ohio Republican Party State Dinner & Presidential Straw Poll:

"I would like to congratulate Governor Mitt Romney for his strong 1^st place showing in the 2011 Ohio Republican Party Presidential Straw Poll," Chairman DeWine said.

"Ohio has undergone a political transformation since 2008. We have seen first-hand the radical left-wing agenda and failed economic policies forced upon us by Barack Obama with the help of his left-hand man, Sherrod Brown; and we reject it. The energy, enthusiasm and excitement here in Cleveland this evening, and across the Buckeye State, for our qualified presidential candidates is proof that Ohio Republicans are ready to once again return a Republican to the White House in 2012."

2011 Ohio Republican Party Presidential Straw Poll Results:

1^st Place: MITT ROMNEY 25%

2^nd Place: Tim Pawlenty 16%

3^rd Place: Michele Bachmann 15%

4^th Place: Rick Perry 14%*

5^th Place: Ron Paul 9%

6^th Place - TIE: Herman Cain 5%

6^th Place - TIE: Rick Santorum 5%

7^th Place: Newt Gingrich 3%

8^th Place: Jon Huntsman 2%

OTHER WRITE-IN: 6%

*Received as a write-in candidate