Month: December 2019

Chairman’s Update 12-15-19

Posted on by ohiogop
Good Evening,
Republicans had a major win this past week when House Democrats finally agreed to back a new version of the USMCA trade deal. Once Democrats saw their sham impeachment proceedings backfire, they decided it was time to stand with the president in putting America first. Once passed, this trade deal will spur economic growth, create new jobs and increase wages, bringing our relationship with Canada and Mexico into the 21st century. This is a huge victory for President Trump, Ohioans, and Americans across the country.
On Monday, I will be filing for President Trump to be on the ballot for Ohio’s primary election so that we can continue to Keep America Great!
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
On CNBC, Portman Highlights Importance of Passing USMCA to Strengthen Economy & Create Jobs
In an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box last week, Senator Rob Portman highlighted the economic benefits of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement, which will strengthen our economy and support American workers, farmers, and manufacturers. Portman supports the USMCA because it will create new jobs, expand opportunities for agricultural trade, encourage new opportunities for auto jobs in America, and add a new section on digital trade to make online sales easier. Portman has actively called for Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats to bring USMCA to a vote in the House and he released a statement on the announcement that a deal has been reached to bring USMCA to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives.
His interview can be found here.
Governor DeWine Signs Human Trafficking, Veterans Bills; Discusses President Trump’s Re-Election with Fox Business
On Thursday, Governor DeWine signed two bills: Senate Bill 5, which strengthens penalties for those convicted of promoting human trafficking; and Senate Bill 77, which designates June 12 as Women Veteran’s Day. Earlier in the week, Governor DeWine discussed both President Trump’s reelection efforts in Ohio, as well as General Motors Company’s partnership with LG Chem to create 1,100 new jobs in the Lordstown-area with Stuart Varney on Varney & Co. on Fox Business. 
Husted Launches Tool to Attract Students to In-Demand Occupations
Last week, Lt. Governor Husted announced the launch of Ohio’s updated list of In-Demand Jobs. The list helps direct the investment of federal workforce training funds to industries and positions with the greatest need for trained workers. The Lt. Governor’s InnovateOhio program also designed a new online dashboard for the list to make it more useful to Ohioans looking for the right career path. It also provides a powerful new tool for guidance counselors and career counselors to help would-be students and trainees. You can view the new list and tools at TopJobs.Ohio.gov.
AGs Yost and Nessel Lead Bipartisan Coalition to Fight Fentanyl
Attorney General Dave Yost and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel were joined by all 56 attorneys general last week in calling for Congress to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration issued a temporary scheduling order last year, which allows federal law enforcement to bring criminal actions against those who handle, manufacture or distribute fentanyl-related substances. The classification is set to expire in less than two months.
In the bipartisan letter, Yost and Nessel urge Congress to pass S. 2701, the Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act, which was introduced by Sen. Rob Portman and Joe Manchin.
“Fentanyl is a catastrophic killer that warrants a spot in the top tier of deadly drugs,” Yost said. “If this dangerous, highly addictive opioid isn’t a Schedule I drug, then why even have drug classifications?”
LaRose’s efforts to combat voter fraud receive national attention
This week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose referred 18 individuals to prosecutors for allegedly voting twice in the 2018 election. Through a multi-state partnership program called ERIC, LaRose was able to identify voters who appear to have cast ballots in two states and hold them accountable.
“These are small numbers out of a state of 7.6 million registered voters, but there’s no such thing as an acceptable level of voter fraud,” said LaRose.
This week, Ohio received national attention for LaRose’s work combating voter fraud. Check out this article in RealClearPolitics for more.
Auditor of State Keith Faber Visits All 88 Counties in First Year
After being sworn in, Auditor of State Keith Faber made a promise to visit every county in the state and seek feedbacks from citizens on how Ohio can be more efficient, effective, and transparent. Last week, Auditor Faber held a meeting in his 88th county, fulfilling his promise. In his first year alone, Auditor Faber has had over 100 meetings with local elected officials and citizens to identify opportunities to improve our state.
Sprague Touts Priority Initiatives, First Year in Office
On Thursday, Treasurer Sprague was in Canton to take part in the latest Impact Ohio regional conference. During his remarks, Sprague highlighted his first year in office, provided details about recently announced initiatives involving adoption and the Ohio Checkbook, and touted the various ways the Treasurer’s office is supporting local governments across Ohio.
Christmas Breakfast to OMA Endorsement – Justice Kennedy Celebrates a Great Week
Justice Sharon L. Kennedy began her week as the keynote speaker at the Champaign County Christmas Breakfast. Instead of a traditional political a speech – she delivered a message of hope.
Speaking about the founding documents she highlighted the references to God in the Declaration of Independence and the ardent protection of religious liberty in the First Amendment and the Northwest Ordinance. Kennedy then discussed the National Republican Party Platform pledge to protect and defend religious liberty and her own life of faith from a small child to today – being able to worship in the religion and church of her choice.
Justice Kennedy reminded everyone that there is much to be grateful for. “We should be grateful for America, grateful for our liberty and freedom and for those who protect it, and grateful for religious freedom – Merry Christmas,” she said.
Sharon’s week ended with the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association announcing their board’s unanimous endorsement for her re-election to the Supreme Court of Ohio.
“The court can have a tremendous impact on the business climate in Ohio, and Justice Kennedy is the right choice for Ohio’s manufacturers and businesses,” said OMA-PAC Chairman Billy Vickers, president and CEO of the Dublin, Ohio-based manufacturing firm Modular Assembly Innovations – Great Lakes Assemblies (MAI-GLA). “She is committed to upholding the Ohio Constitution and strictly interpreting the law, not legislating from the bench. We encourage Ohioans to vote for Justice Kennedy.”
Justice French Files for Re-Election
Justice French filed for re-election this week after collecting signatures from thousands of Ohioans across the state.

Press Release: Justice French Files for Re-Election to the Ohio Supreme Court

Posted on by ohiogop
 

Justice French Files for Re-Election to the Ohio Supreme Court

 

COLUMBUS – Justice Judi French filed petitions today for re-election to her second full term to the Supreme Court of Ohio.

 
 

“The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee was proud to endorse Justice Judi French,” said ORP Chairman Jane Timken. “Justice French has served the public in a number of roles throughout her two-decades long career in public service, and has even been appointed by the United States Supreme Court to sit on a Federal Appellate Rule Committee.”

 

Chairman Timken went on to say, “Having visited all 88 counties, Justice French is committed to Ohioans. She will travel those counties many more times over the course of the next year leading up to the 2020 election. Her passion for equal justice along with her wide range of experience makes her an excellent choice to continue to serve as a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court. It is crucial that Ohioans across the state show up on Election Day to support Justice French as well as Justice Kennedy, who also recently filed for re-election.”

 

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Chairman’s Update 12-08-19

Posted on by ohiogop
Good Evening,
Thank you to those of you that joined us at our annual Christmas Party last Thursday. It was a festive night in celebration of the holiday season and a great way to end 2019.
The November jobs report was released last week with all signs pointing to strong economic success across the country. More than 250,000 jobs were created in November alone, and the unemployment rate decreased to 3.5%, tying a 50-year low. Democrats continue to question the legitimacy of President Trump’s presidency and leadership, with total disregard to all he has accomplished.
The Democrats have never been concerned with what is good for America. They are simply bent on attacking our president for their own political gain. As we head into 2020 we will continue to tout these statistics and stick up for conservative beliefs as we stand by President Trump.
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party
U.S. Senate Confirms Doug Cole to U.S. District Court for Southern Ohio
This week, with the support of U.S. Senator Rob Portman, the United States Senate confirmed Doug Cole to the as U.S. Federal District Court Judge for the Southern District of Ohio. This Southern District has court locations in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton and serves more than five million Ohioans in 48 counties. The Senate has now confirmed over 170 of the federal judges that President Trump has nominated to the bench, including two Justices on the U.S. Supreme Court, 48 judges to the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, and 120 judges to U.S. District Courts.
“I applaud the Senate for confirming Doug Cole to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio,” said Senator Portman. “He is one of the most experienced and well-respected litigators in Ohio, a talented individual who believes that the job of a judge is to apply our nation’s laws and Constitution as they are written. I’m confident that he will make Ohio proud.”
Governor DeWine Announces Creation of Expedited Pardon Project
On Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced a new project that will expedite the process for certain former criminal offenders to apply to receive a pardon in Ohio. The Ohio Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project, which will operate in partnership among the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), The Ohio State University, and The University of Akron, will simplify Ohio’s lengthy clemency process for certain rehabilitated citizens who have consistently demonstrated that they’ve become contributing members of society.
Lieutenant Governor Traveled to Michigan for Closing of Deal That Will Bring 1,100 New Jobs to Northeast Ohio
Last week, Lt. Governor Jon Husted traveled to Warren, Michigan for the closing of a deal that will bring 1,100 new automotive manufacturing jobs to Northeast Ohio. The deal between General Motors (GM) and LG Chem represents a $2.6 billion investment to establish a facility to manufacture lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. “With electric vehicles changing automotive manufacturing, today’s announcement is an important win for Ohio, because we are now positioned to play a larger role in the future of the automotive industry,” the Lt. Governor said.
Yost Announces 116 Felony Counts for Cleveland Theft Ring
Attorney General Dave Yost and Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley announced the indictments of seven individuals on 116 felony counts for their roles in an organized theft operation in northeast Ohio. The charges include grand theft, conspiracy, breaking and entering and vandalism, among others.
“These thieves fenced stolen goods across municipal lines, hoping that by spreading out their crimes, they would evade law enforcement,” Yost said. “Too bad for them we have the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, which has no boundary lines, and was able to piece it all together to get results.”
The indictments are the result of an investigation conducted by the Property Crimes Task Force, which is housed within the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and led by the Cleveland Division of Police.
LaRose Refers 77 Suspected Non-Citizen Voters To Attorney General
This week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose identified 77 individuals who cast a ballot in an Ohio election and 277 individuals who registered to vote and who appear to be legally present, non-citizens. LaRose referred these individuals to the Attorney General’s office for further investigation and possible criminal prosecution.
“Thanks to the controls and processes of our election system, both voter fraud and voter suppression are exceedingly rare,” said LaRose. “However, neither are ever acceptable — even in rare or isolated instances. The only way to continue this high standard is by committing to enforce the law when it is broken.”
Read more about it here.
Auditor Faber Promotes Government Transparency
Auditor of State Keith Faber unveiled a new ratings system for local governments that will give each entity a grade for how well they comply with Ohio’s public record and open meeting laws. Auditor Faber has made increasing government transparency a priority in his administration. To read more about this new initiative check out this article from the Toledo Blade
Treasurer Sprague Provides Year-End Update on Ag-LINK, Aid to Ohio’s Farmers
On Wednesday, Treasurer Sprague provided a recap of this summer’s re-opening of the Ag-LINK program. Re-opened in July following the extreme weather that devastated farmers and agribusinesses across Ohio, the application period closed on November 15.
Over the course of three months, more than 150 new and reduced interest loans totaling $18.3 million were made available through the Treasurer’s office.
“I’m proud to be part of a program that, for more than 36 years, has increased opportunities for Ohio’s agriculture community to operate and thrive,” Treasurer Sprague said. “This year, Ag-LINK supported farmers and agribusinesses as they worked to curb the losses caused by unpredictable, severe weather. We’re proud to have provided this assistance during a difficult year and we’ll be ready as farmers prepare for next year’s growing season.”
A new application period for Ag-LINK is expected to open in early 2020.
You can read more here.
Justice Kennedy Finds Time to Speak to Students of All Ages
While taking to the highways, byways, and backroads of Ohio speaking to voters, civic organizations, and Republican Clubs Justice Sharon L. Kennedy always finds time to speak to – all ages – of Ohio’s youth.
At Zane Trace High School she spoke to the entire Junior and Senior student body about living your American Dream. Speaking to two American Politics classes at the University of Cincinnati Clermont County Campus she discussed the interrelated topics of the founding of America, our tripartite system of government, and the limited role the judicial branch has in that tripartite system of government.
And at the Licking County Homeschooler Clubhouse Kennedy, using her educational book, “The Ohio Judicial System & You,” she talked about how every Ohioan is connected to the judicial branch of Ohio. Taking students back-in time to the shot heard round the world through modern day she discussed the founding documents of both the United States and State of Ohio, our constitutional right to vote for judges and the inner workings of the judicial system – from Mayor’s Courts to the Supreme Court of Ohio.
Justice French Spent Her Week Traveling to 7 Ohio Counties
Justice French had a busy week where she traveled to 7 different counties across Ohio. In addition to her meetings and events, Judi spoke to two Rotaries, a women’s club and GOP lunches in Richland and Allen Counties.

Press Release: Justice Kennedy Files for Re-Election to the Ohio Supreme Court

Posted on by ohiogop
 

Justice Kennedy Files for Re-Election to the Ohio Supreme Court

 

COLUMBUS – Justice Sharon L. Kennedy filed petitions today for re-election to her third term to the Supreme Court of Ohio. In 2014, Kennedy had a strong victory, winning in all 88 counties and receiving 73 percent of the vote. Kennedy first joined the court in 2012.

 

“I am honored to be the endorsed Republican candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio,” said Justice Kennedy. “Since 1851 Ohioans have been voting for judges and I look forward to meeting with and talking to voters in all corners of the state about my 34 years of diverse experience and service in the justice system and my work beyond the court to advance the treatment of servicemembers and veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war. There are 336 days left until Election Day, November 3, 2020 and I respectfully ask all Ohioans for their vote.”

 

 

“The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee was proud to endorse Justice Sharon Kennedy,” said ORP Chairman Jane Timken. “She has devoted her career to serving in our justice system, from enforcing the law as a police officer, to defending the constitutional rights of families and juveniles as a solo practitioner, to applying the law as it is written, not legislating from the bench, both as a judge in Butler County and as a Justice on the Ohio Supreme Court. That unique diverse experience makes her a strong choice to serve as a Justice. On Election Day it is crucial that Ohioans show up and support Justice Sharon Kennedy, as well as Justice Judi French who will also be filing for re-election.”

 

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Chairman’s Update 12-01-19

Posted on by ohiogop
Good Evening,
From my family to yours, I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family, friends, and good food. I am continuously thankful for the support you give our party and am grateful for the opportunity to be its Chairman.
Although we are looking forward to all that the new year will bring, the holiday season is a great reminder to slow down, spend time with loved ones, and that family is what truly matters at the end of the day.
Lastly, if you’re interested in celebrating Christmas with all of us at the ORP, please join us at our annual Christmas Party on December 5th!
Sincerely,
Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party