LTE: Ohio Republican Party Endorsed the Clear Choice in 2024

DEAR EDITOR: I recently read your Editorial Board Roundtable regarding the Ohio Republican Party’s endorsement of Donald Trump for President in 2024. There are some things that your readers should understand despite some members of your board using incendiary rhetoric such as “wannabe dictators.”

The Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee is comprised of 66 elected members—one man and one woman from each Ohio Senate district. While these are not paid positions, these individuals spend an extraordinary amount of time ensuring the Ohio Republican Party is making decisions that helps us accomplish our core mission of electing Republican candidates up and down the ballot.

The committee operates in a transparent manner with members of the media and everyday citizens attending every meeting. There is absolutely nothing about this process, or their selfless service, that would suggest our members were acting as “dictators” when they voted to endorse President Trump.

Now getting down to the matter at hand: While we appreciate all of the Republican candidates who are passionately making their case to the American people, it is clear that President Trump is the right choice in this moment. In fact, the question of the 2024 Presidential primary election, by any kind of tangible metric, is nothing short of a foregone conclusion.

Polling data shows that President Trump is leading the rest of the Republican field by nearly 50 points. In Iowa and South Carolina he is leading by approximately 30 points, and in New Hampshire he is leading by more than 25. The list goes on.

In fact, a recent Morning Consult shows President Trump leading the rest of the Republican field by nearly 60 points here in Ohio.

After four Republican primary debates, not a single candidate has been able to gain any kind of meaningful traction that would suggest they are going to be in a position to defeat President Trump. That is not to say that these individuals do not have anything to offer, but it has become increasingly clear that this is not their time. Much to the chagrin of many members of the media, President Trump is absolutely going to be the Republican nominee, whether the Ohio Republican Party endorsed him or not.

President Trump has proven time and again that despite the unhinged and relentless attacks from the radical left, he will never give up on fighting for Ohio’s workers, businesses and families. His unapologetic leadership and commitment to putting America First is exactly what we need to reverse course from the failed policies of Joe Biden and Sherrod Brown.

Those Republicans who disagree with President Trump’s style or tactics have every opportunity to make their case to primary voters, and they have been for many years. What remains abundantly clear is that not only will Trump win the Presidential Primary Election, but he is also well-positioned to defeat Joe Biden in 2024, especially here in Ohio.

Alex M. Triantafilou is Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party

Submitted to Cleveland.com on 12/12/23

California Regulations are Killing Ohio Auto Jobs

COLUMBUS—Democrats like Sherrod Brown and Marcy Kaptur have made it abundantly clear that they are ready to eliminate fossil fuels in the pursuit of a utopian green energy society. Their far-left buddies in California already want to move to 100% new zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035, but their actions have consequences.

Now, the California regulations are having a direct impact on workers right here in the Buckeye State:

Jeep workers also received a robocall from the company: “This action also is necessary to help the company manage sales of the vehicles we build to comply with California emissions regulation that are measured on a state-by-state basis,” it said, in part. “Unfortunately, this change will result in job losses … We know this is difficult news to hear.”

Now we know Brown and Kaptur will try to save face and pretend to care about Toledo workers, but the consequences of their party’s green energy agenda is certainly no surprise. Kaptur once said, “The Green New Deal sets parameters, let’s hope we can reach them,” and now she will have to look her constituents in the eye and explain why Democrats’ far-left policies are more important than their jobs.

Bottom Line: Green energy grifters like Sherrod Brown and Marcy Kaptur do not care if California regulations are sacrificing working Ohioans in the name of the climate cult. If it were up to them, they would do the same here in Ohio.

Ohio Republican Party 2024 Platform

Preamble

We are the Ohio Republican Party. We are dedicated to the preservation of our Constitutional Republic and the Liberty which it enshrines. These core values are the foundation upon which we build our Party. We welcome all who share them.

Life
We affirm the self-evident Truth that all people are created equal, including the unborn, and that they are endowed by their Creator with the Right to Life. The Ohio Republican Party stands in defense to protect this right.

Liberty
Liberty is the cornerstone of our democratic Republic and the source of individual freedom.  We will defend the rights of a free people against any form of unjust coercion in government, in religion, in business, in education, in healthcare, in self-defense, and in free expression.

Family
Family is the core of our civilization. The Ohio Republican Party will work to strengthen families and to defend the rights of parents to educate, raise their children with love and nurture them to reach their full potential without outside influence.

Government by the People
The Ohio Republican Party supports a government of, by and for the people and with the consent of the governed. We believe an orderly society of free citizens is best governed locally with the minimum amount of interference by the federal government.

Immigration and Border Security
We believe the Federal Government has an obligation and duty to protect and secure our borders and all points of entry. Our sovereignty is protected when immigration is done lawfully. We believe sanctuary cities violate federal law and endanger our citizens. A secure border protects Ohioans from the dangers inherent in uncontrolled entry of non-citizens to our nation.

Free Enterprise
We support the capitalist system of competitive free enterprise, believing that economic growth and prosperity lead to better lives for all Ohioans. We support measures to foster business creation and oppose burdensome business regulations. We support the rights of an individual to work the job of their choice with no coercion or interference.

Elections
The voice of the citizens of Ohio as expressed by their votes must be heard and protected through free, fair, and secure elections. The Ohio Republican Party supports all measures that ensure the integrity and security of our elections.

Right to Keep and Bear Arms
We support the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution which affirms the right of U.S. citizens to keep and bear arms so we might remain free and secure.

Education
Every child in Ohio deserves a quality education from a public, private, or home school.  We support curriculum standards that include Civics, History, our Constitution and founding documents. We oppose standards that seek to impose cultural and moral indoctrination. We affirm the rights of parents to determine how their children are educated.

Public Safety
The safety and protection of our citizens is the primary function of our government; therefore, we support law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The justice system should be fair to all, in accordance with our Constitution and our Bill of Rights.

Adopted by the Ohio Republican Party on 12/1/23

Ohio Republican Party Endorses President Donald J. Trump

COLUMBUS—Today, the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee met in Columbus, Ohio and proudly endorsed Donald J. Trump for President in 2024.

“President Trump has proven time and again that despite the unhinged and relentless attacks from the radical left, he will never give up on fighting for Ohio’s workers, businesses and families. His unapologetic leadership and commitment to putting America First is exactly what we need to reverse course from the failed policies of Joe Biden and Sherrod Brown.

Whether it is brokering peace deals, renegotiating bad trade policies, or making America energy independent, President Trump knows how to get things done. The sooner Republicans can coalesce around the clear choice at the top of the ticket, the sooner we can focus on the challenge of taking back the White House, flipping the U.S. Senate, and getting our country back on track.

While we appreciate all of the Republican candidates who are passionately making their case to the American people, it is clear that President Trump is the right choice in this moment.”—Chairman Alex M. Triantafilou, Ohio Republican Party

Background:

  • President Trump won Ohio by wide margins in both 2016 and 2020
  • According to the Real Clear Politics polling average, President Trump is currently favored to beat Joe Biden in 2024.
  • According to the Real Clear Politics polling average, President Trump is leading the Republican field by a nearly +50 spread.
  • Trump is the clear favorite in the 2024 presidential election among Ohio voters.

Ohio Republican Party Statement on Democrat Supreme Court Announcement

COLUMBUS—Today, Ohio Republican Party Executive Director Cameron Sagester released the following statement regarding the ODP’s Ohio Supreme Court announcement:

“With today’s announcement, the Ohio Democrat Party has chosen to double down on candidates who are soft on crime and will make our communities and families less safe. Justices Donnelly and Stewart will have to explain to the people of Ohio why they voted to prevent judges across Ohio from considering public safety when setting bail for those accused of violent crime, and Judge Forbes will have to explain to voters whether or not she agreed with the decision of her ticket mates.

In contrast, the Ohio Republican Party’s endorsed candidates, Justice Joe Deters, and Judges Megan Shanahan and Dan Hawkins, are all former prosecutors who know firsthand the impact judges have on the safety of the people of Ohio.

We look forward to presenting the choice between the experienced law officials of the Ohio Republican Party and the radical activists of the Ohio Democratic Party to voters in 2024.”

Background:
  • The Ohio Republican Party formally endorsed Justice Joe Deters, Judge Dan Hawkins, and Judge Megan Shanahan for Ohio Supreme Court in 2024.
    • The Ohio Republican Party will soon be announcing which seat the endorsed candidates will seek.
  • Deters, Hawkins and Shanahan are all former prosecutors who understand what it takes to keep Ohioans safe and dangerous criminals off our streets.
  • In 2022, Ohioans sent a clear message when Republicans swept all three Ohio Supreme Court races.

LTE: Biden and Brown Let Veterans Down

In his recent op-ed, Sherrod Brown claims to be a friend of veterans. The sad reality is that since Joe Biden took office, he and Sherrod Brown have let down our servicemen and women every step of the way.

The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster, with 73% of veterans having a negative view of the debacle. Brown remains silent when Joe Biden repeatedly disrespects our servicemembers. A Gold Star mother even described Biden’s conduct at dignified transfer ceremony as, ‘Total disrespect.

The unfortunate fact is, our military has reached crisis levels of low recruitment, and confidence in the US military is at the lowest in 25 years.

All this comes as Joe Biden and Democrats like Sherrod Brown embolden our enemies and degrade our allies’ confidence on the world stage.

This is a critical period of time, and the weakness shown by Biden and Brown is sending our country down a very dangerous course. Our veterans and service members deserve better than the failed leadership of Joe Biden and Sherrod Brown.

Alex Triantafilou is Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

Submitted to Delaware Gazette on 11/13/2023

Triantafilou: Every Ohioan should vote ‘no’ on Issue 1

As an unapologetically pro-life Ohioan and Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party, I personally see it as our duty to protect as many unborn babies as possible. Fighting for those who have not yet had an opportunity to have a voice of their own is fundamental.

However, as I have discussed this issue at length, I understand that there are many Ohioans who believe there should be some ability for women to obtain an abortion. How far into pregnancy that ability should exist seems to be the crux of the debate we are seeing unfold since the fall of Roe v Wade.

Complete abortion ban? Heartbeat Bill? Banned after the first trimester? Banned when the baby can feel pain or is viable? Coming to a consensus on what degree of restriction there should be on abortion is the heart of the abortion debate.

Where Democrats are missing the mark is that they have excluded themselves from having an honest conversation.

Whether it is Gavin Newsome in California or Sherrod Brown here in Ohio, Democrats are completely incapable of articulating what legal restrictions they are in favor of. Leading up to the 2022 election, I was amazed to watch someone like Tim Ryan, a formerly pro-life Democrat, completely subscribe to this idea that there should be zero restrictions on abortion. Clearly the old mantra of “safe, legal, and rare” is nothing but a relic in today’s Democrat party.

Now, Democrat extremism is on full display with Issue 1. Democrats are using the landmark Dobbs decision to push for the most radical and extreme proposal we have ever seen in Ohio.

Issue 1 is intentionally deceptive and was clearly constructed to eliminate all legal restrictions on abortion, so long as a Planned Parenthood abortionist declares it necessary.

This amendment also takes the dangerous step of allowing parents to be cut out of the decision-making process if their minor child becomes pregnant. Parents have a right to be involved in these life-changing decisions, yet Democrats are more than happy to cast them aside if it helps them achieve their goals.

Make no mistake, voting No on Issue 1 is not just for staunchly pro-life Ohioans. Even those who may consider themselves pro-choice should take a hard look at what this amendment will actually do. In the wake of the Dobbs decision, Democrats chose to push for the elimination of every restriction on the books, even up to the moment of birth.

This dangerous overreach is the decision they came to, and it is up to Ohio to search our collective conscience and realize that codifying unfettered abortion, on demand, even in the late stages of pregnancy, is not the answer.

Regardless of where you stand on what constitutes a reasonable restriction on abortion, Issue 1 is clearly bad for our state. Every Ohioan should vote “No” on Issue 1.

Author Alex Triantafilou is Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party

First appeared in Highland County Press on October 23, 2023.

LTE: Issue 1 Too Extreme for Ohio

DEAR EDITOR: Democrats and far-left abortion lobbyists would have you believe that Issue 1 is simply about codifying Roe v. Wade. In reality, this extreme amendment goes much further and is not in line with the vast majority of Ohioans’ values.

Roughly eighty percent of Americans believe abortion should be illegal in the third trimester, yet this amendment does not even provide basic protections for babies who are fully formed, can feel pain, and can survive outside the womb.

All it takes to skirt around their vague and dishonest language is for a Planned Parenthood abortionist to give their stamp of approval to have the abortion, regardless of the circumstances.

Democrats from the Statehouse to the White House have made their stance clear. They want to legalize taxpayer-funded abortions, on demand, at any stage of pregnancy. Whether you are staunchly pro-life, or believe there should be some access to abortion, this amendment goes much too far. Don’t be fooled. Every Ohioan should vote “No” on Issue 1.

Alex Triantafilou is Chairman of the Ohio Republican Party.

Submitted to the Columbus Dispatch on October 20, 2023.

As Early Voting Begins, Chairman Triantafilou Urges Ohioans to “Bank Your Vote”

COLUMBUS—Today, voters across Ohio will begin to cast their ballots early, in-person and via secure absentee ballot. The Ohio Republican Party and local GOP partners are encouraging Republican voters to maximize the number of votes against Issue 1 and Issue 2 by banking their “NO” votes early.

“The best way to defend innocent life, protect Ohio’s workers, and make your voice heard is to Bank Your “NO” vote on Issues 1 and 2 before Election Day,” said Chairman Alex Triantafilou. “We must turn out more voters than ever before if we want to keep Ohio red and protect our conservative values.

Earlier this year, the Ohio Republican Party partnered with the Republican National Committee and GOP leaders to launch the “Bank Your Vote” initiative as a way to drive more Republicans to the polls ahead of Election Day.

“Bank Your Vote,” is a nationwide campaign focused on maximizing pre-Election Day voting. For more information, visit https://oh.bankyourvote.com/.