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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2009 > January > 12
Monday, January 12, 2009
Bennett endorses Duncan, not Blackwell for RNC Chair
In his final week as Ohio Republican Party Chair, Robert Bennett has issued an endorsement in the race for Republican National Chairman - and it isn’t for his fellow Ohioan Ken Blackwell.
Instead, Bennett Monday, Jan. 12, threw his support behind current chair Mike Duncan.
“As the longest serving state chairman on the Republican National Committee, I have personally witnessed many of our successes and failures,” Bennett wrote in a letter to fellow members of the national committee. “I have seen what works and what doesn’t, and I have recognized those chairmen whose leadership has been effective and who know how to win elections. With that in mind, I am pleased to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Mike Duncan for re-election as Chairman of the Republican National Committee.”
Bennett called Duncan “a leader who understands the challenges we face, has a plan to meet each of those challenges, and has the experience to accomplish the hard work ahead of us.”
Blackwell, the former Ohio Secretary of State, and Duncan are two of a field of five candidates seeking the office. The election will be held during an RNC meeting Jan. 28 through 31 in Washington, D.C.
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Turner, Boehner, Jordan on Voino’s decision
Here’s fellow “urban Republican” U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, on Sen. George Voinovich’s decision to retire:
“Generations of hardworking Ohio families have been fortunate to have Sen. George Voinovich advocating for their interests and I congratulate Sen. Voinovich on his upcoming retirement. From George’s time as Mayor of Cleveland, he has worked to find effective and pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing our communities and our nation. While we will miss his voice in Washington, we all owe George, his wife Janet, and the entire Voinovich family a dept of gratitude for their lifetime of public service.”
And here’s House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester:
“For more than 40 years, Sen. George Voinovich has selflessly served the people of Ohio. I join millions of Ohioans today in saluting him for his decades of service to the Buckeye State, and for his unwavering commitment to defending the sanctity of innocent human life. His voice and friendship will be missed in the Ohio delegation. I wish George, Janet, and their family the very best.”
Finally, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, weighs in:
“I commend Senator Voinovich for his 44 years of public service to our country and Ohio. Our state has been made better by his tireless work to protect human life, promote school choice and to stop the expansion of gambling in our state. It has been an honor to serve with him in the Ohio delegation and I wish him the best in the remainder of his term.”
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Strickland, Kasich join the praise for Voinovich
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican John Kasich, who might be Strickland’s opponent in 2010, agreed on one thing today, Jan. 12: George Voinovich deserves a lot of praise for his public service.
Here’s part of Strickland’s statement:
“For more than four decades, George Voinovich has devoted his life to representing Ohio citizens at all levels of government. He has earned Ohioans’ trust and respect, and the legacy he leaves will live on for generations to come.”
Here’s part of what Kasich, a former U.S. House member from suburban Columbus, had to say:
“For the past 40 years the people of Ohio have had the privilege of being honorably served by George Voinovich. He has been a true example of what public service is all about, providing the excellent leadership that the citizens of this state deserve.”
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More contenders: No comment from Space, a “maybe” from Ryan
Matt Thornton, a spokesman for U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover, would not comment Monday, Jan. 12, when asked if Space is considering running for Senate.
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, meanwhile, released a statement indicating he was at least considering it.
“I am singularly focused on what’s best for my constituents in Northeast Ohio,” he said. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee I am in a very good position to help create and expand important economic development initiatives in the State of Ohio. That said, if I can have a greater impact by being in the Senate, I will certainly consider it.”
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Auditor Taylor “considering” run for U.S. Senate
Ohio never has sent a woman to the U.S. Senate but voters might have a chance to do that in 2010.
Ohio Auditor Mary Taylor today, Jan. 12, said she expects to run either for re-election as auditor or for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Her comments came after Republican incumbent George Voinovich said he’s not seeking re-election.
“I am considering it,” Taylor said of a U.S. Senate race. She said she expects it would be a “very expensive” race, costing from $20-$25 million.
Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner also is being mentioned as a possible Senate candidate in 2010 and has not ruled out a race.
There could be pressure on both Taylor and Brunner from within their own parties to run for their current offices.
Each has a seat on the state Apportionment Board. The five-member board will draw new legislative districts after the 2010 census. The board is made up of the governor, secretary of state, auditor and a member of the legislature from each party.
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Who are the best candidates to run for U.S. Senate?
U.S. Senate seats don’t come open very often. Republican George Voinovich announced today, Jan. 12, that he won’t seek re-election in 2010 but Voinovich will have served two terms - 12 years - by then.
Democrat John Glenn served four full terms and the late Howard Metzenbaum, also a Democrat served three full terms. Republican Mike DeWine served two terms before Democrat Sherrod Brown defeated him in 2006.
Lots of names already are being mentioned as possible candidates in 2010. Some of those mentioned already are saying they won’t run, but politicians sometimes change their minds. Here’s your chance to say who’d be the best candidate from each party.
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Blackwell and Brunner on U.S. Senate race - “no” and maybe
Former Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell and current Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner both have been mentioned as possible candidates for the U.S. Senate in 2010, now that Republican George Voinovich says he won’t seek re-election.
Blackwell’s not interested. As for Brunner, you’ll have to decide for yourself.
Here’s what Blackwell told the Dayton Daily News today, Jan. 12:
“I’m singularly focused on becoming the next chairman of the Republican National Committee…..I have no doubt that I would be the most formidable conservative candidate in the Republican primary if I was interested, but I am not.”
Now here’s what Brunner spokesman Jeff Ortega had to say:
“Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is grateful to be called to public service and she hopes that opportunity continues to be available to her in the future.”
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AG Cordray won’t seek U.S. Senate seat
Scratch Attorney General Richard Cordray’s name from the list of those who might seek the Democratic nomination to run for the U.S. Senate from Ohio in 2010.
“He said when he was campaigning for this office (Attorney General) that he intended to run for re-election in 2010 and hopes that voters will think he’s done a good job and return him to office,” said Leesa Brown, Cordray’s spokeswoman.
“He feels that continuity is important. He will be running for re-election in 2010.”
Republican U.S. Sen. George Voinovich made it official today, Jan. 12, that he won’t seek a third term in 2010, setting off speculation about possible Republican and Democratic candidates.
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Portman on Voinovich:
This from former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, who is thought to be among the leading GOP contenders to replace him:
“Senator Voinovich is one of the great public servants of our time. As Assistant Attorney General, State Representative, County Auditor, County Commissioner, Mayor, Lieutenant Governor, Governor, and United States Senator, he has worked tirelessly for the people of Ohio. Ohio is a better place because of his principled leadership, passionate advocacy, and his commitment to future generations.
“His countless contributions to our state and to our nation will be felt for many years to come. I have had the privilege of working closely with Senator Voinovich over the years, and I have been honored to call him my friend. His integrity and unwavering commitment to public service has inspired me and so many others.
“Jane and I wish Senator Voinovich and his wife, Janet, the very best during the remaining two years of his Senate term and as he makes his transition into a new chapter from a lifetime of public service.”
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Voinovich tributes begin: UPDATE
This from state Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering:
“George Voinovich is one of the great ones. In Ohio political history few people have had a greater impact on our state.
“In Montgomery County, Governor Voinovich’s leadership made the nationally recognized Job Center possible, a change that has helped improve the lives of tens of thousands of people. As Governor and Senator, he was a tireless advocate for Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the Miami Valley.
“I know retiring from the Senate was a tough decision, but he and Janet have given all we can ask of them and I wish them good health and happiness.”
Here’s U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown:
“For more than four decades, George has been a dedicated public servant and advocate for Ohio. It’s been an honor working alongside him in the U.S. Senate. George and I share a commitment to fighting for Ohio during this challenging time for our nation. I look forward to continuing to work with him over the next two years. George is not only dedicated to our state, but also to his wonderful family. Connie and I wish George, Janet, and their family all the best during this time of transition.”
And U.S. Rep. Zack Space, D-Dover:
“The news of Senator Voinovich’s retirement represents a real loss for the people of the Buckeye State. No Ohioan can deny that the lifetime of service Senator Voinovich has given to our great state has had a significant impact on the daily lives of all of us. His moderate and independent voice will be missed in the Senate, where he has risen above partisanship time and time again in a reflection of the common-sense values that Ohioans hold dear.
“Senator Voinovich has served the people of Ohio for over four decades at every level of government, representing a depth of knowledge that will be greatly missed.”
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It’s official: Voinovich will not seek third term
Sen. George Voinovich’s office just sent out the following statement:
“After prayerful consideration and much thought, my wife Janet and I have decided that I will not seek a third term in the United States Senate.
“As I spent time with my family during the holidays and celebrated Janet’s birthday, I reflected on God’s blessings on our family: my wife, our three children, our seven grandchildren and our health.
“I also spent time thinking about the health of our country. In my lifetime of public service, I have never seen the country in such perilous circumstances. Not since the Great Depression and the Second World War have we been confronted with such challenges, as a nation and as a world.
“Those of us that have been given the honor to serve in these times must step up to the plate and put this country on a course that will see it through these harrowing times and make it strong and viable for the 21st century.
“These next two years in office, for me, will be the most important years that I have served in my entire political career.
“I must devote my full time, energy and focus to the job I was elected to do, the job in front of me, which seeking a third term - with the money-raising and campaigning that it would require - would not allow me to do.
“In addition, Janet and I have concluded that once my second term is complete, we should devote ourselves to our children and grandchildren. We have been blessed with good health, but we’re no spring chickens. In 2010, I will be 74 years old and will have served 44 years in public office, having been elected to more public offices than any other person in Ohio history.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that I have had to serve my statehouse district, my county, city, state and nation and feel good about the fact that with the help of some extraordinary people, many of whom are no longer with us, I have made a difference and will, with God’s help and a great team in my Senate office, continue to make a difference during these next two critical years. We intend not to wind down‚ but to wind up, just like I did in the Mayor’s office as well as the Governor’s office.
“We have a great deal to do in this Congress, and I will continue to focus on the areas that matter most: providing the nation a responsible stimulus package; jump-starting our credit markets; re-establishing confidence in the housing market and stemming the tide on mortgage foreclosures; harmonizing our nation’s economic, energy and environmental policies; ensuring safe and stable highways; and continuing to improve the personnel and management of the federal government.
“After the next two years, it will be time to give someone else the opportunity to serve our great state in the Senate, someone who can devote full time to organizing their campaign and raising the money necessary to win.
“This has not been an easy decision for us. I still have the fire in my belly to do the work of our nation, but after serving the next two years, it will be time to step back and spend the rest of our time with our children and grandchildren, siblings and extended family and friends.
“We both are confident that God has a plan for us to use the time, energy and talents that He has given us to make a difference in another way.”
