Former local congressman: Ohio GOP key to new Trump administration

Former Congressman Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, speaks with NewsCenter 7’s Jim Otte ahead of the 2017 Inauguration in Washington, D.C. WILL GARBE / STAFF

Former Congressman Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, speaks with NewsCenter 7’s Jim Otte ahead of the 2017 Inauguration in Washington, D.C. WILL GARBE / STAFF

The Ohio GOP will play a central role in Donald Trump’s new administration, according to former Congressman Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, who spoke with the president-elect earlier this month.

Trump and his adviser Kellyanne Conway called Austria earlier this month to whip support for Jane Timken, the new administration’s choice for Ohio Republican Party chairman.

“I never thought the Ohio Republican Party chairmanship would ever get to that level,” said Austria, who supported Timken over Matt Borges, the outgoing chairman and favorite of Gov. John Kasich.

In an interview with NewsCenter 7’s Jim Otte, Austria said the party is “starting to come together.”

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

“President Trump is our leader now,” Austria said. “We need to work with the Trump administration over the next four years. Ohio will be vital, key, and it’s important to have that good working relationship and connection with the White House.”

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