Rob Portman

I have used this space to talk about many candidates since I started this blog back in March. Today, I'm happy to blog about Congressman Rob Portman.

We are very lucky to have a man of his intelligence, integrity, and knowledge in our party.

I'm not out of line when I say that John McCain can not find a more able person to serve as his Vice President. Rob is not only politically astute, but highly capable on issues of policy and government. He is a statesman and a scholar. Political figures of his stature come along very rarely and I am honored to have him living and working in Hamilton County.

Personally, Rob has been very supportive of my chairmanship and he has helped our candidates whenever they need it.

Most recently, I had the chance to ride on the "Straight Talk Express" with Rob. It is fair to say we were all impressed with his knowledge of the issues that affect Ohio and the nation. Senator McCain has a tremendous ally in Rob Portman

Rob Portman's future is very bright. I look forward to helping him in any way that we can. To learn more about Rob's current project to help Ohioans, check out the Ohio's Future PAC Website.

Bloggin' from the Beach

Yes, I'm blogging from vacation. Not a big deal, really, as I use the Internet everyday anyway and I know how much everyone enjoys this blog and I don't want to deprive my loyal readers (both of them).

And...

I'm vacationing in a highly Republican part of America. It feels great to be in such a beautiful place with great prosperity, safe streets, and great government. I've been coming here for years
and the locals are highly satisfied with their Republican government.

And...

Barack H. Obama has "opted out" of federal financing for his presidential campaign. This decision is a classic Democrat flip-flop and demonstrates just the kind of person Obama will be if he is elected President. The campaign sent out an e-mail that said, "we declared our independence from the broken campaign finance system." Really? Not even close. He made this decision in an effort to buy the election by outspending John McCain. This self-proclaimed messiah who gives a nice speech and says on the opening page of his website that he wants to, "bring about real change in Washington" is NO different and is a flip-flopper to boot!

And...

I've really built a dislike for this Obama message and the man himself. A few months ago, I thought he was an attractive candidate and, as a political observer, I was impressed by his political skills. No more. He's an empty suit and a true believing ideological liberal who will kill the American entrepreneurial spirit by promoting class warfare, raising taxes on prosperity, and imposing a radical social agenda on America.

And...

Have you looked at the Newt Gingrich lead website called http://www.americansolutions.com/? There is a "Drill here, Drill now" petition that I urge you to sign. Learn more about this movement by clicking here.

And...

We're working on a new website at HQ. Email any thoughts or suggestion to Patrick Maloney.

And...

Our CCW class is essentially full. We'll plan another one for anyone interested.

And...

I'm going back to the beach.

Speaker Jon Husted

I was pleased to meet with Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Jon Husted yesterday. Speaker Husted is finishing his final term in the Ohio House. I am confident that Speaker Husted has a bright future in politics as he has been a great leader for our Party in Columbus.

To learn more about the Speaker and his vision, check out his website at http://www.hustedforohio.com/.

A Great Visit by Senator McCain

Senator McCain had a GREAT visit to Hamilton County today. It was a long day for all involved, but it was well worth it.

The Senator hit a grand slam with his performance at the Town Hall Meeting at the campus of Xavier University. Xavier is a nice little school and it was a great honor for Sen. McCain to attend there. The town hall style meeting really showcases the breadth and depth of Senator McCain's knowledge and experience. This is something Sen. Barack H. Obama lacks.

This evening, Senator McCain hit another grand slam on a very successful fundraiser! The event was a smashing success and Hamilton County continues to flex its muscle by delivering dollars to good Republicans.

Join us to win this fight!! (click on this link to get involved)

Welcome Senator McCain!

Hamilton County is pleased to welcome Senator McCain back to our great County. The momentum for this race is really building and Sen. McCain's visit has generated lots of calls and tons of interest in this critical race.

I'm not at liberty to say more, but I am very energized by the incredibly strong financial support that the Senator is getting in our County. Sen. McCain will do very well at his fundraiser tonight!

Personally, I expect to be involved in many of the day's activities. As a political junkie since I was in my early teens (yes, I was...), I am pumped about my personal involvement in the days events.

I have the ability to mobile blog and I'll use that feature to keep you posted about stuff today.

Check back often for updates!

Straight Talk Express headed to Cincinnati

Senator McCain will conduct a town hall meeting at Xavier University tomorrow at Noon. The event is for 150 undecided voters and is one of many of these events that he will do across America. He will also have a Campaign Reception and Dinner tomorrow evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lindner.

The campaign for John McCain in Hamilton County is moving along very well. Watch this space and your e-mail box for the grand opening of our street-front space on 7th Street downtown.

Join us in this fight!

August 21, 2008

On August 21, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., the Hamilton County Republican Party will host a fundraiser at the home of George and Kim Vincent.

The Hamilton County Republican Party and our Finance Committee have a long history of supporting candidates financially and running programs that help us win elections. This year is no exception.

To meet our financial goals in this critical presidential year, we have decided to have a fundraising event and we are grateful that the Vincent's have agreed to open their home. The money raised at this event will be targeted to our most important races and to fund our massive get-out-the-vote effort.

Please save the date and help us during this important year!

Hold Onto Your Wallets...The Democrats are in Charge

County taxpayers better hold onto their wallets...

There are two Democrats as County Commissioners. We know how the Democrats love to raise your taxes.

Wait and see.

NAACP

The NAACP will hold its 99th annual convention in Cincinnnati July 12-17. I am pleased to have been included on the Blue Ribbon Host Committee for this event.

The NAACP is the most venerable civil rights organization in the history of the United States. Their decision to come to Cincinnati is a credit to our city and region.

Senator McCain is expected to visit on July 16 to deliver remarks.

Too often, our party has not adequately spread our message to the African-American community. In unfortunately large percentages, the African-American community has supported the other party. Our message and the policies our party supports are best for America and best for every segment of our community. We need to do a better job of communicating this message.

Ohio Attorney General

We had our first meeting of the Ohio Attorney General Screening and Search Committee. It was an excellent meeting.

First, we learned that this race is utterly winnable. Although I inherently believed that, what I heard at ORP convinced me that we will win back this very important seat.

Second, we have many good and qualified candidates who can clean up the mess that Marc Dann created in that office. Our job as a committee is to identify the best of these candidates and to find the most qualified. Unlike the Democrats who rushed into a very bad decision with Mr. Dann, we have the luxury of a little time to make the best choice.

Third, it is better to make the right decision than a quick decision and we are embarking on a deliberate process so as to not to repeat the mistakes made by the Democrats in selecting Mr. Dann in 2006.

Finally, yours truly spent some time in the Ohio Republican Party's video studio. In this studio, I cut a couple of videos that should appear on our new website in the coming weeks. We are in the process of remodeling the Party website and it will include a video of me! An even better reason to visit often...

The Ohio Republican Party is an excellent organization and I am proud to be affiliated with them. They do a tremendous job of organizing, recruiting, and assisting candidates. The staff is highly professional and courteous. Since becoming your chairman, I have had occasion to use their services and to work closely with all of them and I couldn't be more pleased. We have been well served by Chairman Bob Bennett and the entire ORP staff. Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine is expected to ascend to the party chairmanship in 2009. Rep. DeWine will be a great leader for our statewide party and I look forward to working with him to elect Republicans.

Off To Columbus

I'm heading to Columbus this morning for a 10:00 a.m. meeting of the Attorney General Screening Committee at Ohio Republican Party Headquarters .

A person who I blogged about a couple of weeks ago, David Yost, has withdrawn from consideration--much to my disappointment. Dave is a decent and honorable man and a great County Prosecutor. Although I did not commit to David or to anyone else, I was confident that we had at least one good choice in him.

We can win back this very important seat and I look forward to hearing from our potential candidates. To the extent I'm allowed, I will keep you posted on this blog about the happenings in this important decision.

Finally, I'll be grabbing a sandwich at Katzinger's Deli. If you're jealous--you should be! In my mind, Katzinger's is to Columbus what Skyline is to Cincinnati.

Stand with me!

Please stand with me as a Republican!

It is more important than ever that we stand together as a party. REPUBLICANS should support REPUBLICANS. From the White House to the Courthouse.

OUR party is right. They are wrong.

There have been occasions over the last few weeks were those that benefit from the Republican Party have not stood with us. That is an abomination.

I will work behind-the-scenes to unify our party. I need your help. Strongly urge every Republican you know to support OUR candidates and NOT Democrats (even the ones we may personally like!) They are NOT us. They stand for higher taxes, big obstrusive government, and NONSENSE that has HURT our city and country!

Do you realize that any Democrat running this year will run on the same ticket and under the same umbrella as the most left-wing liberal to run for President in a generation? THEY ARE WRONG!

STAND WITH ME! It is more important than ever.

Jim Trakas

I am pleased to report that former State Representative and current candidate for United States Representative, Jim Trakas, will make an appearance in Hamilton County for an important fundraising event on Monday, June 30th, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Queen City Club.

Jim Trakas is running to unseat Dennis Kucinich in the Ohio 10th District. Dennis Kucinich is nationally known as the left-wing loon that has run for President a couple of times. His sighting of a UFO is the most recent story that has brought his mental health into question. (click here to read the story). Dennis Kucinich does not serve the citizens of the 10th District and his radical voting record puts him outside the mainstream of American politics. His antics have hurt his District, Ohio, and the nation.

More importantly, Jim Trakas is a fine candidate and a great Republican. Jim has served as a State Representative and as Chairman of the Cuyahoga County Republican Party. He brings a record of achievement that is unmatched in his race. To learn more about Jim and his vision, visit his website at http://www.jimtrakas.org/.

Finally, Jim Trakas is "a good Greek boy." I couldn't blog without mentioning that Jim and I share a common heritage and religion and I'm very pleased that he is coming to our region. Like the character in the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" said, "there are two kinds of people: those that are Greek and those that want to be Greek."

If you want to help us on this important event and help Jim beat Dennis Kucinich, call Republican Headquarters at 513-381-5454.

Chris Monzel

I was honored to speak at an early morning fundraiser for City Councilman Chris Monzel. Chris Monzel will run for his 3rd term on the city council in 2009 and he is getting an early, aggressive jump on his fundraising.

I have come to know Chris very well through the years. He is what every elected official ought to aspire to be. Chris works at General Electric as an engineer, but also serves his community by serving on city council. He is a great father and husband.

As I said today, "I wish the party had 10 Chris Monzels." And, I meant it.

To learn more about Chris Monzel, click here.

Happy Father's Day, etc.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there today.

Personally, I'm spending most of the day with my son. With a busy election season upon us, it is incumbent upon everyone working to win elections to not forget the most important people in the world. I will also see my Dad this Father's Day and be grateful for all he has done for me.

And...

I will watch the U.S. Open to see if Tiger Woods can win a major tournament with a gimp leg!

And...

Kevin Youkilis...YOU KILL US! The Reds are playing good ball against the best team in the majors. A Cincinnati native and likely Republican (c'mon, he's from Sycamore!) hit a game-winning HR to beat our beloved Red legs.

And...

Hard for me to shake the nagging sadness of the passing of Tim Russert. I'll be watching at 10:00 a.m. today. The Drudge headline said it best: "He died of a Big Heart."

And...back to politics...

We saw great progress with the McCain campaign and the Victory operation this week. I'm excited about this campaign and I'm convinced we're going to win Ohio and keep the Presidency.

And...

My 9 year-old son looks at this blog sometimes. Hence, the photo on Father's Day. Thanks for indulging me.

Have a great Sunday.

Tim Russert

We were all stunned to hear the news of Tim Russert's passing today. Tim passed away this afternoon at age 58 years old.

For any political junkie, Tim Russert was a "must watch" on Sunday mornings and his probing interviews were the standard by which all other interviews were measured. Although he began his political career working for a Democrat, I don't think that ever mattered to anyone. He was a total straight-shooter and I think he grilled both sides equally. Personally, I DVR'd Russert and haven't missed Meet the Press for years.

My 9 year old son, who is always poking around with me on Sunday mornings, always waits for Tim to say "but first" just at the beginning of his show but after the music. We both thought that was quirky and funny. For those that watch carefully, you know what I'm talking about...

Tim Russert was also a proud father and proud son. The books on his father and the regular updates about his son were always heartfelt and genuine. His bestselling books were a window into the kind of man he was and the kind of family that he came from.

As a HUGE fan of HIS, I will miss his coverage of this election and those into the future. Tim Russert's journalism made our country better by holding the powerful accountable to the America people. It is a sad day for American politics to say nothing about his family.

For Tim's bio, click here. To offer condolences online, click here.

The Supreme Court of the United States

When Chief Justice John Roberts came before the Senate for confirmation as Chief Justice, the following statements were made about him on the floor of the U.S. Senate:

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind Judge Roberts is qualified to sit on the highest court in the land. Moreover, he seems to have the comportment and the temperament that makes for a good judge. He is humble, he is personally decent, and he appears to be respectful of different points of view. It is absolutely clear to me that Judge Roberts truly loves the law. He couldn't have achieved his excellent record as an advocate before the Supreme Court without that passion for the law, and it became apparent to me in our conversation that he does, in fact, deeply respect the basic precepts that go into deciding 95 percent of the cases that come before the Federal court -- adherence to precedence, a certain modesty in reading statutes and constitutional text, a respect for procedural regularity, and an impartiality in presiding over the adversarial system. All of these characteristics make me want to vote for Judge Roberts."

Who spoke these words? First term, very junior Senator Barack Obama. (For confirmation of this, click here.)

Then, why did Senator Obama vote against this brilliant, supremely qualified candidate? Ideology. Plain and simple ideology. Senator Obama has a litmus test for candidates to the Court. He didn't respect that elections have consequences and that the President of the United States selects the nominees and that the Senate, under Article II of the Constitution, should only "advise and consent." He voted against John Roberts simply on the grounds that Roberts might be conservative.

Contrast this position to that of John McCain. When President Clinton was in office, he sent two very liberal, but qualifed candidates to the Senate for confirmation to the Supreme Court. Those two people were Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer. Both Ginsburg and Breyer sailed through the Senate confirmation hearings and Senator McCain voted "yes" on both. Does this mean Senator McCain liked these two. NO WAY. It means that he respected the integrity of the process and found the two candidates to be "qualified" and he did his constitutional duty.

Why do I blog about this? Because, in my mind, it highlights a fundamental difference between liberals and conservatives. Liberals put their idealogical world view before the good of the nation. They will routinely make outlandish statements about Bush and conservatives that undermine the heart of our democracy. How many times have you heard the liberals say that, "Bush stole the election." There is no evidence to support that. It is pure hyperbole designed to rally their side and to undermine the President of the United States. It is wrong and I reject it.

Barack Obama should have voted for John Roberts (and Samuel Alito). But, his radical, liberal, leftist perspective made that impossible. He is the most liberal member of the Senate. His voting record is more liberal than that of liberal icon Ted Kenneday. America is not ready for this radical lunge to the left.

Senator McCain is a mainstream conservative and he will win this election!

A Bold Prediction

John McCain will win Ohio and be the next President of the United States.

Why is this a "bold" prediction? Because there are too many naysayers out there and this is a difficult environment for Republicans. But, I am convinced that it is true.

Senator McCain is winning Ohio in the last 4 credible independent polls. Ohio is still a relatively rural and conservative state. Ted Strickland won the state running as a pro-gun, conservative Democrat (he fooled LOTS of voters!). But, that message wins. Barack Obama is a ultra left-wing radical liberal who wants to "change" America into his socialist image of government controlling everything because people can't be trusted. Ohio will not elect Barack H. Obama and of that, I am convinced!

Yesterday afternoon, we were visited by the McCain Ohio Team. We were all completely impressed by their intelligence, enthusiasm and organization. I am convinced that we have a team in place that understands what needs to happen and is ready to wage the fight that we need to win the White House.

Furthermore, the sophisticated get-out-the-vote (GOTV) effort that is part of the Victory program is firmly in place to help every candidate down the ticket. This has been an important part of electing Republicans and I'm sure of its success this year.

What does it take to execute these winning programs? It takes your help. It takes phone calls, knocking on doors, canvassing neighborhoods, etc.

CAN WE COUNT ON YOU? Email Pat Maloney to join our list of volunteers!

Let's roll!

A Long Day

I learned an important lesson in media relations yesterday and it made for a long day.

Some of you may have caught wind of an article published in the Los Angeles Times critical of the "McCain disconnect in Ohio." The article quoted a few prominent conservative activists about their concerns with the campaign. It also quoted me. The Enquirer picked up on it saying "Local GOP chides McCain."

For the record, I "chided" nobody. But, leave it to the media to make a story out of nothing at all. Furthermore, only one quote of many that I made was actually picked-up by the reporter. Typical.

As Republican Chairman, I need to be more careful about my choice of words and how I express them. Like so many Republicans who were demoralized after our 2006 defeats, I am anxious to exorcise those demons and win elections this fall. I have spent many nights going around this county talking about how John McCain is the right candidate at the right moment in time to win this election. I believe strongly that John McCain is a mainstream conservative candidate who can win this election and I have spoken on his behalf time and again.

I am pleased to tell you that the McCain campaign is up and running nearly full speed in Ohio. The local McCain field representative is in town now and meeting with us later today. We have secured a Victory office on 7th Street next to First Watch. We have filled our coalition chairs here in the County so as to be ready to reach out to those groups that traditionally support Republicans.

I am more confident than ever that John McCain's will win Ohio! Sen. McCain leads Barack Obama in the last four credible polls conducted in Ohio and our Victory efforts are kicking into high gear this month.

There will be many "long days" is the months ahead. They are all worth it. Our cause and what it means for America is important and we can make a difference in Hamilton County.

Join us to win this fight!

Homearama 2008

Want to help us register voters at Homearama over the next few weeks?

We have learned that these events are great places to register Republican voters.

E-mail Patrick Maloney at pmaloney@hc-gop.org if interested.

This & That...

We have a very busy week ahead as we prepare for Senator McCain's fundraising event. Furthermore, HQ is expected to make a very favorable deal to lease the storefront office on 7th Street just near First Watch. We had this office in 2004 and it was a critical part of our success. I've made arrangements to have that office again and we hope to open a ground level storefront soon.

And...

Our voter registration task force is out in large numbers registering voters in anticipation of a busy Election season.

And...

I was named Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Elections this past week. This critical position oversees many of the elections processes in our area and we expect a record turnout this year.

And...

We are coooperating with the anti-Red Light Camera organization by using some of our resources to assist the effort to put this important measure on the ballot.

And...

One of the great frustrations of being your chairman is the inability to change perceptions of our party in many respects. Many people get their image of Republicans from the national news media and the top of the ticket. But, our Party is much broader and we stand for so much more than the issues that affect the nation as a whole. More on that later.

And...

It took just about 3 months, but I've been officially lambasted by the Whisteblower for lending my support to the campaign of our Republican endorsed congressional candidate, Jean Schmidt and for joining other local Republican leaders in hosting an event at the home of Stan Chesley. My likeness has turned a certain blue hue these days whenever I see the 'Blower. It reminds me of the Willie Wonka scene where, "Violet was turning violet." The best part of the photo of me turning blue? The spit-curl is far less noticeable.

And...

I'm trying to get us McCain yard signs. Watch this space for more information.

And...

GET INVOLVED TO HELP US WIN!!!

Dave Yost

As many of you know, I am on the panel the Ohio Republican Party has organized to review potential candidates for Ohio Attorney General. The panel meets in a couple of weeks.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the candidates, Dave Yost. Mr. Yost is the Prosecutor in Delaware County, Ohio. To read more about Mr. Yost and his background, click here.

Of course, it would be imprudent for me to endorse or support any candidate because I am part of a committee that should keep an open mind and listen to all the candidates. I fully intend to keep an open mind and I have committed to no candidate.

However, I appreciated Mr. Yost reaching out and visiting Hamilton County. He is a gentleman and he made an excellent impression among those that he met. He was our guest at an event for Judge Mock. He is the only candidate being rumored to want this job that has contacted us. I appreciated it.

I have received tremendous feedback from people within our party about who should (or who shouldn't) be the AG candidate. I very much appreciate that input because I am here to serve the party. Please feel free to keep that coming.

Have a great weekend.

Judge Russell J. Mock

This evening, Judge Russell J. Mock of the Municipal Court will be hosting his first fundraiser in support of his candidacy for the Court of Common Pleas. The fundraiser is set for 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Great American Ball Park. For more information, call Party Headquarters at 513-381-5454.

Judge Mock is running to replace me on the Court of Common Pleas. As I blogged earlier in the week, Judge Mock has an opponent.

The importance of electing good, qualified, no-nonsense judges can not be overstated. Judges make decisions every single day that affect the safety of our community and the lives of our citizens. Judges in the Court of Common Pleas make decisions that have far reaching implications for commerce and business in our community.

Judge Mock has the experience, temperament, and knowledge to serve on the upper court. He has already proven himself as a Judge having served for nearly 4 years in the Municipal Court. Judicial experience is key in his race and Judge Mock has proven his mettle as a Judge.

To learn more about Judge Mock, go to his website at http://www.judgemock.com/.

It's Obama III

I previously have blogged in this space about Senator Obama. I declared the Democratic presidential primary over on April 23 and again on May 7. The sheer selfishness and failure to see the obvious will forever be part of the Clinton legacy. Early tonight, it became "officially" Obama as the Democratic nominee for President. Hillary has yet to concede--unbelievable.

It is an historic night. Senator Obama is a vigorous campaigner and an impressive political figure. He has tremendous energy and he is a gifted orator. His nomination is an important step in the evolution of our democracy and it should be seen as a significant step toward reaching Martin Luther King's dream that people will be judged "by the content of their character" not the "color of their skin." I credit Senator Obama for running a nearly flawless campaign and beating the "inevitable" nominee Hillary Clinton. It is remarkable that Senator Obama beat the "Clinton Machine." Congratulations to him.

Enough of that.

This presidential election will be about the future of America. It will be about whether this nation takes a radical lunge to the left in response to an unpopular administration in D.C. It will be about experience and qualifications to lead our country at a time of war. It takes more than nice speeches.

It is time for our party to UNITE AND FIGHT!

John McCain is the right man to be President at this point in our history. He has a long history of working to solve problems in Washington. He is a mainstream conservative Republican who will bring mainstream Republican principles to his administration. He will be a great President.

What can you do now to help him win? Here is the list:

1. Visit http://www.johnmccain.com/ and contribute money. Yes, make a financial commmitment to Senator McCain. Even $25 can go a long way on the internet.

2. E-mail Pat Maloney, political director of the Hamilton County Republican Party at pmaloney@hc-gop.org and tell him you want to lead a coalition for Senator McCain's election as President. Tell Pat you want to be on the volunteer recruitment list and that you want to be kept up-to-date on campaign activities in your area.

3. Go to your local Republican Club meeting. Click here for a list of local Republican Clubs. Local clubs are a great way to meet other like-minded people and you can learn about Republican events in your neighborhood where your time and energy can be best used.

4. Make a contribution to us at the Hamilton County Republican Party. Yes, we need your help. Your local party is the main hub of activity for Republicans in this region providing a large headquarters with phone banks, conference rooms, computers, and support for grassroots efforts. The local party recruits and endorses candidates. We help candidates connect with a large donor base and we dedicate ourselves to helping candidates. You can donate here.

5. Commit yourself to working at the grassroots level to elect Republicans!Don't sit and watch Fox News and think that makes a difference. It's important to vote Republican. It's more important to get out and make a difference in your community.

Join us!!!

"Politics Ain't Beanbag"

Have you ever heard that phrase? It is one of my favorites. The origination of the phrase appears to be a subject of some dispute. If you care that much, read here. That phrase has come to describe the "rough and tumble" of politics and how the political arena can be brutal and difficult. In my time as a political observer and activist, I have come to really understand why that phrase has been used through the generations. I have seen, time and again, the toll that politics can have on friendships, families, and relationships.

Why am I blogging about that phrase today?

Governor Strickland named the newest Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge yesterday. This attorney, Jody Luebbers, replaces ME on the Court of Common Pleas. Read the story here. Ms. Luebbers is well-known to me and to the entire Republican courthouse establishment. To be honest, she is considered a friend to many people within that establishment and she has worked for one of our Republican leaders, Joe Deters, for many, many years. Ms. Luebbers is a decent person.

However, she has been a lifelong Democrat. As Chairman of the Republican Party, I believe that the Democrat party and what they stand for is not right for America or for this County.

So, what does this all mean? It means that Judge Russell Mock is the only candidate worthy of support in the fall election for the Court of Common Pleas. I will do everything within my power to support JUDGE MOCK and to assure his election to the Court of Common Pleas. I will urge every Judge, every bailiff, every person within our Republican establishment to fully support Judge Mock.

Judge Mock is an experienced Judge who has served with distinction for 4 years on the bench. Judge Mock has been a prosecutor and has served as an attorney in civil cases as well. He has a distinguished record of service that is unmatched in his race. He has proven judicial temperament and experience. He is ready for this next step in his judicial career.

Elect Judge Mock!

CCW Class

I am pleased to report that our carrying concealed weapon class set for July 26th at 8:00 a.m. is nearly full! We now have a waiting list so please feel free to contact Patrick Maloney at pmaloney@hc-gop.org to get on our list. Attendees are expected to pay in advance, so some people that are now confirmed may not ultimately participate. Sign up!

Because of the high level of interest, I anticipate doing such a class again and perhaps on a regular basis.

Thanks to all who have signed-up!

Shameless Self-Promotion

I was recently interviewed by Steve Fritsch of the Cincinnatus Standard.

If you care to read the interview, click here.

Have a great Monday.

Cross the Bridge for Life

Today at 2:00 p.m., Cincinnati Right to Life is hosting a public event called "Cross the Bridge for Life 2008." Here is how their website describes the event:

"[J]oin hundreds of pro-lifers from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area in a demonstration of support for the protection of human life with a peaceful walk across the "Purple People Bridge" spanning the Ohio River from Sawyer Point in Cincinnati to Newport on the Levee in Kentucky. "

Check out their website for more information at http://www.crossthebridgeforlife.com/.

This is a worthwile cause and I urge you to join them this morning.