With the Honorable Rob Portman, Congressman Ralph Regula, State Auditor Mary Taylor, Deputy ORP Chairman Kevin DeWine, Speaker of the Ohio House Jon Husted, Ohio Supreme Court Justice Maureen O'Connor State Representatives Widowfield and Batchelder, and a full complement of county and local Republican officeholders, the Summit County Republican Party's Annual Finance Dinner on August 28, 2007 was a huge success. The Ballroom of the Hilton Akron-Fairlawn was filled to capacity.
See what the Akron Beacon Journal had to say, below:
Akron Beacon Journal, August 29, 2007
Summit GOP leader praised
Rick Armon, The Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio
Aug. 29--FAIRLAWN -- The Summit County Republican Party stung by an ongoing, internal effort to overthrow the longtime party chairman raised $742,000 at its annual Finance Dinner on Tuesday night.
The event, the major fundraiser for the local party, turned into a lovefest of sorts as some high-profile Republicans came to the defense of Chairman Alex Arshinkoff, who has led the organization for nearly 30 years.
"It's hard to be a prophet in your own land, isn't it Alex?" Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted said during his public remarks.
Kevin DeWine, deputy chairman of the Ohio Republican Party; Mary Taylor, the state auditor; and Bryan Williams, the co-chairman of the event, also praised his commitment to the Republican cause.
Earlier this month, state Sen. Kevin Coughlin of Cuyahoga Falls announced an effort to oust Arshinkoff, accusing him of misspending party funds, not supporting local candidates enough and losing too many local races.
Coughlin will have to win over a majority of the 400-plus Republican committee persons who will be elected countywide in March to succeed in the coup.
Ticket sales and donations for the Finance Dinner are typically lower in years not featuring big national and statewide races, Williams said. But giving was strong this year, and he attributed that partly to support for Arshinkoff.
When introduced, the party chairman received a standing ovation from most of those who paid $250 a ticket to attend the event, held at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn hotel.
He referenced the party fissure during his comments and disputed Coughlin's accusations.
"I found out a long time ago that party chairmen are usually the root cause of most defeats and are the forgotten child of most victories," Arshinkoff said. "That's part of the business and we'll live with that."
Gust and Frances Kalapodis of New Franklin, who attended the event, said they were confused by Coughlin's effort. "I think the guy's a little squirrelly," Gust Kalapodis said about Coughlin.
Coughlin, who was out of town Tuesday, did not attend the fundraiser.
In a phone interview before the event, he said he's received positive feedback since he publicly released a letter on Aug. 17 announcing his intention.
He has not said who he wants to be the next chairman. He also has launched a Web site to push his agenda.
Green Mayor Daniel Croghan, Hudson Mayor William Currin and Stow Law Director Joseph Haefner are among the Republicans who have joined the effort, according to the Web site. Other names will be announced soon, Coughlin said.
He said Summit County deserves a true two-party system. Now, one party raises all the money and the other wins all the races, he said.
"I've never argued that (Arshinkoff) can't raise money," Coughlin said.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Who are the Democrats' Dancing Bears??
Two of Coughlin's six publicly stated supporters!
Senator Kevin Coughlin lists among his six supporters City of Green Mayor Dan Croghan and uses a rant from former Green City Council Member David Reilly on his website in support of his case. An article in today's Akron Beacon Journal sheds some light on Reilly and Croghan.
For most of this year, the rumor in Green has been that Croghan, a registered Republican, was giving only lipservice to the Summit County Republican Party's candidate for Mayor, Dick Norton, and that Croghan was actually supporting the Democrat in the race, Andy Padrutt (a former director of the Summit County Democratic Party). Croghan held a fundraiser for Padrutt earlier in the year and is said to have justified this action by explaining that he had to hold the event to get Padrutt's vote as a City Councilman on a key piece of legislation.
Today's ABJ article (link will be posted as soon as ABJ uploads it to the Internet) states that both Croghan and Reilly circulated petitions along with one of Padrutt's key supporters, Democrat Jim Colopy, to get another Democrat, Chris Slates, into the mayor's race. Slates will be competing with Republican Dick Norton in the September primary election. (Green as a nonpartisan, charter city does not have partisan primary elections.)
According to the Beacon Journal, Democrat Slates, age 24, has criminal convictions for DUI, and disorderly conduct and was sued separately by both the City of Green and the State of Ohio for not paying his taxes and will be under house arrest (355 day sentence) during the primary election in which he is a candidate for Mayor.
Republican candidate for Green Mayor Dick Norton said it best when he labelled this effort, "seedy". How can Croghan and Reilly call themselves Republican supporters when they are gathering signatures for Slates, a Democrat, along with another Democrat? Some may say that this was a covert effort to help Norton. If so, then why did Democrat Padrutt and his family sign Democrat Slates' petition?
Clearly, Croghan and Reilly are acting in the best interests of the Democrat Andy Padrutt and not the Republican candidate Dick Norton. If they are willing to conspire with Democrats against a Republican candidate, then we can see the type of "leadership" Kevin Coughlin espouses.
One third of Kevin's stated supporters are involved in this illegitimate and seedy effort. This is a reflection of Kevin's ability as a leader and his ability to recruit supporters. Can the Summit County Republican Party afford Coughlin's "leadership"?? We think not.
Here's the ABJ Article that discussed this issue:
Akron Beacon Journal, August 26, 2007
HOUSE ARREST FOR CANDIDATE
MAN RUNNING IN GREEN MAYORAL RACE AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO THIRD DRUNKEN-DRIVING OFFENSE
Rick Armon, Beacon Journal staff writer
GREEN The five-way race for mayor of Green features a candidate who will soon be placed under house arrest after pleading guilty to his third drunken-driving offense in the past four years.
Christopher M. Slates, 24, whose criminal history includes resisting arrest and two disorderly conduct convictions, also was sued this year by both the city of Green and state of Ohio for failure to pay taxes.
Despite that -- and a court order in February that will place him under house arrest for 335 days -- his name will appear along with the four other mayoral candidates on the nonpartisan Sept. 11 primary ballot.
Slates is scheduled to begin serving his time on Sept. 5.
In a further twist, his effort to get on the ballot was helped by current Mayor Daniel Croghan and city Councilman James Colopy -- both of whom don't support Slates but are promoting other candidates.
Slates, who also ran unsuccessfully for council in 2005, has not returned phone calls from the Beacon Journal. He canceled a scheduled interview with the newspaper's editorial board and has not returned a questionnaire mailed to candidates.
He, along with city worker David Lauby, retired banker Dick Norton, Councilman Andy Padrutt and Councilwoman Susan Ridgeway, are running for the four-year position, which pays $78,786. The top two vote-getters in the primary move on to the general election.
Croghan, who cannot run again because of term limits, and Colopy helped gather signatures to place Slates' name on the ballot.
But Croghan supports Norton, and Colopy serves on Padrutt's campaign committee.
So what's going on?
"That's a great question," Ridgeway said.
It's a common strategy for political parties and candidates to place an unknown name on the ballot to suck votes away from rivals or to create a primary, forcing candidates who are not well funded to spend their cash before the general election.
"I'm assuming they wanted to force a primary because they know I don't have a lot of funds," Ridgeway said.
So were they trying to ensure a primary?
"I wouldn't argue with that," Croghan said.
Asked why, the mayor responded: "No comment."
Colopy, who has known Slates since high school, said he wasn't trying to force a primary and instead was just helping out a friend who approached him about running. Even though he was working on Padrutt's campaign, he said he didn't see a conflict in assisting another candidate.
He also said he questioned Slates about his past.
"His response was, 'I want to get my name out there and put that stuff behind me' and I didn't have a reason to say I wouldn't help him out," Colopy said. "I told him straight up, 'Chris, I don't think you have a chance.' He realized he was a long shot."
Slates has been convicted in Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls municipal courts of drunken driving, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, driving under suspension and underage drinking.
In February, he pleaded guilty in the Barberton court to his third drunken-driving offense, which stemmed from a traffic stop by the Summit County Sheriff's Office in August 2006, according to court records. Judge Michael Weigand sentenced him to 335 days under house arrest, fined him $1,000, suspended his license for three years and ordered him to attend an alcohol treatment program.
The city of Green sued him in the Barberton court this year for not paying his taxes. And he was sued by the state in Summit County Common Pleas Court for not paying taxes.
In addition to Colopy and Croghan, former Green Councilman David C. Reilly also circulated a petition for Slates. The signatures gathered include the names of Croghan, Padrutt and Councilwoman Christine Croce. Croghan, Padrutt and Colopy's relatives signed the petitions, too.
However, it's not unusual for candidates to sign each other's petitions, knowing how difficult it can be to gather signatures.
Other than signing the petition, Padrutt said he didn't support Slates' efforts.
Norton said he's heard about the Slates issue, but had nothing to do with his appearance on the ballot. If people did conspire to put him on the ballot, Norton called it "seedy."
A primary is required if there are four candidates for mayor. With five candidates, a primary was inevitable.
Colopy and others said that shows there wasn't an attempt to force a primary.
There also had been a question of whether Lauby would really run -- either he was going to drop out or be encouraged not to run. Another candidate, Slates, apparently was needed to ensure a primary just in case, Ridgeway and others said.
As for who's supporting whom, Croghan said he's sticking with Norton.
"He's without a doubt the most qualified candidate," he said.
Colopy, who helped get Slates on the ballot, said he hasn't wavered in his support of Padrutt.
"Andy is the most qualified candidate," he said.
Padrutt doesn't think Slates would be a good mayor.
"I don't think he should be the mayor," he said. "There's no question about that."
Senator Kevin Coughlin lists among his six supporters City of Green Mayor Dan Croghan and uses a rant from former Green City Council Member David Reilly on his website in support of his case. An article in today's Akron Beacon Journal sheds some light on Reilly and Croghan.
For most of this year, the rumor in Green has been that Croghan, a registered Republican, was giving only lipservice to the Summit County Republican Party's candidate for Mayor, Dick Norton, and that Croghan was actually supporting the Democrat in the race, Andy Padrutt (a former director of the Summit County Democratic Party). Croghan held a fundraiser for Padrutt earlier in the year and is said to have justified this action by explaining that he had to hold the event to get Padrutt's vote as a City Councilman on a key piece of legislation.
Today's ABJ article (link will be posted as soon as ABJ uploads it to the Internet) states that both Croghan and Reilly circulated petitions along with one of Padrutt's key supporters, Democrat Jim Colopy, to get another Democrat, Chris Slates, into the mayor's race. Slates will be competing with Republican Dick Norton in the September primary election. (Green as a nonpartisan, charter city does not have partisan primary elections.)
According to the Beacon Journal, Democrat Slates, age 24, has criminal convictions for DUI, and disorderly conduct and was sued separately by both the City of Green and the State of Ohio for not paying his taxes and will be under house arrest (355 day sentence) during the primary election in which he is a candidate for Mayor.
Republican candidate for Green Mayor Dick Norton said it best when he labelled this effort, "seedy". How can Croghan and Reilly call themselves Republican supporters when they are gathering signatures for Slates, a Democrat, along with another Democrat? Some may say that this was a covert effort to help Norton. If so, then why did Democrat Padrutt and his family sign Democrat Slates' petition?
Clearly, Croghan and Reilly are acting in the best interests of the Democrat Andy Padrutt and not the Republican candidate Dick Norton. If they are willing to conspire with Democrats against a Republican candidate, then we can see the type of "leadership" Kevin Coughlin espouses.
One third of Kevin's stated supporters are involved in this illegitimate and seedy effort. This is a reflection of Kevin's ability as a leader and his ability to recruit supporters. Can the Summit County Republican Party afford Coughlin's "leadership"?? We think not.
Here's the ABJ Article that discussed this issue:
Akron Beacon Journal, August 26, 2007
HOUSE ARREST FOR CANDIDATE
MAN RUNNING IN GREEN MAYORAL RACE AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO THIRD DRUNKEN-DRIVING OFFENSE
Rick Armon, Beacon Journal staff writer
GREEN The five-way race for mayor of Green features a candidate who will soon be placed under house arrest after pleading guilty to his third drunken-driving offense in the past four years.
Christopher M. Slates, 24, whose criminal history includes resisting arrest and two disorderly conduct convictions, also was sued this year by both the city of Green and state of Ohio for failure to pay taxes.
Despite that -- and a court order in February that will place him under house arrest for 335 days -- his name will appear along with the four other mayoral candidates on the nonpartisan Sept. 11 primary ballot.
Slates is scheduled to begin serving his time on Sept. 5.
In a further twist, his effort to get on the ballot was helped by current Mayor Daniel Croghan and city Councilman James Colopy -- both of whom don't support Slates but are promoting other candidates.
Slates, who also ran unsuccessfully for council in 2005, has not returned phone calls from the Beacon Journal. He canceled a scheduled interview with the newspaper's editorial board and has not returned a questionnaire mailed to candidates.
He, along with city worker David Lauby, retired banker Dick Norton, Councilman Andy Padrutt and Councilwoman Susan Ridgeway, are running for the four-year position, which pays $78,786. The top two vote-getters in the primary move on to the general election.
Croghan, who cannot run again because of term limits, and Colopy helped gather signatures to place Slates' name on the ballot.
But Croghan supports Norton, and Colopy serves on Padrutt's campaign committee.
So what's going on?
"That's a great question," Ridgeway said.
It's a common strategy for political parties and candidates to place an unknown name on the ballot to suck votes away from rivals or to create a primary, forcing candidates who are not well funded to spend their cash before the general election.
"I'm assuming they wanted to force a primary because they know I don't have a lot of funds," Ridgeway said.
So were they trying to ensure a primary?
"I wouldn't argue with that," Croghan said.
Asked why, the mayor responded: "No comment."
Colopy, who has known Slates since high school, said he wasn't trying to force a primary and instead was just helping out a friend who approached him about running. Even though he was working on Padrutt's campaign, he said he didn't see a conflict in assisting another candidate.
He also said he questioned Slates about his past.
"His response was, 'I want to get my name out there and put that stuff behind me' and I didn't have a reason to say I wouldn't help him out," Colopy said. "I told him straight up, 'Chris, I don't think you have a chance.' He realized he was a long shot."
Slates has been convicted in Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls municipal courts of drunken driving, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, driving under suspension and underage drinking.
In February, he pleaded guilty in the Barberton court to his third drunken-driving offense, which stemmed from a traffic stop by the Summit County Sheriff's Office in August 2006, according to court records. Judge Michael Weigand sentenced him to 335 days under house arrest, fined him $1,000, suspended his license for three years and ordered him to attend an alcohol treatment program.
The city of Green sued him in the Barberton court this year for not paying his taxes. And he was sued by the state in Summit County Common Pleas Court for not paying taxes.
In addition to Colopy and Croghan, former Green Councilman David C. Reilly also circulated a petition for Slates. The signatures gathered include the names of Croghan, Padrutt and Councilwoman Christine Croce. Croghan, Padrutt and Colopy's relatives signed the petitions, too.
However, it's not unusual for candidates to sign each other's petitions, knowing how difficult it can be to gather signatures.
Other than signing the petition, Padrutt said he didn't support Slates' efforts.
Norton said he's heard about the Slates issue, but had nothing to do with his appearance on the ballot. If people did conspire to put him on the ballot, Norton called it "seedy."
A primary is required if there are four candidates for mayor. With five candidates, a primary was inevitable.
Colopy and others said that shows there wasn't an attempt to force a primary.
There also had been a question of whether Lauby would really run -- either he was going to drop out or be encouraged not to run. Another candidate, Slates, apparently was needed to ensure a primary just in case, Ridgeway and others said.
As for who's supporting whom, Croghan said he's sticking with Norton.
"He's without a doubt the most qualified candidate," he said.
Colopy, who helped get Slates on the ballot, said he hasn't wavered in his support of Padrutt.
"Andy is the most qualified candidate," he said.
Padrutt doesn't think Slates would be a good mayor.
"I don't think he should be the mayor," he said. "There's no question about that."
Letters to the Editor in Support of Arshinkoff...
Here are letters from two folks NOT in the Coughlin column...
Published on Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Dogfight at the GOP Corral
Mark Twain commented: ''If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.'' This quote could be applied to state Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, who's turned to name-calling as a way to challenge Summit County Republican Party Chairman Alex Arshinkoff.
Let's look through the mudslinging to examine what's really going on.
Coughlin has lost the financial backing of the Republican Party as a result of his record as a do-nothing legislator. In my opinion, he has mistaken name-calling as leadership. This is emblematic of an officeholder who is all image and no substance.
Coughlin has stated that he has supporters in his movement to dump Arshinkoff, but they wish to remain anonymous until after the November election. This is leadership?
Paul Schweikert Trustee, Sagamore Hills Township
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's eating Coughlin?
Published on Thursday, Aug 23, 2007 in the Akron Beacon Journal.
State Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, has great experience and many excellent attributes that position him as a strong leader to assist Ohio to overcome its downward spiral in terms of job losses and the exodus of young people. He is intelligent, articulate and nice looking all necessary attributes for successful, modern-day political leaders.
Thus, his most recent conduct, reminiscent of a spoiled child in a schoolyard, was all the more surprising (''Summit GOP's Arshinkoff challenged,'' Beacon Journal, Aug. 18).
It is no secret that Coughlin was upset that Mary Taylor, former state representative, was
supported by the local Republican Party to run for statewide office, while he was not.
The incumbent mayor of Akron, a Democrat and one of the longest-serving mayors of a major U.S. city, has been a steady leader for Akron and the entire region. Don Plusquellic has gained the respect of many on both sides of the political aisle.
As a conservative Republican, I personally may not support all of Plusquellic's policies, including his proposed tax increase, but I do acknowledge that his long tenure has delivered economic benefits and greater prosperity for the area.
To ask for new leadership for the county GOP on the grounds that Chairman Alex Arshinkoff did not run a candidate against a well-liked and successful long-term mayor is ludicrous.
Coughlin's letter rant also claimed that Summit County demographics are more favorable than ever for Republicans. Where are his figures coming from? Recent statistics show that for ''likely voters'' (those who actually vote) in Summit County, 43 percent are Democrats, 37 percent are independents most of whom vote for either the Democrat or the best-known candidate (likely to be a ''D'') and only 20 percent vote Republican. Democrats have better than a 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans.
The real accomplishment is that, despite Summit being a strongly Democratic county, Republicans have been able to consistently maintain a strong county party that is envied throughout the state and the country. The reason? Simply, Alex Arshinkoff.
Arshinkoff has been a stalwart supporter of the party and its candidates locally and in Columbus and Washington. To suggest that he is somehow aligned with the local Democrats is laughable.
He's been one of the strongest supporters I have known for GOP candidates and the Republican values of freedom for all, less government, traditional values and a strong military.
It is unclear what has motivated Coughlin to act in such an irrational manner that is so at odds with his normal, reasoned approach to leadership and governing.
Deborah Owens-Fink Richfield Editor's note: The writer is a former member of the State Board of Education.
Published on Sunday, Aug 26, 2007 in the Akron Beacon Journal.
Dogfight at the GOP Corral
Mark Twain commented: ''If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.'' This quote could be applied to state Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, who's turned to name-calling as a way to challenge Summit County Republican Party Chairman Alex Arshinkoff.
Let's look through the mudslinging to examine what's really going on.
Coughlin has lost the financial backing of the Republican Party as a result of his record as a do-nothing legislator. In my opinion, he has mistaken name-calling as leadership. This is emblematic of an officeholder who is all image and no substance.
Coughlin has stated that he has supporters in his movement to dump Arshinkoff, but they wish to remain anonymous until after the November election. This is leadership?
Paul Schweikert Trustee, Sagamore Hills Township
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
What's eating Coughlin?
Published on Thursday, Aug 23, 2007 in the Akron Beacon Journal.
State Sen. Kevin Coughlin, R-Cuyahoga Falls, has great experience and many excellent attributes that position him as a strong leader to assist Ohio to overcome its downward spiral in terms of job losses and the exodus of young people. He is intelligent, articulate and nice looking all necessary attributes for successful, modern-day political leaders.
Thus, his most recent conduct, reminiscent of a spoiled child in a schoolyard, was all the more surprising (''Summit GOP's Arshinkoff challenged,'' Beacon Journal, Aug. 18).
It is no secret that Coughlin was upset that Mary Taylor, former state representative, was
supported by the local Republican Party to run for statewide office, while he was not.
The incumbent mayor of Akron, a Democrat and one of the longest-serving mayors of a major U.S. city, has been a steady leader for Akron and the entire region. Don Plusquellic has gained the respect of many on both sides of the political aisle.
As a conservative Republican, I personally may not support all of Plusquellic's policies, including his proposed tax increase, but I do acknowledge that his long tenure has delivered economic benefits and greater prosperity for the area.
To ask for new leadership for the county GOP on the grounds that Chairman Alex Arshinkoff did not run a candidate against a well-liked and successful long-term mayor is ludicrous.
Coughlin's letter rant also claimed that Summit County demographics are more favorable than ever for Republicans. Where are his figures coming from? Recent statistics show that for ''likely voters'' (those who actually vote) in Summit County, 43 percent are Democrats, 37 percent are independents most of whom vote for either the Democrat or the best-known candidate (likely to be a ''D'') and only 20 percent vote Republican. Democrats have better than a 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans.
The real accomplishment is that, despite Summit being a strongly Democratic county, Republicans have been able to consistently maintain a strong county party that is envied throughout the state and the country. The reason? Simply, Alex Arshinkoff.
Arshinkoff has been a stalwart supporter of the party and its candidates locally and in Columbus and Washington. To suggest that he is somehow aligned with the local Democrats is laughable.
He's been one of the strongest supporters I have known for GOP candidates and the Republican values of freedom for all, less government, traditional values and a strong military.
It is unclear what has motivated Coughlin to act in such an irrational manner that is so at odds with his normal, reasoned approach to leadership and governing.
Deborah Owens-Fink Richfield Editor's note: The writer is a former member of the State Board of Education.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Better Than Reading Harry Potter?
At least Harry Potter is entertaining...
Coughlin is just writing lifeless fiction. Examples?
1. "...his attacks on community organizations like the Akron Art Museum..."
- This has about as much truth as Hillary Clinton's "vast right-wing conspiracy".
2. "He’s endorsed a Don Plusquellic-led effort to hike the income tax."
- This is more of a myth than "Lord of the Rings". Arshinkoff did not endorse the 2007 Plusquellic income tax increase.
Coughlin is just writing lifeless fiction. Examples?
1. "...his attacks on community organizations like the Akron Art Museum..."
- This has about as much truth as Hillary Clinton's "vast right-wing conspiracy".
2. "He’s endorsed a Don Plusquellic-led effort to hike the income tax."
- This is more of a myth than "Lord of the Rings". Arshinkoff did not endorse the 2007 Plusquellic income tax increase.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
People in Glass Houses...
Kevin Coughlin makes much of the expenses of the Summit County Republican Party, however, his expenses might make a maharajah blush with shame. So, what expenses did his campaign fund pay for in 2006 alone?
Food, meetings, events: $15,805.31, including a $2,969.69 tab at the Portage Country Club and $850.09 at the private Athletic Club of Columbus.
Firestone Country Club: $7,995.
Mileage: $2,407.40 for Kevin (not including any reimbursements from the State for mileage on official business which will be discussed in a later post), and $7,500.92 for staff mileage.
OSU Football Tickets: $1,944.
Membership to B.J.'s Wholesale: $65
Hypocrisy: Priceless.
Source: Campaign finance reports from the Secretary of State's website: http://www1.sos.state.oh.us/portal/page?_pageid=74,56431,74_56461&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Food, meetings, events: $15,805.31, including a $2,969.69 tab at the Portage Country Club and $850.09 at the private Athletic Club of Columbus.
Firestone Country Club: $7,995.
Mileage: $2,407.40 for Kevin (not including any reimbursements from the State for mileage on official business which will be discussed in a later post), and $7,500.92 for staff mileage.
OSU Football Tickets: $1,944.
Membership to B.J.'s Wholesale: $65
Hypocrisy: Priceless.
Source: Campaign finance reports from the Secretary of State's website: http://www1.sos.state.oh.us/portal/page?_pageid=74,56431,74_56461&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
Sunday, August 19, 2007
This just in from a supporter...
Kevin Coughlin stated that one of his gripes was that Alex Arshinkoff was allowing Mayor Don Plusquellic to run unchallenged for Mayor. Mayor Plusquellic is one of the longest sitting mayors of any major US city. While as a conservative Republican I may not agree with all of his policies, namely his intent to raise taxes (again), Akron and Summit County citizens on both side of the political spectrum have been generally well served by the stability of his leadership.
Indeed if Mr.Coughlin felt so strongly about having a Republican run against the incumbant mayor, then with his strong political credentials, and the strong group (he states he has) backing him he should have moved into the city and run himself.
~ Proudly Conservative
Editor's note - Or he could have taken it upon himself to recruit a candidate given his independence from Chairman Arshinkoff...
Indeed if Mr.Coughlin felt so strongly about having a Republican run against the incumbant mayor, then with his strong political credentials, and the strong group (he states he has) backing him he should have moved into the city and run himself.
~ Proudly Conservative
Editor's note - Or he could have taken it upon himself to recruit a candidate given his independence from Chairman Arshinkoff...
Summit County Republican Party Fundraising in 2006
The Summit County Republican Party has a long and proud history of vigorously supporting Republican candidates for local, state and federal office. In 2006, a rough year for Republicans nationwide and in Ohio, the Summit County Republican Party under Chairman Alex R. Arshinkoff’s leadership, contributed or raised $1,013,750 for the following Republican state and local candidates and officeholders through its Central Drive and other fundraising:
Governor Candidate Ken Blackwell - $346,750
Attorney General Candidate Betty Montgomery - $310,500
State Auditor Mary Taylor - $103,500
House Republican Caucus - $50,000
Senate Republican Caucus - $25,000
Summit County Judicial Candidates - $27,500
Other Candidates - $18,500
Chairman Arshinkoff also raised $132,000 for federal candidates separate from the Central Drive:
Senator Mike DeWine - $86,500
Congressman Steve LaTourette - $22,000
Candidate for Congress, Craig Foltin - $23,500
Total 2006 fundraising by the Summit County Republican Central Drive and by Chairman Arshinkoff for candidates: $1,013,750.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
From the President of the Ohio Senate...
Why this Blog? Background.
On Thursday, August 14, 2007, State Senator Kevin Coughlin sent a letter to Republican Officeholders, Contributors and Supporters initiating a challenge to the three-decade long leadership of Summit Country Republican Chairman Alex R. Arshinkoff.
Keep Summit County Republicans Strong is dedicated to setting forth the facts concerning Chairman Arshinkoff's leadership and why his continued leadership is needed to insure the future success of the Summit County Republican Party.
Keep Summit County Republicans Strong is dedicated to setting forth the facts concerning Chairman Arshinkoff's leadership and why his continued leadership is needed to insure the future success of the Summit County Republican Party.
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