December 29

State constitutional panel is forming

Group of legislators, others will look at founding document

By  David Eggert

The Columbus Dispatch Thursday December 29, 2011 4:24 AM

Before starting a decade-long process to update the Ohio Constitution — just the third review in a century — a bipartisan commission first had to get organized yesterday.

The main order of business? Figuring out how to fill the panel’s ranks with 20 additional people from outside the legislature.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/29/state-constitutional-panel-is-forming.html

Constitutional review begins

·         12/28/11 at 5:21pm

·         Written by pkostyu

·         Cincinnati Enquirer

The last time Ohio did a thorough review of its constitution occurred 40 years ago. After meeting over a span of seven years, the review panel recommended 47  changes to the state’s primary legal document. Of those, 44 were approved by Ohioans.

The process started again today with the organizational meeting of the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, which will become a 32-member bipartisan body charged with examining all aspects of the document and making recommendations to the Legislature. It is patterned after the review in the 1970s. Any suggested constitutional changes require a two-third majority vote of the commission.
http://cincinnati.com/blogs/politics/2011/12/28/constitutional-review-begins/

Batchelder Launches Commission To Recommend Constitutional Changes

Gongwer 12/28/11

With the possibility that voters might call for a constitutional convention in November, lawmakers inaugurated a new panel Wednesday to review and recommend revisions to the state's founding document.

Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina), who sponsored the legislation creating the Constitutional Modernization Commission (HB 188 ), said the 32-member body would lay the groundwork for a new constitution if voters approve the 2012 constitutional convention question.

If voters reject the issue, as they have every time since the 1912 Constitution required it be placed on the ballot every 20 years, then the commission will identify problem areas and recommend amendments for the legislature to place on the ballot in coming years, he said during the organizational meeting.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802490201

WKSU

A bipartisan panel charged with reviewing Ohio's Constitution for possible updates has set a Jan. 31 deadline for applicants to the group. 

The Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission will ultimately include 32 members - 12 appointed from the General Assembly and 20 picked by majority vote from the outside. 

Creation of the commission was spearheaded by House Speaker William Batchelder as a way of preparing for the possibility that a constitutional convention will be called in 2012. 

The question is put before voters every 20 years. 

Ohio's Constitution affects voting, marriage, taxes on casinos and other businesses, elective terms and how the state pays for schools.
http://www.wksu.org/news/story/30311

December 28

Joint Committee Forming To Address Gambling Regulations, Recommendations

Gongwer 12/27/11

A bicameral, bipartisan legislative committee with oversight of the state's gambling industry is beginning to take shape.

The Permanent Joint Committee On Gaming and Wagering is given power to review constitutional amendments, laws and rules "governing the operation and administration of casino gaming and all authorized gaming and wagering activities," and make recommendations to the General Assembly, according to state law.

In addition, the committee is tasked with other duties, including:

·         Draft an annual report to the governor and legislature regarding the operation and administration of casino gaming.

·         Review all changes of fees and penalties.

·         Study proposed constitutional and statutory changes to rules adopted by the Casino Control Commission and report to the legislature on their public-policy impact.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802480205

December 27

Republican congressman tells Ohio GOP chair to end public spat with governor for good of the party

Published: Thursday, December 22, 2011, 5:00 PM     Updated: Friday, December 23, 2011, 9:52 AM

By Reginald Fields, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio - A long serving Columbus Republican congressman is urging his state party chairman to get back to working for the GOP "instead of tearing it down."

A frustrated Congressman Pat Tiberi confirmed that he sent an email to Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine on Wednesday after the chairman this week took his spat with Republican Gov. John Kasich on television, accusing Kasich of trying to unseat him.

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/12/republican_congressman_tells_s.html

Batchelder Fills Out Constitutional Commission with Himself

Hannah Report 12/21/11

The final legislators were named Wednesday to a panel that will review Ohio's Constitution and suggest changes to the General Assembly as House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) named himself, Reps. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Lynn Slaby (R-Copley) to serve on the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission.

The commission was formed as a part of Batchelder's HB188, which was inspired by an entity created in 1969 that worked until 1977. Twelve legislators selected to serve by the Ohio General Assembly's Republican and Democratic caucuses in each chamber will select the other 20 members to fill out the 32-member bipartisan commission.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188101

Constitutional Commission to Hold First Meeting Next Week

Hannah Report 12/22/11

With its legislative members named, the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission will get to work immediately on its agenda, scheduling an organizational meeting for next week.

The commission announced that its first meeting will be Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 3 p.m. at the Statehouse.

Mike Dittoe, a spokesman for House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina), who will serve on the commission, said the first meeting will be to get the 12 named members of the commission in the room together and begin setting an agenda for the commission's work. He said he expects they will discuss a tentative 2012 agenda and schedule and also discuss the appointment of the other 20 members of the commission.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188114

House Begins Process Of Forming Constitutional Review Panel

Gongwer 12/21/12

House leaders have announced their choices for an ad hoc panel of lawmakers and others who will develop proposals for improving the Ohio Constitution.

Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) on Wednesday named himself, Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and Rep. Lynn Slaby (R-Copley) to serve on the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission.

Earlier this week, Minority Leader Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) announced his selections. They are: Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Rep. Dennis Murray (D-Sandusky) and Rep. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron), whose appointments were journalized Tuesday.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802450203

December 21

State Rep. Hagan calls again for hearings on fracking

Youngstown Vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — State Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th, said today he plans to send a second open letter to Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder asking for hearings about fracking.

Fracking, the process in which water, chemicals and sand are blasted into rocks thousands of feet below the ground to unlock natural gas and oil, has come under fire because of its potential environmental concerns.

Hagan on Dec. 1 sent a letter to Batchelder — who has collected more than $70,000 in campaign contributions from oil and gas drillers the past decade — but said Batchelder has not responded.
http://www.vindy.com/news/2011/dec/20/state-rep-hagan-calls-again-hearings-fracking/?nw

Ohio Gov. Kasich Signs Bill to Cut Abortion $ in Obmacare

by Steven Ertelt | Columbus, OH | LifeNews.com | 12/21/11 1:11 PM

Governor John Kasich signed House Bill 79 today, a bill that legislation designed to protect pro-life taxpayers from paying for abortion via Obamacare. This is the seventh piece of pro-life legislation Ohio has produced this year that Kasich has backed.

House Bill 79 would exclude abortion coverage from the State Exchange which Ohio must create as required by the new federal health care law. The federal law includes a provision allowing states to opt out, making it possible for this legislation to protect the conscience rights of pro-life taxpayers.
http://www.lifenews.com/2011/12/21/ohio-gov-kasich-signs-bill-to-cut-abortion-in-obmacare/

 

December 20

Legislative Members Named to Constitutional Modernization Commission

Hannah Report 12/19/11

Legislative leaders Monday announced their choices to serve on the Ohio Constitutional Modernization Commission, which will review the Ohio Constitution and make recommendations for possible additions, revisions and other changes.

The commission was created as a part of HB188 (Batchelder) and will feature a bipartisan, 32-member commission. Among those 32 members will be three appointment by each House and Senate caucus. Those 12 selections will pick the other 20 members.
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188071

December 19

An Ohio redistricting post-mortem: editorial

Published: Saturday, December 17, 2011, 7:37 AM

By The Plain Dealer Editorial Board The Plain Dealer

Ohio lawmakers have mercifully ended the tawdry Statehouse war over new congressional district boundaries. The best that can be said for Substitute House Bill 369, which Gov. John Kasich signed Thursday, is that Ohio will now hold one 2012 statewide primary election (March 6), not two.
As to the 16 districts, Republicans conceded some face-saving tweaks to Democrats, including a better chance for two African-American representatives to go to Washington and a less fractured Dayton area. The tweaks also leave U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur's Toledo base more intact -- and thus more challenging to win for Cleveland's Rep. Dennis Kucinich, who loses only a part of his base in the reshuffling (and no one should write off Kucinich, who has more political lives than a cat).
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/12/an_ohio_redistricting_post-mor.html

December 16

New primary date places Ohio in thick of GOP presidential race

By  Joe Hallett Columbus DispatchJim Siegel The Columbus DispatchJessica Wehrman The Columbus Dispatch

Friday December 16, 2011 7:12 AM

Amid the noisy wrangling over a bill to configure new congressional districts, state lawmakers positioned Ohio as a Super Tuesday player in the race for the White House and made it easier for GOP presidential candidates to play in the state.

Legislation approved late Wednesday and signed into law last night by Gov. John Kasich created a single Ohio primary election on March 6. That places Ohio with Texas, Massachusetts, Virginia and eight other states in a delegate-rich conglomerate that could potentially determine the Republican presidential nomination.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/16/ohio-in-thick-of-gop-presidential-race.html

Kasich’s staff used in effort to oust DeWine

By  Jim Heath

ONN-TV

Friday December 16, 2011 2:16 PM

In an exclusive interview, Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine revealed that members of Gov. John Kasich’s staff were used in an ongoing effort to oust DeWine as head of the party.

Official documents show Kasich's regional liaisons Nicole Kostura, Nick Gatz and Sherri Carbo each turned in petitions for candidates to run for the GOP state central committee against candidates who support DeWine. The petitions were delivered by the Kasich staffers during weekday work hours.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/16/dewine-interview.html

Legislature Agrees to Redistricting Deal, Primary Consolidation
Hannah Report 12/14/11

House Democrats relented and voted in favor of a new congressional redistricting map as well as a combined primary on March 6, 2012, bringing to the end a partisan battle that began in September and went through the Ohio Supreme Court.

Twenty-one House Democrats joined with all of the House Republicans in approving HB369 (Huffman), and nearly the same number approved an emergency clause to make the bill both effective on the signature of Gov. John Kasich and referendum proof. This action makes pursuing a referendum on the original congressional redistricting bill, HB319, moot.http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188042

Redistricting Day After: Democrats Urge Changes; Political Spin Continues; Kasich Plans To Ink Bill

Gongwer 12/15/11

The day after several in their caucus voted to accept a new GOP-drawn congressional map, and on the same day the governor was expected to sign the legislation, Democrats called for overhauling the redistricting process from the Columbus hotel room that Republicans used to draft their proposal.

Three legislative Democrats held a news conference Thursday in Republicans' "secret bunker" to illustrate their charge that the majority drew new political maps privately without regard for the public interest.

Republicans dismissed the event as another stunt designed to garner media attention.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802410201

December 15

DeVitis sworn in as state rep; meeting set to find his replacement in Green

Beacon Journal staff report

Tony DeVitis was sworn in Wednesday as the new representative for the 43rd Ohio House District.

DeVitis, a one-term Green councilman who is the owner and vice president of DeVitis & Sons Inc., an Italian specialty food store on Akron’s North Hill, is replacing Todd McKenney.

Earlier this month, McKenney was sworn in as judge of Summit County Probate Court.

“I am honored to join the General Assembly and to serve the people,” DeVitis said in a news release.

House Speaker Bill Batchelder, R-Medina, said DeVitis will bring “a variety of public- and private-sector experience to the table.”

http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/devitis-sworn-in-as-state-rep-meeting-set-to-find-his-replacement-in-green-1.250465

Redrawn map puts Toledo in 2 districts instead of 3

General Assembly reaches last-minute compromise

BY JIM PROVANCE
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU CHIEF

COLUMBUS -- The city of Toledo will be represented by two members of the U.S. House instead of three under a long-awaited new congressional map approved Wednesday after a bitter, months-long partisan feud.

Under the redistricting compromise, portions of Toledo and eastern Lucas County that went to the largely rural 4th District now held by U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R., Urbana) under a law passed in September are to be restored to the 9th District held by U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo).

Six western city wards are to remain part of the otherwise rural and suburban 5th District held by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green).
http://www.toledoblade.com/Politics/2011/12/15/Redrawn-map-puts-Toledo-in-2-districts-instead-of-3.html

Ohio bill reunites Ohio’s primaries to single day in March

John Michael Spinelli

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) announced Wednesday that a revised congressional map has passed the Ohio House with strong bipartisan support. The new map, found in House Bill 369, was introduced by State Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima) in early November after working closely with members of the House Minority Caucus.

Statement by Batchelder

“This map represents the second fair and legal map passed by the Ohio House of Representatives in recent weeks,” Speaker Batchelder said in prepared remarks. “I am pleased that the House Republican Caucus has led the charge in not only passing a competitive congressional map, but also in ensuring that Ohioans have only one state and federal primary in 2012.”

http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/ohio-bill-reunites-ohio-s-primaries-to-single-day-march

Legislature Agrees to Redistricting Deal, Primary Consolidation

Hannah Report 12/14/11

House Democrats relented and voted in favor of a new congressional redistricting map as well as a combined primary on March 6, 2012, bringing to the end a partisan battle that began in September and went through the Ohio Supreme Court.

Twenty-one House Democrats joined with all of the House Republicans in approving HB369 (Huffman), and nearly the same number approved an emergency clause to make the bill both effective on the signature of Gov. John Kasich and referendum proof. This action makes pursuing a referendum on the original congressional redistricting bill, HB319, moot.

After the House's actions, the Senate quickly moved on the legislation, suspending the rules and adopting the bill by a vote of 27-6, picking up four Democratic votes in the process.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188042

December 14

Probe sought into GOP mapmaking

Democrat decries secrecy in devising political districts

By  Joe Hallett Columbus DispatchJim Siegel The Columbus Dispatch

Wednesday December 14, 2011 7:02 AM

Already widely criticized for gerrymandering new congressional and legislative districts, Statehouse Republicans were threatened with an investigation yesterday into whether their line-drawing process violated laws.

State Rep. Dennis Murray, a Sandusky Democrat, asked two state-government watchdogs to launch a joint probe into what he labeled the “secretive” process used to draw 16 congressional districts, 99 Ohio House and 33 state Senate districts that will be in effect through this decade.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/14/probe-sought-into-gop-mapmaking.html

One primary now likely, but when?

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday December 14, 2011 6:58 AM

House Republicans are now proposing to merge Ohio’s two primaries into a single one on May 22, but the Senate president says he wants the primary on March 6, the date currently set for state, local and U.S. Senate races.

And the question remains whether House Democrats would provide the votes needed to make one primary happen.

House Speaker William G. Batchelder, R-Medina, said yesterday that there is a “very good likelihood” that Ohio will have only one primary in 2012, instead of the current setup, where the state is set to spend an extra $15 million to hold two primaries, in March and June.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/14/one-primary-now-likely-but-when.html

Ohio primary reunification bill heard today, could be voted on tomorrow

John Michael Spinelli

Columbus Government Examiner

December 14, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - On the penultimate session day of the year, a bill that would eliminates the requirement that Ohio conduct two primary elections in 2012 and consolidate next year's two primaries into one had its first hearing Tuesday in the State Government and Elections (SGE) Committee.

Introduced by SGE Committee Chairman Matt Huffman, an attorney, HB 391 repeals  provisions of Sub. H.B. 318, which establish two primary elections in 2012, one in March and one in June. Instead, it requires a single primary to be held on May 22, 2012. 

The bill also repeals an appropriation made in H.B. 318 to reimburse county boards of elections for the costs of the June primary, which are estimated to total approximately $15 million.

http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/ohio-primary-reunification-bill-heard-today-to-be-voted-on-wednesday

 

Rep. Huffman Defends Single Primary Bill Amid Questions By Democrats

The Republican sponsor of a bill to consolidate Ohio's primaries defended provisions of the bill as well as his party's role in congressional redistricting Tuesday in the face of Democrats' questions regarding the legislation and the GOP's previous support for a two-date solution.

Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) told the House State Government & Elections Committee on Tuesday that the bill was needed to help the state save $15 million associated with a second primary while allowing adequate time for congressional candidates to re-file and a referendum on legislation redrawing congressional districts (HB 319 ) to move forward.

The bill (HB 391 ) would set a single May 22 primary, with a March 8 filing deadline for congressional and presidential candidates as well as party convention delegates and alternates, Mr. Huffman said. The bill would not require candidates for local, state and the U.S. Senate to re-file. It also would not require local ballot issues to be re-filed.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802390201

December 13

Dems hope union victory spurs Ohio House takeover

By John Seewer and Julie Carr Smyth
Associated Press

Published: December 12, 2011 - 07:18 PM

COLUMBUS: Unionized teachers and retirees, local government officials, and veterans are among public workers running for office in an effort by Ohio Democrats to take control of the state House after a successful fall campaign to repeal a collective bargaining overhaul championed by Gov. John Kasich and fellow Republicans.

Without the option of a gubernatorial recall like Wisconsin’s, a 2012 takeover of the Ohio House, where Republicans hold a 19-seat advantage, is Democrats’ best next step for capitalizing on voter anger over the union-limiting law. A total of 21 House districts will be without an incumbent next year due to term limits and other departures.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/12/dems-hope-union-victory-spurs-ohio-house-takeover.html

Study of GOP maps points to politics

By  Jim Siegel

The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday December 13, 2011 7:03 AM

A nonpartisan coalition sharply criticized majority Republicans for the secrecy behind the drawing of new congressional and legislative maps for Ohio, a process that records show was strongly influenced by U.S. House Speaker John Boehner’s office and included spending nearly $10,000 for a Downtown hotel room in which to hold private meetings.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/12/13/study-of-gop-maps-points-to-politics.html

Coalition: Boehner, Republicans drew new districts in secret

By William Hershey, Columbus Bureau Updated 9:20 AM Tuesday, December 13, 2011

COLUMBUS — U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, and Republican leaders in the legislature shut out the public and Democrats from the process of drawing new U.S. House districts and created districts that give the GOP maximum political advantage, according to a report released Monday.

Spokesmen for Boehner, Ohio House Speaker William Batchelder, R-Medina and Senate President Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond, denied the charges made by the Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting in its report, “The Elephant in the Room.”
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/ohio-news/coalition-boehner-republicans-drew-new-districts-in-secret-1298154.html

Public records show Speaker Boehner's aide called shots on secret redistricting process (updated)

Published: Monday, December 12, 2011, 10:27 AM     Updated: Monday, December 12, 2011, 7:07 PM

By Aaron Marshall, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Newly released emails show that a top aide to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner was calling the shots for Ohio's redistricting process during backroom wheeling and dealing.
A report entitled, "The Elephant in the Room," released by the Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting shows that Tom Whatman, executive director for Team Boehner, the Republican speaker's political team, was making key recommendations on how to configure Ohio's new congressional districts out of public view. The map that resulted from that process, approved by the GOP-controlled state legislature, heavily favors Republican candidates in 12 of the 16 districts.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/12/documents_show_boehner_rep_par.html

Docs show Boehner key part of Ohio redistricting

6:55 PM, Dec. 12, 2011  |  

Written by

| By Paul E. Kostyu

Cincinnati Enquirer

More

COLUMBUS — A key representative of U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, was central in drawing the state’s disputed congressional map, according to public documents obtained by Ohio voter advocates.

Records released Monday by the Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting show Tom Whatman, executive director of Team Boehner, the political wing of the speaker’s office, participated in the process with map-making consultants, the National Republican Congressional Committee and legislative leaders, including Senate President Tom Niehaus, R-New Richmond.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20111212/NEWS010801/312120086/Docs-show-Boehner-key-part-Ohio-redistricting

Boehner's team had role in creating Timken 'peninsula'

Renacci issues statement MondayBy Robert Wang

CantonRep.com staff writer

Posted Dec 12, 2011 @ 02:35 PM

Last update Dec 12, 2011 @ 08:09 PM

CANTON — A top political aide to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, requested that the Timken Co. headquarters be added to congressman Jim Renacci’s new 16th congressional district the night before the new congressional redistricting map was unveiled in September, according to documents released Monday by a public advocacy group.

The Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting said it obtained emails under the state’s public records law from the secretaries of the Ohio Apportionment Board, Heather Mann and Ray DiRossi.

http://www.cantonrep.com/news/x652777137/Boehners-team-had-role-in-creating-Timken-peninsula

Report alleges GOP leaders used secrecy to shroud Ohio redistricting process

John Michael Spinelli

Columbus Government Examiner

December 12, 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio (CGE) - The winter chill that greeted Ohioans Monday got a little colder, especially for Republican leaders in Washington and Columbus. The Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting (OCAR) released a comprehensive transparency report on Ohio’s redistricting process that alleges GOP leaders in Washington and Columbus engaged in secret meetings, secret payments and secret map making, all in order to craft 10-year legislative districts that would virtually guarantee the GOP keeps and maintains the impressive sweep of wins it had last year, when it claimed wins for all statewide offices, retook the Ohio House and reversed the dominance Democrats gained in Ohio's Washington delegation in 2006 and 2008.

http://www.examiner.com/government-in-columbus/report-alleges-gop-leaders-used-secrecy-to-shroud-ohio-redistricting-process

December 12

Republicans' civil war has many scratching their heads

Sunday December 11, 2011 6:49 AM

Gov. John Kasich is not a party guy. Never has been.

In his 2010 campaign, Kasich kept the Ohio Republican Party at arm’s length, participating in the obligatory “unity” events with other statewide candidates but doing little else with the team or the party.

Kasich was all about getting himself elected and pursuing his passion to bring jobs to Ohio. After accomplishing the former, he has made laudable progress on the latter through a determined focus on job creation.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2011/12/11/republicans-civil-war-has-many-scratching-their-heads.html

Another voter referendum: Ohio secretary of state certifies signatures to put elections law on next year's ballot

Published: Friday, December 09, 2011, 3:45 PM     Updated: Friday, December 09, 2011, 10:21 PM

By Joe Guillen, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Voters will decide whether to approve another key piece of legislation passed by Republican lawmakers, this time an election reform bill that Democrats have called a "voter suppression" bill.

A referendum on House Bill 194, a sweeping reform of election laws, will appear on the November 2012 ballot, Secretary of State Jon Husted's office announced Friday.
Opponents of the bill, largely Democrats and voting rights activists, collected 307,358 valid signatures, according to the secretary of state's office. Petitioners needed 231,150 signatures to put the law on the ballot.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/12/another_voter_referendum_ohio.html

GOP lawmakers still stuck in playtime: Thomas Suddes

Published: Sunday, December 11, 2011, 4:10 AM     Updated: Sunday, December 11, 2011, 10:37 AM

By Thomas Suddes, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

Ohio's congressional redistricting doesn't have to be a mess. In 2002, Perry County Republican Larry Householder was House speaker. In just eight days, from introduction to passage, Ohio's 2002-10 congressional map became law.
Among those voting "yes" on that plan -- sponsored by a Householder lieutenant, then-Rep. Gary Cates, a Butler County Republican -- was future Democratic State Chairman Chris Redfern and at least nine other House Democrats.
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/12/gop_lawmakers_still_stuck_in_p.html

Team Kasich needs to take clue from past: Brent Larkin

Published: Saturday, December 10, 2011, 9:05 AM     Updated: Saturday, December 10, 2011, 12:29 PM

By Brent Larkin, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

Gov. John Kasich and his pals would be wise to heed some words of wisdom from Akron's Ray Bliss.
Few would dispute that Bliss, who died in 1981, was one of the greatest state and national chairmen in Republican Party history.
It was Bliss who rebuilt the party from the wreckage of the Lyndon Johnson landslide in 1964, uniting the Goldwater and Rockefeller factions so efficiently that Republicans recaptured the White House just four years later.
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/12/team_kasich_needs_to_take_clue.html

Published: 12/10/2011

Editorial

Toledo Blade

Double-dip, double-cross

Many Ohioans would like to end double-dipping — the practice that allows public employees to collect a retirement pension and a paycheck at the same time, at taxpayer expense. State Rep. Rex Damschroder apparently heard their plea, but only with one ear. House Speaker William Batchelder (R., Medina) declined comment on Mr. Damschroder’s bill last week. Mr. Batchelder currently collects more than $100,000 a year from his public pension to supplement his $94,000-plus legislative salary.
http://www.toledoblade.com/Editorials/2011/12/10/Double-dip-double-cross.html

Ohio Speaker Discusses GOP Rift

Friday December 9, 2011 2:53 PM
UPDATED: Friday December 9, 2011 4:50 PM

Ohio News Network

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Appearing on Capitol Square for his first TV interview since a scathing memo he wrote about Ohio GOP chairman Kevin DeWine went public, House Speaker Bill Batchelder did not back off his criticism.

"We do not need the state chairman of our party making comments about the people around the governor," Batchelder told moderator Jim Heath.
http://www.onntv.com/content/stories/2011/12/09/story-cap-square-gop-controversy.html

Ohio's split primaries could be consolidated

December 11, 2011

by ANDY BROWNFIELD | Associated Press

Columbus -- The leader of Ohio's House of Representatives says he plans on fast-tracking a plan to unite the state's split primaries, possibly in May.

Republican House Speaker William Batchelder told reporters Dec. 7 that he hopes lawmakers can approve the change next week, the final week of the 2011 legislative calendar. A proposal is in its early stages, but Batchelder has said that he wants to avoid holding two primaries.
http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/5133649

Green Councilman to replace McKenney

Tallmadge Express

December 11, 2011

by Marc Kovac | Capital Bureau Chief

Columbus -- Green City Councilman Tony DeVitis will complete former state Rep. Todd McKenney's term in the Ohio House and will run for election in a newly drawn district next year, House Republicans announced Dec. 7.

DeVitis was one of three applicants for the seat, left vacant when McKenney was appointed to Summit County probate court last month.

"Rep. DeVitis is an experienced and accomplished public servant who will serve the House well," Speaker Bill Batchelder, R-Medina, said in a released statement. "His extensive background in business and economics will add a valuable voice to the Legislature in our mission to bring jobs to the state of Ohio."
http://www.tallmadgeexpress.com/news/article/5133668

House Republicans Seek May Primary in Standalone Bill

Hannah Report 12/9/11

The interplay between changing Ohio's primary election and settling a dispute over new congressional districts is taking another turn, with House Republicans hoping to act on legislation next week to reunify the recently created dual 2012 primary into a single date.

Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will introduce a bill next week to set a May 8 primary with a March 9 filing deadline. But even assuming quick passage, the bill wouldn't take effect before that new filing deadline unless at least seven Democrats assent to attaching an emergency clause.

http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=187993

Hannah Reoprt

ELECTIONS

A group of 38 county board of elections (BOE) members from 27 counties across Ohio sent a letter to House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) urging him to reverse course and support a single primary election for 2012. Under the Legislature's current plan, two separate primary elections would be held next year, costing an additional $15 million.

ELECTIONS 2012

Hannah News published a preliminary list of candidates for the Ohio House and Senate, Ohio Supreme Court and Congress following the filing deadline on Wednesday. It continues to be updated as information is gathered and can be found online at www.Hannah.com. Among former legislators seeking to return are Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern, Tom Brinkman, Randy Law, Mike Patten, Josh O'Farrell, Dan Troy and Jack Cera. Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) indicated he was pleased with the Republican slate for the 2012 election.

Rep. Nancy Garland (D-New Albany) said she won't seek re-election to a third term in the House. She was drawn into a district with freshman Rep. Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville), and she criticized Republicans' decision to split her current district among three new House districts during reapportionment.

Former House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), now a vice president at Ohio State University, will run for the new 3rd Congressional District in Columbus, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Bill Dingus, director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, and Jackson County Commissioner Jim Riepenhoff, are reported to be running for the seat of Rep. John Carey (R-Wellston), who announced he would resign to take a job at Shawnee State University.

REDISTRICTING/REAPPORTIONMENT

The Ohio Democratic Party reported that its campaign for a referendum on new congressional maps in HB319 (Huffman) has 115,000 signatures in hand and an additional 40,000 awaiting return to Columbus. The campaign needs 231,000 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.

House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) told reporters Tuesday that he didn't expect any movement on redistricting this week, but said he is still hopeful that the General Assembly will be able to address the issue and the scheduled dual primary next year. By week's end, Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) had announced he would be introducing a bill to consolidate the primaries into a single primary on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.

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Democrats' Election Law Referendum Cleared For Fall 2012 Ballot

Gongwer 12/9/11

Fresh off a victory in overturning a contentious collective bargaining law, Democrats and their allies scored another big win Friday by qualifying a referendum on election statutes for the November 2012 ballot.

Secretary of State Jon Husted's announcement that Fair Elections Ohio had submitted sufficient signatures to force a vote on HB 194 was welcomed by Democrats and panned by the Republican majority.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802370201

Floor Votes Likely Next Week On Fast-Tracked Legislation

Gongwer 12/9/11

The final session week of the year is expected to be a busy one as several pieces of legislation that could be slated for floor votes move out of committee.

Along with a measure to be introduced Tuesday that will provide for one May primary election, bills on the fast track to be completed before year's end include legislation to implement a quality incentive payment plan for skilled nursing facilities (SB 264 ).

The budget (HB 153 ) reserved about $300 million to be distributed to nursing homes based on whether they meet certain quality standards.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802370203

Critics Plan To Unveil ‘Redistricting Secrets'; GOP Stands By ‘Transparent' Process

Gongwer 12/9/11

Voting advocates are ready to go public on Monday with public records that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what they deem unsavory efforts to redraw congressional and General Assembly maps.

However, majority Republicans dismissed the announcement of the Columbus news conference as a deceitful attempt to get media coverage.

The Ohio Campaign for Accountable Redistricting, which includes Ohio Citizen Action and the League of Women Voters of Ohio, says the records reveal: "secret redistricting meetings; use of a downtown hotel for a secret redistricting office; and secret payments to former staff."

Catherine Turcer, director of Ohio Citizen Action's Money in Politics Project, said documents the group obtained through an intensive public records request also shows that U.S. House Speaker John Boehner (R-West Chester) was quite involved in the congressional redistricting process.

http://www.gongwer-oh.com/programming/news.cfm?article_ID=802370204