Ohio Senate exploring repeal of new elections law
By Ann Sanner
Associated Press
Associated Press
Published: January 26, 2012 - 11:07 PM
COLUMBUS: Several Republican state senators have been reviewing for weeks the idea of repealing Ohio’s new elections law that trims early voting days in the presidential battleground state and makes other election changes, the leader of Ohio’s Senate said Thursday.
The law has been on hold until voters can decide in November whether it should be kept or scrapped.
Senate President Tom Niehaus said he was “amazed” that Secretary of State Jon Husted, a fellow Republican, has called on the GOP-led legislature to repeal the measure and write a new bill after this year’s presidential election.
http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/ohio-senate-exploring-idea-repeal-of-election-law/93d8341677fc40398482b1ad2499aee3
http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/ohio-senate-exploring-idea-repeal-of-election-law/93d8341677fc40398482b1ad2499aee3
Democrats have an elections bill ready
By Jim Siegel
If Republicans decide to repeal the election-law overhaul scheduled for a referendum on the November ballot, House Democrats say they have an alternative ready to go.
A trio of Democrats proposed an elections plan packed with provisions that would make it easier to vote and more likely that votes would be counted. They hope majority Republicans will consider the plan if House Bill 194 is repealed this year or rejected by voters in November.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/28/democrats-have-an-elections-bill-ready.html
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/28/democrats-have-an-elections-bill-ready.html
Gov. Kasich hits the road with his unruly allies: Thomas Suddes
Published: Sunday, January 29, 2012, 4:10 AM
If, as might happen -- though it probably won't -- the Grand Old Party nominates former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich for president, Democratic President Barack Obama is as good as re-elected.
Gingrich's chief Republican rival, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, is no ball of fire. But what's required to unseat Obama is a GOP nominee who can convince the country, not singe it. Gingrich, in contrast, is living proof of H.L. Mencken's claim that "the only way to success in American public life lies in flattering and kowtowing to the mob."
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/gov_kasich_hits_the_road_with_1.html
Josh Mandel's quick but quiet climb up political ladder offers clues about his senatorial prospects
Published: Monday, January 30, 2012, 6:00 AM Updated: Monday, January 30, 2012, 12:38 PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It might be difficult to believe, but there was a time -- not all that long ago, really -- when Josh Mandel begged off a career in politics.
The year was 1999, and Mandel, an undergrad from Cleveland's suburbs, had just won a second term as president of the student government at Ohio State University.
"I don't enjoy the political part of the job," he told a reporter at the time, rejecting the notion that he had cemented himself a nice little steppingstone into public office.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/01/josh_mandels_quick_but_quiet_c.html
The year was 1999, and Mandel, an undergrad from Cleveland's suburbs, had just won a second term as president of the student government at Ohio State University.
"I don't enjoy the political part of the job," he told a reporter at the time, rejecting the notion that he had cemented himself a nice little steppingstone into public office.
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2012/01/josh_mandels_quick_but_quiet_c.html
More scorched earth in Columbus: Joe Frolik
Published: Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 6:00 AM
Instead, by suggesting that the General Assembly repeal controversial election reforms headed for referendum this November, Husted has triggered so much drama that he might as well have invited the David Mamet Festival to trade Chicago for Columbus. http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/more_scorched_earth_in_columbu.html
Why not take speech on the road?
Posted Jan 30, 2012 @ 12:00 PM
The issue: State of the State address
Our view: A boost for Steubenville, but were other state leaders caught unaware?
We see nothing wrong with Gov. John Kasich taking his State of the State show on the road.
But we gather from having watched the governor in action for more than a year that this might have been one of his spur-of-the-moment, go-it-alone decisions. It apparently didn’t take into account the concerns of many state legislators, including several in his own party.
http://www.cantonrep.com/opinion/editorials/x675929545/Why-not-take-speech-on-the-road
http://www.cantonrep.com/opinion/editorials/x675929545/Why-not-take-speech-on-the-road
Primary to Decide Appointment to Ohio 98th House District
Seat vacated when Richard Hollington became mayor of Hunting Valley.
By Roger Vozar
Hillcrest Patch
January 27, 2012
Rather than appoint someone to the Ohio 98th House District seat now, Republicans plan to wait for the outcome of the March 6 primary to decide who gets the appointment.
The 98th district includes all of Geauga County as well as Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Village and portions of Mayfield Heights.
"Given the fact that multiple Republican candidates have filed for these offices prior to the March primary, voting for which begins in less than two weeks, we feel it would be most prudent given this timeline for the residents of the 87th and 98th districts to decide who their representatives will be," Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder said.
http://hillcrest.patch.com/articles/primary-to-decide-appointment-to-ohio-98th-house-district
The 98th district includes all of Geauga County as well as Gates Mills, Highland Heights, Mayfield Village and portions of Mayfield Heights.
"Given the fact that multiple Republican candidates have filed for these offices prior to the March primary, voting for which begins in less than two weeks, we feel it would be most prudent given this timeline for the residents of the 87th and 98th districts to decide who their representatives will be," Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder said.
http://hillcrest.patch.com/articles/primary-to-decide-appointment-to-ohio-98th-house-district
Judge Rose appointed to vacant 87th House District seat
Posted: Friday, January 27, 2012 5:52 pm
Jackson Times Journal
Jackson Times Journal
In a recent statement regarding the currently vacant 87th and 98th House district seats, Batchelder said that given the fact that multiple Republican candidates have filed for these offices prior to the March primary, voting for which begins in less than two weeks, he felt it would be most prudent given this timeline for the residents of the 87th and 98th districts to decide for themselves who their representatives will be.
"The Republican Caucus has decided to honor the outcome of the March primary for these two districts and ultimately appoint the winner of each race," said Batchelder. Adding, "We believe waiting until the results of the primary election will give the people of the 87th and 98th districts the most influence over their representation and ensure that their voices are being heard."
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_14d2bf02-493a-11e1-8e9b-001871e3ce6c.html
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_14d2bf02-493a-11e1-8e9b-001871e3ce6c.html
Philip Rose sworn in as State Representative of the 87th District
Posted: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 2:32 pm
Jackson Times Journal
Jackson Times Journal
COLUMBUS-Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) has announced that Judge Philip H. Rose has been sworn in as state representative of the 87th House District, which includes all of Vinton, Jackson and Gallia counties as well as portions of Lawrence and Ross counties.
"I'm honored and humbled to be able to serve the 87th House District during this interim period," said Representative Rose. "While serving in the Ohio House, I pledge to put the people of our communities back home first and ensure that I am a faithful voice of our district."
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_30381c54-4c43-11e1-b61b-001871e3ce6c.html
http://www.timesjournal.com/news/article_30381c54-4c43-11e1-b61b-001871e3ce6c.html
Ohio Legislators Weigh In On Future Of Fracking
By
Fred Kight/WOUB
Published Sat, Jan 28, 2012 9:45 am Dateline
Columbus, OH
Updated Sat, Jan 28, 2012 3:30 pm
Is fracking a dangerous way of getting oil and gas? Or is it the start of an economic resurgence in Ohio? Arguments are being made on both sides.
Fracking is a controversial drilling technique that environmentalists contend could poison our air and water. Governor John Kasich says his administration will act to keep that from happening.
Former local judge, village law director to be appointed to 87th District seat
Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2012 5:16 pm
Former local judge, village law director to be appointed to 87th District seat 0 comments
COLUMBUS — Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today announced that Judge Philip H. Rose has been selected by the House Republican Caucus to be appointed to the vacant 87th House District seat.
“Our caucus is honored that Judge Rose will be joining the Ohio House of Representatives,” said Batchelder. “He is a longtime devoted member of the community and I know that he will do good work for the residents of the 87th District during this interim period.”
Husted, lawmakers tangle over possible repeal of elections reforms
January 29, 2012
by MARC KOVAC | CAPITAL BUREAU CHIEFHudson Hub Times
Columbus -- The Republican leaders of the Ohio legislature are scratching their heads over comments made this past week by Secretary of State Jon Husted concerning election reform.
Husted, a Republican, told members of the Ohio Association of Elections Officials Jan. 25 that he thought lawmakers should repeal House Bill 194 and revisit election reform after November.
"What we need in 2012 is more stability and less drama," according to a written transcript of Husted's speech. "As a result I will encourage the legislature to repeal and replace HB 194. I want the legislature to repeal HB 194 and start over after the 2012 election (or if they pass it this year, the effective date should be post 2012 general election)." http://www.hudsonhubtimes.com/news/article/5151339
Gongwer 1/27/12
A day after tensions flared among Republican officials over the proposed repeal of an elections overhaul bill, House Democrats seized the opportunity to present alternative legislation.
Rep. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Rep. Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) and Rep. Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) on Friday offered details of legislation currently being drafted that would replace many aspects of the measure (HB 194 ) that is subject to a referendum vote in November.
Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted said earlier this week he thinks the legislature should repeal House Bill 194 in order to appease public concern that it would exacerbate voter confusion during a presidential election year. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 25, 2012)
House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R-Medina) and Senate President Tom Niehaus (R-New Richmond) said Thursday they were none too pleased with Mr. Husted's headline-generating declaration.
Gongwer 1/30/12
A House Democrat on Thursday proposed a new way for appointing the state's top watchdog to ensure bipartisan agreement and the objectivity of the officeholder.
Rep. Connie Pillich (D-Montgomery) announced the legislation in response to recent criticism of Inspector General Randy Meyer, who was a featured speaker at a recent Republican fundraiser. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 19, 2012)
Her legislation would require the inspector general to be appointed by the House speaker, Senate president, and the minority leader from each chamber. The IG, who watches over and "weeds out corruption" in the executive branch, she said, is currently selected by the governor.
"If the governor's appointing his own watchdog, there's not the necessary distance; you remove... checks and balances," Rep. Pillich said at a Statehouse news conference. "(The proposal) removes the possibility of appointing someone who's just a political hack."
Politics Notebook: Speaker Appoints Interim Member, Clerk; Bar Association Rates Supreme Court Candidates
Gongwer 1/30/12
House Republicans have decided to let the Mar. 6 primary determine who will replace former Rep. John Carey, however Speaker Bill Batchelder recently appointed a judge to keep the seat warm until then.
Judge Philip Rose, who currently works as an attorney at Oths, Heiser & Miller, LLC in Wellston, was named to temporarily serve in the 87th House District. The former Ohio Judicial Conference chairman is not a candidate in the upcoming primary election.
Democrats Revive Election-Law Proposals Amid HB194 Do-Over Talks
Hannah Report 1/27/11
Hannah Report 1/27/11
House Democrats wasted little time in providing their own suggestions for the HB194 replacement that Secretary of State Jon Husted says he's now seeking to avoid voter confusion from a November referendum on the election law.
Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) and Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) said Republicans should learn a lesson from the voter rebuke of SB5 (Jones) and make "meaningful" efforts for bipartisan buy-in on any new elections bill. Repealing HB194 (Mecklenborg-Blessing) only to substitute something substantially the same would be "ill-received" by the public, Heard warned.http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188399
Reps. Kathleen Clyde (D-Kent), Alicia Reece (D-Cincinnati) and Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) said Republicans should learn a lesson from the voter rebuke of SB5 (Jones) and make "meaningful" efforts for bipartisan buy-in on any new elections bill. Repealing HB194 (Mecklenborg-Blessing) only to substitute something substantially the same would be "ill-received" by the public, Heard warned.http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=188399
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