Kevin DeWine Makes Bid for Deputy Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

By Larry S. Moore

Since the November 2006 elections many political pundits have wondered about the future direction and leadership of the Ohio Republican Party (ORP). More than a few columns were written conjecturing whether ORP Chairman Bob Bennett would step down or not. Many gun owners hoped Bennett would be gone. It is now known that Bennett intends to stay for another term but has laid the groundwork for an orderly transition within the Ohio Republican Party by agreeing to the position of Deputy Chairman of the ORP.

Initial reports indicated there were three candidates under consideration for the Deputy position. Although State Representative Kevin DeWine’s name was not among those, DeWine has now tossed his hat into the candidate’s ring.

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Kevin DeWine is a three-time endorsee of this political action committee. As the attached letter (.pdf) indicates, he is the current Speaker Pro Tempore. His voting record in the Ohio House is solid for gun-owners and sportsmen. He has co-sponsored and voted for concealed carry legislation, the Apprentice Hunting License legislation, and worked to protect the sportsmen hunting, fishing and trapping license monies in the last budget cycle.

His letter emphasizes some key areas for the Republican Party including the grass roots outreach and connection with voters. Many gun owners have lamented the apparent ORP disconnect to us during the Taft years. I have personally worked with Kevin DeWine on gun owner, sportsmen, and conservative issues. He addresses the need to recruit better candidates for the Ohio Republican tickets. I have to note that every gun owner should be working to recruit gun-friendly candidates.

The position of Deputy Chairman of the ORP is not one that will appear on any state ballot. The position will be filled by the vote of the sixty-six members of the Ohio Republican State Central Committee. If you are involved and know members of your county central committee or state central committee members, I ask you to urge them to support Kevin DeWine as the Deputy Chair ORP.

The vote will not be taken until sometime in April. Buckeye Firearms Association will provide information regarding support and action prior to the vote.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a Region Leader for Buckeye Firearms Association and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award.

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