The Medina County Republican Party

For several months, Republican Party of Cuyahoga County Chairman Rob Frost has worked to recruit a top tier candidate for The United States Congress in the seat abandoned by Presidential Candidate Dennis J. Kucinich, who recently denounced the United States of America on Syrian state television and voted against a memorial resolution commemorating the lives of those lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

We are pleased to announce that The Republican Party will vigorously contest the 10th Congressional District with a high profile, established and seasoned candidate. With the strong cooperation of Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert T. Bennett, Vice Chairman Kevin DeWine, Chairman Rob Frost and the leadership of The Republican Party of Cuyahoga County, Former State Representative Jim Trakas of Independence will announce his candidacy for The United States Congress this Saturday.

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Press Release

Amstutz to Run for State House of Representatives

State Senator Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) today announced his intention to run for the Ohio House of Representatives in the single-county district currently held by State Representative Jim Carmichael, who has announced plans to run for Wayne County Commissioner.

Amstutz was also considering a campaign for the 16^th Congressional District seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Ralph Regula.

“I sought a lot of advice and put a great deal of thought into this,” Amstutz said. “While I received strong community support as I considered a run for the U.S. House, a consensus developed that I can be of greater service at this time by focusing my energy, experience and expertise on serving Wayne County and our region at the state level in the Ohio House.”

“While I’m not ruling out a run for Congress at some future point, there is a lot of very important work to do right now to strengthen our state. Wayne County has a lot to offer as we move Ohio forward.”

“I’m even more enthused about this race than I was in 1980, when I first was a candidate for the state legislature as Mayor of Orrville, because this time I know what I’m getting into. I’m familiar with the people, the process and the issues. It is important to have a number of experienced members working alongside the newer members, who bring their community experiences and expertise.”

“I see state government as a laboratory for innovative leadership, focused on excellence in basic services, and emphasizing local governments as partners on the same team. Our main objective should not be simply to throwing a lot of new laws at the challenges we face. Instead, community leaders frequently can be conveners and catalysts to improve the effectiveness of our volunteer and private sector efforts.”

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Republican Roundtable Offers Opportunity for Political Conversation

James P. Trakas, former Cuyahoga County Republican Party Chairman and candidate for the Ohio Senate (District 24), will share his insight into “A New Republican Governing Strategy” at the Republican Roundtable on Thursday, September 20, 2007.

The Republican Roundtable is a new monthly forum where those who lean to the right and like to talk politics can mix and mingle. It will offer a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to come together for a free-wheeling political discussion over dinner followed by an informative speaker.

Jim Trakas began his political career by winning his first of two terms on the Independence City Council in 1991. He left the private sector to serve as Chairman of The Republican Party of Cuyahoga County from 1996 to 2005. In 1998, Trakas was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives (District 17), where he served four terms, including two as House Majority Whip. As a member of the Finance and Appropriations Committee, he worked to change Ohio’s tax code to encourage investment and twice earned the Watchdog of the Treasury Award.

Gather for dinner and dialogue at the Republican Roundtable. A buffet dinner begins at 6:00 PM at Weymouth Country Club, 3946 Weymouth Road, Medina. Cost is $15.00 per person. No reservations are necessary. The Roundtable is presented by the Medina County Federated Republican Women in conjunction with the Medina County Republican Executive Committee. For more information, go to www.medinagop.org or call 330-723-0415.

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Gibbs Formally Announces Candidacy for 22nd Senate District

LAKEVILLE, Ohio -- State Representative Bob Gibbs (R-Lakeville) formally announced his candidacy today for the Republican nomination to the Ohio Senate in 2008.

Gibbs, who has represented the 97th District in the Ohio House of Representatives since 2003, announced that he is officially a candidate for the 22nd State Senate District seat, which will be vacated by the term-limited Republican Senator Ron Amstutz.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the citizens of the 97th House District,” Gibbs said. “As an Ohio Senator, I will strive to make Ohio a better place to raise a family and do business.”

The 22nd Senate District includes all of Holmes, Medina and Wayne counties and most of Ashland County.

“Having represented the district in the Ohio House, along with my past experiences as a farmer and a small businessman, I understand the needs and concerns of the people of the district.” Gibbs said. “I support policies that strengthen our families and encourage private sector initiatives.”

Gibbs has a strong record of protecting property and individual rights and lowering tax burdens on both businesses and individuals. He led the effort in the Ohio House to reform Ohio’s eminent domain and conservancy district laws. As Vice-Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, he helped write and pass the largest income tax cut in Ohio’s history and helped reformed Ohio’s antiquated tax code to enhance the state’s business climate. Recently promoted to Chairman of Ways and Means, he continues to work to lower tax burdens and fully implement a variety of tax cuts. On a national scale, Gibbs has led the effort to ensure that Ohio’s businesses are not burdened by the implementation of the multi-state Streamline Sales Tax Project.

His efforts to protect businesses and taxpayers and grow Ohio’s economy have earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious “Guardian of Small Business Award” from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the “Watchdog of the Treasury Award” from the United Conservatives of Ohio.

Before being elected to the state legislature, Gibbs served in leadership positions with many organizations. He served nearly two decades on the Ohio Farm Bureau Board of Trustees and is a former President of the Ohio Farm Bureau. He also served as President of the Loudonville Farmer’s Equity, an agricultural grain and supply cooperative. In addition, he served as a Supervisor on the Holmes County Soil and Water Conservation District and Holmes County Extension Advisory Committee.

Gibbs and his wife Jody have been married thirty one years and have three grown children.

For more information on Representatives Gibbs’ candidacy, visit his website at www.bobgibbs.org.

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Bill Heck Elected Republican Party Chair

The Medina County Republican Executive Committee elected Medina Township resident Bill Heck as its new Chairman at its February 7, 2007 meeting. Heck replaces longtime Chairman Ralph Berry.

Completing the new leadership team are Vice Chairmen Teresa Cotman of York Township and Vance Truman of Guilford Township. Medina Township resident Holly Goodyear was selected as the organization's Secretary. David Steitz, a resident of the City of Medina, will continue as Treasurer.

Chairman Heck has challenged the Executive Committee to reenergize Republican voters. He views the period before the 2008 campaign season as a time to hone the Party's message and engage Medina County residents. "We need to focus on the opportunities and challenges ahead," says Heck. "The methods and strategies necessary to gain momentum begin at the grassroots. As Chairman, my vision is to lead a more inclusive Party with open lines of communication both within the Executive Committee and with the residents of our county. With the strengths of our past as a launch pad, we'll strive to build a new party for a new century."

Heck has been active in Republican Party politics in the county since the early 1980's. Most recently, he served as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee. He chaired the Bush-Cheney '04 Campaign for Medina County. He is married to Attorney Jill Heck. They have two grown daughters.

For more information about Republican Party activities in Medina County, contact Chairman Heck at 330-723-3390 or via e-mail at bheck@zoominternet.net.

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