Former Trump campaigner to lead Ohio GOP
For Monday, March 1, 2021
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — An experienced campaigner for former President Donald Trump and top Ohio Republicans took the helm of the state party Friday, pledging to strengthen the party's performance in Democratheavy urban counties headed into the 2022 elections.
Trump endorsed Bob Paduchik over a far-right challenger to succeed Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken, who resigned to run for U.S. Senate. He called the man who ran his successful 2016 and 2020 campaigns in the state "outstanding in every way." Trump won Ohio both times by more than 8 percentage points.
But Paduchik's challenger for the party's top job, former state Rep. John Becker, cast him as an establishment-backing insider saddled with too much baggage.
"I'm the regular guy," Becker told State Central Committee members in a meeting held jointly in person and online. "I don't have extensive tentacles with family members and multiple organizations and multiple campaigns going back to the beginning of time."
Becker may have been referring to the fact that Paduchik made calls in support of House Bill 6, a $1 billion nuclear bailout bill now at the center of the largest federal racketeering case in state history, telling state lawmakers Trump wanted the now-tainted legislation to pass. His younger brother, Jason, is a lobbyist for Energy Harbor, a former Firstenergy subsidiary that would stood to benefit from the legislation.
Dave Johnson, the committee member who nominated Paduchik, lauded his skill, character and qualifications — and said he can unite the party ahead of "the most challenging set of elections that we have seen in a decade or more."
Johnson cited Paduchik's work electing Presidents Trump and George W. Bush, Govs. Mike Dewine and Bob Taft and Sen. Rob Portman.
"There is nobody in this state that has a better record of managing and winning elections than Bob," he said.
Backers of Becker's candidacy said average Republicans want the party to start backing more conservative candidates.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
This is a great day to begin your week! Conversations with partners and close friends will be friendly and upbeat. Even relations with members of the general public will be positive. Yay!
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)
Work-related travel might be in the picture for some of you. All of you can benefit by working with groups today and sharing your knowledge and expertise. (Many hands make light work.)
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
This is a fabulous day to socialize with others. You will enjoy the company of children, romantic partners and anyone in the arts or the hospitality industry. It’s a great day to have fun!
CANCER (June 21 to July 22)
Family discussions will go well today. Ironically, although you feel friendly with everyone, you might be just as happy to hide at home and enjoy your privacy.
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22)
You will enjoy socializing with others today because you want to enlighten someone about something. You want to share an issue that is important to you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)
This is a great day for business and commerce. All financial transactions will go well today. It’s a great way to start your week!
LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22)
Today the Moon is in your sign dancing beautifully with both Mercury and lucky Jupiter. This makes you charming, optimistic and upbeat in all your conversations with others.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21)
You feel quietly peaceful today. Without question, as this week begins, you have a warm feeling in your tummy. Of course, this is a playful, relaxing time for you.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21)
Group activities and interactions with friends will be upbeat and positive today because people are happier.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)
This week begins in a fortunate way for you because you are noticed more than usual. The good news is you look admirable! You can use this positive influence to advance your agenda.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18)
This is a great day to make future travel plans or plans to expand your world through education, publishing, the media, medicine or the law. Anything is possible!
PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20)
In a discussion about shared property or inheritances, you will come out smelling like a rose. This is also a good day to discuss matters with the government or anyone who can affect your wealth and assets.
YOU BORN TODAY
You are giving and compassionate. You are very persuasive, and you know how to follow your dreams. This year, let go of what is no longer relevant or useful and move on to something new and different. This is not a time of loss. Au contraire! You are lightening your load to make room for new beginnings!
Birthdate of: Justin Bieber, singer; Ron Howard, director; Lupita Nyong’o, actress.