WestChesterBuzz.com

Jodi Billerman. The Enquirer/ Joseph Fuqua II.

Sheila McLaughlin reports:

Three political newbies are vying for a seat on the board of commissioners in Butler County, where spending is the resounding theme in a community that is steeped in debt and faces $900,000 in cuts to get through the end of the year.

“Right now what we are seeing is a lack of fiscal responsibility from a party that claims to be fiscal conservatives,” said Democratic candidate Jodi L. Billerman.

The county’s debt, at $67.5 million, is out of control, she said, while county officials forecast that 83 percent of the debt will be paid off in 10 years.

Billerman, Republican T.C. Rogers of West Chester Township and Libertarian Daryl R. Olthaus of Milford Township have lined up to grab the seat of outgoing longtime Republican Commissioner Chuck Furmon.

- More 2012 Ohio election news from WestChesterBuzz.com

Daryl R. Olthaus. The Enquirer/ Joseph Fuqua II

Furmon was ousted in the primary election in a three-way race between him, Rogers and Ohio Rep. Courtney Combs, who loses his statehouse seat in January to term limits. Rogers beat out Combs by 13 votes.

None of the three current commission candidates have run for public office before.

- Butler County Candidate list

Even though the Butler County commission and the majority of county government is dominated by Republicans, Billerman and Olthaus both say they want to see some balance .

“We’ve had a lot of issues lately,” said Olthaus, who is bothered by the string of scandals and criminal convictions involving former officials . “ I want to be the person on the commission that says, ‘Let’s look at this a different way,’ or to kind of be the watchdog outside the Republican Party.”

- Butler County Board of Elections website

T.C. Rogers. The Enquirer/ Joseph Fuqua II.

Billerman, who is running because the local Democrats asked her, said she is not a diehard liberal. “Some of the labeling just doesn’t really suit me and I know I’ll lose votes because there is a D behind my name,” she said. “I took a concealed carry class. I’m a wicked shot. You can’t exactly call me a Teva sandal-wearing, organic-eating vegan. I’m not. I genuinely believe I have something to offer.”

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent, is running on his experience as a businessman and member of a county budget task force. “I’ve created jobs year after year. I think I already have a relationship with county officials … so I don’t have to have any break-in period. I can be a manager from day one whereas they would be an apprentice,” he said of his political opponents. He said the county can’t continue to spend money it doesn’t have. He’d like to look into saving money on some services and equipment by sharing with Butler County cities and townships.

Posted in: Election, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Daryl R. Olthaus, Jodi Billerman, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

The West Chester Tea Party will host a “meet the candidates night” Tuesday during its regular monthly meeting at its volunteer center at 5430 Beckett Road.

T.C. Rogers of West Chester is the Republican candidate for the open Butler County Commissioners seat. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II during a voter forum in February.

Participating in the event are Butler County Commissioner candidates and 52nd District State Representative candidates.

Among those scheduled to attend include Branden Rudie (Democrat – Ohio 52nd District), Bob Coogan (Libertarian – Ohio 52nd District), Margaret Conditt (Republican – Ohio 52nd District), Daryl R. Olthaus (Libertarian – county commissioner) and T.C. Rogers (Republican – county commissioner).

Jodi Billerman (Democrat), who is running for the open county commissioner seat, was not listed on the Tea Party’s list of candidates scheduled to participate in the event.

During the event, there will be a five minutes speech per candidate followed with a question and answer period.

Registration and networking for the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

For more information about the West Chester Tea Party, visit its website www.westchesterteaparty.org.

Posted in: Election, Events, News, Political events |

Tags: Tags: Bob Coogan, Branden Rudie, Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Daryl R. Olthaus, Jodi Billerman, Liberty Township election, Margaret Conditt, Margy Conditt, Ohio election 2012, State Rep. Margaret Conditt, State Rep. Margy Conditt, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Lakota West senior Zak Farmer pitches during a 9-2 loss against Mason Monday, March 26, 2012. Photo by Adam Kiefaber.

High school baseball begins – Last Monday, both Lakota West and Lakota East began the 2012 baseball season with a loss during the inaugural Reds Future High School Showcase at Prasco Park Legacy Field in Mason. Lakota West lost by the score of 9-2 against rival Mason, while Lakota East lost to Hamilton 4-2.

Scholarship created to honor student involved in fatal wreck – The Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty announced last Monday that it has established a scholarship fund to honor a Lakota West student, who died after being involved in a fatal car wreck March 16. The Ezekiel “Zeke” Stepaniak Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student at Lakota West High School that exhibits Stepaniak’s qualities.

Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia. Photo taken by Tony Jones.

Lakota seeks students’ input on cuts – Cincinnati Enquirer Michael D. Clark reported that Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia is reaching out to some of those hardest hit by Lakota’s recent $10.5 million in budget cuts – students. Mantia said during Monday evening’s Lakota school board meeting that she will invite students in May to discuss in person the sweeping changes.

Jack in the Box could open in mid-July – A spokesperson with Jack in the Box said last week that it is “only a matter of days” before the company breaks ground on its first restaurant in Ohio. The location, off Tylersville Road near I-75 in West Chester, is expected to be open by mid-July. The target date of the opening could be changed to due weather.

Rogers declared winner after recount – Last week’s recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed that T.C. Rogers of West Chester Township won the Republican primary for Butler County commissioner. Rogers finished 13 votes ahead of former commissioner and State Rep. Courtney Combs. Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus of Somerville in the November election.

Lakota West pitcher Ashley Sharp pitches in a 6-2 win against Lakota East Friday, March 30, 2012. Photo by Joseph Fuqua II.

Amylin shares soar on takeover bid – Cincinnati Enquirer’s Mike Boyer reported that shares of drug-maker Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. in West Chester Township soared 54 percent Wednesday after a report that the company rejected a $3.5 billion unsolicited takeover bid from Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Shares of the San Diego-based company closed at $23.77 – up $8.38 in more than 10 times normal trading – after Bloomberg News reported the company had rejected the $22-a-share offer.

Lakota West defeated Lakota East in softball – On Friday, Lakota West won its fourth straight against its school district rival. The latest coming by way of a 6-2 victory over the Thunderhawks. Last season, Lakota East was ranked No. 1 in the state for most of the spring and lost only three of its 31 games. All three losses came at the hand of the Firebirds, including one that eliminated Lakota East in the state quarterfinals.

Posted in: Board of Education, Business, Election, Government, Levy news, News, Schools, Sports, Spring sports |

Tags: Tags: Amylin, Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Community Foundation, Community Foundation WCL, Community Foundation West Chester/Liberty, Courtney Combs, Ezekieal Stephaniak, Ezekieal Zeke Stepaniak, jack in the box, Jack in the Box Cincinnati, Jack in the Box midwest, Jack in the Box Ohio, Jack in the Box West Chester, Karen Manita, Karen Mantia, Lakota, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota East baseball, Lakota East softball, Lakota East Sports, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, Lakota Superintendent Karen Mantia, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, Lakota West softball, Lakota West sports, Lakota West student death, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, reductions, school levy, Superintendent Dr. Karen Mantia, superintendent Karen Mantia, T.C. Rogers, WCL Community Foundation, West Chester election, West Chester McDonalds, West Chester restaurant opening, West Chester restaurants, Zeke Stepaniak

Sheila McLaughlin reports

Monday’s recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed political newcomer T.C. Rogers as the Republican candidate for November’s general election.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, remained 13 votes ahead of Courtney Combs. Rogers had 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

A recount in the Butler County commission race confirmed T.C. Rogers as the Republican candidate for November’s general election. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

Earlier this month, Rogers appeared to have defeated two longtime politicos: Combs, a longtime state representative and former county commissioner, and current commissioner Chuck Furmon. Rogers kept his edge last week when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

The race between Rogers and Combs was so close, the automatic recount was required by law.

But the numbers stayed the same after the 11-hour recount process at the Butler County Board of Elections, Director Lynn Edward Kinkaid said.

Neither Rogers nor Combs could be reached for comment.

Furmon still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race, so he’s out of a job next year.

The votes will be certified today.

Combs also loses his job in Ohio’s Statehouse in January because of term limits. He had hoped to return to Butler County as a commissioner, a job he held for 17 years before heading to Columbus in 2004.

Combs had said earlier that Rogers’ win signaled a change in Republican politics in Butler County.

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement, and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman, of Liberty Township, and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday.

Community leader passes away – The West Chester and Liberty township communities grieved the loss A. Christian Worrell III, who was responsible for the Graydon Head Legal Counsel Butler/Warren Office and was a member of countless local committees. Worrell’s funeral took place last Tuesday afternoon.

T.C. Rogers. File photo.

My Furry Valentine to come back – The organizer for My Furry Valentine, a large pet adoption event that took place throughout Cincinnati, said that she expects to host another event next February. This past February, the main event was in West Chester. There have also been discussions to add another large pet adoption event in the summer or in the early fall.

Rogers keeps lead in commission vote – Political newcomer T.C. Rogers kept his edge over Courtney Combs as the Republican nominee for Butler County Commissioner last Tuesday when absentee and provisional ballots were counted. But the race is destined for an automatic recount by law because the margin is less than half of 1 percent. The recount is expected to take place this Monday.

West Chester playing role in Ohio’s economic development – The Atlanta-based magazine Site Selection awarded Ohio and Governor John Kasich first place in its annual Governor’s Cup rankings. The Governor’s Cup, which was announced in its March issue, ranks the 50 states according to their success in attracting capital investment projects. West Chester Township played a role in the state’s accomplishment.

Ezekiel "Zeke" Stepaniak. Photo provided.

The Cone opens for the season – A West Chester landmark and popular location in the summer, The Cone, officially opened for the season last Thursday with a surprise opening night. The seasonal destination is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Lakota community comes together after fatal wreck – Lakota West High School and others in the school community mourned the loss of one its students – junior Ezekiel “Zeke” Stepaniak – and prayed for the recovery of another student – sophomore Ashley Stacy. Throughout the week, students showed their support in many ways.

Office Depot donates $97,000 in supplies to Lakota – The Lakota school district announced that it received $97,000 worth of office supplies from Office Depot. According to school officials, Office Depot donated 79,000 items that included highlighters, pens, trash bags, paper towels, batteries, glue sticks and binders.

Posted in: Events, News, Schools |

Tags: Tags: Ashley Stacy, Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Butler County United Way Board of Trustees, Chris Worrell, Chris Worrell III, Chris Worrell III obit, Chris Worrell obit, Christian Worrell III, Christian Worrell III obit, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Drews Mitchell, Ezekieal Stephaniak, Ezekieal Zeke Stepaniak, Graydon Head, Graydon Head Legal Counsel, Lakota West, Lakota West High School, Lakota West student death, Liberty Township election, My Furry Valentine Cincinnati, My Furry Valentine Northern Kentucky, My Furry Valentine West Chester, Office Depot, Office Depot donates to schools, Ohio election 2012, Pet Adoption Day, pet adoption West Chester, Site Selection, T.C. Rogers, The Cone, The Cone West Chester, West Chester business, West Chester business news, West Chester election, West Chester jobs, West Chester McDonalds, Zeke Stepaniak

The Enquirer

The Republican nominee for the Butler County Commissioner race this fall finally should be decided by day’s end.

T.C. Rogers is only 13 votes up on unofficial runner-up Courtney Combs in the Butler County Commission Republican primary - voting took place, March 6, 2012. In photo, Roger speaks at a voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

The final recount is expected to begin at the county’s board of elections at 8:30 am.

Earlier this month, political newcomer T.C. Rogers defeated two longtime politicos: current commissioner Chuck Furmon and longtime state representative Courtney Combs. He kept his edge last week when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

The race was so close, however, today’s automatic recount was required by law.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, came in 13 votes ahead of Combs. Rogers now has 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

Furmon gained 82 votes, but still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race.

Today’s recount is not expected the change things.

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

Sheila McLaughlin reports

Political newcomer T.C. Rogers kept his edge over Courtney Combs as the Republican nominee for Butler County Commissioner Tuesday when absentee and provisional ballots were counted.

T.C. Rogers is only 13 votes up on unofficial runner-up Courtney Combs in the Butler County Commission Republican primary - voting took place, March 6, 2012. In photo, Roger speaks at a voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

But the race is destined for an automatic recount by law because the margin is less than half of 1 percent.

Rogers, a home builder and real estate agent from West Chester Township, came in 13 votes ahead of Combs in Tuesday’s count at the Butler County Board of Elections.

Tuesday’s count gave Rogers 11,571 votes to Combs’ 11,558.

Incumbent Commissioner Chuck Furmon gained 82 votes, but still brought up the rear with 9,392 total votes in the primary race.

“It came down to the last day so I’m the poster boy for every vote counts,” Rogers said. “Elections are not horseshoes.”

The recount is not expected the change things, said Board of Elections Deputy Director Jocelyn Bucaro.

“We’ve never had a recount produce different results,” she said.

If the numbers hold through the recount, Combs is out of a political job after losing his Ohio House seat at the end of the year. He has represented the 54th District since 2004 after serving as a county commissioner.

“Yes, I would have liked to be county commissioner but if it’s not meant to be, it won’t be,” Combs said. “I’m a Realtor by trade so politics is not my whole life. It’s so close and I feel very humbled by the fact that I won, I think, 13 townships and three of the big cities in Butler County. So obviously the support was there.”

Rogers subscribes to the tea party movement and Combs is seen as part of the GOP establishment.

Voters obviously are looking for something new from the county commission, Combs said.

“I wish him the best. It’s a challenge now in Butler County for sure,” he said.

Rogers will face Democratic candidate Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl Olthaus, a registered nurse from Somerville, in the November election.

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

To let West Chester and Liberty Township residents catch up with the news that they need to know, WestChesterBuzz.com will list and link to all of last week’s top local stories every Monday. (Stories are listed in order of date)

Rick Santorum wins local Tea Party straw poll: With many of the same participants in last Monday’s poll as the first Liberty Township Tea Party straw poll Feb. 6, Santorum finished with 42 percent of the vote. Overall, there wasn’t much change at the top spot since Santorum netted 41 percent of the vote in February. Mitt Romney, on the other hand, gained significant ground jumping up to 31 percent of the vote last Monday from only 19 percent of the vote in February.

Lakota presents late budget proposal: Lakota officials presented its fifth and final budget reduction proposal last Monday. The proposal, which focused administration, district-wide personnel and supplementals, could eliminate 50 jobs and save the district $3.5 million. The cuts include an assistant superintendent position, two school building administrator positions, deans of students at both high schools, as well as the elimination of 11 licensed school nurses and 13 clinic aides.

West Chester and Liberty Township residents talk Super Tuesday: It turned out to be a late night, as Ohioans chose Mitt Romney over Rick Santorum by one percentage point. Earlier in the day, while the polls were open, many voters in West Chester and Liberty Township shared the reasons why they voted in the Republican presidential primary.

Republicans select Swain for county clerk: For the second time in just over a year, Mary Swain defeated former deputy clerk Jeff Wyrick in a vote to represent the Republican Party as the Butler County Clerk of Courts. Swain received almost 61 percent of the vote, while Wyrick finished with 39 percent on Super Tuesday. In January 2011, after Cindy Carpenter left the clerks position, Swain also narrowly defeated Wyrick in a vote administered by the Butler County Republican Party.

Butler County commission race too close to call: West Chester resident and political newcomer T.C. Rogers has a 24-vote lead over long-time politician Courtney Combs in Super Tuesday’s Republican primary for Butler County commissioner. Official results aren’t expected until March 20 when all provisional and mailed absentee ballots will be counted. There is no question that incumbent Chuck Furman, who has held his seat since 1996, won’t be back next year.

Anti-tax group offers cash to needy Lakota athletes: The Enquirer reported last Tuesday, that a group of anti-school tax activists who campaign against school tax hikes now plan to raise money for needy students. The group has privately funded $10,000 to help students pay for sports fees, which were raised in the spring of 2011. This announcement has caused a stir among residents of the Lakota school district.

Lakota West grad excels at U-of-L Pro Day: University of Louisville tight end Josh Chichester made great strides of accomplishing his “ultimate goal” of playing professional football during the school’s pro day last Wednesday. According to his former high school coach, Lakota West’s Larry Cox, Chichester measured out at 6-foot-6 235 pounds, had a vertical jump that cleared 37 inches and turned in a 40-yard dash time of 4.58 seconds in front of representatives of 20 NFL teams.

Former West Chester cop sent to jail for tipping off dealer: A former West Chester police officer, who pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a case where he was accused of alerting a drug dealer to an undercover bust, was sentenced to six months in jail last Thursday. In two prior court appearances, Busemeyer, who claimed to be addicted to steroids and painkillers, requested to complete a court-ordered drug treatment program in exchange of a felony conviction and jail time. Both times, those requests were denied.

Shamrock Shuffle draws thousands of participants: This past Saturday’s Shamrock Shuffle was expected to draw more than 4,000 people and raise more than $10,000 for approximately 50 local charities or causes. Tony O’Connor, 18, of West Chester won the 5K portion of the Shuffle with a time of 16:36. Brady Holmer won the 10K portion with a time of 34:26. O’Connor (Lakota East) and Holmer (Lakota West) are both seniors in the Lakota school district and plan on running at Northern Kentucky University.

Posted in: Events, News, Schools, Sports |

Tags: Tags: Brady Holmer, Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Jeff Wyrick, Josh Chichester, Josh Chichester football, Josh Chichester Louisville, Josh Chichester NFL Combine, Josh Chichester NFL Draft, Lakota cuts, Lakota East, Lakota Local Schools, Lakota reductions, Lakota school levy, Lakota West, Liberty Township election, Mary Swain, No Lakota, No Lakota levy, NoLakota, NoLakota Levy, Northern Kentucky University track, Northern Kentucky Uuniversity cross country, Ohio election 2012, Rich Hoffman, Shamrock Shuffle, Shamrock Shuffle West Chester, T.C. Rogers, Tony O'Connor, West Chester election

Sheila McLaughlin reports:

Political newcomer T.C. Rogers came out of nowhere to barely take the lead (by 24 votes) in Tuesday’s Republican primary for Butler County commissioner.

Chuck Furmon thanked local citizens and also said that politics right now are “just so strange” after losing in the Republican primary for Butler County commissioner March, 6, 2012. In photo, Furmon speaks at voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

There’s no question about Commissioner Chuck Furmon though. He won’t be back next year after the surprise upset.

“Chuck is retired. I’ll finish my obligation. But there’s a lot of Pitch (a card game) to be played,” Furmon said Wednesday while removing campaign signs with his wife Peg. “I’m grateful for the time that I’ve been allowed to serve the citizens of Butler County. I have no regrets.”

Furmon said he has “no read” on how he came up short in the primary election, but he said he was shocked that Rogers took the lead.

“The politics right now from the top down is just so strange. The party is just fractured,” Furmon said.

The Butler County GOP did not endorse any of the commission candidates.

Rogers received 11,482 votes to Combs’ 11,458 votes, according to unofficial election results. Furmon received 9,310 votes.

Election results posted online late Tuesday as complete showed that Rogers won by a mere seven votes. However, Butler County election officials said Wednesday that paper ballots cast at some polling places were still being counted at the time. (more…)

Posted in: Election, Government, News |

Tags: Tags: Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, Courtney Combs, Liberty Township election, Ohio election 2012, T.C. Rogers, West Chester election

Courtney Combs may have run into some bad luck in his 13th campaign when he unofficially finished only seven votes behind T.C. Rogers of West Chester in the Butler County Commission Republican primary March 6, 2012. Prior to the primary, Combs had won 12th straight campaigns. In photo, Combs votes on the morning of Super Tuesday at Ross Middle School. Photo taken by Adam Kiefaber.

Only one thing is certain about the Butler County Commission Republican primary, the incumbent Chuck Furmon is due to lose his seat that he held since 1996.

What is unclear is if the unofficial results, which have political newcomer and small business owner T.C. Rogers of West Chester Township on top with 11,442 votes or 35.58 percent of the vote, will hold up (results as of 1 a.m. Wednesday).

The other candidate in the race, former Butler County Commissioner and State Rep. Courtney Combs, finished only seven votes behind (11,435 votes) Rogers.

According to The Enquirer, the close finish automatically triggers a recount due to Ohio law.

T.C. Rogers finished with only seven more votes than unofficial runner-up Courtney Combs in the Butler County Commission Republican primary March 6, 2012. In photo, Roger speaks at a voter forum in February. Photo taken by Joseph Fuqua II.

According to the Pulse Journal, Butler County Board of Elections Director Jocelyn Bucaro said a recount would not be ordered until approximately 368 absentee ballots and 400 provisional have been counted at a later date.

Rogers was told by colleagues, who have worked on other campaigns, that the process could take 10 days.

“I would rather be seven up then seven down,” Rogers said late Tuesday night.

“I was up against two long-time politicians, so I knew I had a hill to climb.”

Unlike Rogers, who was running for the first time, today’s election marked the 13th campaign for Combs.

“I have won 12 in row. I am confident but not overconfident, so we will see if 13 is a good number for me,” Combs said on Tuesday morning after voting at Ross Middle School.

“This is a totally different race for me. I have never been in a contested primary.”

Combs has to give up his state seat for the 54th District after five terms in office. He was a commissioner for 17 years before heading to the state Capitol in 2004.

Whoever comes out on top after the recount, they will face Democrat Jodi Billerman of Liberty Township and Libertarian Daryl R. Olthaus in November.

Romney wins Ohio: The Enquirer reported at 12:40 a.m. Wednesday that Mitt Romney won Ohio on Super Tuesday. With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Romney had 38 percent of the vote (451,972 votes) and Rick Santorum had 37 percent of the vote (439,932 votes. Newt Gingrich was third with 15 percent and Ron Paul was fourth with 9 percent. More on the story visit Cincinnati.com.

Swain takes Clerk of Courts primary: Incumbent Mary Swain has defeated former deputy clerk Jeff Wyrick in the county clerks race. Swain finished with 60.8 percent of the vote, while Wyrick finished with 39 percent. In January of 2011, Swain narrowly defeated Wyrick in a vote administered by the Butler County Republican Party. Swain took over the position left vacant by Cindy Carpenter, who was appointed as a county commissioner.

Mandel cruises to primary win: Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel easily won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. He will have to face Democrat Sherrod Brown in November. A recent poll released by Quinnipiac University, showed that Brown leads Mandel 48 percent to 35 percent.

Boehner defeats Lewis by wide margin: The most convincing Super Tuesday win may have been House Speaker John Boehner, who received 83.9 percent of the vote in the 8th Congressional District Republican primary. His opponent, David Lewis, had 16.1 percent of the vote.

“The House is committed to breaking down barriers to job growth, excessive regulations, higher taxes, big government and out-of-control government spending in Ohio and across the country,” Boehner stated in response to his victory in the 8th District. “I am honored that the 8th District Republicans want me to continue that fight on their behalf in Washington.”

Posted in: Election, Events, Government, News, Political events |

Tags: Tags: 8th Congressional District Republican primary, Butler County Board of Elections, Butler County Clerk of Courts Republican primary, Butler County commission race, Butler County Election 2012, Chuck Furmon, David Dodt, David Lewis, Donna Glisman, Eric LaMont Gregory, Jeff Wyrick, John Boehner, Josh Mandel, Liberty Township election, Mary Swain, Michael Pryce, Mitt Romney, newt gingrich, Ohio election 2012, Ohio U.S. Senate Republican primary, Republican presidential race, Rick Santorum, ron paul, Senator Sherrod Brown, Sherrod Brown, T.C. Rogers, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, West Chester election