Chairman’s Update 5/24/20

Chairman’s Update

Good Evening,

This weekend, we celebrate Memorial Day by remembering all the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country selflessly. We have those brave members of our military to thank for our freedoms in this great country. Memorial Day celebrations with friends and family may look different this year, but that allows us to reflect on the true meaning of what this day represents.

As we slowly begin to make our way back to normal, our focus on November remains strong. Trump Victory continues hiring staff to deploy to battleground states across the country. Voter contact continues to be made and Trump Victory is working hard to make sure they don’t miss a beat. We will re-elect President Trump in just a few short months and continue to Keep America Great!

Sincerely,

Jane M. Timken
Chairman, Ohio Republican Party

 

Portman Joins Fox Business to Highlight Efforts to Stop China’s Theft of Taxpayer-Funded Research

In an interview with Fox Business’ Mornings with Maria, Senator Portman highlighted bipartisan legislation he will introduce soon to crack down on China’s theft of American taxpayer-funded research and intellectual property (IP). Portman, as Chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), led a year-long investigation into China’s talent recruitment programs like the Thousand Talents Program, culminating in a bipartisan report in November 2019 that detailed how China has recruited U.S.-based scientists and researchers since the late 1990s and incentivized them to transfer U.S. taxpayer-funded research and IP to China for their own military and economic gain.

In response to the report, the FBI and the Department of Justice have announced criminal charges and the arrests of several academics affiliated with American universities and research institutions for crimes related to their participation in China’s talent recruitment programs while accepting American taxpayer-funded grant funding.

Watch the interview here.   

Governor DeWine Gives Virtual Commencement Address at Miami University

Last weekend, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine gave a virtual commencement address for Miami University’s online graduation ceremonies. Governor DeWine was originally scheduled to be the speaker for the in-person ceremony in Oxford, which was canceled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Governor DeWine is a 1969 alumnus of Miami University.

To watch the remarks, please click here.

Lt. Governor Husted Continues Leading on Ohio’s Economy

Lt. Governor Jon Husted last week announced additional openings in the Ohio economy as the state continues its fight against the coronavirus. This week, the Lt. Governor highlighted the Ohio BMV’s, event centers, and non-contact sports that will all soon have the ability to reopen.

During Thursday’s press conference, the Lt. Governor also recognized this weekend’s observation of Memorial Day and the women and men who have given their lives for the values that we all hold close in our nation.

Yost Leads Coalition Supporting Dismissal of Case Against Gen. Flynn

Attorney General Dave Yost led a coalition of 15 attorneys general from around the country in filing an amicus brief in support of the federal government’s motion to dismiss the case against Gen. Michael Flynn.

After the federal government decided not to pursue criminal charges against Gen. Flynn, the U.S. District Court for D.C. implied it may order the prosecution to continue through a court-appointed prosecutor. Such overreach goes against the separation of powers.

“This extraordinary example of judicial activism is the antithesis of our Constitution and the separation of powers,” Yost said. “Our founding fathers designed a system of government precisely to stop a branch of government from undertaking this type of overreach.

Ohio Entrepreneurs Remain Resilient 

This week, Secretary of State Frank LaRose today announced 11,447 new businesses filed in April, above the monthly filing average in 2019.

“Ohio entrepreneurs, workers, and business owners have shown that even during an economic and public health emergency we find innovative ways to create value for our families, our communities, and our state,” said LaRose. “Despite our challenges, Ohioans continue to put faith in their dreams and their work ethic, so let’s reward them by supporting our local businesses.”

During this time when Ohioans are working to #ResponsibleRestartOhio, LaRose is recommending that those looking to start a new business take advantage of quick-and-easy online filing through Ohio Business Central by clicking here onOhioBusinessCentral.gov.

Auditor of State Keith Faber Fights for Greater Transparency

This week Auditor of State Keith Faber testified before the Ohio Senate in favor of a bill that would provide citizens an affordable remedy to resolve alleged public meetings violations. Currently, under Ohio law, citizens that believe their lawmakers have violated open meetings law are responsible for covering all costs related to the litigation, unless the court sided with them. Under this new law for $25 citizens will have the opportunity to have their allegation mediated. This legislation will provide citizens with a tool they need to hold their officials accountable.

Treasurer Sprague Talks Recovery and Current Challenges

In recent weeks, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague has continued engaging community leaders and business owners to provide updates on his office’s work and to discuss the current challenges facing Ohio. Treasurer Sprague has served as the keynote speaker during recent virtual meetings of the St. Marys, Findlay, and Flag City Morning Rotary clubs, as well conversations with several local chambers of commerce. During these discussions, he has offered details and insight about the various programs in the Treasurer’s office that can be helpful to communities and job creators during this time.
Kennedy Sweeps Southwest and Northwest Ohio

This week, Justice Sharon L. Kennedy blanketed Ohio in yard signs and literature, while taking time to meet with Chairmen to discuss the upcoming election. Included in the week of travel were Zoom meetings with the Lucas, Wood, and Licking Women’s Republican Clubs.

Traveling the state, Sharon made twelve stops which began in Preble and ended in Ottawa with visits to Darke, Warren, Shelby, Auglaize, Van Wert, Paulding, Putnam, Henry, Wood, and Lucas in between. At each stop the conversation turned to November. When asked what do you think voters care about, she said, “Liberty, freedom, and the endurance of the Republic.”

“The people care about the Republic – its life, longevity and endurance. They want to know that the person they cast their vote for to serve as a judge will protect and defend the Constitution and be a guardian of the people’s rights. While the legislature may make policy by enacting laws, and the executive branch may give life to that policy by carrying out its commandments, it is the role of judges to protect fundamental liberties and declare laws and actions unconstitutional when the other branches of government go too far and transgress the Constitution. My message to the voters is clear – I am a constitutionalist. I believe in judicial restraint . And this is the message I am taking to the streets over the remaining days of the campaign as we knock doors across Ohio” said Sharon.

Justice French Spends Time with College Republicans

Despite the shutdown, Justice French has remained active. In a week of virtual meetings with lawyers, law students, Republican groups, and business leaders, Justice French spent some time with College Republicans from around Ohio. She thanked them for their willingness to take a leadership role in the political process and invited them to help her get elected in November.