An anonymous website criticizing Lucas County Republican Party Chairman Jon Stainbrook was recently published in advance of next month’s primary.
The site, stainbrookweb.com, accuses Mr. Stainbrook of “unprofessional behavior” and party division. Mr. Stainbrook is on the May 8 primary ballot for both county central committee and state central committee from the 11th Senate District.
“Whenever there is an election, there's a possibility that there will be mudslinging. This is a perfect example of mudslinging,” Mr. Stainbrook said.
Attempting to tear down county Republican Party leadership and weakening the party only helps Democrats, Mr. Stainbrook said. Republicans instead need to work together, he said.
As the site stems from an anonymous source, it takes away from the credibility, Mr. Stainbrook added.
“Everybody can have an opinion, but if it plays into an election, which is the leadership of the Republican Party, it should at least be factual,” Mr. Stainbrook said.
An online search of domain registrations found the site’s account information is marked private. It was created March 28, records show.
No complaints have been filed yet to the Ohio Elections Commission, said Philip Richter, executive director.
In general, an individual acting on his or her own is not required to disclose identity on such political sites. A political action committee, however, must post a disclaimer for its literature, he said.
Bill Delaney, the incumbent opposing Mr. Stainbrook for the 11th District, said he had no involvement in the site or knowledge of who created it.
“My reaction to all of it is basically, deservedly so, because the disruption he has caused is just ridiculous,” Mr. Delaney said.
John McAvoy, Toledo Tea Party president, said he loves the site. It brings necessary attention to a down-ticket race, he said.
“This is a very important race. This race is going to decide the future of the Republican Party in Lucas County,” Mr. McAvoy said.
The site serves to scrutinize Mr. Stainbrook on both the state and central committee races, Mr. McAvoy said. When asked if he created it, Mr. McAvoy said he cannot say, but wishes he did.
In response, Mr. Stainbrook said he has put in work backing candidates. These people offering criticism were not around or involved, he said.
Mark Wagoner, Jr., who is challenging Mr. Stainbrook for the county party chairman position, said he learned about the site Wednesday. It did not come from Republicans for a New Lucas County. That group is working to revitalize the county party, he said.
Contact Ryan Dunn at: rdunn@theblade.com, 419-724-6095, or on Twitter @RDunnBlade.
First Published April 12, 2018, 10:14 p.m.