Article published November 06, 2009
Lucas County GOP Candidates credit party's volunteers, endorsements
By TOM TROY
BLADE POLITICS WRITER
The Lucas County Republican Party brand is looking brighter, after the party's efforts helped its endorsed candidates get elected.
Jon Stainbrook, who took over leadership one year ago, noted the election of Republican Bill Connelly, Jr., to Toledo Municipal Court, Kevin Haddad to Sylvania Township Board of Trustees, George Sarantou and Rob Ludeman as the second and third-highest vote-getters in Toledo City Council at-large race.
"People are seeing now throughout Lucas County that the scandals are being removed. We've shined a light on a lot of corruption that was left over at Lucas County Board of Elections, and by the voters voting for Haddad, and Ludeman and Sarantou, who asked for our endorsement, voters are showing confidence that we're doing a good job and the Republican Party is a viable party again in Lucas County," Mr. Stainbrook said.
In Toledo, Mr. Connelly's campaign received extensive support from the party, Mr. Connelly said. He said the party walked door-to-door for him and helped handle the time-consuming tasks of mailing out campaign literature.
Mr. Connelly was elected as a first-time Republican candidate without first being appointed or having run previously, a rare accomplishment.
"Jon's endorsement really helped out in getting some volunteers. A candidate can only walk so many doors himself and we had multiple people out every day walking doors with me. It would double, triple, in some cases qua-druple your impact," Mr. Connelly said.
He said the party provided manpower to mail out invitations to a fund-raising event and campaign literature to 9,600 people.
Mr. Connelly defeated endorsed Democrat Ian English and unendorsed Democrat Mark Davis.
In Sylvania Township, the party's backing helped ensure at least one Republican made it into office.
The Lucas County Republican Party endorsed GOP candidates Kevin Haddad and Royal Barber, who were among a field of six challengers seeking to replace incumbent trustees Dee Dee Liedel and Pamela Hanley, both Republicans.
Ms. Liedel and Ms. Hanley had the backing of the Sylvania Area Republican Club.
Mr. Haddad was elected, polling second only to independent John Jennewine. Ms. Hanley came in fourth, behind Democrat Penny Levine, and Ms. Liedel came in sixth after Democrat Kevin Eff. Mr. Barber was eighth, after Democrat Dennis Boyle.
Mr. Haddad said Mr. Stainbrook's assistance was important and sends a message that the party will back candidates who will work for the community.
"Jon did a good job. He got Connelly elected and myself," Mr. Haddad said.
He said a party endorsement would not have returned Ms. Hanley or Ms. Liedel to office.
"They were on their way out and 90 percent of the people wanted them out," Mr. Haddad said.
Ms. Hanley agreed that a party endorsement did not cost her the election. But she accused Mr. Stainbrook of carrying out a vendetta against her in denying her the party's endorsement because of her criticism of his leadership.
"This is a clear attack on both Deirdre [Leidel] and myself. There is a vindictive leadership that is out to target anyone who does not stand with this program," Ms. Hanley said.
Ms. Liedel declined to comment.
Mr. Stainbrook said the party's endorsement was given in a vote of the executive committee on Oct. 27, at which Ms. Hanley spoke and to which Ms. Liedel was invited.
State GOP leaders were also pleased with the efforts of the local party to get Republicans elected Nov. 3 and last year.
"Jon and his team put together one of the most effective volunteer efforts in the state last year, so we know they have the infrastructure to get the job done," said Jason Mauk, executive director of the Ohio Republican Party.
"We've challenged the local party to stay focused on electing Republicans and keep infighting from becoming a distraction," Mr. Mauk added.
Contact Tom Troy at:
tomtroy@theblade.com
or 419-724-6058.
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