Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Counter Points is written by WVXU Senior Political Analyst Howard Wilkinson. In it, he shares insights on political news on the local, state and national level that impacts the 2020 election. Counter Points is delivered once a week on Wednesdays and will cease publication soon after the November election is decided.

Clermont County GOP Resolution Urges State Party Not To Pick Sides In 2022 Primary

Gov. Mike DeWine
Jo Ingles
Gov. Mike DeWine

The Clermont County Republican Party has passed a resolution that demands the Ohio Republican Party not endorse a gubernatorial candidate in the 2022 primary.  Backers of this resolution say they want to make sure anyone who runs against incumbent Mike DeWine in the primary has a fair chance. 

Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken says, in a written statement, the State Central Committee will consider endorsements at the appropriate time and adds that she strongly supports DeWine’s re-election. Former state Representative John Becker supports the resolution and says Timken should not allow state party endorsements in a primary because they are unfair and prevent the rank and file from making the choice. 

“It just doubles down on why people hate the establishment and politics and politicians in general. It’s a ‘we protect our own’ kind of mentality," Becker says.

In recent months, some Republicans have talked about running against DeWine because of his pandemic actions. In her statement, Timken says this type of division is exactly what Democrats want. 

Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau

Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.