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Congressman Troy Balderson Makes Emphatic Endorsement for Carol O’Brien

Contact Carol O’Brien 614.620.5400 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Congressman Troy Balderson Makes Emphatic Endorsement for Carol O’Brien DELAWARE, Ohio (Aug. 1, 2022) – Congressman Troy Balderson today made an emphatic endorsement for Carol O’Brien for the Republican Party State Central Committee. Balderson made the endorsement on his Facebook page. Here is the post: Like you, I’m tired of the nonsense. We elect our Republican State Central Committee Members to advance our Republican principles, defend our conservative values, and help elect top-notch candidates. Unfortunately, some use these positions to settle personal vendettas and advance their own interests. In doing so, the only candidates they’re ultimately helping to elect are Democrats. My friend Carol O’Brien is a no-nonsense conservative who has always been a fierce defender of the Constitution and our conservative values. She will bring unmatched integrity and experience to the role of State Central Committeewoman. Her record as a tough-on-crime prosecutor makes her the ideal candidate to lead the fight. Carol has my enthusiastic support in her race for Ohio Republican State Central Committee. Please remember to vote Tuesday, August 2. ###

County Republican Party ChairsBlast Bogus PAC Endorsements

ContactCarol O’Brien614.620.5400FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE County Republican Party ChairsBlast Bogus PAC Endorsements DELAWARE, Ohio (July 25, 2022) – Republican Party chairs in Coshocton,Delaware, Franklin, Holmes and Knox counties have blasted the use of misleadingpolitical action committees (PACs) that make candidates appear to have theendorsements of the county parties. The county chairs released a joint statement that read, in part: “Recently, we have been made aware of mailers that have gone out supporting candidates for the District 19 seat of the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee. These mailers claim endorsement (and) the support of various county party Republican PACs. These (PACs) are in no way affiliated with our county party organizations and are all registered under the name of an individual in Southwest Ohio.” Melanie Leneghan and Gary James, both of Delaware County, are candidates for the Republican State Central Committee. They have claimed in mailers and on social media to have endorsements from these PACs. The misleading PACs made to appear like legitimate party PACs that claim toendorse Leneghan and James are:  Coshocton County Republican PAC  Delaware County Republican PAC  Holmes County Republican PAC  Knox County Republican PAC According to filings at the Ohio Secretary of State, the four PACs were registeredby Kelly Kohls, who is affiliated with the Ohio School Boards Leadership Council.According to her LinkedIn page, she is the president of the organization’s board ofdirectors. According to the National School Boards Leadership Council’s website, Kohls isthe former president of the Springboro, Ohio, Community City Schools Board ofEducation. Springboro is located in Warren County, south of Dayton. “This is why people have so little trust in politicians,” said Carol O’Brien, whoalso is a candidate from Delaware County for the Republican State Central Committee. “These PACs were registered by a woman who doesn’t live anywhere near…

Congressman Balderson and Former Congressman Tiberi endorsements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DELAWARE, Ohio (July 12, 2022) – Former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Tiberi and Congressman Troy Balderson have thrown their support behind Carol O’Brien for the Republican State Central Committee. O’Brien, the former Delaware County prosecuting attorney and current chief counsel for Ohio Attorney General David Yost, is running for the post in the Aug. 2 special election. “I’m humbled to have such great conservatives as Pat and Troy in my corner,” O’Brien said. “The Republican State Central Committee is responsible for selecting quality, conservative candidates for state office. At this critical juncture, when the left is trying to cram socialism down our throats, we need strong, conservative leadership on the State Central Committee, and I am the one who can deliver that.” Tiberi, a former U.S. congressman and long-time Delaware County resident, said O’Brien is the only candidate who deserves the vote of Republicans. “I’ve known Carol for many years and she is, without question, the most qualified candidate on the ballot,” Tiberi said. “She understands conservative values and the importance of promoting strong candidates for state office. Carol is the person we need on the Republican State Central Committee.” Balderson, who currently represents Delaware County in the U.S. House of Representatives, said O’Brien’s track record as a prosecutor and chief counsel for the attorney general make her the ideal candidate for the State Central Committee.’ “Carol O’Brien is a fierce defender of the U.S. Constitution and our conservative values,” said Balderson. “She will bring unmatched integrity and experience to the role of State Central Committeewoman. Her record as a tough-on-crime prosecutor makes her the ideal candidate to lead the fight against liberal policies that are fueling skyrocketing prices, rampant crime, and forcing dangerous ideologies on our kids in the classroom. Carol has my enthusiastic support in…

Thank You Blue Star Mothers of Coshocton County

Bill and I traveled to Coshocton last Saturday for the Car and Bike Show held to benefit the Blue Star Mothers of Coshocton County. As a Blue Star Mother myself, I appreciate the generosity of the organizers for contributing the proceeds of this event to this group. The Blue Star Mothers Mission Statement is below “We are mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers, foster mothers and female legal guardians who have children serving in the military, guard or reserves, or children who are veterans. We support each other and our children while promoting patriotism. Our organization focuses on our mission every single day and will never, ever, forsake our troops, our veterans or the families of our Fallen Heroes.” My son is a Master Sergeant in the Air Force and he is currently stationed at Hickam Pearl Air Base in Honolulu. He was stationed in Washington state, Germany, Iraq x2 and Scott Air Base in Illinois before being sent to Hawaii – and yes, not a bad gig but he has three of my grandchildren with him! We miss them all terribly. We did our best to support the cause – buying raffle tickets for donated items and the 50/50 drawing – and it was a true donation because we didn’t win a thing! We also bought two tickets for the Combat Vets 12-6 Motorcycle raffle. Posting a pic of our ticket in case anyone wants to contribute to the cause – details are on the ticket. We meandered through the vendor area and met Bigfoot – or a close facsimile; I love talking to vendors at events – they all have interesting stories and tales to tell. The vendor at the Bigfoot tent told us that he’d had two encounters with Bigfoot. Fascinating!! This – Most people never meet their Heroes. I…

What a week

Supporting Candidates Tuesday evening I traveled to Giammarcos in Westerville to an event for Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. Guest speakers were former Congressman Pat Tiberi and other long time friends of Treasurer Sprague. The event was well attended and it was the first time in a long time I had the opportunity to hear our State Treasurer speak. I loved hearing about the progress he’s made in his office and his use of technology and publicly available software to save taxpayers money!! He is so reasonable and down to earth – listening and evaluating information before he weighs in or makes decisions. A true gentleman and an outstanding public servant! It was great to see old friends and make new friends. Thanks to Delaware City Council Member At-Large Catlin Frazier and Treasurer Sprague for the pictures! Wednesday was a quick drive down the road to Robert Brenner’s house for a fundraiser for State Senator Andy Brenner. The main attraction – not the Senator as you might think – but his father’s Robert Brenner’s trains, including a 7 1/2 scale (not sure what that means) that people could ride. The ride was fun – a bit scary over the gorge but the little girl riding in front of me embarrassed me into being brave. Andy, thanks for the shout out in this race as the Delaware County Republican Party’s endorsed candidate! Sorry no pictures – but take my word for it, it was a wonderful fundraiser. On Thursday I traveled out of the district to New Albany to meet Madison Gesiotto Gilbert who is running in the 13th Congressional District primary – quite a crowded field. Ms Gilbert is extremely smart, a BA in Political Science and a JD, both from The Ohio State University, with an amazing back story –…

What a week – in the 19th District

Monday The Delaware County Republican Women’s Club awarded St. Charles High School senior (now graduate) Rocco Giannotti their annual scholarship in April 2022. I was impressed with Rocco’s essay and after speaking with him and listening to his plan for the future. He is following in his older brothers’ footsteps and attending Notre Dame University in the fall. Rocco wants to be a lawyer…sort of. As we spoke he indicated he wanted to be involved in government at the legislative table. I invited him to spend some time with me at work since my job encompasses a vast array of duties and responsibilities including involvement in legislative initiatives. Last Monday he took me up on my invitation. I introduced him to some of our legislative staff so he could get a feel for the real life aspect of what he wants to do. After work, Rocco and I traveled north to Marion County to spend some time with Congressman Jim Jordan. Congressman Jordan was meeting with with members of the Marion County Republican Party. After the meeting, Congressman Jordan was kind enough to speak with Rocco and now Rocco has a picture with Congressman Jordan. And Congressman Jordan may have a fan for life! Monday evening ended at Bridgewater Banquet Center with the Dublin Republican Club’s Save the State dinner featuring Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Congressman Jordan. Rocco was my guest and we had a great group of Republicans sitting at our table. I had a wonderful time catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. There were a number of young conservatives in attendance – Rocco, Kaylee and Molly as well as a number of volunteers for the various campaigns. It was such a pleasure to watch these young conservatives meet and interact. What a…

What A Week – SCOTUS In ACTION

I think Congressman Jordan said it best – “Dobbs is a win for life, a win for the Constitution and common sense.” There was widespread consensus, not only from conservatives but also from liberal scholars, that the 50 year old Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided. Even the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg criticized Roe as “heavy-handed judicial intervention” that wrongly halted a political process. The Justices faced a number of obstacles in issuing this decision. First, the leaked draft opinion, then the protests outside their homes and in their neighborhoods and finally the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh. Then in another win for the Constitution, in the case of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, the Supreme Court of the United States held that “New York’s proper-cause requirement violates the Fourteenth Amendment by preventing law-abiding citizens with ordinary self-defense needs from exercising their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms in public for self-defense.” “We know of no other constitutional rights that an individual may exercise only after demonstrating to government officers some special need,” Justice Clarence Thomas noted in the majority opinion. “That is not how the First Amendment works when it comes to unpopular speech or the free exercise of religion. It is not how the Sixth Amendment works when it comes to a defendant’s right to confront the witnesses against him. And it is not how the Second Amendment works when it comes to public carry for self-defense.” Unfortunately, the New York legislature quickly introduced and passed a bill, and Gov. Hochul signed the bill on July 1, requiring concealed carry permit applicants to provide 1) current and former social media accounts from the last three years for review by the licensing officer – to weight the applicants “character and conduct. 2)At least 16 hours…

Traveling the 19th District

After a beautiful drive to Holmes County last Monday, I spent some time with Party Chair Rob Hovis, Prosecutor Matt Muzic, Judge Sean Warner, Engineer Chris Young. They were hosting a meet and greet with AG Yost and Prosecutor Muzic was kind enough to invite me to attend. I had the opportunity to meet Millersburg officials as well – Mayor Jeff Huebner, Village Administrator Nathan Troyer and Police Chief Shaner. There were other folks there as well – including two young men who were invited by AG Yost to bring their guitars and join him in Wooster. On Thursday, I traveled to Coshocton County for their Central Committee meeting. The weather was horrible both on the drive as well as in Coshocton County with a thunderstorm hitting right before the meeting but the Central Committee members, and some dedicated/concerned citizens, were not to be deterred by the storm and they showed up in force. The meeting was held in a refurbished Fire Station – a beautiful building. A lot of business was accomplished and a lot of good discussion about issues impacting all of us. Thanks everyone, for the opportunity to attend! So not the in the 19th District, but I ended my week by joining the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office at Huntington Park for a Columbus Clippers game. What could be better than enjoying an evening of America’s past time with a dedicated group of public servants! Oh, and a sweet dance with my husband of 22 years (almost) to Sweet Caroline….

Franklin Roosevelt’s D-Day Prayer

There is no better tribute to the soldiers who fought in this battle than this prayer. Seventy eight years ago over 160,000 troops stormed “Omaha Beach” in Normandy, France. Please remember all those who lost their lives and those who came home. Please remember the mothers and fathers, the brothers and sisters, the daughters and sons who watched their soldiers go overseas to “preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.” June 6, 1944 My fellow Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer: Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest-until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men’s souls will be shaken with the violences of war. For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for […]

A Beautiful Evening in Knox County…

I spent a lovely evening in Mt. Vernon on Friday night for their First Friday event. I had the pleasure of working the Knox County Republican booth with City Councilwoman Amber Keener, County Recorder Tanner Salyers, and Assistant Law Director Brittany Whitney. The weather was perfect and the crowd was friendly and welcoming. We assisted Knox County residents in registering to vote and engaged in conversations about their concerns ranging from the economy – the cost of a tank of gas was a frequent discussion – to education and a myriad of other topics. Thank you Mount Vernon and the Knox County Republican Club for allowing me to spend the evening with you!

Memorial Day

Always remember – never forget. Remember the men and women who lost their lives and never forget their sacrifice. And remember in your prayers, and as you go about your day to day life, the men and women who return home after serving, who continue to struggle. Reach out to each of them and let them know they are not alone. The Eyes of Freedom – The Lima Company Memorial is one of the most compelling works of art I have seen. In the Spring of 2005, “L”-Co. or Lima Company was deployed to Iraq. Twenty two Marines and one Navy Corpsman were killed in action between May and August of that year. The news of their losses hit central Ohio and prompted spontaneous expressions of compassion for the families of the fallen and the surviving Marines. I have had the privilege of viewing this display on a number of occasions and would encourage each of you to take the time to experience the display when it travels to a place near you. The artist, Anita Miller, also created a sculpture entitled, Silent Battle, dedicated to the soldiers who did not lose their lives, but may feel lost and who continue to struggle when they return home. Always remember – never forget.

Baseball – America’s past time

Last Wednesday my husband and I were in South Pasadena, CA visiting his sister. We traveled to Dodger stadium to watch the Dodgers take on the Giants – a little in state rivalry. It is a beautiful park and a beautiful night for baseball. We joined 52,000+ fans for the game. It was great to see moms and dads with their children enjoying the game. The little one in front of us was all decked out in Dodger gear from his little jersey and ball cap to the sweatshirt and knit hat when the sun went down. My favorite moment from the game – when the fans, it felt like all of them, joined in to sign the National Anthem. Goose bumps… every time!

Lincoln Day Dinner #4

Back home in Delaware County for LRDD #4. Fifty tables of 10, over 500 attendees and Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was the guest speaker – What an event! Personable, witty and wicked smart the Former Secretary of State for President Trump kept us all spellbound with his speech outlining his accomplishments while maintaining a sense of humility. The speech came after the honoring of our military members past and present and this gesture always makes me proud to be part of the GOP. While I would usually post a picture of Mike Pompeo, in this post I am recognizing two of my friends who were honored at the dinner. Mary Carducci and her husband Ernie were awarded the Janet Brenneman Service aware for their long time commitment to the Republican Party and Republican Candidates. Janet Brenneman (yes the one whom the award above was named) was awarded the Lifetime Service Award. Both women are phenomenal Republicans, phenomenal citizens and two of the most selfless people I met. Well done!

Lincoln Day Dinner #3

The Knox County Lincoln Reagan Dinner was held in the beautiful Historic Woodward Opera House in Mount Vernon, Ohio on Friday, April 22. I appreciated the location, the attendees and the guest speakers. Oh, and the food – especially the cheesecake… I am always impressed by our Party’s commitment to honoring our men and women who are serving or have served our country. Chairman Thom Collier asked all veterans and military members to go to the front of the room so we could thank them all for their service. My husband is third from the right. As the daughter of and wife of Air Force veterans I truly appreciate the gesture. As the mother of an active duty Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force, I am grateful.

Walking

One of the benefits of living in Delaware is that I am able to walk to many events. I walked to OWU to attend JD Vance’s Town Hall at Ohio Wesleyan University a little over a week ago – right after President Trump endorsed him. The crowd was interested in hearing what JD had to say about issues that affect each of them. There were many good questions and his answers seemed to satisfy the audience. Oh, and of course there were hecklers…..