Preserving the Republican Essence: A Call for Disaffiliation

While many Republicans know the power of Endorsements - The little used power of Disaffiliation/disassociation has rarely been used but is a tool worth of discussion

The Blue 22 are the twenty-two Ohio Republican House members who betrayed Republican voters by joining 32 Democrats to elect  Representative Jason Stephens as Speaker of the House. The Republican caucus had voted Derek Merrin Speaker of the House a month prior….with the Blue 22 in charge it has been one of the worst sessions in Ohio History for passing Conservative legislation.

In the spirit of our constitutional rights and the core values that define the Republican Party, it is imperative to assert our right to disaffiliate with candidates who stray from our principles. For what is it that make us Republican if we don’t share principles and values? Upholding the precedent set by Tashjian v. Republican Party (1986) and California Democratic Party v. Jones (2000) by the U.S. Supreme Court, we, as Republicans, have the liberty to shape our party's identity and protect its integrity.

Applying these principles to the Ohio Republican Party's potential disaffiliation with the Blue 22 legislators and Governor DeWine, we see a constitutional right to maintain our ideological identity. This isn't just about legality; it's a pragmatic step to prevent confusion, safeguard our party's integrity, and honor our values.

As staunch Republicans, we understand the party's authority to endorse candidates. However, disaffiliation is a strategic tool to ensure a level playing field in the primary and preserve our ethical standards. This approach respects the diverse preferences within our party and aligns with our commitment to ethical governance.

In navigating the complexities of party dynamics, let's recognize the strategic value of disaffiliation. It's not just about saving hundreds of thousands of dollars that would not need be spent in a primary race or redirecting the party resources; it's about rebuilding our party's trust with the people. Disaffiliation of the Blue 22 candidates and Governor DeWine, while controversial, is a bold no - nonsense move to reaffirm our commitment to true Republican principles.

Disaffiliation would help the Ohio Republican Party by making the Blue 22 ineligible to compete in the Republican Primary and they would have to run as Independent candidates and collect signatures to be put on the ballot. That would mean the County and State parties would not need to spend funds in 22 of these contests. Yes, some of the Blue 22 are not opposed - and in those cases the party gives those areas to Democrats. Shame on those parties for not providing a choice for candidates. Do we really want legislators that will stand as a roadblock to reforming our educational system?

Disaffiliation - is a deterrent to never letting the Democrats pick our speaker or Senate President ever again. It sends a very harsh and punitive message that fellow legislators should never break the trust of their colleagues.

Ultimately, our associational rights, rooted in Tashjian and subsequent rulings, empower us to make discerning choices about our membership and candidates. The Ohio Republican Party's potential decision to disaffiliate aligns with these constitutional protections, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our dedication to Republican values. Let's stand united, passionate Republicans, in preserving the essence of our party.

Who are the Blue 22?

• Tom Patton

• Sara Carruthers

• Brett Hillyer

• Al Cutrona

• Cindy Abrams

• Jean Schmidt

• Mike Loychik

• Kevin Miller

• Gail Pavliga

• Jeff LaRe

• Haraz Ghanbari

• Monica Blasdel

• Jon Cross

• Tracy Richardson

• D.J. Swearingen

• Bob Peterson

• Jason Stephens

• Don Jones

• Bill Seitz

• Jay Edwards

• Scott Oelslager

• Bob Young