Will the Ohio Republican Party Hold Speaker Stephens Accountable for His Actions?
While there are ongoing discussions about implementing measures to prevent the recurrence of actions like those carried out by House Speaker Jason Stephens, which involved unauthorized spending of $3 million from the Ohio Republican Alliance Fund (OHRA) on his censured and unendorsed Blue 22 candidates, the current proposals fall short of holding Stephens accountable for his actions.
On Wednesday, April 5, I sent an email to Chairman Triantafilou, asking that the disaffiliation of Stephens be included on our April 26 meeting agenda. As of the writing of this newsletter, I have not received a response from the chairman. If he declines the request, I will proceed with attempting to amend the April 26 agenda to include discussion of disaffiliation or gathering the 33 member signatures needed to convene a special meeting for discussion.
I have written a letter providing the background of Jason Stephen’s ongoing betrayal of the Republican party, the Republican Caucus, and Republican voters. In the letter, I detail the reasons for proposing his disaffiliation and ask for signatures to convene a special meeting for discussion. Additionally, the letter includes the resolution on which the committee would cast their votes.
Dear Esteemed Colleagues,
Following the November election, Representative Derek Merrin received unofficial backing from the Republican caucus for the Ohio Speaker of the House position. With the House consisting of 67 Republicans and 32 Democrats, Merrin's selection by the Republican caucus seemed assured. However, on January 3rd, 22 out of the 67 Republicans joined forces with the entire Democratic caucus to vote for Representative Jason Stephens instead.
In essence, in a state where Republicans outnumber Democrats in the House by more than two-fold, the Speaker was elected with more support from Democrats than from within his own party. The role of the House Speaker entails representing the principles of the party they belong to. Electing a Speaker who garners more support from Democrats than from fellow Republicans constitutes a betrayal to Republican voters.
In response, on January 6th, the Republican State Central Committee convened to vote on a resolution to censure the 22 Republicans. Despite the last-minute removal of specific censure language from the resolution, the majority of the committee still affirmed the need to hold these Republicans accountable.
Our censure served as a stern warning to the Blue 22 against repeating past mistakes. Despite this warning, Speaker Stephens spent 3.1 million dollars of the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) account to run campaigns attacking fellow Republicans opposing the Blue 22 with dishonest mudslinging and smear tactics reminiscent of Democrat attacks.
The State Central Committee’s failure to take decisive action in response to this betrayal sends a dangerous message to our members and supporters, indicating that disloyalty and betrayal within our ranks carry no consequences, thus undermining the foundation of our party.
Furthermore, if we fail to lead and provide guidance on this matter, it will undermine our credibility and effectiveness as a political entity. The repercussions of our inaction are evident: we jeopardize the trust and backing of our members, supporters, and the wider electorate. By allowing Democrats to maintain control through the Speaker of the House, we further diminish our ability to advance conservative principles and policies.
The actions of the Blue 22, led by Speaker Jason Stephens, have severely undermined the conservative agenda and compromised our party's integrity. Their alliances with Democrats for leadership roles prioritize self-interest over Republican principles and the welfare of Ohioans. Such disregard for party loyalty and voters cannot be tolerated.
Member Josh Brown spearheaded the response to Stephens’ harmful actions against fellow Republicans. On February 19th, he sent a letter to the Committee outlining Stephens’ ascent to the Speakership, the Committee’s censure decision, and his misuse of OHRA funds. Brown described how Stephens breached an agreement to collaborate on utilizing the OHRA funds, using roughly $3 million solely to benefit his Blue 22 group and attacking their opponents. The Majority Republican Caucus initiated legal action to regain control of OHRA due to these illegal actions. However, a Democrat judge denied their request for an immediate restraining order. Consequently, control of over $3 million dollars of Republican-raised funds was determined by the Democrat Caucus and a Democrat judge.
In his letter, Brown proposed that the Committee convene a special meeting to address several key issues. Firstly, he suggested condemning Speaker Stephens’ actions. Secondly, Brown recommended instructing the ORP Chairman to take all necessary measures, including litigation if needed, to gain control of OHRA and ensure funds are allocated appropriately to benefit all Republican Caucus members. Additionally, he proposed canceling all contracts for negative ads targeting Republicans.
While several members agreed to call for a special meeting, others communicated that they wanted to wait until after the primary to add their signatures. Falling short of the 33 signatures needed, the Committee took no action. Following the primary, the necessary signatures were obtained to move forward with a meeting and the petition for a special meeting was submitted to Chairman Triantafilou.
While I support a special meeting to address Stephens’ actions, I had reservations about the specific remedy proposed by Brown. During a Zoom meeting hosted by Brown, I expressed concern that directing Chairman Triantafilou to take over OHRA could lead to protracted legal disputes and costly litigation for the Committee. Brown indicated that he planned to speak with the chairman about a compromise, although the specifics remained unclear. I suggested that part of the compromise discussion include a discussion of disaffiliation of Stephens because I believed it would provide a faster solution to address Stephens’ actions and halt the misuse of OHRA funds to target Blue 22 challengers in the primary. Additionally, I expressed concern that Brown’s proposed actions might not offer a permanent solution, as there were no safeguards preventing Stephens from directing funds towards his preferred members or even Democrat candidates in the general election.
I recently followed up with Member Brown to inquire about his discussion with the chairman regarding a compromise. I learned that he had not yet spoken with him. I again expressed my concerns about the legal implications of directing the chairman to take over the OHRA funds and explained that I believed disaffiliation would be the best course of action. Brown acknowledged the limitations of directing the chairman to take over the OHRA funds and mentioned he was working on other possible solutions. One potential option he mentioned involved issuing a censure against Stephens, condemning his actions in the strongest terms possible and establishing a precedent where members who dissent from the caucus vote are immediately censured.
While I appreciate these ideas as potential deterrents for the future, they do not directly address the serious actions taken by Stephens against members of his own party. As Brown previously stated in his February communication to the Committee, “OHRA’s money is intended to defeat Democrats, and should benefit the entire caucus. It is not a personal slush fund for Speaker Stevens [Stephens] to use against his Republican opponents—a luxury he is only afforded because he doesn’t need majority Republican support--he is supported unanimously by the Ohio House Democrat Caucus and their allies.”
Consider that the following unendorsed Blue 22 members and their allies received unauthorized funds from the OHRA account:
Kevin Miller - $409k
Justin Pizzulli - $392k
Haraz Ghanbari - $383k
Tracy Richardson - $240k
Gail Pavliga - $181k
Jon Cross - $162k
Sara Caruthers - $133k
Jean Schmidt - $132k
Adam Matthews - $119k
Jeff LaRe - $114k
Sharon Ray - $113k
DJ Swearingin - $107k
Bret Hillyer - $103k
Cindy Abrams - $94k
Don Jones - <$100k
With the understanding that Member Brown’s proposed solution will not be viable, I propose addressing the core issue: Stephens’ betrayal of his caucus, party, and Republican voters, sending a clear message that such treacherous behavior will not be tolerated and will face severe consequences. I suggest disaffiliation from the Republican Party for Jason Stephens. This action is rooted in the principles of freedom of association outlined in the First and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution. These amendments protect political parties' rights to determine their candidates, membership, and leadership, which are fundamental aspects of the American electoral process upheld by the Supreme Court through various landmark cases.
Legal precedents such as Democratic Party of the United States v. Wisconsin ex rel. La Follette (1981) and Cousins v. Wigoda (1975) affirm political parties' rights to select candidates, establish internal rules, and disassociate or expel members who violate party principles. Similarly, California Democratic Party v. Jones (2000) reaffirms parties' autonomy in excluding non-members from primary elections. Based on these precedents, the Ohio Republican State Central Committee possesses the legal authority to disaffiliate members of the Blue 22 who contravene party principles and rules, including the power to expel them and declare them ineligible as party nominees.
I urge you to consider the legal basis for disaffiliating Speaker Jason Stephens and to support the necessary measures to uphold party integrity. Together, we can reaffirm the principles that define us as Republicans and ensure a stronger, more united party for the future.
It is my view that disaffiliation is a necessary step to reaffirm the values and integrity of our party and set an example to deter such behavior in the future. Disaffiliation means expulsion from the party and renders Stephens ineligible to be the party's nominee. Stephens would be forced to run as an independent candidate, and the county parties in his House district would determine his replacement for the Republican candidate.
Moreover, we must take proactive measures, such as those suggested by Member Brown, to prevent similar breaches of trust in the future. This includes enforcing adherence to the primary caucus vote for leadership positions and imposing stricter discipline on those who violate party rules.
An urgent special meeting of the Ohio Republican State Central Committee is imperative to address pressing issues. I urge you to uphold the principles that define us as Republicans and send a clear message that betrayal and disloyalty will not be tolerated within our party. Together, we can safeguard the integrity of the Ohio Republican Party and ensure a brighter future for our state.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your support in taking the necessary action.
My proposed petition and resolution are attached. I ask for your permission to affix your electronic signature to my request for a special meeting to discuss the disaffiliation of Jason Stephens.
PETITION
Pursuant to Ohio Republican Party Bylaws Article V, Section 1, the undersigned,
constituting a majority of the Committee, hereby call for a special meeting. The purpose
of the special meeting is to discuss and vote on the Resolution that follows.
ENDING DEMOCRAT INFLUENCE IN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Whereas the Ohio Republican Party upholds the principles of integrity, unity, and fidelity to the rule of law; and
Whereas a bitter power struggle has erupted within our ranks, pitting State Representative and Speaker of the House Jason Stephens against Representative Derek Merrin over the stewardship of the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA); and
Whereas the ambiguity within ORC 3517.10(D)(3)(d) has exacerbated this discord, leaving our party fractured and in turmoil; and
Whereas the actions of Speaker Stephens and a faction of 21 Republicans, collectively known as the Blue 22 that openly conspired with Democrats to secure the election of Stephens as Speaker of the Ohio House, have caused irreparable harm to the reputation and cohesion of our party; and
Whereas the utilization of OHRA funds for legal battles and character assassination campaigns against fellow Republicans is antithetical to the principles of integrity and unity that we hold dear; and
Whereas the Ohio Republican State Central Committee recognizes the need for decisive action to restore order and uphold the values that define us as Republicans; and
Whereas Speaker Stephens has colluded with Democrats to obstruct the passage of conservative policies supported by the majority of Ohio taxpayers and voters; and
Whereas Speaker Stephens has breached his agreement with the House Caucus by improperly allocating $3.1 million of OHRA funds to support unendorsed and censured Blue 22 candidates; and
Therefore, be it resolved that Speaker Stephens shall be hereby expelled from the Ohio Republican Party. He shall be barred from participating in the November General Election as the Republican candidate, thus holding him accountable for his actions and ensuring that justice is served; and
Therefore, be it further resolved that the Ohio Republican State Central Committee challenges both the House and Senate to promulgate rules that provide for a caucus primary before the election of the Speaker of the Ohio House and Senate President to limit the field to one candidate per political caucus for consideration. This policy shall prevent ethically repugnant Republican candidates from gaming the system to empower Democrats and prevent them from providing an impermissible influence over Republican candidates. Republican candidates who violate this primary policy shall be banned from the Republican Party for no less than 12 years.
Therefore, be it further resolved that copies of this resolution shall be distributed to all members of the Ohio Republican State Central Committee, Speaker Jason Stephens, Representative Derek Merrin, and relevant state legislative leadership.
How Confident are Republican Voters in Ohio Republican Leadership?
The Ohio Promise Keepers conducted a poll titled "Confidence in Ohio Republican Leadership," which concluded on Wednesday, March 6th, 2024. This survey, facilitated by Peerly.com's texting survey service, involved over 2,000 currently registered Republicans. Participants had voted in 8 of the last 12 even-year Republican primaries, never cast a vote in another party's primary, and had not participated in an even-year primary election with an issues-only ballot. The poll consisted of 8 questions, one of which inquired whether the Ohio Republican State Central Committee should disaffiliate Speaker Stephens. The results are presented below. There were 8,864 loyal Republicans texted, and 2,112 loyal Republicans took the poll.
On Wednesday, April 10, a majority of the Ohio House Republicans voted to transfer control of House GOP campaign funds from Speaker Jason Stephens to Rep. Phil Plummer. The resolution was supported by 38 out of 67 House Republicans and grants Plummer the sole authority over the funds, known as the Ohio House Republican Alliance. If approved, this could weaken Stephens' chances of remaining speaker next year.
Ohio House GOP votes to take control of House campaign funds from Speaker Jason Stephens
Many Republican voters have expressed concern about the House's slow response, which occurred only after Stephens had already spent the OHRA funds. Moving forward, it is essential to prevent such delays and hold Stephens accountable for his actions. While the House has taken a positive step, prioritizing responsiveness and accountability is crucial.
What are your thoughts on the proposal to disaffiliate Speaker Stephens? Share your opinions by emailing me at jessfranzorpscc5@gmail.com If I'm not your elected State Central Committee member, you can find and contact your representative in your senate district through this link.