Bush Signs Stimulus Bill


On Wednesday President Bush signed into law H.R. 5140, the economic stimulus package. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said that rebate checks could be in the mail as early as May. Individuals will receive $600, couples will receive $1200, and an additional $300 will be given for each child under 17. Individuals and couples earning over $75,000 and $150,000, respectively, will have their eligibility phased out. Individuals who earn $3,000, receive Social Security or are disabled veterans will receive $300.


Democrats, President Clash Over FISA Bill


President Bush and House Democrats are at odds over the revision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Democrats wanted to pass a temporary extension of the version passed last year (which expires February 15) so the House would have time to put together a permanent version. The President stated that he would reject any temporary measure, and said that Congress should send him a permanent bill to sign. Bush has requested broader authority to conduct warrantless wiretapping and immunity for telecommunications companies that helped the government in its wiretapping efforts.

The President has also stated that if the act is allowed to expire, it will place the country in greater danger from terrorist attacks. Democrats in both chambers have accused the President of fear-mongering.



From September 1-4, 2008, an anticipated 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, party officials, volunteers, members of the media, and convention guests will gather in Minneapolis-Saint Paul for the 2008 Republican National Convention. The host cities will be showcased on an international level as the Republican Party highlights its strong principles - and nominates the next President of the United States.

The Republican National Committee's Committee on Arrangements (COA) is charged with the planning and management of the 2008 Republican National Convention. RNC Co-Chairman Jo Ann Davidson is Chairman of the COA and Maria Cino is the COA President and CEO. The COA and the 2008 Minneapolis-Saint Paul Host Committee are working together to plan every aspect of the four-day event.

2008 will mark the second time the Republican Party has convened in Minnesota. Minneapolis hosted the 10th Republican National Convention in 1892, where Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison. This time around, for the 39th national convention, Minnesota is home to many rising stars in the party, including Governor Pawlenty and Senator Coleman.

The 2008 Republican National Convention is the latest nominating convention in history - and it is certain to be a pivotal event in the presidential election. From Minneapolis-Saint Paul, it will be full steam ahead to November 4, 2008, for the party's nominee.


Every vote counts. Every dollar counts.

If just 60,000 Ohioans (that's only 680 people per county) had voted differently in 2004 the Democrats would have won the White House.

2008 is shaping up to be another tight race and once again, all eyes are focused on the state of Ohio and our 20 electoral votes.

Liberal special interest groups like Moveon.org and big labor will intensify their grassroots and turnout efforts in Ohio in 2008. By laying the foundation of a strong grassroots campaign today, we will be prepared to counter the big money that will flow into Ohio from these left-wing organizations.

At stake in 2008 is the White House, control of Ohio's congressional delegation and majority control of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Last year, Ohio Republicans worked hard to return core Republican values like limited government, tax relief and America's security at home and abroad. By giving the Democrats ground in Ohio in 2008, America and Ohio is at risk of taking a hard turn to the left.

Winning Ohio in 2008 will take an all-out effort in every one of our 88 counties. That's why we're asking you to consider joining our new online fundraising effort called 88 in '08.

With your minimum contribution of $88 ($1 for each county in Ohio), we will be able to ensure that Republicans fight for every last vote in every county in the state, from GOP strongholds to the Democrats traditional base.

Look at what $88 can pay for (based on statewide calculations):
  • 226 Absentee Ballot Request Forms
  • 1760 GOTV phone calls
  • 31 new voters that can be identified and registered
  • 117 yard signs
  • 880 bumper stickers
Most importantly, your generous gift will help us get those few extra votes that will most likely determine the next president of the United States.

As a member of Team 88, you will receive special recognition, including:
  • Your name and county listed on the 88 in '08 page of the Ohio Republican Party web site
  • Lapel pin to identify your membership in this exclusive group, and
  • Subscription to our quarterly newsletter exclusively for donors to the Ohio GOP.
So click on the link below to join 88 in '08 and help us achieve a Republican victory in 2008!



The Ohio Republican Party Announces Partnership with CNN to Host Republican Presidential Debate

LOS ANGELES (CNN) - CNN announced Thursday that it will partner with the Ohio Democratic Party and the Ohio Republican Party for back-to-back presidential debates at the end of February.

With the race for each party nomination likely to extend beyond the February 5 Super Tuesday contests, it's increasingly possible the critical battleground state of Ohio - which holds its presidential primary March 4, along with three other states - could very well determine the 2008 Democratic and Republican nominees.

"Ohio will once again decide who wins the White House," said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. "The Ohio Democratic debate is important because it will allow the next President of the United States to address the issues most important to Ohioans."

Republican Party Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine also highlighted the state's potential kingmaker status. "No Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio," said DeWine. "It's a critical battleground state in November that could play a deciding role on March 4. We're proud to partner with CNN on this debate in advance of what could be a decisive primary election in the Buckeye State."

The Democratic debate will take place Wednesday, February 27, while the Republican debate will follow on Thursday, February 28. The network said further details will be released soon.


February 18, 2008

In this VoteNote for Ohio's 16th Congressional District:


Recent Congressional Votes -
* Senate: FISA Amendments Act of 2007
* House: To extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 days
* House: Providing for the adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980, contempt of Congress resolutions


Editor's Note: The Senate and House are in recess until February 25.

Recent Senate Votes

FISA Amendments Act of 2007 - Vote Passed (68-29, 3 Not Voting)

The Senate passed this intelligence bill that would revise U.S. surveillance laws and grant retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies that helped the government conduct warrantless wiretapping of U.S. citizens.

Sen. George Voinovich voted YES......send e-mail or see bio
Sen. Sherrod Brown voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


Recent House Votes
To extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 days - Vote Failed (191-229, 9 Not Voting)

The House rejected this bill that would have extended the current FISA law for 21 days and given Congress time to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills.

Rep. Ralph Regula voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


Providing for the adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980, contempt of Congress resolutions - Vote Passed (223-32, 1 Present, 173 Not Voting)

The House passed this resolution finding former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas issued by the Judiciary Committee.

Rep. Ralph Regula voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio

In this MegaVote for Ohio's 5th Congressional District:



Recent House Votes

To extend the Protect America Act of 2007 for 21 days - Vote Failed (191-229, 9 Not Voting)

The House rejected this bill that would have extended the current FISA law for 21 days and given Congress time to resolve the differences between the House and Senate bills.

Rep. Robert Latta voted NO......send e-mail or see bio


Providing for the adoption of H. Res. 979 and H. Res. 980, contempt of Congress resolutions - Vote Passed (223-32, 1 Present, 173 Not Voting)

The House passed this resolution finding former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with subpoenas issued by the Judiciary Committee.

Rep. Robert Latta voted Not Voting......send e-mail or see bio
  Paid for by the Ashland County Republican Party • Cindy Funk, Treasurer • P.O. Box 312 • Ashland, OH 44805