D-DAY: The Future of the Summit County Republican Party
As Seen Through the Eyes of a Political Outsider

So here we are. The day is finally here. This is a special day for Republicans living in Summit County Ohio. This is the day where we (Republicans) get to decide the fate and destiny of our Republican Party. On one hand, we have Alex Arshinkoff. Hollywood could not cast a better crooked, fat cat Republican boss than Alex Arshinkoff. On the other hand, Carol Klinger, Cuyahoga Falls City Councilwoman, and true Republican. This is the battle of Republican versus RINO, this is our Romney v. McCain. This is it. The actions of this evening's gatherings will shape the future of our great Party.

As I walked in to Tangier's restaurant in Akron, Ohio, I was greeted by ID checkers who were clearly Alex loyalists. They all had "Keep Alex" stickers on their lapels. I see a few faces that I do recognize, but as a Party outsider, I do not know many faces or names. I see Richard Nero- Republican candidate for State House, who was endorsed by XEKE.com and the New Summit County Republicans. I see mostly elderly people, a nemesis from College Republican days at Kent State (a person who personifies RINO), and I hear pleasant conversations. As I stopped into the car wash on my way in to Tangier's, I was talking to the attendant about Alex, and he had nothing but bad things to say about him- obviously he knows him personally.

I will attempt to write throughout the evening. It is now 5:45, and I should probably at least attempt to hobnob with my fellow Republicans. This is truly an exciting day. The odds are stacked against us, as Alex is cut-throat politician who will gladly canibalize members of his own Party for his own personal gain.

Well, I gave it 15 minutes, I worked the room, and when I say that I "worked the room," I mean that I walked around for 10 minutes, used the Men's room, and started writing again. All of our key players are here. Kevin, Pete, Don, and Carol are all here, but there is no sign of "Big Al." I stand corrected, Al just walked by, and his underling, Mike Chadsey (ear piece in tow) is following him around like a panicked puppy dog who needs to be let out for the night. I am quickly starting to realize that I while I love politics, maybe political analysis/commentary truly is a better fit for me than an actual politician. This is exciting, there are police officers all over the place, and we are less than a half hour away from dinner. The actual formalities are not expected to begin until 8:00. The local newspaper said that this meeting may last past midnight, which is six hours from now. This meeting is open to "official guests." A good friend of mine asked me if this was open to the public, but it appears that it is open to those of us who were elected in March, as well as Al loyalists, and possibly other media. I am not sure if XEKE.com is the only media outlet here tonight, but I do know that XEKE.com is the best media outlet here tonight. I am about to make my rounds again, as the Cavs and Wizards are about to tip off, and I want to get a little closer to a TV and a bottle of Bud.

Quick update. The dinner has ended, and role call has started. It took four attempts to receive an answer on whether or not we would follow Roberts Rules or Order, before the Arshinkoff regime finally answered the question - yes. If I could say, as I sit 10 feet from Alex, after the third attempt to no answer to the question, I stared right at him and yelled "Answer the question." For those of you who do not know me, I am 6'8" 255 pounds, and I can be quite authoratative when I speak - especially when I am angry. One more side note, Alex proved his lack of leadership in failing to organize a dinner without a glitch. The fire department had to show up, as we were seemingly in clear violation of fire code. Worse off, Alex was too preoccupied with saving his own ass, that he failed to provide the facility with an American flag to start the dinner off. This is going to be quite a long night. If Alex continues to dodge and duck every point of order, hopefully the other voting Republicans will see the obvious flaws in the Arshinkoff administration. We are only at the "Ds" through role call, so we will clearly not start the meeting anytime soon.

Quorom has now been called, we have all been swarn in, let the games begin (8:21). A non-member of an organization can be appointed. Alex has been appointed and will seemingly bully the conference to an end. (8:25). Mary Taylor begins a speech by Honest Abe and spoke of Alex's successes. Jim Laria goes on to sing the praises of Alex. (8:27). "Go to guy" and "Difference maker." Alex has ruled that Carol Klinger can not speak. 3517.05 ORC. Kevin nominates Don Varian as Chair (8:31). "we want this fair." Alex Arshinkoff (8:33). Voting begins at 8:39, with three tellers from each. Alex appears to be defeating Don Varian. What does this mean for Summit County Republicans? This means another couple of years of defeat and embarssment to the Democrat Party. A point of information was raised, and asked if Alex has a majority, can the vote count be stopped. Alex answsered "No," as he feels that a lawsuit may be pending (9:43). Gee, do you think Alex? Really? Do you think the way you conducted business at this meeting would lead to a necessary lawsuit? The final vote is 260-115 (9:44). It is official, the Democrat Party can rest assured that any thoughts of a Republican defeat are offically over. Maybe, just maybe, our GOP will see the light and we will accept a change of leadership, so we can finally start winning elections in Summit County. Alex wants transparency, open the books, and victory for Republicans. We all want these things, but Alex has failed for the past decade plus to enact these empty promises. Team Arshinkoff has won the leadership body of the Party.

A lot of you may be asking what next? Maybe you see our defeat as a detriment to your efforts in taking on your local GOP leadership. That is the exact opposite reaction you should have. Listen 115 Republicans were brave enough to vote against Alex Arshinkoff. In two years, maybe we can double that number. This is a great, valiant effort by those of us who had the courage to stand up to a fat cat County Republican leader and say "enough is enough." I am privledged to have worked with Kevin Coughlin, Don Varian, Pete Kostoff, Carol Klinger, and the rest of the New Summit County Republicans. I had a chance to talk to John Widowfield, one of Arshinkoff's puppets after the meeting, one on one. He played dirty politics against Kevin . He manipulated and flat out distorted facts of a proposal to honor the son of a fallen soldier here locally to make Kevin look bad. Shame on you Mr. Widowfield. I have always respected you, but after the slime ball, sleezy tactics that you used against Kevin, you have proven why you are one of Alex's puppets. In talking with Mr. Widowfield, he did give me some great advice, and this is advice that I would give to any Republican in Summit County or anywhere in this great country. John told me that if I had a problem with Alex, and obviously I do, then simply donate to Conservative candidates, and not to the Party. Ladies and gentlemen, I urge you to please head Mr. Widowfield's advice. In Northeast Ohio, donate directly to the campaigns of Richard Nero and David Potter. These two men are true Conservative Republicans. I urge you to not donate a cent to the Summit County Republican Party. We all know what Alex does with your money. Instead, I cannot emphasize this enough to you - donate to the candidate, not the Party. The Party has let us down too many times, and it is time to say no to Alex, and all of the other RINOs running GOP politics, and start saying yes to Conservative politicians.

zm

5/4/2008 (Written 4/30)