Boehner to make first area appearance since resignation from Congress

The former Speaker of the House John Boehner will make his first public appearance in Butler County since his October resignation from Congress just three days before the March primary.

He’s set to be honored March 12 by the Butler County Republican Party at its annual Lincoln Day Dinner.

In retirement, Boehner has been out on the fundraising trail. Known as a prolific fundraiser while in office — raising millions of dollars for congressional colleagues and the GOP over a 25-year career — Boehner recently was at a Florida fundraiser for two members of Congress.

Boehner has been in other parts of the country for speaking engagements and helping raise money for one-time colleagues, but this is the first time since Oct. 31 that Boehner has been back to his home state for a public appearance.

Butler County GOP Executive Chairman Todd Hall said it’s an honor to have Boehner attending the dinner.

“With the dinner being held three days before the crucial Ohio primary, we are sure it will be an exciting and uplifting event for our conservative base,” he said.

Butler County Clerk of Courts Mary Swain, who is one of three chairs for the GOP’s fundraising event, said Boehner will receive a special honor, though details of that honor are still being worked out.

“We’re kind of excited about it,” she said. “We all love John down here.”

Boehner announced his resignation from Congress in September, the day Pope Francis spoke to a joint session of Congress.

Boehner couldn’t be reached for comment, but Dave Schnittger, a spokesman for Boehner, said the former speaker and his wife, Debbie, are looking forward to being home once again with their friends and his former constituents.

“He’s grateful for the invitation and the chance to be back home with the people he had the honor of serving for so many years,” Schnittger said.

Also to be honored at the March Lincoln Day Dinner is former Butler County GOP executive chairman the late Carlos Todd, the grandfather of Hall. Todd was a longtime friend of Boehner's and fellow Union Twp. trustee, and was credited with helping the party establish its political dominance in Butler County in the 1990s and early 2000s.

"Carlos did more for the party than probably anyone else," Swain said.

The time and location are still being worked out, but it's expected to be at the Holiday Inn & Suites across the street from IKEA in West Chester Twp.

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