GOP eliminates commissioner in second round of endorsement vote for his seat

Butler County Republicans did not endorse any of the 5 candidates for the commission seat.

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 12:42 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

FAIRFIELD — A contested Republican primary for Butler County commission lays ahead after the party failed to endorse any candidate for the race Thursday night, Nov. 5.

Embattled incumbent Commissioner Gregory Jolivette was eliminated in the second round of voting.

“We’ve allowed cliques and vendettas and power grabs to control the process, which is unfortunate,” he said, pledging to run in the May primary.

The other candidates were county Treasurer Nancy Nix, Clerk of Courts Cindy Carpenter, former West Chester Twp. Trustee Jose Alvarez and Hamilton resident Wes Retherford.

Carpenter and Nix said they were strongly considering whether to stay in it, but the others plan to run. And party watchers say there are likely others waiting in the wings.

Voting by the more than 300 members of the party’s Executive Committee took place behind closed doors at Tori’s Station in Fairfield Thursday.

There were five rounds of voting, with the lowest vote-getter eliminated after each round until Nix and Alvarez were left. Neither could get the 60 percent needed for party backing, though Nix led in the final round.

This means no candidate will get access to party coffers or resources during the primary, though party members will aid their chosen candidates. Whoever wins the primary will automatically get the party support.

In a provided copy of his speech to the party, Jolivette touted his record, and defended himself against the nepotism allegations that brought a rush of big-name challengers from his own party.

Jolivette is under investigation by the Ohio Ethics Commission for voting on the hiring of his son and daughter in 2004 and 2005 as county employees.

“My counsel has cleared me to inform you that I confidently state that I expect to continue in my capacity as commissioner and will stay in my office as long as I am elected by the fine people of Butler County,” he said.

He went on to call for a return on the Butler County GOP of the past that was “the envy of the state.”

“We were united in purpose,” he said. “We did not have such split agendas, and such naked personal ambition.”

Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com or (513) 820-2175.

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Just to clarify, the "Bill" with the anti-GOP officer holder comments is not the same one that posted about the party earlier.

"What a county"....But the original post I was referencing talked about the GOP as if it were not answerable to the public. This is simply not the case. Every Central Commitee member is elected by their neighbors...if that' not accountability, what is?

Bill
7:44 PM, 11/6/2009

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Why would anyone elect / re-elect any current GOP official in Butler County for Commissioner? I am a Republican, but it's time to elect some people who are not career politicians. Nix & Carpenter are administrators not leaders. Find someone who built their own company (one that employs more than a hundred people) & understands what it takes to be successful. Put any of the names listed in this article on the ballot & a Democrat may actually win an office in Butler County..

Bill
4:25 PM, 11/6/2009

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to JIM, I find it funny that you mention the line about leaving it to the voters. Last night, I asked the GOP not for their endorsement, but I asked them to prove that it is still the party that believes in democracy and allow the people to choose by voting no endorsement. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the GOP and I look forward to earning your support in May. Thank you

Wes Retherford
4:12 PM, 11/6/2009

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So what I want to know is who is investigating the Ohio Ethics Commission? You know abuse of power and things like that?

JoeT
2:07 PM, 11/6/2009

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Careful Chris, you got no point man right now

JoeT
2:04 PM, 11/6/2009

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