Derickson gets Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsement

Notable Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsements

The Ohio Right to Life PAC listed all of its endorsements for primary races in March. Here's those in Southwest Ohio who received endorsements:

Butler County

Hamilton County

Warren County

Here are the candidates for the 8th Congressional District race in the special and general primary races on March 15:

Here are the candidates for the 8th Congressional District race in the special and general primary races on March 15:

If judging by the endorsements, it would seem the race to replace former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner as Ohio’s 8th Congressional District representative is between two men. — if it was all about the number of endorsements of local, county and state politicians, as well as political organizations.

State Sen. Bill Beagle, R-Tipp City, and Rep. Tim Derickson, R-Hanover Twp., are among 15 Republicans attempting to win both the special and general primary congressional elections, which both will be held on March 15. The winner of the special primary goes on to the June 7 special general election and face the lone Democrat, Green Party member and any independent candidates to fill out the remainder of Boehner's unexpired term. Boehner resigned from Congress at the end of October.

The winner of the general primary election will move on to the Nov. 8 general election, and face the lone Democrat, Green Party member and any independent candidate, where the winner will start a new two-year congressional term.

Many in this race are scrambling to secure endorsements, but Beagle and Derickson are seemingly trying to capture politicos within the 8th Congressional District.

But arguably one of the largest endorsements for any conservative running for political office is by Ohio Right to Life PAC. And that support on Tuesday went to Derickson, which he called an "important endorsement."

“Protecting life will always be on my mind and part of my agenda,” said Derickson. “Life is precious, and we need a Congressman that recognizes God’s gift and defends it at every turn.”

Stephanie Ranade Krider, executive director of Ohio Right to Life, said the March 2016 primary “is critical for Ohio’s pro-life movement as we must retain, advance and promote those candidates for office who best exemplify our life-saving mission.”

According to the Ohio Right to Life PAC, 79 percent of Ohio Right to Life PAC endorsed candidates in 2014 won their races, and 85 percent of Ohio Right to Life’s candidates beat those endorsed by Planned Parenthood.

Derickson, considered by many as one of the front runners in this race, has led the way among congressional candidates in announcing landed endorsements. The state lawmaker has received endorsements from more than a dozen county- and state-level elected officials in Butler County, and Ohio Senate's No. 2 Republican, Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Widener, R-Springfield.

Also on Tuesday, he received the Preble County GOP's endorsement for the race.

On Monday, Derickson's campaign announced more than 50 current and former locally elected officials in the county have signed on to support Derickson along with several dozen local GOP leaders. Among the local leaders endorsing Derickson: Butler County mayors Larry Mulligan (Middletown), Steve Miller (Fairfield), Bob Routson (Monroe), and Calvin Woodrey (Trenton), and Butler County GOP Executive Chairman Todd Hall.

“These people know me. They know my values and what drives me to serve,” Derickson said. “I look forward to leading this team with the message of faith, family, freedom and hard-work.”

Beagle — who's considered by many as Derickson's chief rival in this race — has also received several endorsements, including on Monday support from Darke County's three county commissioners — Diane Delaplane, Mike Rhoades and Mike Stegall.

A “grateful” Beagle said his campaign “will benefit greatly from their insights and respect among Darke County voters.”

Beagle's campaign began announcing in earnest on Jan. 11 the state senator's endorsements with a pair of Ohio GOP Central Committee members who represent Miami, Preble and parts of Darke and Montgomery counties. Then on this past Thursday, Beagle's campaign announced a business leader coalition that is being spearheaded by a trio of Clark County business leaders.