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Ganley launches U.S. Senate campaign; GOP chairman DeWine objects
Cleveland-area car dealer Tom Ganley on Wednesday, July 1, is to launch his campaign for the Republican nomination for the U.S Senate in 2010
Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine doesn’t think much of the idea. DeWine said that the state GOP leadership has unanimously recommended endorsing former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman for the Senate nomination.
In a press release, Ganley, 65, said he is a businessman who never had thought much about becoming a “professional politician.”
“But that’s what’s needed in Washington now - someone who understands financial responsibility and what it takes for a business and a country to be competeitve,” Ganley said. “Someone who has built a business from scratch. Someone who knows how to create jobs….”
Ganley started with a Rambler dealership in 1968 and now has 32 dealerships in the Ganley group, the release said.
“Ohio and American have been good to me,” Ganley said. “What I want is a chance to repay that by using my 41 years of experience in the business world to help solve the problems we face today.”
In an e-mail, Chairman DeWine, who no doubt would like to avoid a primary, said that he met with the party leadership last week and “they made a unanimous recommendation that we endorse Rob Portman,” former budget director and trade representative for President George W. Bush.
DeWine did not mince words:
“With all due respect to Tom, I don’t believe a seat in the United States Senate is an entry-level position, and I don’t think it’s something you can buy.”
He cited Portman’s public service record and consensus-building ability.
“That’s something we desperately need right now,” said DeWine.
Jeff Longstreth, a Ganley spokesman, responded:
“An endorsement from the party won’t do anything to scare Tom Ganley out of the race.”
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher are seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate.
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Comments
By Gale Joy
August 24, 2009 9:58 AM | Link to this
If we rely on the Republican and Democrat parties to choose our candidates do we actually have a “representative form of government”? It’s past time to change the status quo and get rid of the career politicians. It’s about time. www.deatonforsenate.comBy madcoman
July 3, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this
I am a democrat-leaning independent who will never vote for Portman. However if Ganley would somehow win the primary he definately gets my vote in the general election.By Karen Pointer
July 2, 2009 7:32 PM | Link to this
I am tired of the Ohio Republican Party leaders and their endorsements. Aren’t they career politicians themselves? Let the people make the choice. As for the comment that the Senate is not an entry level position, I would like to see the list of qualifications for the job. Obama became a Senator, so why can’t anyone? I would hope qualifications included a knowledge of the Constitution and an intense appreciation of it.By Jayne
July 2, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
With all due respect to you, Mr. Dewine… WE the people, i.e your bosses, are tired of career politicians and I will be supporting Tom Ganley with a donation and my vote.By Tony
July 2, 2009 9:38 AM | Link to this
Isn’t this the same party that gave us Bob Taft, Mike DeWine and Voinovich ? Maybe the Republican party needs to STFU and let the people decide.Don’t let the Tea parties be for naught, it’s time to send a message to the Republican party.By Dave Davis
July 1, 2009 9:06 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to hear a new name hopefully he will be someone to vote for. Sherod Brown has been an embarrsement to Ohio that could only be overshadowed by Vonivich’s vote record. We need someone who is for America and a man who cares about Ohio. Probably too much to ask of a politician.By Andy Myers
July 1, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this
My oh my how the neo-cons just don’t get it. Robert Taft and the “old guard” is rolling over in their graves. Join the Campaign For Liberty and The Ohio Freedom Alliance and help our State reclaim Constitutional representatives instead of the pay to play clan that’s loyalty is to the highest bidder. Wake up Ohio!By Leslie
July 1, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
This is exactly what we want. We’ve had enough of career politicians selling us out. It is time to replace everyone in Congress. We don’t want to recycle politicians. We need and want new blood. Portman is just another recycled politician. This is very good news. Thank you Tom Ganley. You don’t need democrat or republican party, just the people of Ohio. We are fed up and tired of both political parties.By L Berry
July 1, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this
With all due respect to the young Mr DeWine, what Ohio needs is a candidate to work for us and not be “just another insider”. We ned someone who isn’t afraid to think outside the box and work to get spending and economy under control. The current crop of Obama followers are ruining this country. We are not a Socialist Nation, not are we ashamed of being American’s.By Robyn Traywick
July 1, 2009 8:31 AM | Link to this
Wow, avoid a primary? Avoid giving voters a choice? How can a party give an endorsement before a primary? Doesn’t sound too much like a democratic process to me.