(Toledo, OH) The search is on to replace an ousted Lucas County board of elections member.
For the second time in three year's Ohio's top elections official has kicked someone off the Lucas County board of elections. This time, suspended Republican board member James Hartley got the axe over allegations he was colluding on backroom deals with Lucas County GOP leaders-- even texting with the party chairman during an elections board meeting.
Secretary of State Jon Husted will make the ultimate decision on a replacement, but the local GOP central committee will first nominate someone to take James Hartley's place. But Husted has made it clear anyone nominated won't be allowd to continue what he calls a "culture of dysfunction" on the board.
That elections board controversy has resurfaced as the Lucas County GOP hosts its annual Lincoln Day dinner tonight at the Pinnacle in Maumee.
The keynote speaker is conservative author J.D. Vance, who wrote the bestseller "The Trump Whisperer." Key statewide candidates, though, are staying away-- including Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor and Secretary of State Jon Husted, both rumored to be running for governor. Tickets are still available for the 7 p.m. dinner.