It was a night of newcomers at the Summit County Republican Party caucus on Tuesday, but that won’t deter the group from their goal of bringing a red wave to the coming election.
The county party’s executive board was elected in March 2021 and for many, it was their first experience organizing a caucus, and the first time the majority of the audience had attended one, too.
Around 125 people came to the event at Ecker Hill Middle School, with more participating at South Summit Middle School and North Summit Middle School. Though the number was smaller than acting Summit County Republican Party Chair Karen Ballash hoped for, those that did participate were enthusiastic about supporting the GOP cause.
Shenen Dietrich moved to Pinebrook from Phoenix over a year ago and was uninformed about the caucus system — yet eager to learn. She said she was not politically active in the past, but when her former city started “turning blue,” Dietrich turned to Fox News and began looking for opportunities to share her conservative values.
She nominated herself for a county delegate role because she feels the caucus helps encourage more people to get involved with politics. County delegates are responsible for speaking with their neighbors about issues and voting for candidates at the party’s county convention. As a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution, property rights and freedom of speech, Dietrich said she wants to ensure her local and state representatives agree.
“I don’t mind speaking out about my beliefs and taking a stand to protect this country,” she said. “Our values are being eroded.”
Fellow Pinebrook resident Lisa Wall was seeking a position for similar reasons.
She said she’s lived in her home for six years and has never been contacted by the local GOP as a voter despite being registered. Wall pursued both state delegate and precinct chair roles, which she earned, to help bring Republicans and frustrated Democrats in her neighborhood together. She plans to go door to door to speak with voters about the candidates and hear their concerns.
“I want to make Summit County red again by starting at the neighborhood level,” Wall said.
Those selected to be state delegates will report to the state party for its convention, while county delegates focus on the local nominating convention. There, they will have the opportunity to meet with candidates, discuss the issues and perhaps decide which candidates will earn the party’s nomination.
While some neighborhoods had a handful of people willing to serve as delegates, others had few to none. If a precinct does not have a resident willing to serve, they go without representation at the county and state conventions, though alternates from other precincts may be asked to fill in.
Park Meadows couple Richard and Sheri Jaffa felt it was important to have a say in who will speak for them with only two county delegates chosen to represent each neighborhood. Richard once served as a state delegate nearly 10 years ago, but Sheri had never attended a caucus before.
“I’m a believer in primaries — I think they’re fairer,” Richard Jaffa said. “(With a caucus) very few people decide.”
The Jaffas are most concerned about traffic and are seeking candidates who are honest and honorable. They want someone who can articulate what they’re for — not just what they’re against — when it comes to addressing Summit County’s issues.
Voters who attended Tuesday’s caucus were able to briefly meet with candidates and learn about their platforms before selecting delegates.
Although no Republican candidates filed to challenge the four incumbents at the County Courthouse, three people mounted bids for the two Summit County Council seats up for election. It’s the first time a member of the GOP has run for a spot since 2016.
Holly McClure will challenge Democratic incumbent Chris Robinson for Seat D. Former Francis Mayor Byron Ames and John “Jack” Murphy are both campaigning for Seat E. If Ames or Murphy can secure at least 60% of the vote from delegates at the county GOP convention in April, they’ll win the party’s nomination and advance to the general election. Otherwise, they’ll square off in a primary in June.
The Summit County Democratic Party will host its caucus night at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, at Ecker Hill Middle School, South Summit Middle School and North Summit Middle School.