Open Letter from ODP Chair Hon. Rhine McLin

December 1, 2005

Democrats:

I also wanted to express appreciation from all of us for Chairman Dennis L. White’s service to the Ohio Democratic Party and for his earlier work transforming Franklin County from Red to solid Blue. Chairman White has poised the party for success in 2006.

After meeting with Denny and the ODP staff, I can honestly say that I am impressed with the technology, facilities, and quality of staff that Denny has created at the Ohio Democratic Party.  

As we sat together, Denny and I discussed the importance of  2006 not only to Ohio Democrats, but to the future of this state. Both of us are committed to making this 19-day transition process a unifying experience that will bring Ohio Democrats together so we can position ourselves toward a process that will be unifying and bring Ohio Democrats together focused on November 2006.

This is the first time in over 30 years that there has been an interim Chair so it is a bit of uncharted territory. While being the Vice Chair of the Party has been a privilege and honor I am recently reelected to my second term as Mayor of Dayton and I believe it is in the best interest of ODP to have a chairperson selected by you to fill out Denny’s term. Therefore, in meeting with Denny, we have selected Monday, Dec. 19 – the date of the ODP Holiday Party – for the Executive Committee to convene.  

We have instituted a voluntary process in the interest of being fair and open regarding the chairmanship elections which includes the attached letter that provides a formal procedure for informing Executive Committee members of a candidates intent to run for Chair and a procedure for collecting information for the use of Executive Committee members to review candidacies.

Additionally, there have been calls for regional hearings around the state. While the ODP will not conduct such meetings, there is no objection to any outside groups conducting or soliciting candidate forums before December 19th.  

There also has been much discussion and email from activists regarding holding off selecting a chair until after the Primary. But, let us remember the elected Executive Committee members were voted upon and put into office by fellow Democrats in May of 2004. The vacancy created by Chairman White’s departure occurs within their term, and they have a responsibility to do their duty.

As for the resources of the Ohio Democratic Party, I am truly impressed by many of the on-going projects in our State Street headquarters. Among those accomplishments are:  

• Advanced technology that compares with any corporate office services, including state-of-the-art computer, audio and visual equipment. In addition, every county party has been provided with computers and email communication.
• A field staff program in conjunction with the DNC that is aggressive and has worked at the local precinct level.
  • A shift to an 88-County precinct level targeting strategy.
  • New emphasis on local offices that have led to victories in diverse offices, from rural Trustees to traditionally suburban GOP City Councils.
• An enhanced voter-file system that is collecting detailed information on potential voters.
• A technologically-advanced Communication Program.
  • Enhanced email and online capabilities.
  • Access to Communication training and press support from experienced staff.
  • A research-driven messaging program.
• Advanced fundraising research components.
• An advanced opposition research component.

After meeting with staff, Executive Director Mike Culp and I have committed to developing a transition document which will include an itemization of the activities ODP is currently doing; those activities ODP is in the process of implementing; and a discussion of those items ODP needs to start planning for in the future.  Most importantly, I am also calling for your unification behind the process for selecting a new Chair and in that respect I appeal to all of us to “keep our eye on the prize”. The people of Ohio are counting on our leadership to change the direction of this state.  

Finally, I wanted to extend a sincere thank you for the many calls of support offered to me personally in this transitional role.

                                                                                   Democratically Yours,  

                                                                                   Hon. Rhine L. McLin
                                                                                   Chair, Ohio Democratic Party
                                                                                   Mayor, City of Dayton