The Ohio Republican Party - fresh off a third straight sweep of statewide offices - has re-elected Chairman Robert Bennett to an eighth two-year term.

The party's state central and executive committee gave Bennett its endorsement on Sunday. Last month, Bennett said he would seek another term, two years after saying that term might be his last.

Bennett, 63, has been chairman since 1988 and has presided over the GOP takeover of Ohio's statewide elected offices.

On Nov. 5, his entire slate of statewide candidates was elected, led by Gov. Bob Taft, who won a second term.

Bennett, an attorney, said state and national Republicans persuaded him to stay on for President Bush's expected re-election campaign next year.

Click here to access the Associated Press source link.

Those interested in electing a true pro-CCW to the Ohio governorship in 2004 will be interested in a report filed today in the Columbus Dispatch.

Auditor Betty Montgomery, Attorney General Jim Petro, Treasurer Joe Deters and Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell each want the Republican nomination for the office of governor in 2006, when Gov. Bob Taft is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. But are any of these candidates truly pro-CCW Reform?

Count one out from the start: Betty Montgomery voiced her personal opposition to concealed carry reform to OFCC PAC's Vice Chairman during the 2002 campaign season. As for Kenneth Blackwell, the former Cincinnati mayor, Joe Deters and Jim Petro, only time and research will tell. We at OFCC PAC will be sure to keep you updated.

To express your desire for a truly pro-CCW Reform candidate for Ohio governor in 2006, click on the links below:

Ohio Republican Party

Republican Governors Association

Republican National Committee

Click here to read the entire Columbus Dispatch story (subscription site - paid access only), or click on the "Read More..." link below for an archived version of the story.