Several candidates respond to the question: Why should they get your vote

By: Deb Giehl (Contributing Guest political commentator) NOTE: Edited for publication by Chuck Gibson

LOVELAND, OH (April 3, 2026) – Good morning fellow Patriots. This will likely be my last message to voters before the May 5th Primary election here in Ohio.

I hope this and embedded attachments/links will have provided you information helpful to your decision-making to cast your vote in the various important primary election races locally and statewide. In my guest column here on Loveland Beacon March 17th, I attached my personal precinct’s Republican sample ballot from Warren County (WC). I hope seeing that inspired you to print out the ballot from the Board of Elections (BoE) appropriate to your polling location. Printing out your sample ballot allows you the opportunity to see the candidates in races important to represent you in your precinct. Knowing who the candidates are allows you to do your own research to make an informed choice before early voting starts Tuesday, April 7th.

I decided to do something a little different for this election. On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, I sent an email to all 23 candidates in contested races on my ballot.

I introduced myself, (Deb Giehl, Central Committee Rep. Pct 128, Warren County) provided a little background of my political experience and asked each candidate to explain, in a short 3-5 sentence paragraph, why we should vote for them rather than their opponents. The contested offices include: Governor,  Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Justice of Supreme Court, Representative to Congress (1st District), State Senator (7th District), State Central Committee (Man, 7th District), Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (General Division), and County Commissioner. Here are the candidates who  responded by the March 31st deadline along with names of candidates who failed to respond – NOTE: unedited in their own words:

For Governor:

Heather Hill – I’m a conservative, pro-life, 2A protecting, military-mom, foster parent,  My running mate Stuart Moats and i support Abolishment of property taxes. To learn more go to fightlikehill.com

Casey Putsch: My platform centers on three practical pillars that will strengthen Ohio families and communities for generations: prioritizing Ohio jobs for Ohio workers through aggressive investment in skilled trades, vocational training, and apprenticeship pipelines so that local graduates and tradespeople fill manufacturing roles and keep paychecks circulating in our towns and schools; protecting and keeping Ohio’s land, water, and energy resources for productive industry, automotive production, and family farms rather than allowing them to be consumed by massive data centers that drain entire communities and abolishing property taxes with a ready replacement plan so that when Ohio families pay off their mortgages, they truly own their homes outright instead of facing an endless government lease that forces seniors out and blocks young families from building lasting equity.

Vivek Ramaswamy:  Did not respond

Secretary of State:

Marcell Strbich: My name is Marcell Strbich, I’m a dedicated husband, father of three children and a Retired Air Force Intelligence Lieutenant Colonel and combat veteran. I’m a mission-focused results-oriented political outsider not a career recycled politician like my opponent. Ohio’s elections and business filings  are susceptible to fraud, error and manipulation.  I’m running fix Problems in election administration, restore, accountability, public oversight and trust. I invite voters to review my election Integrity Bill of Rights and my background at my website strbichforohio.com. We need results not rhetoric. It’s time to put a stop to “musical chairs” seat hopping politicians in Columbus avoiding term limits.

Robert Sprague: Did not respond

Treasurer of State:

Kristina Roegner: As the Chief Investment Officer and Fiscal Steward, Ohio’s Treasurer of State is an important role – one that requires financial expertise.  I have my MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business which is the number 1 business school in the country. It is also important that the next Treasurer has honor, integrity and  is above reproach.  Unlike my opponent, my record is pristine.  I am truly grateful that every county which has had a process and decided to endorse in this race has endorsed my candidacy-  That is 17 counties so far and counting – including Warren County !  Thank you ! I share the values of the Warren County Republican party: Faith, Family and Freedom!  Over my 15 years in the State Legislature, I have led on many conservative issues including:

– Sponsoring SB311 to stand up against Amy Acton as she was shutting down Ohio during covid (I am endorsed by We the People for my strong stance for Freedom/Liberty)

-Sponsoring SB23 Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill ( I am also endorsed by all the pro-life groups)

– Shepherding HB68 through the Ohio Senate to keep biological males out of girls sports etc (I’m blessed to be endorsed by Ohio Value Voters!)

I will work hard as Ohio’s next Treasurer to safeguard our taxpayer dollars.

Jay Edwards: Did not respond

Justice of the Supreme Court:

Andrew King: I believe it is critical to have constitutional conservative justices on our Supreme Court. When judges act as “politicians in robes,” our entire constitutional order is in danger. As a textualist and originalist, I will apply the law and Constitution as they are written. I am a proven conservative with a track record of being faithful to first principles.

Jill Lanzinger, Ronald Lewis & Colleen O’Donnell: All Did Not Respond

Representative to Congress (1st District):

Eric Conroy: I am the only candidate in this race who lives in the district and has served our country in warzones in the Air Force and CIA. Two of my opponents do not live in the district, and voters deserve a representative who understands them and this community. I am running to defeat Greg Landsman, and our campaign has the resources, support, and momentum to do it – having outraised our closest opponent two to one and four to one last quarter. I am proud to be endorsed by Senator Bernie Moreno and would be honored to earn your vote on May 5th.

Steven Erbeck: My name is Steven Erbeck and I’m running for Congress in Ohio’s 1st District to restore integrity and conservative values to Washington and to beat Greg Landsman this fall. I am a husband, father, small business owner and fourth generation dentist with a heart of service for this community. I grew up in Warren County and have a long family history in Mason that dates back to my great grandfather who was the first dentist in town. I am committed to making life more affordable for young families and seniors alike, and for standing up for conservative values in a Congress that has lost sight of working for the people. In Congress, I plan on restoring fiscal responsibility, strong borders, affordable healthcare and access to homeownership that is the cornerstone of the American Dream. I would greatly appreciate your support and a vote for Steven Erbeck for Congress on May 5th, thank you!

Rosemary Oglesby-Henry: I’m Rosemary Oglesby-Henry. I homeschooled my son, built a community resource serving over 3,000 families, and I’ve felt every tax bill that hits families doing everything right. Greg Landsman has had his chance levy after levy sold on the backs of our children while Warren County families wonder if they can still afford to stay. I’ll secure our border, balance our budget, and put babies, businesses, and Ohio First with a proven standard, no party pressure, and no excuses. Vote early. Let’s flip this seat Rosemary Red.

Holly Adams: Top 4 Reasons to vote for Holly Adams, US Congress OH-1!

1. Holly is the only candidate that has signed the No New Taxes Pledge (Americans for Tax Reform) and has pledged to fight to eliminate federal income taxes for American families.
2. Holly has the most real-world business experience, 30 years of proven-results, implementing solutions that improve efficiencies and improve the bottom line for her employers and her customers, as well as budgeting and keeping expenses within the budget.
3. Holly is a grassroots, conservative fighter and has the most, over a decade, of boots-on-the-ground experience, running GOTV efforts for Donald Trump and growing Charlie Kirk’s conservative movement on the ground.
4. Holly is not part of the entrenched establishment class. She is a concerned and frustrated citizen, just like us, willing to roll up her sleeves and go to Washington to get done what is needed to keep America Safe and Make Living Affordable again for families in Ohio’s 1st District.
5. Holly Can and Will beat Greg Landsman in November!

State Senator (7th District):

Kim LukensI Kim Lukens will preserve not rewrite the American Founders . The American Founders understood that inequalities in social outcomes are inevitable and by no means inherently deplorable. The USA founders understood the normal operation of a free society would naturally provide inequalities. Injustices have existed over the last 250 years. Kim Lukens will resist the notion that these serious errors and social injustices and the consequences should change the narrative of American History and civics. The American System was set into motion and allowed for ongoing corrections of errors and injustices. America is One Nation under God, indivisible , with Liberty and Justice for All.

Zac Haines: Zac Haines is a political outsider who will stand with parents and patriots. I will fight to get “woke” out of our children’s classrooms, lower your taxes, and stop government fraud and waste. That’s why I’ve been officially endorsed by the Warren County Republican Party, U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, the Ohio Republican Party, Ohio Right to Life, Ohio Value Voters, and over 100 statewide and local elected officials. Please vote for Zac Haines for State Senate, 7th District. Thank you and God Bless.

State Central Committee (Man, 7th District):

Christian Mays: Two years ago, I ran for State Central Committee with a simple promise: to be accountable, transparent, accessible, and to lead with integrity.

Today, as we come to the end of that term, those promises haven’t changed—they’ve been proven.  I have done exactly what I said I would do.

Now, I’m asking for your support to send me back as your State Central Committeeman for District 7.

It’s easy to go along with the crowd. But real integrity often means standing alone—especially in Columbus.

If re-elected, I will continue to fight for you, defend our conservative values, and ensure that District 7 remains the conservative republican stronghold it was always meant to be.

Jonathan Dever: Did not respond

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (General Division):

Gary Loxley:  For over twelve years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving as a part-time judge in the Warren County Court, and I have established a judicial philosophy rooted in conservative values.  I was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for nearly 15 years and was in private practice for four years.  I retired as a colonel in the Army, including service as an Army lawyer and Military Judge.  I have acquired a wealth of knowledge and experience during my legal and judicial career that I would use and rely upon as judge on the common pleas bench.  My goal is to ensure the public has confidence in a legal system that works, without bias and prejudice, and to ensure justice is served.

Carrie Heisele: I have experience presiding over cases in the Common Pleas Court. My opponent does not.  I have both the experience and long-term commitment to serve effectively for years to come. For the past 12 years of my nearly 20 year career, I have handled Common Pleas Court cases extensively—as an assistant prosecutor trying major felonies (including homicides, two death penalty cases, child sexual assaults, drug trafficking, and financial crimes) and as a magistrate presiding over complex civil litigation, protection orders, and criminal arraignments. I also have experience integrating technology in the Common Pleas Court to increase efficiency and cut costs. If elected, I will lead the Court forward with a strong work ethic, active community presence, and the constitutional fidelity that will keep our community safe and make a lasting positive impact for decades to come.

County Commissioner:

Tom Grossman: After I became a Commissioner (1) our county earned the highest bond rating from Moody’s Ratings; (2) all county debt was retired; (3) county residents were given a total real estate property tax break of $46M in 2022 from the county’s property taxes; (4) a new county jail and other facilities have built (and we have no debt); we lowered the county sales tax; (6) we developed a sports park bringing in increased tax revenue; and (7) we saved the ATP tennis tournament from leaving. My opponent concedes we have “the best run county in the country” (February 10, 2026 Candidate Meeting with the Warren County GOP). Our county is ranked by US News and World Report in the top 3% of all US counties. I am the only farmer on the Commission, grew up on a farm and still own and operate a farm (42% of Warren County is in farming). Between 2017 and 2022 our county’s farm acreage increased by 13%. I oppose selling our Fairground to the city of Lebanon; my opponent wants Lebanon to buy the Fairground and develop much of it into high density housing. Unlike my opponent who raised Lebanon’s earnings tax 50% (from 1 to 1.5%), I have never raised a tax on county residents.

Mark Messer: Did not respond

In Summary: as you can see, 15 of the 23 candidates responded to my request. You can take that anyway you like.  I’m not here to judge; only to “educate and inform”.  BUT … why didn’t those other 8 candidates want to “state their case”?  Who knows? We can only speculate here: Maybe they feel confident enough in their ability to win without having to try to reach more people.  Maybe they forgot to respond by the deadline.  Maybe they didn’t feel that the 600+ people in 7 different counties that receive my emails were worth their time.  That’s a shame. They may not be aware this email will also be published as a special political commentary column in the Loveland Beacon (www.lovelandbeacon.com), a local online publication that consistently reaches thousands of readers.  Oh well – their loss!  Just sayin’.

Bottom line – please do your own research on ALL the candidates!  You can learn more about Tom Grossman from an interview he did with Dayton Daily News. His answers to eight questions could be very enlightening in your research of him. If interested, a Google search will likely lead you to it.

Additional notes of interest:  

Elizabeth Maier is a candidate for State Representative – District 27 in Hamilton County. She was quite impressive when I heard her speak at a Northeast Republicans lunch. Luiza McQuee, candidate for Clermont County Commissioner is worthy of a mention and your research.

I’d be remiss if I let two Democrats off the hook without a mention. We all remember Amy Acton (Candidate for Governor) who worked with Governor DeWine to close schools, churches and small businesses during the “planned scamdemic”. Also candidate for Attorney General Elliot Forhan who stated he would not hesitate to “kill Donald Trump” by attempting “to obtain a conviction rendered by a jury of his peers at a standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt based on evidence presented at trial conducted in accordance with the requirements of due process, resulting in a sentence duly executed of capital punishment.” Egad, what a cad!

Opportunity: If you’re interested in distributing “slate cards” at your local BoE during early voting day/hours or knocking on doors in your neighborhood to drop them off, I have included an image of the Warren County slate card.

Here’s an explanation of the endorsement policy standards from Christian Mays, Warren County GOP Chairman:

 “To receive the Party’s endorsement, two separate thresholds must be met. First, at least 60% of Party members present and voting must approve whether the Party will issue an endorsement in a particular race at all. 

Only if that threshold is met does the second step occur. In the second step, a candidate must be formally nominated for endorsement and then receive a minimum of 60% approval from Party members present and voting. A candidate is granted the Party’s endorsement only after both thresholds are successfully achieved.

In (the last) endorsement session, as in many prior sessions, there were races in which the Party either chose not to endorse because the first threshold was not met, or no candidate received the required 60% approval in the second round. This should not be viewed as a negative reflection on any candidate. Rather, it often indicates that the Party recognizes multiple vetted and nominated candidates as strong, credible contenders without a clear consensus favoring one over another.”  Christian Mays, WC GOP Chairman

Please keep in mind that if you see other WC slate cards that do not include the official logo, it is NOT an official Party communication and does not represent those you elected to the Republican Central Committee to uphold and advance Republican values here in WC.  Yes – I’m sorry to say – there could potentially be bogus slate cards out there.

Here’s a link to sign up to distribute slate cards at the Warren County BoE:

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10C0549AEAE29ABF9C61-62942038-boe

Thank you in advance for your valuable service to Warren County BoE or any other county BoE you may choose to serve to help the cause.

Here’s a couple other links you may find informative and helpful as you prepare to cast your vote in the May 5th Ohio Primary Election:

http://www.ohiobattlegroundalliance.com/

http://www.ivoterguide.com/

http://www.ohiovaluevoters.org/

http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/

I wish you all a very happy Easter with family and friends.  Happy voting – I hope to see some of you at the polls!

Deb Giehl

Central Committee Rep, Pct 128, Warren County

debgi@yahoo.com

513 / 828-9020