Redfern announces Portune to play major role

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Redfern announces Portune to play major role in large county grassroots

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 20, 2005

Contact: Brian Rothenberg Phone: 614-221-6563

COLUMBUS – Praising the energy and initiatives Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune brought into the debate over the Ohio Democratic Party Chair race, ODP Chair Chris Redfern announced today that he will create a significant role as Vice Chair responsible for Large County grassroots and elected official outreach for Mr. Portune.

Mr. Portune intends to take advantage of the officeholders and grassroots activists who can work toward a strong Ohio agenda for the 2006 election.

“Todd Portune is the kind of young dynamic leader that has shown Democrats in Ohio how to win a county office in a “red” county by strong grassroots and outreach initiatives,” said Mr. Redfern. “We need to use the strengths of the Chair selection process, and Todd’s expertise in appealing to swing voters is imperative in our large counties.”

Mr. Redfern said he is assessing ways to use the many ideas and initiatives that came from the debate over the ODP Chair position and incorporate not just the ideas but the talent of those involved.

“Todd’s appeal was not just for the job of Chair, but he has a solid grasp of how to utilize people that are existing officeholders and even those that are not party insiders in a way that brings unity and voter turnout,” said Mr. Redfern. “We will look at ways to incorporate Commissioner Portune’s role into the structure of the ODP operations.”

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