Thursday, October 28, 1999
GOP names first black to executive committee
BY PATRICK CROWLEY
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT WRIGHT — Kenton County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ron Washington is the first African-American member of the Kenton County Republican Executive Committee.
Mr. Washington, 32, joined the committee, which coordinates GOP political activity in the county, last week.
A Covington native and former Florence police officer, Mr. Washington said he was raised a Democrat but switched parties to work on the campaign of Chuck Korzenborn, the Fort Mitchell Republican elected county sheriff last year.
“I met Chuck, liked what I heard from him and when he asked me to work on his campaign, I jumped at the chance because I really believe in what he stands for,” Mr. Washington said Wednesday.
Sheriff Korzenborn said he immediately recognized Mr. Washington's ability at their first meeting.
“I wanted him to work on my campaign and I wanted him to be my chief deputy,” he said. “Ron is a real spark plug in our office. He is a brilliant staff man, a tireless organizer and a true law-enforcement professional.”
Kenton County GOP Chairman Greg Shumate said Mr. Washington was noticed by the committee during his work on the sheriff's campaign.
“Ron was absolutely instrumental in Chuck's victory last year,” Mr. Shumate said Wednesday. “We want the best-qualified people on the committee, and we are thrilled to have Ron join us.
“I don't believe in special favors; I always believe in giving the job to the best qualified person,” he said. “If we can attract some more African-American voters and members by Ron being on the committee, then this is probably one of the most positive things we have ever done.”
Mr. Washington said the Republican Party holds opportunity for African-Americans.
“There are a lot of middle-class blacks in this community, and the Republican Party represents those views a lot more than people think,” he said.
“Sheriff Korzenborn really cares about the inner city of Covington, which is something that's very important to me and other African-Americans in the city,” he said.
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