Lawyer Michael Barrett on Tuesday night took over control of a Hamilton County Republican Party that still dominates county politics but is in a deep hole when it comes to Cincinnati politics.

        The 50-year-old trial lawyer, was elected unanimously Tuesday night by about 200 members of the Hamilton County Republican Party's central committee.

        He takes over for Ohio Treasurer Joe Deters, who stepped in a year ago when the county party was in turmoil over a controversial plan to endorse state representative candidates in the March 2000 primary.

        The new chairman acknowledged he has his work cut out for him in 2001, a year that will see not only Cincinnati City Council elections but the first direct election for Cincinnati mayor in more than 75 years.

        With the filing deadline for candidates coming in mid summer, the Republicans have no candidate for mayor to challenge Democrat incumbent Charlie Luken.

        “Charlie is in a pretty good position right now,” said Mr. Barrett. “But maybe we'll surprise him.”

        After his election in a 10-minute meeting, Mr. Barrett said his “job No. 1” is putting together a slate of candidates for council and mayor.

        The Republicans now have three council members - Phil Heimlich, Pat DeWine and brand-new Councilman Chris Monzel, who was appointed Tuesday to replace Charles Winburn, who is leaving to join the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

        But Cincinnati's term-limits law prevents Mr. Heimlich from running again, and Mr. Monzel has run for council only once, finishing 17th in a field of 20 in 1999.

        The Republicans face a council election in a city that has become increasingly Democratic over the past decade. Cincinnati voters have elected Democratic majorities to council in the last three elections.

        The Republicans' candidates for council and mayor, Mr. Barrett said, “will have an agenda that promotes traditional Republican values.”

        “We will promote safety for our children, fiscal responsibility, sound management of city resources, a commitment to ethical standards,” Mr. Barrett said. “That is the kind of agenda I think we can do well within the city.

        The city elections, Mr. Barrett said, “will be a tough job. But no one should think it is a foregone conclusion that the Democrats will dominate this election.”

        Chip Gerhardt, the party's executive director, was elected vice chairman of the party, replacing U.S. Rep. Rob Portman.

        Mr. Deters was the only statewide elected official also to be a county party chairman. He said it was time to leave the job to concentrate on either running for re-election as state treasurer or for Ohio attorney general in 2002.

        Mr. Barrett, an assistant county prosecutor in the late 1970s and early 1980s, is a member of the University of Cincinnati board of trustees.

Comair offer boost pilot talks
Chopping away at heating bills
Firm seeks tax incentive
RADEL: Love, devotion of a lifetime
Morgue photos have parallel in Colorado
Newest councilman says people listen now
Pig gig brought $59M to economy
Power plant won't go up in Trenton
Badin hopes time right for fund-raiser
Drug raid translates to prison
House under construction destroyed
OxyContin advisory issued
Prosecutor backs second judgeship
SAMPLES: Fighting Krabbe
Beer sales decision delayed
Butler election official battles to keep position
Conventions going elsewhere
'Creation' magazine founder to talk
CSX sees role in reducing traffic
Ex-governor's creditors listed
Kenton candidate hires D.C.-area pollster
Kenton County rezone to attract industry
Meetings are going elsewhere
Officials re-create scene of twins' deaths
Ohio board turns down requests for shifts to new school district
Parks spend some green
Rep. Boehner on the hot seat
Road work to relieve traffic near speedway
Teller fatally shot at Louisville bank; robber flees scene
Trial lawyer to head county GOP
Universal trash pickup dead
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report