Who says the Republican Party's dominance in Warren County has stifled healthy debate?

        Former state Rep. George Terwilleger, R-Hamilton Township, who decided not to challenge incumbent Warren County Commissioner Mike Kilburn for commissioner this year, is campaigning for challenger Daryl Dunn instead.

        Mr. Dunn, a Lebanon real estate agent, is a newcomer to politics. Still, he will defeat longtime Commissioner Kilburn in the Republican primary, Mr. Terwilleger predicts.

        “I really got on (Mr. Dunn's) bandwagon, quite frankly, because he is for the hospital,” said Mr. Terwilleger, whose adversarial relationship with Mr. Kilburn dates to when they served as commissioners together.

        Middletown Regional Hospital's proposed move to Turtlecreek Township is a top issue in the commissioners' race. Mr. Kilburn and his two fellow commissioners don't want it on Greentree Road, as is proposed, but Mr. Dunn and Democratic candidate Carolyn Tepe both support the hospital's plans.

        One party, many views: There are other signs that the Warren County GOP does not speak with one voice these days, most notably the decision by about a dozen Republicans to walk out before Gov. Bob Taft spoke at Friday's Lincoln Day dinner.

        They are angry that Mr. Taft, who's seeking re-election in November, picked a running mate who supports abortion and gay rights, says Lori Viars. She is a GOP board member and head of Warren County Right to Life.

        In fact, the party board of directors narrowly voted — 6-5 — not to uninvite Mr. Taft to the dinner, according to Ms. Viars.

        She and her supporters wore yellow stickers to the dinner that said “Save the elephants from the RINOs” (Republicans in Name Only).

        Several other disgruntled Republicans stayed away from the dinner altogether, but the annual event, at Kings Island Resort & Conference Center, nonetheless was a sellout with 580 in attendance.

        Up for grabs: Republicans who are competing for two open jobs in the May primary were in full campaign mode at Friday's dinner.

        • Sweetest paraphernalia: Warren County Judge James Heath, who's running for Common Pleas judge, gave out — you guessed it — bite-size toffee bars with his literature. His opponent in the GOP primary, Domestic Court Judge James Flannery, merely offered inedible information cards.

        They're vying to replace Judge P. Daniel Fedders, who is retiring after several decades.

        • Vaguest slogan: “He's a good man, good husband,” campaign volunteers for former Dayton Mayor Mike Turner chanted. He's running for Congress in the redrawn 3rd District, which will include northern Warren County as well as Highland and Clinton and part of Montgomery.

        Roy Brown, CEO of Brown Publishing, also is running in the Republican primary, but Mr. Turner has state Rep. Tom Raga, R-Deerfield Township, in his corner.

        U.S. Rep. Tony Hall, a Dayton Democrat, is vacating his 3rd District seat in favor of a United Nations job, giving the GOP a good shot at the newly Republican-leaning district.

        U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, who represents the rest of Warren County, said Friday it will be a key national race.

       
       Tips and comments on suburban politics may be relayed to reporter Cindi Andrews via phone, 755-4157, or e-mail, candrews@enquirer.com.

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