By Steve Kemme
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - As he announced his candidacy Thursday for the Butler County commissioner's seat, Greg Jolivette wasted no time in firing salvos at his rival, controversial fellow Republican Mike Fox.

Jolivette, now serving as a state representative, blasted the outspoken Fox as a bully and a headline-grabber.

"He thinks he can do or say anything to get his way and get away with it," he said at a press conference. "Well, I have had enough. To beat a bully, you have to stand up to a bully."

Fox, who was replaced six years ago by Jolivette in the Ohio House when he stepped down to become a county commissioner, said he's always followed his own beliefs, not the party leaders.

Fox and Jolivette will seek the party's endorsement in late October, and will run against each other in the March 2 primary election.

Four prominent Republicans co-chairing Jolivette's campaign are Ohio Sen. Scott Nein, former Butler County Recorder Joyce Thall, Fairfield Mayor Erick Cook and Carlos Todd, former chairman of the Butler County Republican Party.

Nein, Thall and Todd attended Thursday's press conference. All three attacked Fox's combative style as detrimental to the county.

Dan Gattermeyer, chairman of the Butler County Democratic Party, said the public squabbling among the Republicans will help whomever his party nominates for the commissioner's race.

E-mail skemme@enquirer.com