Hodge, JOCO GOP
Posted by GOPnJOCO at 4/24/2008 4:50 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
We thought we'd go ahead and give you an update on the leadership situation as a result of the fallout from Representative Ben Hodge's sudden resignation.
First, we know that former State Rep. and current JOCO Chair Scott Schwab will be pursuing Hodge's vacated seat. It's unlikely that Schwab will draw a challenge from either the Left or Right of the Party, and largely because of that, it's also unlikely that the KSDP will finance an opponent too heavily during the General.
As to Hodge's situation, no one really knows where he'll be months from now. His name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for State Senate, State Rep (in another District) or State Board of Education. The truth is, however, that Hodge has held his cards close on this one. Your guess is as good as ours - we can't necessarily see any overwhelming rhyme or reason with any direction he may go. We are of the opinion, however, that this isn't all smoke and mirrors - our money's banking on Hodge being on a ballot in 2008...somewhere.
The final issue is appointing a successor for Party Chair following the impending resignation of Scott Schwab. The two names that continually surface - current Vice-Chair Arlene Krings or current Treasurer Marvin Kleeb - appear to be the only interested parties, at this point. Kleeb will likely receive the backing of the moderate precinct delegation while Krings will be the default candidate for many conservative voters.
At this point, it's simply who will turn out their base - if indeed this is the matchup. It's too far off to make a solid prediction, at this point, but StayRed is of the opinion that Marvin Kleeb's hard work - both financial and physical - on behalf of the Party and Johnson County Republicans, shouldn't go unnoticed. He has willingly shown the propensity to support candidates from both sides of the Party. We'll see how this one unfolds, but at this point, these two Party officials seem to be the front-runners.
Any thoughts?
First, we know that former State Rep. and current JOCO Chair Scott Schwab will be pursuing Hodge's vacated seat. It's unlikely that Schwab will draw a challenge from either the Left or Right of the Party, and largely because of that, it's also unlikely that the KSDP will finance an opponent too heavily during the General.
As to Hodge's situation, no one really knows where he'll be months from now. His name has been mentioned as a potential candidate for State Senate, State Rep (in another District) or State Board of Education. The truth is, however, that Hodge has held his cards close on this one. Your guess is as good as ours - we can't necessarily see any overwhelming rhyme or reason with any direction he may go. We are of the opinion, however, that this isn't all smoke and mirrors - our money's banking on Hodge being on a ballot in 2008...somewhere.
The final issue is appointing a successor for Party Chair following the impending resignation of Scott Schwab. The two names that continually surface - current Vice-Chair Arlene Krings or current Treasurer Marvin Kleeb - appear to be the only interested parties, at this point. Kleeb will likely receive the backing of the moderate precinct delegation while Krings will be the default candidate for many conservative voters.
At this point, it's simply who will turn out their base - if indeed this is the matchup. It's too far off to make a solid prediction, at this point, but StayRed is of the opinion that Marvin Kleeb's hard work - both financial and physical - on behalf of the Party and Johnson County Republicans, shouldn't go unnoticed. He has willingly shown the propensity to support candidates from both sides of the Party. We'll see how this one unfolds, but at this point, these two Party officials seem to be the front-runners.
Any thoughts?
Another good and relevant Republican post; there may be hope yet. Hodge is a loner and has delusions of grandeur so who knows where he lands but he probably will try to run for something. He has offended so many people from both wings of the party that he may not be electable to anything. His attendance record will also hurt him. He just doesn't show up until the last minute of meetings. As to JO CO party, doesn't the vice chair automatically succeed the chair if he resigns? Not sure anyone cares since there will be a new election for all precinct slots in August and therefore a new election of officers in November.
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Vice Chair gets it only until the convention for a replacement is called.
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Hodge has a lot of growing up to do. It's important to remember how young he is. That's only part of the excuse though.
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Hodge is older than most of the men and women serving in Iraq. Youth is not his problem. Ego, arrogance and inability to relate well with others are among his bigger problems
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Oh please.
Kansas Progress, which belongs to Hodge and his treasurer Tim Andersen, says "Some think that Hodge will run against incumbent Democratic State Representative Sue Storm."
Posts like this one are just Benny and his friends playing little games. Knock of the kiddie crap and join the ranks of grown-ups, boys.
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Good post.
Last year he was doing polling outside the 49th, which is what led to speculation that he wanted to run somewhere else.
The report was that he is moving to NE JoCo, which points either to Sue Storm or Dave Wysong. Of those two Storm would be easier, but she's well-liked, and I don't see a carpetbagger (especially one named Ben Hodge) winning it.
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Who said schwab is resigning...????
If he doesn't have a primary...why should he??
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Why did Hodge resign?
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Who knows but Ben likes to be the center of attention and likes "sharing" his views with others. He has found no audience and no friends in Topeka. Moderates, conservatives and Democrats alike pay no attention to him other than when he insults them, which he does regularly. He also doesn't show up except for the last few minutes of his morning committee so he isn't officially marked absent. He has become kind of a pathetic figure, usually standing by himself at the edge of the crowd at the receptions, etc. that legislators attend.
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Yikes! Bitter, are we?
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No, just observant.
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Actually, there won't be a fight for Party leadership at all. Both sides agreed when the current slate was assembled that there would be two officers from each side, so if Schwab resigns he'll be replaced without much argument by the side that nominated him originally, the KRA. Hopefully there will at least be some discussion among the leaders to find a person who would be acceptable to both sides. If Arlene Krings becomes Chair then we still have the issue of replacing her, and the same goes for her position -- it's basically up to the KRA.
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