Plans to resolve a standoff in the Warren County GOP could be threatened by Chairman Les Spaeth's insistence on endorsing Gov. Bob Taft for re-election.

Some in the county party's so-called Conservative Caucus are angry about a get-out-the-vote letter Mr. Spaeth has printed up saying that Mr. Taft, among other state officeholders, “deserves to be returned to the role of state leadership.” Their main objection is to Mr. Taft's running mate, Jennette Bradley, because she supports gay and abortion rights, says precinct committeewoman Jill Trimarko of Clearcreek Township.

Conservatives had suggested different wording for the letter, normally sent in the name of each precinct's committeeman. However, Mr. Spaeth left in the Taft endorsement.

“Because Les Spaeth doesn't like my political point of view, he's doing an end run around me,” says Paul Brandon, a precinct committeeman in Maineville.

Mr. Spaeth insists he's just doing his job: “It's a Republican ballot, and that's all Les Spaeth cares about. It's your duty — your responsibility — to support your party.”

But his unilateral action has some conservatives backing down from a proposal to make Mr. Spaeth and Mason Councilman Tom Grossmann co-chairmen of the county Executive Committee. Party leadership has been in disarray since a May meeting adjourned prematurely when it appeared conservatives might have the votes to oust Mr. Spaeth.

“About the only thing you can do is vote him out of power,” Mr. Brandon says. Mr. Grossmann, however, discounts the latest controversy, saying he continues to support inclusiveness in party leadership. He also says he will sign the letter.

Cheerleaders: The Ben-Gals, apparently eager to cheer on a more promising cause than the Bengals, will be the entertainment Friday at a luncheon and open house promoting Warren County's Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities levy.

Warren Countians can dine for $5 at the agency's Production Services Unlimited building.

MRDD is seeking a 4-mill replacement levy to provide services to the mentally disabled. The number of clients is growing along with the county population, MRDD says.

Diners can dig in 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday at 575 Columbus Ave., Lebanon. Information: 899-3018.

Stars of the GOP: He's no George W., but Ohio's top Republican got plenty of attention when he went door-to-door in Fairfield on Saturday.

Gov. Bob Taft was in Butler County for Super Saturday, a statewide effort to encourage voters to think Republican when they go to the polls in a month.

A GOP rally drew about 150 people, including Ohio Treasurer Joe Deters and U.S. Rep. John Boehner of West Chester, party spokesman Scott Lepsky reports.

Salute to women, and a man: The Warren County Women's Republican Club will pay tribute to retiring Ohio Senate President Richard Finan tonight at its fifth annual Salute to Women in Politics. Among other highlights of the evening, the Enquirer's Peter Bronson will speak, and someone will be inducted into the Women's GOP Hall of Fame.

The festivities will take place 7-9 p.m. at the Warren County Administration Building, 406 Justice Drive in Lebanon. Tickets are $20 per person at the door.

Rebellion is rife: Deer Park and Symmes and Sycamore townships have passed resolutions that oppose the half-cent sales tax increase in Hamilton County to help finance a $2.6 billion light-rail system. Three more — Norwood, Madeira and Montgomery — could be on deck to do the same.

- Susan Vela

Tips and comments on Butler and Warren politics may be relayed to Cindi Andrews via e-mail, candrews@enquirer.com; fax, 755-4150; or phone, 755-4157.

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