WASHINGTON, DC – Ohio’s newest Member of Congress, U.S. Rep Troy Balderson (OH-12), appeared before a breakfast meeting of The Ripon Society yesterday morning, where he discussed his victory in the August 7th special election, and shared his thoughts on the challenges facing the people he represents as he gears up for the Fall general election campaign.
Balderson was joined at the breakfast by his colleague from the Buckeye State – U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (OH-15). Stivers serves as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. In this role, he was instrumental in helping Balderson and other Republicans win eight out of nine special elections this year, and he is also leading the effort to help the GOP hold and build its House majority heading into 2019.
“We appreciate Chairman Stivers and Congressman Balderson for joining us this morning,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President and CEO of The Ripon Society. “It is a busy time, to say the least. The mid-terms are just around the corner, and end-of-year agreements on trade, spending and other key issues are, hopefully, almost in hand. With Washington consumed with gossip and political innuendo these days, it was good to hear from two individuals who are focused on the challenges we face as a nation, and why they believe Republicans have the ideas and energy to meet these challenges head-on in the year ahead.”
Balderson was sworn into office on Wednesday as the new U.S. Representative from Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. Prior to his election, he represented Ohio’s 20th Senate District as a two term State Senator. He served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and was a member of the Senate Finance Committee, as well. Prior to his time in the State Senate, Balderson and his family owned and operated a farm in Adamsville, Ohio for several generations. He also worked at an automotive dealership that had been in the family for three generations.
“With Washington consumed with gossip and political innuendo these days, it was good to hear from two individuals who are focused on the challenges we face as a nation, and why they believe Republicans have the ideas and energy to meet these challenges head-on in the year ahead.”
Stivers was elected to Congress in 2010 and has served as Chairman of the NRCC since November of 2016. Prior to his election to the House, he served in the Ohio State Senate for five years. He also worked in the private sector for the Ohio Company and Bank One, where he focused on promoting economic development and encouraging job creation. In addition, Stivers has served over 30 years in the Ohio Army National Guard and currently holds the rank of Brigadier General. He served the United States overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Djibouti where he led 400 soldiers and contractors and received the Bronze Star for his leadership.
According to Conzelman, yesterday’s discussion was attended by a crowd of over 80 people. Conzelman further noted that yesterday’s discussion was the 54th event The Ripon Society has held in 2018. Future events include: a discussion with the senior staff of the Ways & Means Committee on September 18th; a discussion with U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) on September 20th; and, a discussion with U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (MO-6), U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (CA-10), and Department of Transportation Under Secretary for Policy Derek Kan on September 27th.
The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.
To view additional photos of yesterday’s breakfast discussion, please click here.