Battle Royale Continues within Summit County GOP

On Friday, the Secretary of State's office ruled that three candidates for the Republican Central Committee in Summit County can stay on the ballot. I doubt Arshinkoff and his goons were amused. The candidates were recruited by State Senator and rising star Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) in his attempt to rid the County Republicans of current Chairman Alex Arshinkoff. Usually Republicans should stick with Ronald Reagan's 11th Commandment of "Thou shalt not speak ill of a fellow Republican." But Summit County presents a rare case where the Chairman of the County Republicans should be ousted. Akron area Republicans have had their own version of Tammany Hall for decades now and it's time to put an end to Alex Arshinkoff's tenure as the boss.

In a county as strongly Democratic as Summit County obviously is, it is beyond belief that Republicans would keep Arshinkoff in charge. In every regard, Arshinkoff is a total liability. He has made numerous threats to elected leaders, including the President of the Hudson City Council. Hints and allegations of corruption by Arshinkoff persist. And beyond the usual political corruption of party bosses, Arshinkoff's private life has also been scrutinized--including allegations of a male college student being touched by Arshinkoff in his Audi.

No matter if Arshinkoff is gay or not, Summit County Republicans need to welcome new members and promising candidates to the party, while also cutting out elements of corruption.

Good riddance Alex Arshinkoff.