PRESS RELEASE from Ohio Republican Party

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Ohio Republican Party Expands Grassroots Efforts

Adds Outreach Staff with Strong Ties to Ohio

COLUMBUS - Chairman Bob Bennett today announced that the Ohio Republican Party is significantly expanding its grassroots efforts with the addition of new staff members to the Ohio Victory Team. Charged with expanding outreach into key communities throughout the state, this team has long experience in Ohio politics and government that will help deliver the state for John McCain and elect Republican candidates up and down the ticket.

"This team joins an already strong organization that the Ohio Republican Party has built and improved upon from past elections. Grassroots outreach has always been a focus in Ohio, and that dedication has made us very successful in winning close elections. This campaign will be no different, and with this team of talented professionals, we will deliver Ohio for John McCain and our Republican candidates throughout the state," said Bennett.

Apps Akpofure is the Ohio Republican Party Victory Coalitions Director. Mr. Akpofure recently served as an aide to Ohio Senator William Seitz III on the Judiciary & Criminal Justice Committee. Prior to his tenure in the Ohio Senate, Mr. Akpofure was the Assistant Director of Coalitions for the gubernatorial campaign of J. Kenneth Blackwell, former Ohio Secretary of State. Mr. Akpofure is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

Dick Hammersmith is the Ohio Republican Party Outreach Coordinator for Catholics in Southwest Ohio. Mr. Hammersmith has a long history of working with fiscally conservative, pro-life candidates in the greater Cincinnati area. His early experience as a local government reporter across Ohio and in Kentucky led to a career as a communications specialist for Cincinnati Gas & Electric and later Cincinnati Bell. Mr. Hammersmith then put his media relations skills to work in politics, managing campaigns and organizing grassroots efforts through a consulting firm he formed after Cincinnati Bell. A graduate of Elder High School and the University of Dayton, Dick Hammersmith lives with his wife, Lynn, in Green Township. They have been married over thirty years and have six children.

Brian Hoyt is the Ohio Republican Party Outreach Director for Veterans. Mr. Hoyt enlisted in the Navy in 1997, serving as an Electronics Technician, and later attended Officer Candidate School to become a Public Affairs Officer. In 2007, Mr. Hoyt attained the rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the US Navy Reserves, where he served in the Navy Office of Community Outreach. During his time on active duty, Mr. Hoyt served in the Middle East, supported NATO operations in Kosovo, and received numerous medals and commendations for his service. A native of Worthington, OH, and a graduate from Miami University, Mr. Hoyt currently lives in Powell with his wife and two children.

Jeff Longstreth is the Ohio Republican Party Outreach Coordinator for Values Voters. Most recently, Mr. Longstreth served as the Ohio Campaign Manager and Mid-West Political Director for former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign. As the founder of his own consulting firm, Mr. Longstreth is a well-respected grassroots operative with a wealth of experience in campaign management and political organization. His past work also includes stints in the Ohio House of Representatives as a legislative aide and as the campaign coordinator for Ohio Senator James Carnes. Mr. Longstreth is a graduate of The Ohio State University.

Carol Porter is the Ohio Republican Party Outreach Coordinator for Women. Ms. Porter has long experience serving in Ohio government, including work at the state, county, and local level. She currently serves as Co-Chair of The Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute, a program founded by former Ohio Speaker Davidson dedicated to increasing the advancement and participation of women in public service. Ms. Porter is an active member of the Franklin County Republican Party.

Lisa Sabath is the Ohio Republican Party Outreach Coordinator for Catholics in Northeast Ohio. Ms. Sabath has served in ministry for ten years working with both adults and children in the Diocese of Cleveland. She has also worked on a number of campaigns, including political experience at the national, statewide, and congressional level. Ms. Sabath is an active member of the Lake County Republican Party.