Months of infighting with the Ohio Republican Party boiled over Friday as the state central committee clashed over finances and party endorsements and tried to kick unruly members of the public out of its meeting.
The committee gathered for a quarterly meeting to discuss appointments and next year's budget, among other housekeeping. It quickly devolved into arguments over issues that have plagued the party for months and ended early after chairman Bob Paduchik failed to get control of the room.
"Ohioans got us Trump, not Paduchik," one attendee yelled before leaving.
The tension on Friday centered around two matters: primary endorsements and the party's finances.
Republicans who oppose Gov. Mike DeWine want ORP to stay out of his reelection bid against former U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci and Canal Winchester farmer Joe Blystone. Some committee members contend ORP shouldn't provide services to non-endorsed candidates, and DeWine appointees should recuse themselves from the decision.
