MiddletownJournal.com

HAMILTON — The Ohio Republican Party officially opened its local election campaign office Monday, July 14, at the Butler County Republican Party headquarters.

Dubbed a "Victory Center," the office will serve as a hub for two full-time campaign staff and a host of volunteers working on election campaigns for the Republican slate on the November ballot.

This is one of nine Victory Centers in Ohio, and is also the base for Arizona Sen. John McCain's grassroots effort to win Ohio in the presidential race. Political watchers say Butler County will be a key battleground in this race.

"Butler is very important and the establishment of the victory center in Butler County I think is significant," said former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, who was on-hand Monday at the Victory Center's opening.

Other notable attendees includes state Sen. Gary Cates, R-West Chester Twp., Butler County Treasurer Nancy Nix, County Auditor Roger Reynolds and County Clerk of Courts Cindy Carpenter.

Daniel Alfaro, victory director at the center, said the office will focus on phone banking, voter registration, absentee ballots and other get-out-the-vote efforts.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the GOP can call (513) 893-5292.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175 jsweigart@coxohio.com.