By Gongwer Staff
Posted: February 6, 2023 8:21 AM

The House Republican Caucus' retreat this week yielded no fireworks nor any kumbaya moments, according to members.

The majority party left Mohican State Park still divided after a minority faction broke off from the rest to join the chamber's Democrats to elect Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) despite Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Twp.) receiving the caucus' stamp of approval during an informal vote in November.

But attendees said the gathering that brought the factions together could be the first step in tamping down the bitter divide, according to interviews with half a dozen.

"I think the divide in the caucus is kind of like a wound," said Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.). "It takes a little bit of time but it's in the healing process."

A supporter of Rep. Merrin, Rep. Williams attempted to alter the majority leadership slate and the chamber's rules in the House's last session but wasn't recognized by Speaker Stephens. (See Gongwer Ohio Report, January 24, 2023)

He said the retreat offered members from both camps an opportunity to discuss policy, and there were private discussions about the incident on the floor.

"Regardless of the healing process in our caucus, members from each side were there and meaningfully participated," Rep. Williams said.

Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton) said despite ongoing divisions in the caucus, the event was heavy on productive discussions and euchre games and light on drama.

The Stephens backer said she believes the policy discussions at the retreat were eye-opening for many in the Merrin camp.

"I think so many were amazed at how it's going to be more conservative than they thought because they've been sold that Jason is not a conservative," she said.

The lawmaker said she believes "troublemakers" outside of the legislature are trying to prevent a full reconciliation between House Republicans for their own political benefit.

"We've got a lot of outside influence that's causing a stir, and they don't know anything about what really goes on," she said. "I wish they would calm down and let us do our jobs."

Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery), one of the most outspoken supporters of Rep. Merrin, said members talked business during the retreat but largely avoided discussions about the elephant in the room.

"It's about getting down to business and doing what's right for the state of Ohio," he said. "You can't change what's wrong into what's right but it's time to focus on Ohio."

Nonetheless, he said there is still a trust barrier that will have to be overcome after 22 Republicans joined with all 32 Democrats to hand Speaker Stephens the gavel.

"There's not a spirit of vengeance," Rep. Click said. "There's not hate. But there's disappointment that will continue to linger."

In one sign of potential progress, Rep. Click said he has taken to referring to Mr. Stephens by his title after previously refusing to do so.

"Rep. Merrin calls him speaker, so I guess if he can do it, I should be able to do it," he said, adding "petty stuff is not going to help us move forward."

Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), who originally backed Rep. Merrin, described the retreat as a "really good bread breaking exercise."

"People who support each of the candidates for speaker were there, they intermixed, they sat next to each other and talked, and I think most people realize we have more in common," he said.

"There's still going to be tensions, and it's going to take time to figure out where we're going with the two groups and how that'll work, but there is good conversation occurring between the two groups," he added.

Among those tensions is the ongoing dispute over who controls the campaign finances, a topic that was not ironed out at the retreat, Rep. Callender said.

"I think overall the retreat put us in a position to have discussions and move forward," he added.

Rep. Dick Stein (R-Norwalk), another backer of Rep. Merrin, called the retreat "a little strained just because of the dynamics of the situation."

Although not all caucus members attended, Rep. Stein said the event had "good participation."

But the caucus did not emerge from the meeting with as firm a grasp on its policy agenda as it had during prior retreats, he said.

"I don't believe we've really nailed down our priorities as much as I would have liked to," he said. "We really didn't get into that depth this time but all and all people were cordial. I don't know if we're healed yet, but we hopefully are headed in that direction."

Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville), a backer of Speaker Stephens and his pick to lead the powerful House Finance Committee, said the retreat allowed Republicans to refocus on policy and set priorities.

"Politics are over at this point," he said. "Some may still want to play politics but the majority of us want to get to work."

Republican priorities remain similar as in years passed.

They include wanting to cut taxes, supporting public schools while offering school choice and lowering the cost of health care, he said.

Featured speakers for the retreat were former Ohio State football coach and Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel, who attended the event virtually, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist, political consultant Mark Weaver and former lawmaker Jim Buchy.