Ohio GOP leader against re-branding Democrats

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine opposes a move by some in the national party to rename the Democrats the “Democrat Socialist Party.”

DeWine calls the proposal “noise” and says it’s not helpful or productive. He plans to say no in a vote expected to come today during a meeting of state GOP leaders in Washington.

National Republican Chairman Michael Steele also is against the resolution.

DeWine says the party must focus instead on presenting an agenda to solve the problems of Ohioans and people across the nation.

The Ohio GOP chief acknowledges that the party has “systematic problems” but also says the current difficulties are just a blip.