Former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett dies at 75
Former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Robert "Bob" T. Bennett died Saturday, Dec. 6 at his Cleveland home.
He was 75.
Today, Governor John R. Kasich released the following statement on the passing of Mr. Bennett.
"I was saddened to learn of the loss of Bob Bennett. Chairman Bennett was a giant of Ohio and national politics. He was a passionate but level-headed advocate for his ideas, a gifted leader and someone who earned the respect of his Democratic opponents even as he was beating them. He worked hard for his party and state and helped launch the careers of a generation of Ohio elected officials. My thoughts and prayers go out to his children and family at this difficult time."
Bennett served as state party chairman from 1988-2009 and again from 2012-13.
“Few people have impacted politics the way that Bob Bennett did," Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted said. "We have lost a great leader and a true champion of Ohio.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the innumerable friends and colleagues, candidates and staff who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Speaker-elect of the Ohio House of Representatives Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) issued the following statement:
"I was very sad to hear about the passing of Bob Bennett. As an indomitable presence and steady voice for the Ohio Republican Party, he led the way to a better future for Ohioans with strong leadership and an impressive depth of knowledge and experience, which has guided me and many others. We lost a good man today, and he will be truly missed by legislators, state officials and Ohio residents alike. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time."
Mr. Bennett was an attorney and a certified public accountant. He earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Ohio State University. He earned his juris doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.
He was a member of the Republican State Central and Executive Committee of Ohio, the Board of Directors of University Hospitals of Cleveland and the Board of Advisers of The Ohio State University John Glenn School of Public Affairs.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann, who passed away last year.