Cuyahoga Valley Republicans Endorse Romney

It’s official—the Cuyahoga Valley Republicans are endorsing Mitt Romney for president.

The endorsement process allows the Cuyahoga Valley Republicans to throw its support—and money—behind a candidate as a group. Members of the grassroots conservative organization opted to endorse Romney at their regular meeting Thursday night at the .

The decision was far from unanimous, though. Romney received 56 percent of the vote. Rick Santorum wasn’t far behind, earning 50 percent of the vote. And 40 percent said they’d support “Anybody but Obama.”

Members could vote for more than one candidate.

told members before they voted that the organization doesn't spend money on a candidate without the members' endorsement. Only dues-paying members who have attended at least two meetings in the past 10 months could vote on behalf of the group. A little more than 100 people filled out a ballot.

Members also voted to endorse Josh Mandel for Senate and Elizabeth Harvey for the 8th District Court of Appeals.

To get an endorsement, a candidate had to receive more than 50 percent of the votes.

Members also learned more about the group’s “freedom agenda” and fundraising plans at the meeting.

The agenda outlines how the group will support the Republican presidential nominee. One key component will be reaching out to potential voters on college campuses and discussing the group’s message with them. Other initiatives focus on fighting voter fraud and making sure Republicans are registered to vote.

Brecksville Mayor Jerry N. Hruby briefly spoke to the group at the end of its meeting, encouraging members to maintain their passion as the campaign moves forward. Hruby told the group that Thursday’s enthusiasm wouldn’t mean much “unless you get out and work this fall.”