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Columbus, OH — This past year, we’ve witnessed plenty of clownery from the Republican U.S. Senate candidates as their primary has “descended into meanness and pettiness and just plain craziness unlike anything ever seen in Ohio Republican politics.” We wanted to take a moment to commemorate how the event has become a “reputation-ruining event for the ages” with awards these out-of-touch millionaires deserve. 

The Republican primary for U.S. Senate has been called Ohio’s ugliest primary ever, the “clown olympics,” and “crazy pants.” As the candidates find new ways to sink lower and lower, we want to relive the moments this past year that remind us just how nasty, chaotic, and expensive the Ohio GOP Senate primary has become. 

Taylor Swift says, “you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes” and we’re here today to hand out stupid prizes to commemorate just how much of a dumpster fire the GOP Senate primary has been this past year. Without any further ado *drumroll commences*, the Ohio Democratic Party Clown Awards go to… 

Most Cringe: Jane Timken saying, “It’s Timken Time!”

Timken really thought she was doing something with this alliteration. At the latest traveling clown show debate, Timken said (at the 21-minute mark), “It’s time to stand up and fight back… it’s Timken Time.” And based on the poll her campaign released this month, showing she had lost ground from the internal poll her campaign released in June, where did Timken Time go? Like most Timken things, our best guess is overseas to China. 

Most Ambition: Josh Mandel

Do we really need to explain this one?

Most Embarrassing: Everyone’s Twitter Account

In an effort to be the most Trumpian, the out-of-touch millionaires have taken to saying the most outrageous things on every social media platform in order to please a Florida man. It’s not actually who any of them are, it’s all an act. It’s embarrassing that instead of focusing on Ohio, all of the candidates are pleading through soundbites online for the approval of a Florida man. This award was really a team effort, congratulations to all the clowns! 

Biggest Coward: Jane Timken 

Jane Timken called Anthony Gonzalez’s decision to impeach Trump “rational” after he incited a riot that tried to overturn the results of the election. Through a spokesperson, Timken refused to say if she still supported President Trump. But my, how times change when your political ambition is top of mind. Timken completely abandoned this position in order to be competitive in this primary and has morphed her political persona to saying “America First” as many times as possible in her stump speech. The Biggest Coward Award is well-deserved, Jane Timken. 

Biggest Flip-Flop: J.D. Vance 

J.D. Vance went from calling Trump “reprehensible” and an “idiot” to now sucking up to the former president. The other GOP Senate candidates haven’t let him forget it, with Mandel allies and Gibbons’ campaign running ads totaling millions of dollars reminding Ohioans of Vance’s anti-Trump past. Vance has bragged about his 180, even calling himself a “flip-flop flipper.” By Vance’s own admission, he really earned this award. 

Biggest Consulting Windfall: Mike Gibbons 

Huge congratulations are in order for all of the TV consultants who work for Mike Gibbons, they’ve had a heckuva year. They convinced a multi-millionaire to pledge to launch a $10 million ad campaign that has gotten him to 11.9 percent in this primary. No one is merrier this holiday season than the consultants who have stuffed their pockets with Mike Gibbons’ money. Congratulations on winning Biggest Consulting Windfall, you deserve it!

Peter Thiel Puppet Award: J.D. Vance

Thiel donated $10 million to a super PAC supporting his campaign and then Vance parroted Peter Thiel’s attacks against one of Peter Thiel’s competitors in Silicon Valley. It’s pathetic to watch Vance jump however high an out-of-state Big Tech billionaire tells him to, but much like his Trump about-face, it’s clear Vance will grovel to out-of-staters in order to advance his political career. Ohioans don’t need a Peter Thiel puppet in the Senate, but Silicon Valley Vance is sure trying to keep his and Peter Thiel’s dream alive. 

Biggest Grifter: J.D. Vance’s Sham Opioid Non-Profit

Writing a New York Times op-ed about how you plan to do good for your home state and then spending most of the money meant to help Ohioans struggling with opioid addiction on your political cronies is a big grift. But for Vance, it’s behavior he learned from the best during his time in D.C. and San Francisco! It should be clear to everyone now that Vance was using this opioid non-profit to build goodwill while padding his political cronies’ pockets in order to set himself up for a future run for public office. It’s inspiring to watch Silicon Valley Vance use whatever cause he thinks will benefit his ambition and for that, Biggest Grift has Vance’s name all over it. 

Most Extreme: Josh Mandel

No candidate has gone further in perpetuating the Big Lie than Josh Mandel, going so far as to meet with January 6 rallygoers and lie about the 2020 presidential election being stolen. It’s a dangerous game Josh Mandel is willing to play in order to advance his political career. Josh Mandel is the Most Extreme in this primary, and we take no pleasure in giving him this distinction.  

Biggest Fraud: It’s A Tie!

Every single one of the out-of-touch millionaires has had to create a new political persona in order to chase Trump’s endorsement and be competitive in this out-of-control primary. This crowded primary is a bunch of phonies calling each other phonies for being phony. Everyone’s a fraud for participating in this primary, congratulations! 

Biggest Who?: Bernardo Moreno

GOP donor and insider Bernie Moreno has donated under two names, Bernardo Moreno and Bernie Moreno. So who’s really running for Senate… Bernie or Bernardo? This one’s a puzzler.

Biggest Why?: Matt Dolan

Why get in this field of clowns in the first place? 

Creepiest Everyman Attempt: Josh Mandel

Josh Mandel’s bit of greeting restaurant workers, which became a regular occurrence after his tweet thanking a server showing up to work sick during a global pandemic, features Mandel trying to appear like a human being. It’s awkward to watch Josh Mandel try and relate to people who actually show up to work, but he’ll do or say anything to remind people he’s not a robot. Congratulations Josh, you’ve really had to work hard for this. 

People’s Choice: Mark Pukita 

Mark Pukita has gone above and beyond to pander to the worst elements of this primary. He’s bragged about being unvaccinated to loud applause at forums. It’s clear he’s the People’s Choice in another example of just how crazy this primary has become. 

Class Clown: Josh Mandel

Clumsily burning a mask, fighting over civil rights with Martin Luther King Jr.’s family, and feuding with the Anti-Defamation League all for attention. Josh Mandel brings his clown face paint to every fight he gets into and has certainly earned this distinction. 

Messiest Senate Primary: The GOP Ohio Senate Primary

Need we say more? 

Now that we have named our winners and taken a look back, do not congratulate all of the winners of this year’s Ohio Democratic Party Clown Awards if you see them. It’s clear that no matter who wins this primary, Ohioans will be the biggest loser if any of these clowns make it to the U.S. Senate. 

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For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Columbus, OH – Earlier this year, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, cementing the largest investment in our nation’s infrastructure in a century. This month, the Ohio Democratic Party and For Our Future Ohio traveled around the state to talk directly to Ohioans and tell them about the critical investments coming to their communities as part of the ‘Building Ohio Together’ Tour. Leaders across Ohio praised the crucial infrastructure legislation and continued calling on Congress to keep building on the momentum created by the infrastructure bill.

Read more about what they’re saying from the Building Ohio Together Tour stops across Ohio:

Lorain:

The Morning Journal: Infrastructure bill will benefit family, community, Lorain County Democratic leaders say

Richard Payerchin

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help communities pay for road and utility projects — and it will help Lorain County families, said Democratic elected officials and local union leaders.

…

“‘It means supporting the small businesses that grow our economy and help us compete against other countries to bring more jobs back home,’ [John] Novak said. ‘And right here, because of this historic bill, the Great Lakes are set to receive $1 billion in new funding to support clean drinking water and spark hundreds of thousands of jobs.’”

…

“The bill is the largest infrastructure investment in American history and it will have meaningful results for working families in Lorain city and county, [County Commissioner Matt] Lundy said.

…

“Who in the world doesn’t want improved roads?” Lundy asked.”

The Chronicle-Telegram: Local Democrats, union leaders celebrate $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

Kevin Martin

“Gathering at Lorain’s Lakeview Park on the Lake Erie shore, Lorain County Commissioner Matt Lundy and Sheffield Mayor John D. Hunter were joined by John Novak, business manager for IBEW Local 129, and Jim Slone, president of the Lorain County UAW’s CAP Council, as part of the Building Ohio Together Tour, organized by the Ohio Democratic Party and For Our Future Ohio.

…

“The plan will provide funding for broadband infrastructure investments, expanding access for thousands of Ohio students. Lundy said the package represents a game-changer for Lorain County and the entire country.”

Lima: 

Hometown Stations: Mayor-Elect Smith and Union leaders talk about benefits of federal infrastructure bill

“Mayor-Elect Sharetta Smith was joined by the presidents of the local UAW and the Lima Building Trades unions to talk about the funding plan. The bill will give Ohio over $9 billion for highway improvements and nearly $500 million for bridges. Plus, there is another $1.4 billion heading to the state to improve water infrastructure, and millions more to increase broadband access around the state. All of that work could mean more work for union labor locally. The bill was signed into law last week, and Mayor-Elect Smith says that the new funding source could be a benefit to help with some of Lima’s aging infrastructure problems.”  

Lima News: Lima hoping for funding help

Joe Gilroy

“Passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act should bring extra funding to the City of Lima, mayor-elect Sharetta Smith and local union leaders said Monday.”

…

“Experts believe the bipartisan bill will create good-paying jobs that will help Ohio businesses grow by investing in roads, bridges, public transit, water pipes and broadband.

…

“‘Because of this bill, Ohio’s economy will be back on the road to recovery with billions of dollars in investments and hundreds of new good-paying jobs. We’re working to lower costs for working Ohioans, rather than for big corporations and the super rich,’ [Jeff] Adams said.”

Zanesville:

WHIZ-TV: Zanesville Leaders Discuss How the Infrastructure Bill Will Improve Muskingum County

“This past November, President Biden passed a major infrastructure bill that invests in roads, bridges, public transits, water pipes and high speed internet. Zanesville leaders came together today to discuss what this would mean for the Muskingum community.

“Ohio is expected to receive $9.2 billion for highways and $483 million for bridge replacement and repairs. According to Todd Ware, Third Ward City Councilman Representative, $6 to $7 million of that will go towards Putnam Hill Park and Dug Road repairs.

Zanesville Times Recorder: Officials hope to see Dug Road reopen with federal infrastructure bill money

Erin Couch

“On Thursday, Zanesville City Councilman Todd Ware and representatives from the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council and the Communications Workers of America union spoke at Putnam Hill Park, about what the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act could mean for Zanesville and Muskingum County.

…

“Roads, bridges, water and broadband are all included in the bill, but Dug Road, formally known as Muskingum Avenue, was a talking point as a project that could benefit from the $1 trillion bipartisan bill.

…

“Dug Road was partially closed in 2017 due to rock slides. It was closed fully in 2019. In some cases the road was an alternative for emergency vehicles, shortening drive times to medical services by several minutes, Ware said.

‘That could be the difference between life and death,’ he said.”

Cleveland: 

WOIO-TV: Northeast Ohioans host rally in support of President Biden’s Build Back Better Act

“The Build Back Better Act has already been passed in the U.S. House, but it still needs to be passed in the Senate, so Kubicki and others rallied outside of Ohio Senator Rob Portman’s office to encourage him to pass the bill.

“‘Pass the Build Back Better Act, it’s not just about his family, it’s about hundreds of thousands of people who could be helped,” said Kubicki.

Toledo: 

WNWO-TV: Officials celebrate Passage of Infrastructure Bill 

“‘Cities like Toledo haven’t gotten this sort of investment and this sort of attention from Washington in a really long time. I believe you’d have to go back to the New Deal, the Great Depression, and the Works Progress Administration for the last time that Washington D.C. has sent this amount of money to Toledo, and we’re gonna put it to good use,’ said Toledo Mayor ‌Wade‌ ‌Kapszukiewicz‌.”

WTOL-TV: Local Leaders Celebrate Passage of Infrastructure Bill

“‘It will allow us to do things, frankly, that we weren’t able to do under the American Rescue Plan,’ said Toledo Mayor ‌Wade‌ ‌Kapszukiewicz‌.”

WTVG-TV: Preparing for Infrastructure Projects 

“Projects like replacing water lines and expanding broadband access are all possible by funding not seen in recent years.”

Youngstown: 

WKBN-TV: Local leaders celebrate historic infrastructure bill

“‘You’re gonna see roads, bridges, you’ll see ironworkers, you’ll see carpenters, laborers, operating engineers, plumbers and pipefitters. I mean all the way down the list. With this kind of bill to be able to put people to work and good-paying, high paying jobs that can sustain that and actually have a focus on the areas that they’re working in, to keep those tax dollars here, that’s what the best focus of it could be,’ said Marty Loney, Western Reserve Building Trades president.”

The Vindicator: Youngstown labor leaders praise infrastructure bill

“Valley labor and state Democratic Party leaders on Friday celebrated passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and discussed what it means for communities like Youngstown.

…

“The bipartisan infrastructure bill includes strong Buy America rules for taxpayer-funded infrastructure and public works projects. This means American-made iron, steel and manufactured products would be required for federally funded infrastructure projects. That’s great news for growing good-paying union jobs, and that’s why we are here in Youngstown,” [Chair] Walters said.”

Dayton: 

WDTN-TV: Dayton leaders push for passage of ‘Build Back Better’

“Dayton Mayor-elect Jeff Mims and other city leaders held a news conference to discuss the importance of passing the plan. Mims said it is ‘critical for us to make sure we give our youngest learners the best start possible that will put them in a position to make a contribution to this society.’”

More on the new infrastructure funding below:

• Ohio is expected to receive $9.2 billion for highways and $483 million for bridge replacement and repairs. [White House, 8/4/21]
• Ohio is expected to receive $1.2 billion to improve public transit. [White House, 8/4/21]
• Ohio is expected to receive $100 million in broadband funding, including providing high-speed internet access to the at least 259,000 Ohioans who lack it. [White House, 8/4/21]
• Ohio is expected to receive $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state. [White House, 8/4/21]
• Ohio is expected to receive approximately $253 million for infrastructure development for airports. [White House, 8/4/21]

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Columbus, OH — The Ohio Republican Senate primary is one of the most expensive races in the country. The crowded primary is “unprecedented,” “expected to break records,” and “one of the costliest elections in America.” 

An expensive primary with five well-funded candidates could mean a long, protracted primary fight that forces candidates to extreme positions and hobbles the eventual Republican nominee. Without any records to be proud of, the out-of-touch millionaires have already descended into personal and nasty attacks that will spotlight each of the candidates’ individual weaknesses that could carry over into the general election. 

Here’s what they’re saying: 

• Review Times: “With campaign spending in the race for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat in 2022 expected to break records, Ohioans should brace for a bombardment of political advertising — and soon.”
• David Niven, Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati: “Part of this is going to be an arms race. There will be money spent because others are spending money. Expect it to be a record-breaking campaign.”
• Fox News: “The showdown is fast becoming the most expensive and ugly GOP Senate contest in next year’s midterms.”
• Wall Street Journal: “Each has the means to assemble a fully loaded war chest for the primary battle. In interviews, all five said they expected to raise—from individual contributions or their own bank accounts—the $10 million that political operatives estimate a successful primary contest would cost…That would give them all the ability to pitch to the two million Republican voters in the state’s 12 media markets. A primary with so many well-funded candidates would be unprecedented, political operatives said.”
• Cleveland.com: “Thanks to a rare mix of factors – an open seat, several independently wealthy candidates funding their campaigns and one billionaire super donor — Ohio’s Republican U.S. Senate primary stands out as one of the costliest elections in America.”
• NBC News: “Nearly all of the ad spending has been on the Republican side, thanks to a crowded Republican primary to replace Portman.”
• Axios: “The race is expected to be one of the most expensive in the country, during a midterm cycle that will likely break election spending records.” 
• Roll Call: “The open Senate race in Ohio has attracted the most self-funders so far, with five Republicans putting in their own money to bolster their campaigns.”
• Politico: “Former President Donald Trump has yet to issue an endorsement in the race, which has featured messy attacks and high-dollar outside super PAC spending.”

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  December 20, 2021

Good Monday afternoon, and welcome back to Mike Check, your weekly source of all the infighting, conspiracy spewing and corruption that’s making headlines in and around the Republican governor’s race and Mike DeWine’s statehouse, courtesy of the Ohio Democratic Party.

As the gubernatorial race heats up, Republicans are in disarray with Mike DeWine’s popularity dropping by the day, facing attacks both inside and outside of the Republican Party, and having to answer for the largest public corruption scandal in state history. It’s hard to keep up with all of the corruption and mess surrounding Mike DeWine and the GOP gubernatorial primary, so here are some stories you may have missed:

RECUSAL WOES. Pat DeWine is once again picking and choosing when he wants to rule on cases involving his dad or not, playing politics with the highest court in Ohio. Last week, Pat DeWine, refused to hear arguments or rule on a case closing last week involving the state’s “Vax-A-Million” COVID vaccine lottery. The reason? His father was one of the defendants. Yet, hearing a case involving your dad and other Republicans blatantly shoving political power towards themselves through gerrymandered district maps is perfectly “ethical?” Ok, Pat.

DODGING DEWINE. Mike DeWine is once again hiding and dodging any accountability to Ohio voters, this time by trying to dictate to the Ohio press corps what questions they’re allowed to ask. Ahead of a press conference Friday morning DeWine demanded reporters submit their questions ahead of time, showing how scared he really is to take accountability and answer questions about the real issues impacting Ohio:

It’s only the latest example of DeWine dodging accountability as he’s spent the last year trying to ‘no comment’ his way out of the largest public corruption scandal in Ohio history and refusing to tell Ohioans what he knew about the scandal and when.

Thanks for catching up with us, that’s all the Mike Check we’ve got for this week. We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday season! If you have questions my email is [email protected]. Have a great week!

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December 17, 2021

Happy Friday, and welcome to “Buckeye Brawl,” a weekly newsletter from the Ohio Democratic Party highlighting the nasty, chaotic and expensive Republican primary for Senate. This out-of-control primary is making conservatives “deeply worried” about the prospects of Republicans losing this seat.

As the Republican Senate primary continues to sink lower and lower, these GOP candidates are injecting even more nasty personal attacks, more chaos and more money into this race. We’re here to help you keep track of all of it.

Two new reports this month showed just how nasty this race has gotten. WVXU’s Howard Wilkinson said this GOP Senate primary may be “Ohio’s ugliest ever.” And Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser said that “the showdown is fast becoming the most expensive and ugly GOP Senate contest.” 

Here’s what you may have missed:

AN UNFORGIVABLE DEMOCRAT. On the Mark Levin Show, Mandel went after J.D. Vance for his political transformation on Trump, saying, “The fact that my opponent J.D. Vance did that and refused to vote for President Trump, it’s just unforgivable.” Mandel then said J.D. Vance should be running on the Democratic ticket. In a race that’s all about Trump (with attack ads airing highlighting Vance’s anti-Trump past), this issue isn’t going away any time soon.

A FAILED, FLAILING RINO. Following Mike Gibbons’ ad saying J.D. Vance is on the wrong team for his anti-Trump past, Vance’s campaign responded in an email to their supporters. The email says, “Another day, another RINO attack against JD Vance. This time, it’s already-failed-candidate, Mike Gibbons…Now, Gibbons is running another flailing campaign where he is failing to gain any traction among Ohio Patriots.” It’s hard to keep track of who’s a RINO in this race because it seems like everyone!

“A BUNCH OF WEALTHY PEOPLE.” Josh Mandel (a millionaire) went after other GOP Senate candidates in an interview with Mark Levin, saying he is running against a bunch of wealthy people. Mandel has a point, the Republican primary does have a large number of self-funding millionaires with “eye-popping” amounts of money in their financial disclosures. In typical Mandel fashion, he forgot to include himself. Mandel is an out-of-touch millionaire who serves on corporate boards, fitting right in with the rest of the field!

MORENO VERSUS HIMSELF. Chris Pack, a consultant for Matt Dolan (why?), went after Bernie Moreno (who?) for changing his position on whether the 2020 election was stolen. Moreno apparently forgot there are tweets out there of him saying “accept the results” and “now is the time for unity.” Pack said, “We’ve seemingly entered the ‘Bernie Moreno vs. himself’ phase” of the Ohio Senate race. Well, everyone in this race is a phony calling each other a phony so why can’t Dolan get in on the fun?

Thanks for reading along – that’s all for the Buckeye Brawl this week. If you have questions, my email is [email protected]. Have a great weekend!