“Issue 1 Flop” Looms Over Frank LaRose’s Senate Campaign, Becomes “Political Target” for Republicans
August 16, 2023
Axios: “LaRose became the face of defeat in a 14-point drubbing that cost Ohio taxpayers $20 million.”
State Issue 1’s “flop” is looming over Frank LaRose’s early Senate campaign as he balances being Ohio’s biggest loser while being a “political target” for Republicans frustrated with his missteps and State Issue 1’s failure.
Bernie Moreno has criticized LaRose for how he mishandled State Issue 1 and said it was a “preview of what would happen with Frank LaRose at the top of the ticket in 2024.” Trump fundraiser Caroline Wren recently called LaRose’s involvement with State Issue 1 a “total disaster.” One Ohio conservative radio host called on LaRose to resign for “not paying attention to what the hell is going on with his job” while others have criticized LaRose for a “lack of cogent strategy,” and prioritizing his political ambitions instead of his day job.
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Axios: LaRose becomes political target after Issue 1 flop
Tyler Buchanan
August 16, 2023
- Republican Frank LaRose had a lot on the line when voters went to the polls on Aug. 8.
- Why it matters: The collision of LaRose’s professional and personal interests has made him a central target across the political spectrum following the demise of Issue 1.
- State of play: Just as Issue 1 was a proxy for November’s abortion rights amendment, LaRose’s support was a proxy for his Senate campaign hopes in 2024.
- Instead, LaRose became the face of defeat in a 14-point drubbing that cost Ohio taxpayers $20 million.
- Ohio Democrats are calling him “Issue 1’s biggest loser.”
- Fellow GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno’s campaign called the special election result a “preview of what would happen with Frank LaRose at the top of the ticket in 2024,” per NBC News.
- The Libertarian Party even filed a Hatch Act complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleging LaRose’s support for Issue 1 was illegal because of his role as secretary of state.
- His office did not respond to Axios’ questions regarding whether LaRose would actively campaign against the amendment or support Issue 1 if presented another time to voters.