#OHSEN Slugfest: Accusations and Lying… The Gloves Are Off!

October 23, 2023

Columbus, OH – After a “scorch[ing]” primary forum, a memo heard round the state, and reports of LaRose’s campaign on “life support,” it’s been another week filled with #OHSEN Republicans fighting with one another instead of fighting for Ohioans.

Here’s what you missed this week in what has already been called one of the “messiest, “most expensive” and “bruising” primary battles in the country.

OHIOANS “CALLING BS” ON LAROSE FOR WASTING TAXPAYER FUNDS

Ohioans are fed up with LaRose’s lack of accountability and transparency on his costly office move. This week, three Ohioans submitted public record requests to various state agencies calling for answers from LaRose on his decision to move his official office to his campaign HQ – costing taxpayers $600,000.

Pictured: Al Navarro, Ohio taxpayer and retired Vietnam veteran, demands answers from Frank LaRose on his costly office move while surrounded by Ohioans.

Download the photo here.

BERNIE MORENO SLAMS LAROSE FOR BEING “IMMERSED IN SCANDAL,” “LYING” ABOUT WEALTH

Yesterday, Bernie Moreno attacked Frank LaRose for lying and putting his political ambitions ahead of Ohioans. The jabs followed an explosive memo published by the Moreno campaign that slammed LaRose for being “immersed in scandal, political ineptitude and negative press.”

LaRose, who was “the biggest loser” of the August amendment after making himself the face of the effort, “rang alarm bells” in August by calling on both Moreno and Matt Dolan to financially support the amendment in a failed attempt to “spread the blame.”

AFTER ATTACKING HIS OPPONENTS FOR BEING WEALTHY, LAROSE MYSTERIOUSLY SELF-FUNDS $250,000… THEN DODGES QUESTIONS

Despite attacking his opponents for trying to buy Ohio’s Senate seat, LaRose self-funded $250,000 last quarter. Now, as questions are raised about where LaRose’s money came from while his campaign is on “life support,” LaRose is dodging questions…

David Skolnick for The Vindicator: “LaRose told me in April before his Senate campaign announcement, “The one thing I lack is what those two candidates have in abundance and that is personal wealth. I don’t have that, and I also don’t think that only wealthy people should be able to run for the U.S. Senate.” I questioned how LaRose could come up with $250,000 out of his pocket for his Senate campaign. But Ben Kindel, his campaign spokesman, didn’t respond to my numerous inquiries.”

Ohio Capital Journal: “LaRose’s campaign didn’t respond to a request for more information about the source of his loan, but it seems like a substantial sum given his current state salary income.”

🚨 BONUS 🚨: Matt Dolan’s campaign takes a swipe at LaRose’s weak fundraising…

“SCORCH[ING]” SLUGFEST SHOWDOWN

The field took the stage for the primary’s first forum last weekend, and no one held back their punches. Read the highlights of the first, but certainly not last, Slugfest Showdown.

Cleveland.com: “The GOP candidates forum also featured a heated exchange over illegal immigration that illustrates Moreno’s singular pursuit of the GOP’s hard-right base…Dolan and LaRose each painted Moreno as all flash and no substance, and someone with no demonstrated track record.”

Frank LaRose: “Bernie’s got these slick talking points that are cooked up by consultants and focus-group tested and whatever else to get applause lines.”

SLUGFEST COUNTDOWN

152 days left until this Slugfest comes to a head and the infighting just keeps getting worse.

WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING ABOUT THIS SLUGFEST

Cleveland.com: Frank LaRose’s latest fundraising poses viability questions for his U.S. Senate campaign

Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio’s U.S. Senate fundraising shows Sen. Brown outpacing GOP rivals despite big checks

Cleveland.com: Ohio’s Republican U.S. Senate candidates clash in election season’s first candidate forum

Statehouse News Bureau: Campaign finance filings show LaRose last in list of Ohio’s 2024 candidates for US Senate

Ohio Capital Journal: Does Sec. of State LaRose have no Senate campaign HQ, or is it where he’s moving his state office?

Columbus Dispatch: Secretary of State Frank LaRose lags behind GOP U.S. Senate opponents in fundraising

*SINCE DELETED* QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Frank LaRose: “Photo op/ post about speaking with Fort Frye HS government class”

LOL.

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