#OHSEN Slugfest: Frank LaRose is State Issue 1’s Biggest Loser, Blame Game Throws Gasoline on Primary Fire
August 11, 2023
It’s been quite the week for Frank LaRose who is now officially Ohio’s biggest loser after Ohioans resoundingly rejected his amendment which would have benefitted special interests and silenced Ohioans. But LaRose’s defeat did not stop him from admitting he would support a national abortion ban if elected – and would ignore, and even overturn, the will of Ohioans who will vote to protect abortion rights this November.
Plus, as the finger pointing starts over who is to blame for State Issue 1 “going down in flames,” the #OHSEN slugfest is just getting nastier. 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.
FRANK LAROSE: OHIO’S BIGGEST LOSER
It’s been a wild ride for Frank LaRose – who tied himself to State Issue 1, made mistake after mistake in the process, and has been criticized by Republicans every step of the way. Watch the recap:

A SAMPLE OF WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING AND WATCHING ON FRANK LAROSE THIS WEEK
Ohio Capital Journal: “Frank LaRose’s very bad day. Sec. of State dodged press, issued angry statement as Issue 1 failed”
WVXU: “LaRose, the most enthusiastic supporter of Issue 1 among Ohio Republican elected officials, made the job of hiding the abortion rights connection that much harder when he was caught on video at a Seneca County Republican Party event saying that Issue 1 was ‘100%’ about keeping abortion rights groups’ hands off the Ohio constitution.”
WSYX: “Earlier in the day, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose was set to vote and hold media availability but suddenly canceled.”
Washington Post: “At the top of the list of the biggest losers Tuesday was Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R), who made himself the face of the initiative and is now running for Senate to unseat Sen. Sherrod Brown (D). LaRose appeared to want to burnish his conservative bona fides — and perhaps GOP voters will give him credit for trying — but a primary opponent has already been attacking him for alleged strategic failures.”
The Messenger: “The biggest loser in the fight over this issue is Secretary of State Frank LaRose… ‘The implosion of Issue 1 could be extremely detrimental to LaRose’s fundraising,’ said a Republican strategist working in Senate races. ‘He made himself the face of this issue and then it went down in brutal fashion.’”
Huffington Post: “Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, an outspoken anti-choice leader, was one of several Republicans who attempted to hide the real intent of Issue 1. He told the Washington Examiner last month that Issue 1 has ‘never been exclusively about abortion.’ But as feminist writer Jessica Valenti pointed out, LaRose said earlier in the summer that Issue 1 ‘is 100% about keeping a radical pro-abortion amendment out of our constitution.’”
WBNS: “Last night’s rejection of Issue 1 not only was a blow to the Republican-controlled Statehouse, it was also a blow to Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose who campaigned heavily in favor of Issue 1.”

MSNBC: Frank LaRose “has been leading the charge” for State Issue 1, “his office will get blamed” for any problems, LaRose “tied inextricably” to issue, “a loss for his Senate campaign right out of the gate.”

Cleveland.com: “Will the Issue 1 debacle be the number 1 issue keeping Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose from being handed a victory rose in the Republican Senate Primary? It cost the State $20 million, how much will it cost LaRose?”

Cleveland.com: Chris Quinn: “I was interested in all the information about Frank LaRose because I actually believe that guy is toast. I mean, he tied himself to one of the biggest failures ever. He did make mistake after mistake. He did shoot his mouth off, and anybody running against him will use that against him…. He just made kind of a buffoon out of himself and nobody wants to elect a buffoon. So this, I do think he’s going to suffer mightily as a result of this.”
Akron Beacon Journal: “Self-serving LaRose lied and worse…LaRose… clearly believes his personal future is more important than his elected role.”
LOSER LAROSE DOUBLES DOWN ON NATIONAL ABORTION BAN
Loser LaRose also admitted this week that, if elected to the Senate, he would ignore and even overturn the will of Ohioans who support protecting abortion access by supporting a national abortion ban.
WATCH HERE
FINGER POINTING THROWS MORE GASOLINE ON #OHSEN PRIMARY FIRE
In the wake of Issue 1’s defeat, the #OHSEN slugfest is just getting nastier as finger pointing moves front and center. Reminder: Bernie Moreno and Matt Dolan also supported State Issue 1, and LaRose made himself the face of the effort and is now paying the price.




