#OHSEN Slugfest: New Friends, More Infighting, and the Field Gets Called Out For Attacking Ohioans’ Healthcare
December 8, 2023
Columbus, OH – This week, the #OHSEN slugfest saw a blossoming friendship between Bernie Moreno and George Santos and a scathing column about the “many ethical lines” Frank LaRose has crossed as he puts his political ambitions ahead of Ohioans. One thing we didn’t see? LaRose’s personal financial disclosure – which is now 24 days late while LaRose acts like the rules don’t apply to him.
Here’s what you missed in what has already been called one of the “messiest, “most expensive” and “bruising” primary battles in the country.
BEST BUD ALERT: BERNIE MORENO AND GEORGE SANTOS
George Santos: “Hey! I just wanted to stop by and say thank you to Bernie Moreno from Ohio for when I ran for U.S. Congress in 2022 for maxing out to my campaign. Unfortunately, you know, it ended, it’s over, but I want to say thank you very much for that donation and for all the support. And I hope in the future I can come back and be part of the game again. Bye!”
LaRose also caught wind of the friendship between Santos and “the second coming of George Santos” – aka Bernie Moreno.
Let’s not forget the donation that started it all… 💸
OHIOANS CALL OUT #OHSEN FIELD FOR TRYING TO RIP AWAY THEIR HEALTHCARE
This week, Ohio doctor Dr. Beth Liston and healthcare advocate Crystal Lett spoke out against Moreno, LaRose, and Dolan’s support for eliminating the ACA.
Read more from Heartland Signal and WFMJ about the devastating impact repealing the ACA would have on Ohioans if Moreno, LaRose, or Dolan got their way.
“There are at least 2 million Ohioans with pre-existing conditions – like [my son] Noble – who could lose the protections the ACA puts in place for them. That’s why, to me, it is so important Ohioans know where Bernie Moreno, Frank LaRose, and Matt Dolan stand on this very critical issue,” said healthcare advocate Crystal Lett. “I cannot and will not sit by while Trump, Moreno, LaRose, and Dolan actively try to take healthcare away from the children and families who need it the most.”
Find a recording of Crystal Lett and Dr. Liston calling out the #OHSEN field for media use here.
FRANK LAROSE *STILL* DOESN’T THINK THE RULES APPLY TO HIM
🚨 COUNTDOWN: IT’S BEEN 24 DAYS SINCE LAROSE MISSED THE DEADLINE TO FILE HIS PERSONAL FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 🚨
LaRose is making it crystal clear he doesn’t think the rules apply to him. After receiving an extension in August, LaRose missed the deadline to file his personal financial disclosure over three weeks ago…
But, LaRose did find the time to pour gasoline on the infighting:
LAROSE CALLED OUT FOR “COLLUDING” WITH OUT-OF-STATE SPECIAL INTERESTS, “CORRUPTLY MANIPULAT[ING]” STATE ISSUE 1 LANGUAGE…
Key quotes from Marilou Johanek’s column:
“Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose… the overtly partisan elections chief removed all doubt with voters this year about his willingness to play dirty in tipping the scales on free and fair elections.”
“What LaRose revealed in colluding with anti-Issue 1 lobbyists to massage the text of a ballot initiative to benefit their campaign was public corruption beyond the pale.”
“LaRose took a side in an election he was overseeing and corruptly manipulated the ballot language on behalf that side to win.”
“LaRose doesn’t seem to care how many ethical lines he crosses to snare a U.S. Senate seat.”
Frankly, we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
ANOTHER BAD DAY FOR THE #OHSEN FIELD… BUT A GOOD DAY FOR OHIOANS’ REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
State Issue 1 went into effect yesterday after Ohioans voted overwhelmingly to protect reproductive rights and overturn the existing abortion ban in Ohio.
But yesterday was also a loss for Moreno, LaRose, and Matt Dolan who all opposed the amendment and have said they would override Ohioans by voting for a national abortion ban.
SLUGFEST COUNTDOWN
102 days left until this Slugfest comes to a head and the infighting just keeps getting worse.
WHAT OHIOANS ARE READING ABOUT THIS SLUGFEST
Heartland Signal: All three Ohio Republican Senate candidates are willing to repeal Affordable Care Act
WFMJ: Activist, doctor discuss Affordable Care Act future ahead of 2024 Ohio Senate race
The Messenger: Democratic Senate Candidates Relish Chance to Run on Obamacare After Trump Floats Repeal
Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Sec. of State LaRose has repeatedly abused the power of his office for extreme partisanship
WVXU: Analysis: George Santos, a filing deadline spat and more weirdness in Ohio’s GOP Senate race
Ohio Capital Journal: Ohio Sec. of State LaRose concedes he politicked out of building where he moved his state office
WCMH: Why one Ohio Senate candidate has yet to file financial disclosure forms
Sandusky Register: LaRose lacked good judgment
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Beth Liston, Doctor and State Representative: “Make no mistake: Bernie Moreno, Frank LaRose and Matt Dolan would vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act. They would not hesitate to kick the nearly 2 million Ohioans with a preexisting condition off their coverage, raise prices for Ohioans and make it much harder for people to get the care they need.”