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former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley

Ohio Republicans Are Coming for Abortion Rights

“If we’re not able to get everything we want to get done in lame duck, we will be right back on Jan. 1.” 

Columbus, OH — In case you missed it, the Columbus Dispatch just outlined how anti-abortion activists are working behind the scenes to push Republicans to pass a near-total abortion ban during lame duck session. And they’re confident they have Republican support to do so, with Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis telling the Dispatch: “Based upon my conversations with Huffman and Cupp I am convinced that abortion will be addressed during lame duck.”

While Republican leaders are trying to tamp down their anti-abortion agenda ahead of November’s election, it’s clear that they’re telling anti-abortion activists behind the scenes that they’re ready to do their bidding – pushing for a ban on abortion that starts at conception, with no exceptions for rape or incest, once the election is over. These are the same extremists who Mike DeWine promised just months ago that he would “go as far as we can” to rip away reproductive rights. 

“Twenty-one Republican legislators recently promised to ban abortion from the point of conception at an Oct. 5 anti-abortion rally at the Ohio Statehouse. And abortion opponents previously expressed optimism that 2022 was their year,” write Anna Staver and Jessie Balmert of the USA Today Network. 

“Make no mistake: Ohio Republicans are coming for abortion rights in Ohio and the only way we can stop them is by electing Democrats up and down the ballot,” said Matt Keyes, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party. 

Read more from the Dispatch here and below: 

  • Twenty-one Republican legislators recently promised to ban abortion from the point of conception at an Oct. 5 anti-abortion rally at the Ohio Statehouse. And abortion opponents previously expressed optimism that 2022 was their year: “We are going to accomplish our goal and our mission to end abortion in 2022,” Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis said in June, just days after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

  • It’s also not clear what lines, if any, Gov. Mike DeWine will draw before signing another abortion ban. 

  • Kellie Copeland, executive director of Pro-Choice Ohio, said abortion rights advocates warned lawmakers that their restrictions would have consequences.

  • “If they’re saying that after nine years of deliberation, they are going to somehow craft clearer exceptions that will in any way prevent people from being harmed by their policies, they are either lying or revealing how truly incompetent they are when it comes to understanding the complexities of pregnancies,” Copeland said.

  • “The only way to protect Ohioans facing pregnancy complications, or the myriad of other nuanced and important reasons we may need access to abortion, is to not ban abortion in the first place.”

  • And Gonidakis says Ohio Right to Life is pushing for that in the final weeks of the legislative session, which are often called “lame duck.”

  • “Based upon my conversations with Huffman and Cupp I am convinced that abortion will be addressed during lame duck,” said Gonidakis, adding that he backs a comprehensive approach including DeWine’s proposals, improvements to adoption and more resources for children. “Ohio Right to Life will utilize all of its resources to ensure these topics are addressed.” 

  • “If we don’t get it done now,” Huffman said. “We will all be back here anyway.”

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Here’s What They’re Saying: Ohio Dems Highlight Mike DeWine’s Weakness Across Ohio

Watch Ohio Democrats’ Not-So-Strong Ohio Video Wrap-up HERE

Columbus, OH — Over the last month, Ohio Democrats have crossed Ohio to meet voters where they are and lay out how Mike DeWine’s weakness is taking our state backward. For the past four years, DeWine has caved time and time again on the issues that matter most to working families. 

“On issues ranging from abortion rights to gun violence to redistricting to the the largest public corruption scandal in state history, Mike DeWine’s weakness is costing Ohioans big time and taking our state backward,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters.

Key examples of DeWine’s weakness include:

  • Abortion Rights – Mike DeWine told an anti-abortion special interest group that he wants ‘to go as far as he can’ to rip away reproductive rights in Ohio. 
  • Gun Violence – Despite promising to ‘do something’ to combat gun violence, DeWine caved to the gun lobby and signed gun bills that are opposed by Ohio law enforcement because they make Ohioans less safe. 
  • FirstEnergy Bribery Scandal – ‘State Official 1’ has been dodging questions since October about what he knew and when about the largest public corruption scandal in state history, a scandal that continues to cost Ohioans $287,000 every single day. 
  • Redistricting – Even as he acknowledged the maps he was passing were likely unconstitutional, DeWine ignored voters, caved to his own party and rubber stamped seven illegal, GOP-gerrymandered maps. 

With this kind of record, it’s no wonder Mike DeWine is scared to debate Nan Whaley. He’s spent his whole time as governor selling out to the wealthy and well-connected and leaving Ohio workers to pay the price. 

Ohio Democrats present at stops across the state included: Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters, Ohio Secretary of State candidate Chelsea Clark, Ohio Treasurer candidate Scott Schertzer, Ohio Auditor candidate Taylor Sappington, Lima 5th Ward City Councilmember Jamie Dixon, Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr., Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown, Mahoning County Democratic Party Chair Chris Anderson, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo City Councilmember At-Large Nick Komives, State Rep. candidate Erika White, State Rep. Lisa Sobecki, State Rep. Casey Weinstein, State Senate candidate Anthony Eliopoulos, State Rep. candidate Bryan Burgess, U.S. House candidate Craig Swartz, Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein and Columbus City Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla.

Ohio Democrats, like former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, are offering a better way forward: moving our state forward by investing in working families and putting kitchen-table, economic issues front and center.

Read more media coverage from Ohio Democrats’ Not-So-Strong Ohio Tour below: 

Hometown Stations Lima: “Not-So-Strong Ohio” tour makes a stop in downtown Lima

“Ohio Democrats are saying that residents have been paying too much for too long for the current leadership in the state capital and they say it needs to stop.” 

…

“The “Not-So-Strong Ohio” tour by Ohio Democrats made a stop in downtown Lima Tuesday morning. The candidates for secretary of state and state auditor were on hand. They say the corruption and special interests are costing the residents of Ohio. Governor DeWine’s weakness is hurting working families and he is failing to provide the leadership expected from a governor. They say the Democratic ticket on the ballot this fall is the change that Ohio needs.”  

Lima News: Dixon: ‘Ohioans deserve better’

“The Democratic party has begun the start of something new. Democratic Candidates Taylor Sappington, and Chelsea Clark rallied together to begin a tour known as the ‘Not-So-Strong-Ohio.’ The goal is to journey the state of Ohio and address abortion, gun violence, redistricting and the FirstEnergy bribery scandal.

…

“Ohioans deserve better,” said Dixon. “We deserve a leader like Nan Whaley and the leaders that have joined us today. Ohioan’s interest first. Stand for the people and with the people.

WFMJ-TV Youngstown: Mayor Criticizes DeWine’s Actions

“My problem with that is that you have to have a license for driving cars. Now you don’t have to have license or any instruction for carrying a gun and I think that puts our officers at a disadvantage, puts out citizens at a disadvantage for what I call responsible gun ownership.” [Youngstown Mayor Tito Brown] 

…

“Now Lindsay, the mayor and Dewine have had multiple conversations when it comes to issues pertaining on abortion rights and redistricting but says he’s gone off course since. More importantly he says these elected officials need to be held accountable, Lindsay.”

WNWO-TV Toledo: Ohio Democrats Tour Around State

“Ohio Democrats are traveling around the state on a Not-So Strong Ohio tour. Today they made a stop in Toledo. The group expressed their concerns over Governor DeWine’s time in office. Stating their disagreements over how abortion rights, gun violence, the FirstEnergy scandal and redistricting were handled.

…

“Whether it’s women’s reproductive health, guns, common sense gun control, to say nothing of being at the center of the largest corruption scandal in the history of Ohio, it’s time for change.” [Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz]

…

“We reached out to Governor DeWine’s team this afternoon to get a comment but we have not heard back.”

WTOL-TV Toledo: Democrats Rally in Lucas County

“Local and state democratic leaders were in town stomping for gubernatorial hopeful Nan Whaley. Ohio Democrats met in Toledo as part of their Ohio Not Strong tour. Toledo Mayor Wade  Kapszukiewicz says Governor Mike DeWine represents a failure of leadership. It’s time for change in Ohio.”

WTVG-TV TOLEDO: Ohio’s Governor Race

“Several Democratic leaders in Toledo today, blasting DeWine’s record on things like guns.

…

“Democrats here in Toledo and some statewide candidates were making their case for Whaley today by illustrating what they say are failed policy by DeWine and his administration. They include signing off on the six week abortion ban and a huge focus today was on gun laws. Now you might recall after that mass shooting Dayton in 2019, the governor proposed several gun reform measures calling it Strong Ohio but many of those measures never became law and Democrats said today that’s because he wasn’t strong.

The Sojourner’s Truth: Ohio Democrats Bring the “Not-So-Strong Ohio” Tour to Toledo

“Last week, Ohio Democrats brought their “Not-So-Strong Ohio” tour to Toledo as part their election strategy to tour the state attacking Gov. Mike DeWine and the Republican Party’s stance on abortion, guns, the ongoing First Energy scandal and the redistricting map that has greatly favored Republican candidates.

…

“[Marion Mayor Scott] Schertzer took aim at the First Energy scandal and the cost to Ohioans which has been placed at $287,000 per day.

…

“The “Not-so-Strong” tour is hitting a number of Ohio cities and communities focusing on the four major issues of guns, abortion, the First Energy bribery scandal and redistricting.

The Chronicle-Telegram: State Democratic candidates campaign in Elyria

“Statewide Democratic Party candidates descended on Elyria on Thursday, campaigning at Ely Square as part of the “Not-So-Strong-Ohio” tour and taking aim at Republicans and the leadership of Gov. Mike DeWine.

…

“Ohio secretary of state candidate Chelsea Clark, state auditor candidate Taylor Sappington, state treasurer candidate Scott Schertzer and local Ohio Senate candidate Anthony Eliopoulos gathered at the Ely Square gazebo, making their pitches to Ohio voters on the stakes in this election.

…

“Among issues they addressed were abortion rights, gun violence and the House Bill 6 corruption scandal.”

…

“Under DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Republicans are pursuing radical agendas that are pushing businesses away from the Buckeye State,…”

Statehouse News Bureau: Ohio Democrats Blast Republican Mike DeWine for Being ‘Weak’ on Policies and Special Interests

“Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters said Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, has shown he is “weak” and beholden to special interest groups that drive much of the state’s policy.

…

“Walters said Ohioans are paying $287,000 every day because of the nuclear bailout DeWine signed into law in 2019. Since that time, federal charges have been filed against five people, including the former head of the Ohio Republican Party and the former speaker of the Ohio House. DeWine has not been charged in connection with that case and parts of the law have since been repealed.

“The Democrats said the bottom line is DeWine cannot be trusted to do what is right for Ohioans. And though DeWine is touting new jobs and an improved business climate in his ads for re-election, Walters said he’s trying to take credit for new planned economic development in Ohio from Intel and other companies that is happening because of someone else.
 

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DeWine Debate Watch: Day 22

Columbus, OH — As debate season starts to ramp up in the closing weeks and days of the election cycle, Mike DeWine has continued to duck committing to debates across Ohio with Mayor Nan Whaley, even as the Mayor has already publicly agreed and challenged DeWine to a number of debates. DeWine also dodged a debate with his primary opponents earlier this year, signaling that he is scared to defend his record to Ohioans, especially since he’s debated political opponents in the past. It’s ‘DeWine Debate Watch’ Day 22, reminding Ohioans that DeWine won’t even try to make his case to them as he seeks re-election to the highest statewide executive office. 

“Mike DeWine clearly knows his record over the last four years of selling out working families in favor of the wealthy and well-connected is not going to be popular with Ohio voters. If DeWine can’t even muster the political courage to tell Ohioans why they should re-elect him, he doesn’t deserve the job and should be held publicly accountable for his cowardice,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Matt Keyes. 

Ohioans deserve answers from DeWine on a number of key issues, including his promise to ‘go as far as we can’ to rip away reproductive rights, his broken promise to ‘do something’ to combat gun violence in Ohio, his connections to the largest public corruption scandal in state history and his role in the failed redistricting process that produced GOP-gerrymandered maps and cost Ohioans millions of dollars. 

Read more from the Lima News here and below: 

The Lima News: Republicans plan to skip ODC debates
Precious Grundy
September 17, 2022 

  • Gov. Mike DeWine and Senate candidate JD Vance, both Republicans, have not accepted invitations from the Ohio Debate Commission.
  • The ODC was created in 2018 to create a platform for televised nonpartisan debates for Ohio voters.
  • Gov. DeWine is running against Whaley, the former mayor of Dayton. DeWine has not accepted the debate invitation, nor did he accept it during the primary.
  • Whaley has agreed to debate DeWine.
  • “We owe it to Ohioans to debate the issues in a format where Ohioans can hear an open exchange of ideas,” Whaley said. “DeWine and I disagree on many things — on keeping our communities safe from gun violence and that government should stay out of a woman’s private health care decisions to name a few — but I at least thought he believed in debates that are a core tenet of democracy. I am ready to debate DeWine, and I hope that he changes his mind and will join me.”

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DeWine Debate Watch: Day 18

Columbus, OH — As debate season starts to ramp up in the closing weeks and days of the election cycle, Mike DeWine has continued to duck committing to debates across Ohio with Mayor Nan Whaley, even as the Mayor has already publicly agreed and challenged DeWine to a number of debates. DeWine also dodged a debate with his primary opponents earlier this year, signaling that he is scared to defend his record to Ohioans, especially since he’s debated political opponents in the past. It’s ‘DeWine Debate Watch’ Day 18, reminding Ohioans that DeWine won’t even try to make his case to them as he seeks re-election to the highest statewide executive office. 

“Mike DeWine clearly knows his record over the last four years of selling out working families in favor of the wealthy and well-connected is not going to be popular with Ohio voters. If DeWine can’t even muster the political courage to tell Ohioans why they should re-elect him, he doesn’t deserve the job and should be held publicly accountable for his cowardice,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Matt Keyes. 

Ohioans deserve answers from DeWine on a number of key issues, including his promise to ‘go as far as we can’ to rip away reproductive rights, his broken promise to ‘do something’ to combat gun violence in Ohio, his connections to the largest public corruption scandal in state history and his role in the failed redistricting process that produced GOP-gerrymandered maps and cost Ohioans millions of dollars. 

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Ohio Democrats Bring the “Not-So-Strong Ohio” Tour to Dayton

Columbus, OH — Today, Ohio Democrats brought their “Not-So-Strong Ohio” tour to Dayton as they travel across the state to lay out how Mike DeWine’s weakness is taking our state backward. 

For four years, DeWine has been too weak to stand up to extremists in his own party and the special interests fueling his campaign, instead serving as a rubber stamp for policies that hurt working families while failing to provide the leadership Ohioans expect from their governor. 

“On issues ranging from abortion rights to gun violence to redistricting to the largest public corruption scandal in state history, Mike DeWine’s weakness is costing Ohioans big time and taking our state backward,” said Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims, Jr.

Key examples of DeWine’s weakness include:

  • Abortion Rights – Mike DeWine told an anti-abortion special interest group that he wants ‘to go as far as he can’ to rip away reproductive rights in Ohio. 
  • Gun Violence – Despite promising to ‘do something’ to combat gun violence, DeWine caved to the gun lobby and signed gun bills that are opposed by Ohio law enforcement because they make Ohioans less safe. 
  • FirstEnergy Bribery Scandal – ‘State Official 1’ has been dodging questions since October about what he knew and when about the largest public corruption scandal in state history, a scandal that continues to cost Ohioans $287,000 every single day. 
  • Redistricting – Even as he knew the maps he was passing were likely unconstitutional, DeWine ignored voters, caved to his own party and rubber stamped seven illegal, GOP-gerrymandered maps. 

With this kind of record, it’s no wonder Mike DeWine is scared to debate Nan Whaley. He’s spent his whole time as governor selling out to the wealthy and well-connected and leaving Ohio workers to pay the price. 

“Ohio deserves better. We need a governor who will stand up to the bad guys, not do their bidding. We need Nan Whaley,” said Ohio Auditor candidate Taylor Sappington.

Ohio Democrats, like former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, are offering a better way forward: moving our state forward by investing in working families and putting kitchen-table, economic issues front and center. 

“Under Mike DeWine, we’ll have extremists in the legislature running the show, pushing radical agendas that keep businesses away from our state and taking our economy backward,” said Ohio Secretary of State Candidate Chelsea Clark. 

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