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“Still Afraid” And “Scheduling Conflict:” The Mess Surrounding Mike DeWine’s Campaign This Week  

Good Monday afternoon, and welcome back to Mike Check, your weekly source of all the infighting, conspiracy spewing and corruption that’s making headlines in and around Mike DeWine’s campaign and statehouse, courtesy of the Ohio Democratic Party. 

Here are some stories you may have missed:

STILL AFRAID TO FACE OFF. This is your weekly reminder that Mike DeWine is in trouble with Ohio voters and he knows it. That’s why he’s done everything from campaigning on Democratic victories to dodging debates to avoid unscripted moments. His lack of a real record also has him dodging joint newspaper editorial board meetings where, GASP, he’d have to defend himself. The latest, his flat-out refusal to meet with editors of the largest newspaper groups across Ohio. The USA Today Ohio network said “Republican Mike DeWine, Ohio’s current governor, declined to share his thoughts during the meeting. He has refused to participate in debates and public forums alongside Whaley.” The column continued sharing video and in-depth answers from Whaley on the issues critical to Ohio voters. Kind of tells you all you need to know. THIS WEEK’S “SCHEDULING CONFLICT.” Mike DeWine is supposed to meet with Cleveland.com’s Editorial Board this week, but our magic 8-ball says “don’t count on it.” We know DeWine’s staff is busy crafting this week’s “scheduling conflict” conveniently at the exact time of the joint virtual meeting with Nan Whaley. And if he does show up, we know he’s still not facing voters and answering to his record directly, since he’ll just be hiding behind a computer screen. If DeWine is so afraid to talk about what he’s done, he doesn’t deserve the job he has.  

Thanks for catching up with us, that’s all the Mike Check we’ve got for this week.  Have a great week!

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Jon Husted Apparently Backs Kanye West After Antisemitic Tirade

Watch the full video HERE

Columbus, OH – Jon Husted has decided to side with Kanye West, apparently. After West went on an antisemitic tirade earlier this month, Husted then retweeted a Fox Business video in defense of West after J.P. Morgan Chase cut ties with him, claiming they did so because of his ‘political viewpoints,’ when in reality the bank had severed ties with West weeks earlier. The video claims that West is being discriminated against because of his political beliefs, when in reality West is being held accountable for spewing a number of antisemitic tropes, which we will not repeat, but can be found HERE. 

“Jon Husted is dangerously amplifying antisemitic rhetoric and defending the indefensible. Ohioans deserve leadership that brings people together, not one that excuses hate in search of political points. Husted should take his retweet down, and apologize immediately,” said Matt Keyes, spokesperson for the Ohio Democratic Party. 

Vivek Ramaswamy, who is featured in the video defending West, served as an advisor to Husted in 2020. Watch his full interview HERE. 

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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.” 

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“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.

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“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] 

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“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.

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“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]

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“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.

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“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.

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“[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.

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“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.

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“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.

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

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“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.

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“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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Mike DeWine Made Ohio Less Safe 

Columbus, OH — In case you missed it, the Ohio Capital Journal covered a new study that suggests Ohio will become less safe after Mike DeWine caved to his gun lobby donors and weakened Ohio’s gun laws. Earlier this year, DeWine ignored the pleas of law enforcement officers and signed permitless carry legislation into law. According to the study, states that relax concealed carry laws, which the permitless carry bill does, experience a spike in gun violence. It’s just the latest example of how Mike DeWine’s weakness is hurting our state. 

“[Johns Hopkins University scientist Mitchell] Doucette said the study suggests that Ohio may experience more gun crimes in the future by removing its ability to screen out people who have been convicted of violent assaults from carrying a concealed weapon.” writes the Ohio Capital Journal’s Jake Zuckerman. 

“Once again, Mike DeWine’s inability to stand up to his own party and campaign donors is hurting Ohioans. Even though law enforcement officers asked him not to, DeWine caved to the gun lobby and signed legislation that makes us all less safe. At a time when too many families are worried about keeping their loved ones safe, DeWine’s weakness is putting more Ohioans in danger,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Matt Keyes.  

Read more from the Ohio Capital Journal here and below: 

  • Weakened concealed carry laws are associated with an estimated 9.5% increase in rates of criminal assaults with firearms, according to research published last week.
  • That relationship is most pronounced in places that allow people convicted of violent misdemeanor crimes to carry a concealed firearm. Those states are associated with an estimated 24% increase in assaults with a gun.
  • “What we saw was that prohibiting violent misdemeanors from obtaining a permit actually ended up mattering a lot,” said Mitchell Doucette, an assistant scientist at Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions, the lead author on the research.
  • Additionally, Doucette said the research indicates that states removing a requirement that applicants complete live firearms training, like shooting at a gun range, are associated with an 18% increase in assaults with a firearm.
  • The study analyzes 34 states that relaxed their concealed carry programs between 1980 and 2019, and compares them against predicted crime rates based on data from “may issue” states. The research was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology.
  • This summer, Ohio joined a list of 24 other states that do not require any special permit to carry a concealed weapon. The law passed solely with Republican support. Now, any adults who can lawfully possess a weapon may carry it concealed on their persons.
  • The recent research focuses on states that loosen concealed carry programs, but not those that remove licensure as a requirement to carry a concealed weapon. However, Doucette said the study suggests that Ohio may experience more gun crimes in the future by removing its ability to screen out people who have been convicted of violent assaults from carrying a concealed weapon.
  • “I do think that losing that screening ability is important,” he said. “I think it’s meaningful.”
  • Ohio’s concealed carry program still exists, but it’s no longer required in order to carry in-state. Applying gun owners must complete eight hours of training and pass a criminal background check to obtain a permit. While state law allows those convicted of violent misdemeanors to possess a weapon, it does not allow them to obtain a concealed carry permit.
  • Doucette said the research indicates if states want to reduce gun crime, they should ensure their concealed carry laws prohibit those with violent misdemeanors from carrying a weapon.

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