Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday declined to condemn President Trump's comments where he refused to commit to a peaceful transition of power if he loses the election.
DeWine is the Trump campaign's honorary co-chair in Ohio, and did say he would not work to influence electoral voters if Trump claims fraud.
“No that’s not what should happen," DeWine said at his coronavirus press conference Thursday. "No. No. It’s the people’s vote."
Trump on Wednesday suggested that he might claim voter fraud based on mail-in ballots and refuse to leave office. The White House sought to walk back his earlier comments on Thursday, NPR reported. However, later in the day, the president resumed questioningthe integrity of the election.
DeWine and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose have repeatedly said that Ohio's election systems have safeguards to ensure voter fraud doesn't happen.
Both of Ohio's U.S. Senators supported a resolution committing to a peaceful transition of power if Trump loses, which passed the Senate unanimously.
"Throughout America's history, the peaceful transition of power has been a hallmark of our democracy," Portman said on Twitter. "This year, both candidates must commit to abiding by the results, no matter the outcome."
