There can be no doubt—at least for the Republican Party—that Ohio is firmly MAGA country. A crowded primary for the U.S. Senate revealed a clear choice for Bernie Moreno by Ohioans. OSU Political Scientist Paul Beck joins the show to discuss this week's election results.
Bernie Moreno
Despite being a political newcomer and not having the support of establishment Republicans, and despite millions of dollars worth of attack ads thrown at him, Bernie Moreno is the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, thanks largely to the endorsement of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
"We have an opportunity now to retire the old 'commie' and save this county," Moreno told a crowd on election night.
Moreno was referring to Sherrod Brown, who seeks his 4th term in the U.S. Senate. Brown ran unopposed in the Democratic primary.
Though polls showed State Sen. Matt Dolan closing the gap and even leading in the final days of the campaign, Moreno won in a landslide. He captured a majority of the Republican vote—51%—beating Dolan by 18 points. The only candidate who has won a statewide race, Secretary of State Frank LaRose, only got 17% of the vote.
So it turns out the Trump endorsement was worth way more than LaRose’s name ID and Matt Dolan’s personal wealth.
Snollygoster of the week
Democratic Franklin County prosecutor candidate Anthony Pierson was running against two candidates in the primary, including Columbus City Council member Shayla Favor. At Favor's urging, the Franklin County Democratic Party did not endorse a candidate.
However, the party's screening committee recommended endorsing Pierson. So, Pierson printed cards very similar to the party endorsement cards. However, if voters read carefully, they would see the card said that the Franklin County Democratic Party Screening Committee recommended Pierson.
It was a tricky and shrewd move, but ultimately unsuccessful. Favor easily beat Pierson and will be heavily favored to become Franklin County's prosecutor after the November election.
If you have a suggestion for our "Snollygoster of the Week" award, a question or a comment, send them to snollygoster@wosu.org.