State of Ohio Archives: on Principles & Values

Bernie Moreno: Stop socialism, cancel culture, & corruption

America is incredible--don't blow it. If you listen to the most powerful, loud forces in this country, they'd have you believe that America is fundamentally flawed. They want to extinguish what has been the beacon of freedom and liberty around the world, and they'll do anything to make it happen. It's terrifying, and we have to fight back.

Bernie Moreno: Running to protect the American dream

Bernie Moreno: We need to protect Trump's victories & amazing achievements

Bernie Moreno: Confirm judges to defend Constitution and state's rights

I believe all human life is precious. I will always fight hard to protect and defend the sanctity of life.

Bernie Moreno: Tried to buy Cleveland Indians to prevent name change

"So for the name change to happen, it was just a classic example of the kind of cancel culture woke-ism that's affecting our nation," Moreno said. "And it just really bothers me that a small group of White, liberal activists can make something like that happen."

"It's the wrong decision and we want to reverse it," he continued.

Bernie Moreno: Defended fellow candidate against antisemitic advertisement

"In terms of antisemitism, all I did in an ad was pointed out that Josh is going around saying he's got the Bible in one hand and the constitution in the other. But he's Jewish," Pukita said. Pukita's response was quickly condemned by Bernie Moreno.

"Josh, nobody should question your faith. That's not right," Moreno said. "The Jewish religion, the Bible is the Bible. That was hard to hear. I'm sorry about that. That's not right. We're better than that, guys."

Pukita last month was cut out of a forum hosted by the Center for Christian Virtue after the organization deemed his radio ad to be antisemitic.

Connie Pillich: Announced candidacy on route of Cincinnati Women's March

As Governor, Connie will take the lessons she learned as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force to provide the progressive and unflinching leadership Ohioans need to improve our schools, rebuild our infrastructure, and bring back the industry and jobs that can support a family.

The youngest of five, Connie grew up in a working-class neighborhood in the shadow of a steel mill, which closed. Connie put herself through college with an ROTC scholarship, student loans, and part-time work.

Don Huffines: It's a lie that minorities are oppressed and can't succeed

Jane Timken: Advance the Trump agenda without fear or hesitation

Jane Timken: Second Trump impeachment was unconstitutional and a sham

Timken: I did disagree with Anthony Gonzalez's vote and have said that repeatedly. The second impeachment was unconstitutional and a sham, and I have called out Anthony Gonzalez on that issue, so I want to make that very clear.

Jane Timken: I denounce QAnon, I don't agree with them

Timken: Look, I denounce QAnon. I don't agree with them. But, you know, Marjorie Taylor Greene was elected duly, and she has the right to voice her opinions and represent her constituents.

Jane Timken: Supports Amy Coney Barrett's nomination to the Supreme Court

Jane Timken: My opponent should resign for voting to impeach Trump

Jane Timken: We should be doubling down on faith at universities

My faith has been deeply important to me throughout my life. I am a proud Catholic, unabashedly pro-life, and rely on prayer to help navigate life's stormier waters. I believe that now, more than ever, our country should be leaning into faith, prayer, and religion to guide our leaders and fix the problems our world faces, not running away from it. These are the things that make America strong.

Jane Timken: AdWatch: Stop socialist agenda; teach kids to be patriots!

Timken's statewide television ad, "Patriot." The script is below:
• Joe Biden and the Left are teaching our kids to hate America.
• They're even unleashing the FBI on parents who dare to fight back.
• I'm Jane Timken. I'm a Trump conservative.
• .and I will fight to stop the liberal indoctrination of our children and ban Critical Race Theory.
• America is not a racist country. We're the land of opportunity.
• Let's stop the socialist agenda and teach our kids to be patriots!

JD Vance: Leaders conspire to make life harder for normal Americans

JD Vance: Willing to wade through a little crap to save this country

JD Vance: Critical of Trump in 2016, enthusiastic supporter in 2020

JD Vance: Wokeness will make everything boring and ugly

"Wokeness will make everything boring and ugly," he wrote.

JD Vance: Public policy views aligned with Catholic social teaching

Jim Renacci: OhioFirst: the day of the career politicians needs to change

Renacci, who strongly backed Republican Donald Trump for president last year, is serving his fourth term in Congress. Before entering politics, though, he owned nursing homes and other business ventures over three decades. "I was a business guy for 30 years, someone who created jobs and employed people. I want to use that background and experience. I do believe Donald Trump said the same thing. I supported Donald Trump because I believe the day of the career politicians, especially in D.C. but also here in Ohio, needs to change," Renacci said.

Jim Renacci: It's time to elect an Ohio first conservative

Jim Renacci: Restore the American Dream in Ohio

RESTORE THE AMERICAN DREAM IN OHIO
• Create a culture for entrepreneurship.
• Promote business diversity across the state.
• Keep our young people in the State, working and raising a family.
• Keep our Retirees in Ohio.

Jim Renacci: Ohio has too many problems to help country or other states

John Cranley: Championed bringing soccer to city, built new stadium

John Kasich: Respect for secular humanists

Jon Husted: Public prayer in Legislature is free speech

After questions about the policy arose, Husted stood strong on the principles of free speech and religious tolerance by protecting the important tradition of reflection and guidance through prayer.

Josh Mandel: OpEd: Missed 14 monthly meetings as Ohio Treasurer

Josh Mandel: Stand up for the Trump America first agenda

"Let me be very clear: I am going to Washington to pulverize what I call the uni-party," he said. "The uni-party is this group of Democrats and Republicans who sound the same and stand for nothing, and they're more interested in getting invited to cocktail parties than they are in standing up for the Constitution and standing up for the American people, and I have no desire to be part of that club. I'm going to Washington to take on the system. Whether that means taking on Republican leaders, Democrat leaders, I don't care."

Josh Mandel: 2011: Refused to return donation from Nazi reenactor

Josh Mandel: OpEd: Attacked ADL for report on extremists hate groups

Or side with white nationalists, Nazi sympathizers, avowed racists and other hate groups.

For anyone with a shred of decency, this was an easy call. Mandel sided with hate. On July 20, Mandel ripped the ADL's decision to publish a report identifying key members of extremist hate groups. The ADL, he tweeted, has "become a partisan witchhunt group targeting people for political beliefs."

Josh Mandel: We exercise freedom of religion, not freedom from religion

Josh Mandel: It's time we remind everyone of God's importance

Josh Mandel: Supports President Trump's America first Agenda

Josh Mandel: Pulverize the "uni-party," no desire to be part of that club

Josh Mandel: 2011: Refused to return donation from Nazi reenactor

Josh Mandel: Attacked ADL for report on extremists hate groups

For anyone with a shred of decency, this was an easy call. Mandel sided with hate. On July 20, Mandel ripped the ADL's decision to publish a report identifying key members of extremist hate groups. The ADL, he tweeted, has "become a partisan witchhunt group targeting people for political beliefs."

Mike DeWine: Protests against me protected by First Amendment

Lee Fisher: I'm just as angry at Washington insiders as you are

Portman said, "One thing we need to do is to not promote policies in Washington that he's promoting that makes it harder to get ahead in Ohio."

"In this election, you have a very, very clear choice," Fisher told debate viewers. "You can choose someone who has been on the ground in every corner of this state working to save jobs in the middle of this national recession and is just as angry as you are at the Washington insiders who caused this recession. Or you can choose my opponent, Congressman Portman, who the Washington Post calls Mr. Washington."

Portman said, "If you like the way things are going, think we're headed in the right direction, you should probably support my opponent. If you're ready for a change, if you believe there's a better way, I hope you'll join our cause."

Lee Fisher: Ohio voters are mad as hell over Republican policies

Portman, a top adviser to President George W. Bush, stuck to his main campaign theme: Fisher and the Democrats are to blame for Ohio's nearly 400,000 job losses.

Both candidates argued that other was of more of a career politician and insider, which injected energy into the debate. Fisher referred to Portman--a former corporate lawyer--as a lobbyist, Mr. Washington, a rubber stamp and the chief architect of Bush policies.

Asked by a debate panelist to reconcile such claims with his own long career as a political insider, Fisher said, "The bottom line is not so much whether you serve, it's who you serve. I think he's serving the lobbyists and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the insurance industry and Wall Street," Fisher said.

Mark Pukita: AdWatch: anti-Semitic for saying "My opponent is Jewish"?

"In terms of antisemitism, all I did in an ad was pointed out that Josh is going around saying he's got the Bible in one hand and the constitution in the other. But he's Jewish," Pukita said. Pukita's response was quickly condemned by [his opponents].

Pukita last month was cut out of a forum hosted by the Center for Christian Virtue after the organization deemed his radio ad to be antisemitic. In a statement at the time, Pukita's campaign called the claim "ridiculous and defamatory."

"Mark Pukita is absolutely, unequivocally, undeniably a complete supporter of religious tolerance and of Israel," a spokesperson said. "He is not a supporter of phonies and panderers."

Mary Taylor: Served as Director of Insurance, while Lt. Governor

She took a big pay cut upon resigning. As a cabinet director, Taylor earned $150,405 a year rather than the lieutenant governor's salary of $78,021.

Gov. Kasich, who will be forced from office by term limits in January 2019, has said he supports his No. 2 amid the field of gubernatorial candidates. "I am grateful for her work and will continue to rely on her advice and counsel as lieutenant governor," Kasich said in a statement.

Matt Dolan: America is the exceptional nation with sacred values

Matt Dolan: Few understand the threat of cancel culture more than me

Matt Dolan: Need leader to oppose widening chasm of Democratic socialism

Mike DeWine: Worked in a bi-partisan manner to get things done

Mike DeWine: Brown does not represent the mainstream of Ohio

Mike DeWine: There is simply no better place to raise a family than Ohio!

What Wilbur Wright said 100 years ago is still true today: "If I were giving a young [person] advice as to how [they] might succeed in life, I would say: . pick out a good father and mother and begin life in Ohio!" My friends--Now is the time to seize our Ohio moment!

Mike Gibbons: Keep God in the public sphere

A: Strongly support

Mike Gibbons: Running to help people achieve their American Dreams

Mike Gibbons: We need to stand up to cancel culture

Morgan Harper: Saved by foster care system, adoptive mother

Nan Whaley: Focus on economy, no compromise on core progressive values

Nan Whaley: No religious discrimination by business; Dayton open to all

Paul Hackett: Ohio Democrats need an 88-county strategy to win elections

All over this state I meet people who feel forgotten by their party. that the red pigment their town or county represents on a map serves as a stop sign to their party when resources are being handed out. If we fail to compete in every region of this state, we will continue to fail in election after election. This party needs an eighty-eight county strategy for growing our party and building a farm team of candidates. If we ever want to win an election, we must compete in every county, city, town and precinct.

Rob Portman: If you like the way things are going, support my opponent

Portman said, "One thing we need to do is to not promote policies in Washington that he's promoting that makes it harder to get ahead in Ohio."

"In this election, you have a very, very clear choice," Fisher told debate viewers. "You can choose someone who has been on the ground in every corner of this state working to save jobs in the middle of this national recession and is just as angry as you are at the Washington insiders who caused this recession. Or you can choose my opponent, Congressman Portman, who the Washington Post calls Mr. Washington."

Portman said, "If you like the way things are going, think we're headed in the right direction, you should probably support my opponent. If you're ready for a change, if you believe there's a better way, I hope you'll join our cause."

Rob Portman: A top adviser to President George W. Bush

Portman, a top adviser to President George W. Bush, stuck to his main campaign theme: Fisher and the Democrats are to blame for Ohio's nearly 400,000 job losses.

Both candidates argued that other was of more of a career politician and insider, which injected energy into the debate. Fisher referred to Portman--a former corporate lawyer--as a lobbyist, Mr. Washington, a rubber stamp and the chief architect of Bush policies.

Asked by a debate panelist to reconcile such claims with his own long career as a political insider, Fisher said, "The bottom line is not so much whether you serve, it's who you serve. I think he's serving the lobbyists and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the insurance industry and Wall Street," Fisher said.

Sherrod Brown: Endorsed by conservative group that cares about tax fairness

Sherrod Brown: AdWatch: nepotistic hiring practices at the state treasury

Mandel's campaign says Brown went negative to distract from his record. Brown's campaign says outside groups have already spent $5 million on Mandel's behalf attacking Brown, who is a former state secretary and congressman.

Tim Ryan: Incorporated yoga into his presidential run

Tim Ryan: Respects footballer Baker Mayfield for his grit & resiliency

A: I don't know if he's my hero or not, but I have a ton of respect for Baker Mayfield. He is someone who had to walk on twice to make college football teams, and continue to overcome adversity and prove his critics wrong time and time again. I think he's a pretty good example and role model for our kids to learn how to develop that type of grit and resiliency.

Warren Davidson: Political left has maintained a progressive attack on faith

Davidson: I committed to following Christ to the best of my ability at 3:34 am on 19 August 1987. To succinctly describe my doctrine, Ephesians 2:1-10. How do I translate that into my values? I strive to live a fully integrated life. My first ministry focus is my family. Before the fall, God gave Adam work to do. I strive to honor God in my work, in how I treat others, in shaping our cultures, and in being excellent at the work itself. I sometimes fail, but I always strive. I grow with others via regular church and small groups. In public policy, the political left has maintained a progressive attack on faith that is well contrasted by the differences between the persuasive language of Uncle Tom's Cabin and the debates of today. We need leaders who can protect religious liberty for all by ensuring that government is limited to its Constitutionally enumerated powers.

JD Vance: 2020 election was stolen by very powerful people

As Ohio's Republican primary continued, Vance explicitly claimed that "I think the election was stolen from Trump.

Vance told Youngstown's The Vindicator newspaper in October 2021 that "there were certainly people voting illegally on a large-scale basis," though that is not true. And though Vance said the election in Ohio was "pretty gold standard," he also said "I think it's probably true that Trump won by a larger margin in Ohio," though there is no basis for questioning Trump's certified 8-point margin of victory there.

Vance said in July 2021 that "I think Josh Hawley did the right thing" in objecting to the certification of some Biden-won states.

Bernie Moreno: Priority: what is good for American workers and families?

Bernie Moreno: Need a new generation with some spine to put America First

Frank LaRose: Great progress for freedom for all makes America exceptional

JD Vance: 2016: Trump reprehensible; 2020: evolved to support Trump

CNN uncovered old tweets in which Vance had called Trump "reprehensible" in relation to his policies on "immigrants, Muslims etc." In another tweet from 2016, Vance said he would vote for an independent candidate, Evan McMullin, rather than Trump or Hillary Clinton. In early 2016, Vance wrote in USA Today that "Trump's actual policy proposals, such as they are, range from immoral to absurd."

Vance gave a penitent interview [this week]: "I ask folks not to judge me based on what I said in 2016, because I've been very open that I did say those critical things and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy," Vance said.

JD Vance: Known as the "Trump Whisperer" for explaining his support

"Trump was just talking about real issues," said Vance. "And whether you agreed or disagreed with the president I think most people recognized that he actually identified something real in our country, which is that a lot of the communities feel like they've been left behind, because they have been left behind."

JD Vance: 2016: Trump makes people I care about afraid

JD Vance: Churches integral to civic engagement since the founding

Candidate Profile Questionnaire: RELIGIOUS LIBERTY:
• Q: What should be the relationship between the church and the state?
  A: From the founding of this Nation, churches have formed an integral part of our civic engagement. John Adams famously said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." I worry that as our society drifts further and further from God, America is drifting further away from the Constitution and Democratic Republic our founders gave us. Our founders allowed state establishments of religion. Excluding God violates this fundamental principle.
• Q: Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law?
  A: Strongly Agree.
• Q: Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs?
  A: Strongly Disagree

Frank LaRose: Respect exercise of faith; I'm strong with Christian faith

A: Though our heritage is deeply rooted in Judaeo-Christian tradition, the United States should not force one single religion on its citizens, but rather respect people's personal exercise of their faith. The founders also enshrined freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Faith and prayer continues to be an important part of my public service and as people of faith we belong and our traditions belong in the public square.

Q: Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs?

A: Strongly Disagree

Q: Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

A: My faith is my foundation. I am strong with my Christian faith and it guides not only my values, but also my integrity. My wife and I are raising our three girls by those values in the Catholic church and we are not willing to co-parent with the government.

Matt Dolan: Supports long tradition of faith-based charities

A: Strongly Agree

Q: Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

A: Neutral

Q: What should be the relationship between the church and the state?

A: The U.S. Constitution is clear that the state shall not prohibit the free exercise of religion. Further, America's faith-based organizations and charities play a vital role in helping to improve, educate and enrich society. This relationship has a long tradition of being valued and supported by the public sector, which should certainly continue unabated.

Matt Dolan: Instilled with Catholic values of faith, work, & service

A: I believe in God and have a strong faith. Having grown up in a Catholic household, my parents instilled in me and my siblings the values of faith, hard work and service. Before my mother met my father, she was in a convent to become a Maryknoll Nun. She did not take her final vows and met my father where they raised six children. Her faith guided us through our lives.

Vivek Ramaswamy: Deliver national unity with our shared American identity

Vivek Ramaswamy: Capitalism has to stay apolitical to bring us together

And then, when that merges with capitalism, we lose the apolitical sanctuary in our economy, that otherwise brings us together, whether we're black or white, even whether we're Democrat or Republican. That's one of the underappreciated reasons why capitalism has to stay apolitical.

Amy Acton: Acton follows the Jewish concept of "tikkun olam"

Sherrod Brown: Don't compromise the things we stand for as a nation

"I talked to every group I've met on campus--I asked them to stand strong against Trump attacks," Brown said. "How important it is that an institution with this reputation, globally and nationally, stand up and don't compromise with some of the most important things we stand for as a nation."