The Ohio Scoop is your political fix, filled with the most up-to-date information about Ohio Democrats and everything happening on the campaign trail here in Ohio. We’re here so you can get your political scoop, all in one place.
If you’re new to the list, welcome. You were added because you are one of Ohio Democrats’ best supporters. For those of you who are returning, welcome back.
We need to fill you in on everything that happened, so let’s jump right in.
Since We’ve Been Gone
We know we’ve been gone for a while, but we had some real recovery we had to do after winning two statewide ballot issues last year. Now, we are full steam ahead in the fight for 2024. Did we miss anything?
Only kidding! Ohio always keeps it interesting. Since we last spoke, the Ohio GOP has been as messy as ever. In 2023, we watched them bend over backwards to take away your rights, leading to the least productive lawmaking year in Ohio since 1955.
If we’re being honest, we knew they wouldn’t turn it around this year, but they took us all by surprise, starting the year off with a bang by overriding Governor DeWine’s veto of a gender-affirming care ban.
It’s clear: extremists in the state legislature are more concerned with attacking Ohio families and kids than doing their jobs and passing meaningful laws to create good-paying jobs or raising wages.
Ohioans will go to the ballot box in 2024 to vote on Ohio House and Ohio Senate candidates. Let’s make sure we fight back against the out of touch super majorities.
Clown Town
In case you forgot, there are three clowns running in the GOP Primary for Senate, hoping to go up against Sherrod Brown in November, which is a bold choice.
The 3 out-of-touch millionaires and met in a debate in January.
All three candidates doubled down on supporting a national abortion ban, which would overrule Ohioans who voted overwhelmingly to support abortion rights last year.
Meanwhile, our Senator has a different record.
Clown debate aside, the Republican field posted their abysmal fourth quarter FEC reports this week, and it’s clear the only thing dragging the field across the finish line is personal wealth, out-of-state billionaire PAC money, and Mommy and Daddy’s cash.
Here’s a reminder of who is funding the GOP candidates’ campaigns:
Millionaire Moreno’s “$4 million” haul was actually funded primarily by *checks notes* himself! He wrote his campaign a $3 million check last year to try to buy Ohio’s Senate seat.
Matt Dolan has already put $7 million of his personal fortune into the race. It turns out buying a Senate seat is a family affair – last quarter, a PAC supporting Dolan’s campaign received $2 million from Dolan’s parents. How do you think Senator Brown feels about that?
Even Frank LaRose loaned himself $250,000 last year and is relying on out-of-state billionaire Richard Uihlein to bankroll his flailing campaign to the tune of $3 million. You might remember Uihlein from when he funded LaRose’s failed August amendment to silence Ohioans and benefit special interests. Also, LaRose still hasn’t answered where his mysterious $250,000 came from.
Together, the candidates have loaned themselves more than $10 million this cycle.
Mark your calendars for February 19th, because that’s when the band will get back together for another show on Spectrum News.
Ohio Supreme Court
The Ohio Democratic Party Executive Committee met at the end of January to endorse candidates in crucial races across the state. Among those endorsements are Supreme Court Justices Michael Donnelly and Melody Stewart. The committee also endorsed Judge Lisa Forbes to run in the open seat. You can learn more about our candidates below:
For too long, Ohioans have had to endure a state Supreme Court that is more interested in playing politics than protecting the fundamental freedoms of the people. Ohio deserves a Supreme Court that stands for justice, fairness and equality under the law, not one that serves as a rubber stamp for political extremism coming from corrupt politicians at the statehouse in Columbus.
Ohio is the only state in the country that can flip its Supreme Court in 2024. Over and over again, we have watched as Republicans in Ohio work to restrict our freedoms. We need a Court that will serve as a line of defense against extremist attacks on our rights.
By signing up to join the fight or making a financial contribution, you can help us take politics off the court and put the Supreme Court back in the hands of the people it belongs to — all of you.
Join our Build the Bench program or donate to our Supreme Court Candidates
ICYMI
MSNBC: ‘Big, big deal’: Sen. Sherrod Brown lauds passage of bipartisan tax bill
Ideastream: Democratic lawmakers continue call to change Ohio laws to prevent corruption
Until Next Time
2023 was a monumental and hopeful chapter of Ohio’s story that deserves much celebration. But it’s time to turn our focus to 2024. Redistricting and wage are on the line. Control of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House will undoubtedly run through Ohio in 2024. Ohio will also be the only state in the nation with an opportunity to gain control of the state Supreme Court. With two statewide wins under our belt, Ohio Dems are ready to win – again. Consider chipping in to help us win in 2024 and beyond!
If you’re unsure about how much more you can contribute, simply reply to this email. We’d be happy to help.
As always, thank you for standing with us. I am immensely grateful for your partnership.