Going It Alone as a Republican in Ohio

Now it gets down to the final two weeks.  My opponent would not debate until now and we have three debates this week in Akron, Cleveland and Lorain, and I expect to hear the same tired mantra of “culture of corruption” at all three debates. My opponent has tried to nationalize this race but I still believe what Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.”

I am gratified to have received the major endorsements from newspapers including The Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Akron Beacon Journal, and the Lorain Morning Journal who praised me for my record as Mayor of Lorain, for my enthusiasm, vision and plan.

The three newspapers criticized my opponent for her mediocre record as a state legislator and her sharp partisan line.  They know I am the moderate in this race, but she is running against me for being a Republican. That’s her sole issue because she does not have a record of accomplishment.

I am just pleased that the newspapers endorsed me this year even though they all said it is going to be a tough year to run as a Republican.  We have run our own race, raised our own money, and have gone it alone throughout this campaign.