Ohio

Ohio Is Shaping Up to Be the Messiest Senate Primary of 2024

Published

1 year ago

July 23, 2023

Press Room

A car dealership guru. A state legislator whose family owns the Cleveland Guardians. An active Secretary of State.

All of them have all hopped into Ohio’s Senate Republican primary, and a campaign brawl is brewing.

Their dividing lines are mostly familiar. Donald Trump looms large, with his endorsement potentially shaping up to be the deciding factor in the race. There are self-funders who can spend with abandon, and there are candidates who will have to fundraise to propel them to victory. There’s a public relations battle shaping up for the role of “political outsider.” And there’s a highly competitive Senate seat for Republicans on the line.

But there’s a notable difference in this race compared to that of other swing-seat GOP primaries this year: Any one of them could become a senator.

National Republican operatives say they’re so confident that any one of these candidates—car dealership owner Bernie Moreno, state Sen. Matt Dolan or Ohio Sec. of State Frank LaRose—could topple incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) that they’re staying out of the primary altogether.

“When you have three candidates that any one of them could win the general election, you know, we don’t stay up late at night worrying about that,” National Republican Senatorial Committee chair Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) told CBS last week.

That’s antithetical to the rest of the NRSC’s strategy this year of choosing favorites in budding swing-seat primaries, including in West Virginia, Montana and Nevada.

But with no outright insider-favorite, and polls showing a plurality of undecided voters, it’s a free-for-all. And with a free-for-all, the candidates aren’t wasting time trying to knock each other out.

“The moment LaRose and Moreno took off their training wheels they crashed in a ditch,” Dolan strategist Chris Maloney said in a statement.

“[Moreno’s] opponents are career politicians and liberal Republicans who don’t have the courage to stand up to the DC swamp,” Moreno spokesperson Conor McGuinness told The Daily Beast.

And in his announcement interview with Politico, LaRose sought to undercut Moreno and Dolan’s appeal. “They’ve been prosperous in their lives, and we congratulate them for that. But that doesn’t make you necessarily a good public servant or a good Senate candidate or a good senator,” he said.

While Ohio Republicans would largely have hoped to avoid a messy primary, that doesn’t appear to be on the cards.

Dolan was the first to announce, marking his second try at the U.S. Senate after he finished third in the GOP Senate primary last year. He’s served on-and-off as a state senator since 2005 and has the benefit of self-funding his bid. Dolan’s father previously owned the Cleveland Guardians. His brother is currently the owner and CEO, and Dolan himself holds a minority stake.

“Matt Dolan is the only candidate focused on prosecuting the case against Sherrod Brown as opposed to gifting him material for the general election,” Maloney added in his statement.

On the political front, Dolan is positioning himself as a more middle-ground option among the pack. He’s been teetering between saying he’s not anti-Trump while dishing out criticism of the former president. And Dolan is not openly seeking Trump’s endorsement.

The same can’t be said for his opponents.

Moreno is running with Trump’s encouragement—and strongly appears to be courting his endorsement. He was second into the race and has been positioning himself as an America-First ally, not shying away from his conservative chops. Moreno has leaned into his backstory as a Colombian immigrant who came to the United States and built a car dealership empire in Ohio before moving on to work in Blockchain.

“Bernie Moreno is the only businessman, outsider, and pro-Trump conservative running for the GOP nomination in Ohio,” McGuinness said in a statement.

Moreno also ran for Senate last year but dropped out before the actual primary. This time around, that outsider brand has won him support from Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), who was elected to office last year.

That backstory has also positioned Moreno to be a formidable self-funder alongside Dolan.

LaRose, however, won’t have that same benefit on personal wealth to fuel his bid. He announced his run just last week—but his entry was long expected. Daines himself had publicly speculated LaRose would run.

While LaRose can’t self-fund like his opponents, he does have name recognition and won Trump’s endorsement for Secretary of State last year. He’s also signaled that he would welcome Trump’s endorsement this time around and is aligning himself on the more conservative wing of the party.

“Army Green Beret Frank LaRose is the only battle-tested, proven conservative in this race… Secretary LaRose is off to a commanding start and we expect that to continue as voters learn more about his vision for setting our nation back on course,” LaRose spokesperson Ben Kindel wrote in a statement to The Daily Beast.

Ohio politicos expect the trio of GOP contenders to be the last of the upper tier of candidates. Conservative Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) was openly toying with a run earlier this year, but ultimately opted against it. The absence of a far-right contender in the primary overall would be welcome news for national Republican strategists who saw the consequences of fringe candidates in the 2022 midterms.

Daines has repeatedly said he’s focused on supporting Republican candidates who can win both the primary and the general election, noting the need for nominees to appeal to independent voters too.

One recent poll commissioned by the LaRose campaign showed 39.8 percent of Ohio Republican voters were undecided, marking a sea of untapped potential for all of the candidates. Another 27.9 percent of respondents were set on supporting LaRose, followed by 11.1 percent for Dolan and 5 percent for Moreno.

Another poll by Suffolk News/USA Today released in July showed 56.8 percent of Republican primary voters were undecided, while LaRose had 18.9 percent respond they would support him, followed by Dolan at 13.7 percent and Moreno at 9 percent.

Ohio has trended red in recent years, making Brown one of the most-targeted incumbent Senate Democrats this cycle. The Ohio Republican primary will take place March 19, 2024.

That leaves plenty of time for voters to be courted, swayed and turned off. Even as NRSC opts to leave the race be, outside groups and endorsers are sure to push their influence and spending on Ohio voters for months.

Still, there’s a fine line between a healthy, competitive primary and one that gets sloppy. Often, top GOP officials will hope to avoid the latter. Over-exposing candidates’ weaknesses in a primary can be fodder for opponents in a general.

Suffice to say, Ohio Democrats are relishing the prospects.

“The Republican ‘slugfest’ for Ohio’s Senate seat is shaping up to be another long, contentious battle that will leave whoever emerges damaged in the eyes of Ohio voters,” Ohio Democratic Party spokesperson Reeves Oyster said in a statement.

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Ohio

Ohio Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Midday winning numbers for Nov. 25, 2024

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Press Room

The Ohio Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 25, 2024, results for each game:

Powerball

Powerball drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m.

05-35-45-60-63, Powerball: 12, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 3-9-2

Evening: 2-5-7

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 6-3-7-8

Evening: 3-0-9-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at 12:29 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., except Saturday evening.

Midday: 5-8-3-9-5

Evening: 5-9-5-8-5

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Rolling Cash 5

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

12-13-18-37-39

Check Rolling Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Classic Lotto

Drawings are held Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, at approximately 7:05 p.m.

16-17-30-35-41-48, Kicker: 8-8-3-1-7-8

Check Classic Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Lucky For Life

Drawings are held daily, seven days a week, at approximately 10:35 p.m.

07-10-14-33-36, Lucky Ball: 01

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Enquirer digital news director. You can send feedback using this form.

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Ohio

Ohio (OHSAA) high school football playoff brackets, matchups, game times (11/13/2024)

Published

13 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Ohio (OHSAA) high school football playoff brackets, matchups, game times (11/13/2024)

The 2024 Ohio high school playoffs are on to the regional final as four teams remain in each division.

High School on SI has brackets for every division of Ohio high school football for you to keep track of all the playoff matchups.

>>Ohio high school football brackets

District brackets are below. All games are on November 29.

St. Edward vs. Olentangy Liberty

Archbishop Moeller vs. Centerville

Big Walnut vs. Anderson

Archbishop Hoban vs. Avon

Bishop Watterson vs. London

Ursuline vs. Central Catholic

Taft vs. Indian Valley

Perkins vs. Glenville

Liberty Center vs. South Range

Ironton vs. West Liberty-Salem

Kirtland vs. Northmor

Coldwater vs. Bluffton

Hillsdale vs. Danville

Marion Local vs. Coloumbus Grove

2024 OHIO FOOTBALL: FIND YOUR TEAM

Can’t make it to your favorite team’s game but still want to watch them live? You can watch dozens of Ohio high school football games live on the NFHS Network:

WATCH OHSAA GAMES LIVE ON NFHS NETWORK

To get live updates on your phone – as well as follow your favorite teams and top games – you can download the SBLive Sports app:

Download iPhone App | Download Android App

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Ohio State football should not feel bad about not taking a knee against Indiana | Oller

Published

21 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Ohio State football should not feel bad about not taking a knee against Indiana | Oller

Taking a knee to the privates typically hurts more than not taking a knee to the artificial turf, but in Indiana, Las Vegas and some parts of Buckeye Nation, “kneelgate” blew up loud and long over the weekend, causing pain, disdain and a “What’s the big deal?’’ refrain.

To refresh: Ohio State led Indiana 31-15 Saturday when Buckeyes tailback TreVeyon Henderson broke off a 39-yard run with 1:11 left in the game. If Henderson had scored, instead of intentionally sliding to a stop at the 1-yard line, the points margin would have ballooned to 23 points “organically,” the issue of what to do next would be moot and controversy would have been avoided.

Instead, after Henderson gave himself up so that OSU could take more time off the clock by running a few more plays, coach Ryan Day approved back-to-back quarterback sneaks instead of having Will Howard take a knee in a standard expression of sportsmanship.

Howard was stopped for no gain on first-and-goal, but scored on second down with 35 seconds left.

Uh-oh. A lot of Indiana fans took umbrage with Day’s decision – IU coach Curt Cignetti shrugged it off as OSU’s coach doing what he thought the team needed at the moment – while Ohio State fans were mixed, with a majority supporting Day’s decision. Those with no skin in the game either scratched their head when OSU scored, given their view on traditional run-out-the-clock protocols, or reasoned, “Isn’t the point of playing the game to score points?”

Then there are the gamblers, who I contend are the biggest source of the kerfuffle, like rabble rousers fanning flames of discontent among a simmering crowd. The over/under was 52.5 points, so bettors who wagered the teams would combine to score under that total were at first happy/thrilled/ecstatic when Henderson slid down short of the goal line, then equally disappointed/angry/outraged when OSU opted to run a QB sneak that bumped the points total to 53.

“Ryan Day cost me a lot of money,” a friend muttered Sunday into my mostly unsympathetic ear.

I promise you similar harrumphing could be heard across the country. And the harangues had nothing to do with sportsmanship and everything to do with selfish gain or “unfair” loss. Forgive me if I don’t play my sad trombone for these poor unfortunates.

Likewise, I’m not playing “What a shame” on my air violin for Indiana fans miffed by Day’s decision. I understand the frustration, but the overreaction is ridiculous. Put it this way: A lot of those crying foul over OSU scoring seven more points, as if some violent crime had been committed, saw nothing wrong with Cignetti saying Ohio State and Michigan “suck” when he addressed fans at an IU basketball game in December. I can hear it now: “Aw shucks, coach was just trying to pump up the crowd and build a more intimidating culture.”

My take? I found Cignetti’s “insult” more funny than offensive, but if you’re going to call out an opponent for sucking, you better prepare to have the putdown put down your throat when that opponent gets a chance.

After Saturday’s game, Day said he wanted to put an “exclamation point on the win.” Left unsaid: “Our honor defend, we will fight to the end … .” Day sent a message not to mess with the Buckeyes. Was it a case of faux toughness on display? Perhaps, but when your team has been labeled as soft for four years, you tend to take it personally. Given a chance to do something about it, you act.

I value sportsmanship, and push come to shove would have preferred Howard take a knee, but I won’t get bent out of shape about it. For one thing, the Associated Press and College Football Playoff ranking systems factor scoring margin into their thinking. For another, this was a game between two top-five teams, not OSU vs. Olentangy Liberty. The quality of the opponent doesn’t completely release a coach from pouring on points, but it does factor into the circumstances.

Indiana wants to be taken seriously as a national contender? Great, then stop whining. Or stop Ohio State at the goal line.

Jameis Winston brings joy and fun to football

After 40 years of writing about sports, it is easier to become jaded by the coaches and athletes who play the games, which is why I am delighted by Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston.

Winston’s enthusiasm for football and excitement about his faith, mixed with a dynamic personality, makes him my newest favorite athlete.

The 30-year-old man-child is part preacher, part circus clown (not in a creepy way) and part cheerleader. He also is good enough to start, although admittedly that is a fairly low bar, considering who he plays for.

Winston has had his share of issues, both at Florida State, where in 2013 he won the Heisman Trophy, and at New Orleans, where last season he sabotaged his coach’s instructions during a game. But his joie de vivre is so intoxicating that it’s hard not to root for him.

Winston mic’d up during games is a must-listen, and his pregame and postgame interviews are as heartfelt as they are hilarious.

What resonates most about him, though, is his gratitude for being able to play a game that millions of fans would love to suit up and try. Winston’s attitude is refreshing, especially when compared to Deshaun Watson, whose dour disposition as a Browns quarterback leaves a lot to be desired.

Winston is not having a spectacular season filling in for the injured Watson – 62.2 completion percentage, 1,266 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions – but given a choice I’ll take him over Watson. Any guy willing to make snow angels on the field, like Winston did after Thursday’s 24-19 win against Pittsburgh, is OK by me.

Listening in

“I think 120 is a beautiful number, I think it’s very competitive. I think a cut is an integral part of our sport and I think it would be really cool to play Signature Events at 120 players over the 72. With eight tournaments, that’s 400 more playing opportunities.” – PGA Tour player Maverick McNealy after winning the RSM Classic Sunday, commenting on the recent decision by the tour to reduce field sizes.

Off-topic

I try to live by this travel rule: Don’t spend more time driving than hours awake at the travel destination. But sometimes it comes close. Like Thanksgiving week. My 15-hour drive to and from North Carolina, with stops, is only about two hours shorter than the time I’ll spend at the family farm near Chapel Hill. But seeing in-laws and my adult children – coming in from Oakland, Chicago and Brooklyn, New York – is well worth it.

roller@dispatch.com

@rollerCD