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Reagan Day Dinner sees Republican candidates

By Gwen Sour 4 min read

MARIETTA -- Republican candidates urged Washington County voters to turn out early and bring friends and neighbors to the polls during the Reagan Day Dinner in Marietta, pairing their closing election appeals with promises on jobs, taxes, election security and public safety.

The gathering brought gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, U.S. Sen. Jon Husted and candidates for statewide offices and the Ohio Supreme Court to Marietta as part of a Republican bus tour ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

Across the speeches, candidates emphasized the importance of southeastern Ohio turnout in an election.

"It's not a question of whether Republicans are going to win Washington County. It's what the voter turnout is going to be to determine whether this slate wins this year," said Jay Edwards, the Republican candidate for state treasurer and a former state representative for the area.

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou encouraged attendees to vote early, saying doing so would help ensure unexpected circumstances did not prevent them from casting ballots. Edwards urged supporters to use Election Day to help others reach the polls after casting their own votes early.

Ramaswamy told the audience southeastern Ohio would be included in his plans for the state's economic future.

He outlined priorities including reducing property taxes, increasing energy production to lower electric bills, prosecuting fraud in government programs and strengthening enforcement against crime and illegal immigration.

"Most of the state is demanding lower property taxes because it is your land, not the government's," Ramaswamy said.

Ramaswamy, who faces Democrat Amy Acton, framed the election as a choice between competing visions for Ohio and urged attendees to contact voters beyond those already involved in Republican events.

He said supporters' work in the final days of the campaign could influence both the election and the state's future.

Husted, who faces Democrat Sherrod Brown, emphasized economic development and workforce training during an interview at the event.

Asked about attracting major employers to rural communities, Husted said a large employer needs a sufficiently large workforce. He advocated helping existing small businesses expand while strengthening training through career centers and community colleges.

"We want to help support the small businesses that are here and grow them into big businesses," Husted said.

Husted also pointed to his support for the oil and gas industry as part of his approach to economic development in eastern and southeastern Ohio. He said preparing students to graduate from high school ready for careers and helping residents develop needed skills would support regional growth.

State Treasurer Robert Sprague, the Republican candidate for secretary of state, discussed proposals to change election procedures.

Sprague said he wants citizenship checks conducted when people register to vote, photo identification requirements extended to mailed ballots and an in-person photo identification requirement placed in the Ohio Constitution.

"Look, we do elections right in the state of Ohio, so I'm not running to burn down the system, but I want to build it up, and I want to do some things better," Sprague said.

Asked about post-election audits, Sprague pledged transparency and said he would comply with judicial rulings affecting election administration.

Edwards focused on how the treasurer's office invests public money. He said he wants more of those investments directed toward Ohio banks and communities rather than large national financial institutions.

"It comes with a deep understanding that it's not our money; it's your money that we're investing," Edwards said.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose, who is running for state auditor, described combating fraud and improving government efficiency as priorities. He connected government spending to household costs, arguing that wasteful spending can contribute to pressure on taxpayers.

"When government wastes your money, it costs Ohio families more than they can afford," LaRose said.

State Auditor Keith Faber, the Republican candidate for attorney general, said his priorities include addressing cyber fraud, elder abuse and human trafficking. He also emphasized support for law enforcement and urged attendees to contact relatives, friends and neighbors about voting.

Ohio Supreme Court candidates Colleen O'Donnell and incumbent Justice Daniel Hawkins emphasized their views on judicial restraint and the separation of powers.

"Legislation has no place in the courthouse. Legislation happens in the state house," O'Donnell said.

Hawkins urged voters to pay attention to judicial races throughout the court system, saying court decisions affect legislation, public safety and constitutional protections.

The candidates repeatedly returned to the same request: Vote, encourage others to participate and help them get to the polls.

"Washington County, we've got to pray, we've got to vote, and we've got to work," LaRose said.

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