Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio, a Republican, has caused controversy among conservatives for his efforts to ensure that President Joe Biden is included on the state’s November ballot. Due to a technicality in the nomination process, the Democrats may not have officially nominated their candidate in time to comply with Ohio’s laws. DeWine has called for a special legislative session to address this issue and ensure that both Biden and former President Donald Trump are on the ballot. He has also advocated for legislation to prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals.
DeWine’s actions have been met with backlash from Trump supporters, who see his efforts as supportive of the Democratic party. Some have labeled him a traitor and called for him to be replaced, accusing him of being a Republican in name only. Despite his previous clashes with Trump, DeWine has stated that he will support the Republican nominee for the 2024 election. He believes that the focus in Ohio this year should be on local races and the United States Senate.
While some in the MAGA movement support DeWine’s efforts to include Biden on the ballot, others see it as a partisan move that does not prioritize voters’ rights. Former Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper criticized DeWine for favoring a partisan approach to the issue, rather than a bipartisan solution. He believes that the current direction being taken in Ohio sets a bad precedent for future elections. Some feel that DeWine’s actions will weaken the power of voters in Ohio by forcing ballot initiatives to act as political action committees.
Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, who is rumored to be a potential vice presidential pick for Trump, has voiced support for DeWine’s compromise. He sees it as a way to keep foreign money out of the state’s ballot process while ensuring that both major party nominees are on the ballot. Vance believes that including Biden on the ballot will help maintain voter engagement and prevent potential negative impacts on down-ballot races. Overall, the situation in Ohio has sparked a debate over partisanship, voters’ rights, and the potential implications for future elections.
