In the final days leading up to the Republican Senate primary in Ohio, the campaign has been marked by intense attacks and rhetoric among the candidates. Bernie Moreno, supported by former President Donald Trump, has repeatedly labeled his main rival, state Sen. Matt Dolan, as a 'RINO' (Republican in name only) and compared him to Sen. Mitt Romney, a figure disliked by Trump and the MAGA movement.
Dolan, a former prosecutor and scion of the Cleveland Guardians baseball team, has criticized Moreno as 'divisive,' while a super PAC supporting Dolan released an ad calling Moreno 'creepy' and 'damaged goods,' referencing a disputed report linking Moreno to an adult website account.
The third major candidate, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, has taken aim at both Moreno and Dolan for their substantial campaign spending and criticized their political histories.
Despite the heated exchanges, the candidates express confidence that the primary winner will receive unified support from the Republican Party to challenge Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in the general election. Dolan and Moreno both anticipate party unity post-primary, emphasizing the goal of defeating Brown and regaining control of the Senate.
While Ohio and national Democrats warn that the internal strife may weaken the eventual nominee, Republican Sen. J.D. Vance, a supporter of Moreno, dismisses these concerns, citing common primary conflicts that do not typically impact general election outcomes.
Dolan pledges to prioritize unity if he emerges victorious, emphasizing the importance of conservative policies for the benefit of Ohioans and Americans. Moreno echoes the sentiment, acknowledging the personal nature of political contests but expressing confidence in eventual party cohesion.
As the primary unfolds, the candidates remain focused on their shared objective of unseating Sen. Brown and securing a Republican victory in Ohio, a pivotal battleground state in the Senate race.
