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Amy Acton’s COVID response at center of race for Ohio governor

Amy Acton’s COVID response at center of race for Ohio governor

As Dr. Amy Acton runs for governor, her role as the state's COVID czar has become a rallying cry for supporters and a line of attack for opponents.
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Armed Man Lunges at Democrat Amy Acton in Ohio, Raising Security Concerns

Armed Man Lunges at Democrat Amy Acton in Ohio, Raising Security Concerns

An armed individual lunged at Democrat Amy Acton during a fair in Canfield, Ohio. The incident has prompted responses from Acton, her Republican opponent Vivek Ramaswamy, and Governor Mike DeWine. The event highlights growing concerns regarding the safety of political figures and the intensity of political discourse. This incident occurred as another Ohio community decided to discontinue its use of Flock Safety cameras, while Covington, Kentucky, is increasing its investment in law enforcement technology. The details surrounding the armed individual's motivations and the specifics of the lunge were not immediately available, but the event has drawn significant attention to the security measures in place at public political appearances.
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Ohio Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny Over Data Center Investments Amidst Regulation Calls

Ohio Gubernatorial Candidates Face Scrutiny Over Data Center Investments Amidst Regulation Calls

Both leading candidates for Ohio governor are advocating for a pause in the rapid expansion of data centers within the state, despite holding significant personal investments in the very industry they seek to regulate. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Dr. Amy Acton have expressed concerns about the impact of data centers on utility bills, air quality, and water infrastructure. Ramaswamy's financial disclosures reveal a large portfolio with over a dozen holdings in companies tied to data centers, including NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Amazon. A 2023 federal tax filing indicated Ramaswamy held up to $5 million in Microsoft alone. Dr. Acton's financial report also shows technology-related holdings, including Iron Mountain, which operates a data center in Ohio. These investments raise questions about potential conflicts of interest, as the governor oversees agencies that regulate data centers and determine tax incentives.
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President Trump's Convention Appearance Links GOP Candidates to His Unpopularity Ahead of Midterms

President Trump's Convention Appearance Links GOP Candidates to His Unpopularity Ahead of Midterms

President Trump recently hosted a two-day 'convention' where he was the keynote speaker on both nights. During his speeches, which included boasting about crowd size, mocking political figures, and highlighting his administration's achievements such as driving up the stock market, banning diversity initiatives, and preventing the 'mutilization' of transgender children, he also urged attendees to vote in the upcoming November midterm elections. The event featured prominent Republican figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance, as well as various Republican candidates in competitive races. These participants aligned themselves closely with President Trump, whose approval ratings are currently at a historic low. The convention concluded with President Trump receiving applause as balloons fell and an opera singer performed.
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Ohio Republican Senator's Campaign Staffer Fired Over SS Facebook Photo and White Supremacist Content

Ohio Republican Senator's Campaign Staffer Fired Over SS Facebook Photo and White Supremacist Content

A campaign staffer for Ohio Republican Senator Jon Husted, Stephen Woytek, has been fired after revelations surfaced about his past social media activity. Woytek, 25, had a Facebook profile photo depicting German SS soldiers and also posted a song playlist celebrating Rhodesia, a former British colony often revered by white supremacists. A spokesperson for Senator Husted confirmed the dismissal, stating that while Woytek denies negative intent and participates in historical reenactments, his social media activity displayed a complete lack of judgment and disregard for its impact on others. Senator Husted made the immediate decision to part ways with Woytek upon learning of the posts.
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J.D. Vance Campaigns for GOP Midterms, Positions for Potential 2028 Presidential Run

J.D. Vance Campaigns for GOP Midterms, Positions for Potential 2028 Presidential Run

J.D. Vance, currently Vice President, is actively campaigning for Republican candidates in the upcoming midterm elections, urging party unity to maintain majorities in Congress. He recently closed out the Republican midterm convention in Dallas alongside President Trump, emphasizing the need for Republicans to stick together despite internal disagreements. Vance's role has evolved into a 'disciplined translator' for President Trump's administration, aiming to highlight its achievements and ensure the message resonates with voters. He is expected to aggressively campaign across the midterm map, working in tandem with President Trump. Beyond his immediate focus on the midterms, Vance is increasingly engaging in activities that suggest higher political aspirations, including publishing a second book on his Catholic faith, undertaking an extensive publicity tour, and serving as the Republican Party's finance chair, which connects him with significant donors. His public appearances and strategic engagements are...
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J Street Launches $3 Million Campaign Against AIPAC-Backed Republican Candidates

J Street Launches $3 Million Campaign Against AIPAC-Backed Republican Candidates

J Street, a liberal Jewish Middle East advocacy group, has announced a $3 million super PAC investment aimed at defeating several Republican candidates who are backed by AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). This initiative marks J Street's largest super PAC expenditure in its history and represents a shift in strategy, as the organization typically endorses candidates rather than directly targeting opponents based on AIPAC endorsements. The campaign will focus on ads against Republican Rep. Mike Collins, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, and incumbent Representatives Max Miller (Ohio), Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin), Ryan Mackenzie (Pennsylvania), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Iowa). J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami stated that these candidates were selected due to their competitive races, ideological distance from J Street's positions, and connections to efforts to deny or overturn the 2020 election results. This move comes amidst increasing scrutiny of AIPAC's influence and spen...
USA TodayUSA Today
Trump's biggest gift to the GOP's future? His own flaws. | Opinion

Trump's biggest gift to the GOP's future? His own flaws. | Opinion

The Republican Party can and must move beyond President Donald Trump's version of 'conservatism.' The midterms suggest that moment is coming fast.
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Spare us pearl-clutching over Acton not debating when you never criticize Ramaswamy | Letters

Spare us pearl-clutching over Acton not debating when you never criticize Ramaswamy | Letters

Republicans are hypocritical about Acton – what's new? Husted's ads are delusional and wrong. Our Haitian neighbors aren't treated like people.
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Sherrod Brown's criticism of Jon Husted is ridiculous. He dropped ball on data centers | Letters

Sherrod Brown's criticism of Jon Husted is ridiculous. He dropped ball on data centers | Letters

Letters: Why didn't Sherrod Brown stop data centers? Brown is American first, Democrat second. The deranged dictator
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House Majority Whip Tom Emmer Outlines GOP Strategy to Retain House Control Amidst Bleak Polls

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer Outlines GOP Strategy to Retain House Control Amidst Bleak Polls

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) has detailed the Republican Party's strategy to maintain its narrow 218-seat majority in the House of Representatives in the upcoming November elections. Speaking at the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Emmer emphasized the critical need to protect incumbent Republican representatives, stating that 'the cheapest seat to win is one you already hold.' He identified Maine's 2nd Congressional District, Washington's 3rd District, and Arizona's 1st District as key opportunities for the GOP to pick up new seats. Emmer also highlighted the advantages gained from President Trump’s redistricting efforts in states like Texas and Florida, as well as a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act that allowed southern states, including Louisiana and Alabama, to redraw lines to the GOP's benefit. Despite what he described as 'bleak polls' for Republicans, Emmer expressed confidence in a 'very close' but achievable path to victory, attributing this optimism to the mechan...
USA TodayUSA Today
GOP boosts Trump show, socialism attacks at convention. 3 takeaways

GOP boosts Trump show, socialism attacks at convention. 3 takeaways

The Republican midterm convention dialed up the volume on the party's efforts to boost GOP enthusiasm and counter Democrats' momentum.