COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One candidate in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race was targeted for his views on border security, and another had one of his strongest weeks to date.
The Republican primary among state Sen. Matt Dolan, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and businessman Bernie Moreno will take place on March 19. The winner will go on to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in the general election on Nov. 5.
Here are developments from the past week.
Moreno attack site
Last week, a website called whichbernie.com was launched by a pro-Dolan super PAC, comparing Moreno with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont). This week, it was Leadership for Ohio Fund, a pro-LaRose super PAC, targeting Moreno. On berniesrecord.org, Moreno is accused of lacking trust.
“The more you learn about Moreno … the less you trust him,” the website states.
The site targets Moreno as someone who “talks tough on illegal immigration” but said that he actually supported amnesty.
Democrats target Moreno
In addition to being targeted by Republicans, Moreno drew criticism from the Ohio Democratic Party on border security.
First, an ad targeted Moreno for not supporting the bipartisan border security bill that was blocked by Senate Republicans. Then, a mobile billboard in Dayton used similar language.
“Bernie Moreno likes to talk tough, but when it comes to strengthening the border and standing up for the people of Ohio, he’s nowhere to be found,” party spokesperson Katie Smith said.
Congressman endorses LaRose
Dayton-area U.S. Rep. Mike Turner endorsed LaRose. In doing so, he highlighted LaRose’s experience as an Army Green Beret.
“Frank honorably served our country in Iraq and is the type of leader we need in Washington to bolster America’s national security,” Turner said.
Gun rights groups back LaRose
The Buckeye Firearms Association and A1S4 Protection PAC endorsed LaRose for his pro-gun record.
“Frank LaRose is a long-time partner who has always gone the extra mile to improve our laws and protect the rights of Ohio’s 4 million gun owners,” Executive Director of Buckeye Firearms Association Dean Rieck said.
The announcement claimed that LaRose has a 100% voting record on Second Amendment issues.
LaRose in East Palestine
One year after the Norfolk Southern train derailment, LaRose visited East Palestine on Wednesday to speak with local leaders. While there, he took a shot at President Joe Biden for not having visited.
“It is common practice for the president to show up following a natural disaster,” LaRose said. “Too little, too late for him to announce a visit a year after.”
Biden has since announced he will visit East Palestine on Friday.
Moreno picks up huge endorsements
Moreno continues to pick up high-profile endorsements. This week, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky), Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and the Franklin County GOP were added to the list.
“I’m proud to endorse a true political outsider, Bernie Moreno, for Senate in Ohio,” Paul said in an announcement.
On Thursday, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) appeared with Moreno at a town hall in Warren County.
