Ohio Politics in Turmoil as Vance Joins Trump's Presidential Ticket
Governor DeWine's Decision on a possible Senate Appointment Sparks Legal and Political Debates
Columbus, OH – The political landscape of Ohio has already been thrown into chaos following the announcement that U.S. Senator J.D. Vance will join former President Donald Trump's ticket as his Vice Presidential pick. With Vance vacating his Senate seat, Governor Mike DeWine now faces the critical task of appointing a successor, a decision that could have far-reaching implications for Ohio's political future.
Through our inside sources we are told that Governor DeWine is currently considering two main options: appointing himself to the vacant Senate seat or choosing Matt Dolan, a candidate he previously endorsed over Vance. Dolan, however, is viewed unfavorably by the more conservative faction of the Republican Party, creating a rift within the state's GOP base.
If Governor DeWine decides to appoint himself, Ohio's Constitution mandates that Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted will assume the governorship for the remainder of DeWine's term. This has raised numerous questions about how Article III Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution will be interpreted in this scenario. The clause states: "No person shall hold the office of governor for a period longer than two successive terms of four years." Additionally, it clarifies that "…time spent in an office in fulfillment of a term to which another person was first elected shall not be considered provided that a period of at least four years passed between the time, if any, in which the individual previously held that office, and the time the individual is elected or appointed to fulfill the unexpired term."
Legal experts and political analysts are now debating how this clause applies to Husted. If he completes the remaining two years of DeWine's term and subsequently wins a full four-year term, the question arises: can he then run for another full term, potentially serving a total of ten years as governor? Or is he limited to just six years, being allowed to serve two years of DeWine's term and one full four-year term of his own?
A literal interpretation of the Ohio Constitution suggests that if Husted fulfills DeWine's term and wins an election for a first full term, four years will have passed between his second term and his fulfillment of DeWine's term. This reading does not explicitly prohibit Husted from running for a second term, potentially allowing him to serve up to ten years as governor.
The constitutional clause was originally designed to prevent a governor from circumventing term limits by running a placeholder candidate for Governor who could then resign, allowing the former Governor to assume office again. However, the current situation with DeWine potentially appointing himself to the Senate introduces new complexities not explicitly addressed by the constitutional language.
Meanwhile, the potential appointment of Matt Dolan adds another layer of uncertainty. While Dolan had DeWine's endorsement for U.S. Senate, his lack of support from the conservative wing of the party could lead to further divisions within the Ohio GOP. Additionally, DeWine nor Dolan are exactly what one would considered to be fans of Trump and the “America First” campaign.
Jane Timken also ran for U.S. Senate in 2022 and was also a strong supporter of Mike DeWine. Being the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party and now the Republican National Committee - committeewoman for Ohio - we have been told that her and her spokesperson Bob Paduchik are set for some interesting discussions with Mike DeWine.
Governor DeWine has long expressed a desire to return to the Senate, a position he previously held before being defeated by Senator Sherrod Brown. This ambition, coupled with the current political dynamics, makes his upcoming decision one of the most pivotal in recent Ohio history.
Ohioans seem to be split on moderates that do not seemingly want to engage in political warfare. Ohio Representative David Joyce is reeling after his decision to not fine Merrick Garland $10,000 a day until he provided audiotapes of an interview President Joe Biden gave in his classified documents case. Joyce’s popularity numbers dropping to an all time low of just 9% with his constituents.
It is very unlikely that DeWine would appoint former Congressman Jim Renacci, Businessman/Industrialist Mike Gibbons, or Former State Treasurer Josh Mandel because all three have been detractors of the Governor.
The Governor is barred from appointing a sitting member of Congress and so Representatives like Jim Jordan or Warren Davidson are out unless they give up their positions and strategically - that would not be a wise move.
Another likely scenario could be that DeWine is old enough (77) and frail enough to consider retiring all together. If this is the case many of the pundits in Columbus believe he would appoint Attorney General Dave Yost - who is rumored to be one of President Trump’s preferred choices - the other is Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose - who interestingly was once labelled as a never-Trumper. Appointing either Yost or LaRose would be strategic because both are expected to challenge Husted for Governor.
Rumors are rampant and speculation on what will happen is on everyone’s mind. Talk is that Husted is already talking to LaRose as a Lt. Governor pick, if and when DeWine moves to the Senate.
Many Ohio Republicans would welcome Husted as Governor because they see him as a vast improvement over Governor Mike DeWine. While not evoking feverish passion - Husted is billed as a gubernatorial candidate that a majority of conservatives can live with - even though he was front and center with Governor DeWine in shutting down the State during the pandemic. It is not likely that DeWine would appoint Husted to the U.S. Senate position because of his relatively young family.
As Ohioans await Governor DeWine's choice, the state's political future hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only determine the next U.S. Senator from Ohio but will also set the stage for the state's gubernatorial race and the broader direction of its Republican Party. All eyes are now on Columbus as the political drama unfolds.