2018 OH Governor's race: on Civil Rights

Mike DeWine: Opposes sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. "Long-term supporter."

Mike DeWine (R): No. Also opposed including sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws.

Richard Cordray: Long-term supporter of gay marriage

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. "Long-term supporter."

Mike DeWine (R): No. Also opposed including sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws.

Mary Taylor: Disallow minors to initiate gender transition without parent

"Mary Taylor and Nathan Estruth are absolutely committed to creating a firewall in the state of Ohio for parents to raise their kids with the values and education that they choose," said Estruth, Taylor's running mate.

The emotional legal dispute caught fire Feb. 16 when a Juvenile Court judge granted legal custody to the 17-year-old's grandparents, who support the gender change and will initiate hormone therapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which had diagnosed the teen with "gender dysphoria."

State Rep. Tom Brinkman said he will soon introduce legislation to assert parental rights. He spoke at the same press event, which featured signs reading "Hands off our kids," and "Parents have rights too."

Mary Taylor: Running-mate Nathan Estruth led anti-gay-rights campaign

"Nathan is a smart, savvy and accomplished leader," Blackwell told The Enquirer. "Choosing him is a game changer in the GOP primary." The official announcement came at City Gospel Mission in Cincinnati, where Estruth is a donor.

In 2006, Estruth led a group called Common Sense Ohio, which used telemarking to poll voters about conservative issues. In Montana, the automated poll asked voters whether they support judges that "push homosexual marriage and create new rights like abortion and sodomy," according to a New York Times report.

Estruth also served on the board of directors of the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center called an anti-LGBT hate group.

Nan Whaley: Presided over one of first Ohio gay marriages

Joe Schiavoni: LGBT students are like everyone else

Nan Whaley: Being young & female in politics offers unique leadership

A: I've always been in politics. The environment has always been predominantly male. However, recognizing a uniqueness can be a real value in a system like politics because you can stand out more, and it gives you more opportunity to say something that may be a little nuanced or different. This has always been the case for me. I think it's an asset rather than a liability. That's fundamental. When you are running for office or any kind of system, you have to consider the unique attributes that will help you stand out and provide a different perspective in that team or in that area.

Q: Where did that mindset come from?

A: If you are a leader, generally you like to make changes. There are some people that don't like to lead. And that's alright. I think you just have to know that about yourself--whether you like to create change or not