State of Ohio Archives: on Government Reform
ACLU:
Don't require "complete" ID on absentee ballots
SB 205 revises the law regarding the mailing of absent voter's ballots, permitting election boards to discard votes cast where an absentee ballot identification envelope is "incomplete," in addition to the current language of "insufficient."
ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill: While SB 205 does make some positive improvements for voters with disabilities, it fails on several fronts to make voting easier for Ohioans. One of the most concerning aspects of SB 205 is the addition of the
word "incomplete" in reference to a voter's absentee ballot identification envelope. Giving discretion to a few election officials to define exactly what this word means is likely to result in more ballots not being counted. Additionally, this language
is overly broad and could violate federal law. The ACLU encourages the legislature to steer away from creating a "race to the bottom" by limiting ballot access of voters and contemplate more constructive ways to improve the absentee ballot process.
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 205
Feb 21, 2014
ACLU:
Keep "Golden Week" for registration and early voting
SB 238 shortens the early, in-person voting period by eliminating the week-long window where voters may simultaneously register to vote and cast an early in-person ballot (otherwise known as "Golden Week")ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:
SB 238 moves Ohio election administration in the wrong direction. Eliminating "Golden Week" and shortening the early voting period will needlessly complicate the voting process and place additional burdens on voters. Voters with disabilities, seniors,
the homeless, new residents, people with a lack of transportation, among many others, have utilized Golden Week as a flexible way to register & vote simultaneously. While the bill's sponsors may point to concerns over possible voting irregularities,
there is almost no evidence to justify those fears. Rather than seeking to curtail the ability of voters to cast their ballot more easily, Ohio's legislators should strive to provide a fair, flexible and secure system that benefits all voters.
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 238
Feb 21, 2014
Bernie Moreno:
All politicians do is talk; I strongly support term limits
I will fight harder than anyone to promote strong Conservative principles that enhance our way of life. All politicians do is talk, talk, talk. That is why I strongly support term limits.
As a businessman who is used to getting things done, I will act with commitment, hard-work, and determination to enact common-sense policies that allow everyone in Ohio to achieve the American Dream!
Source: 2022 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Dec 24, 2021
Bernie Moreno:
Cut red tape and reduce regulatory burden on economy
As a businessman who created thousands of jobs right here in Ohio, I know firsthand the impact of unnecessary regulations on our economy. President Donald J. Trump did a tremendous job cutting red tape and reducing the regulatory burden on our economy.
Like him, I support fewer and smarter regulations to unleash the creative spirit of Ohio's entrepreneurs, small businesses, and workers.
Source: 2022 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Dec 24, 2021
Charlie Wilson:
Supports public funding for political camapigns
Q: Do you support current limits on individual contributions to state legislative candidates? A: Yes.
Q: PAC contributions?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate contributions?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign
finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Source: 1998 Ohio Legislative National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Connie Pillich:
Don't require "complete" ID on absentee ballots
SB 205 revises the law regarding the mailing of absent voter's ballots, permitting election boards to discard votes cast where an absentee ballot identification envelope is "incomplete," in addition to the current language of "insufficient."
ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill: While SB 205 does make some positive improvements for voters with disabilities, it fails on several fronts to make voting easier for Ohioans. One of the most concerning aspects of SB 205 is the addition of the
word "incomplete" in reference to a voter's absentee ballot identification envelope. Giving discretion to a few election officials to define exactly what this word means is likely to result in more ballots not being counted. Additionally, this language
is overly broad and could violate federal law.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 6, 2013; passed House, 60-38-1, on Feb. 19, 2014; Rep. Pillich voted NAY; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 205
Feb 19, 2014
Connie Pillich:
Keep "Golden Week" for registration and early voting
SB 238 shortens the early, in-person voting period by eliminating the week-long window where voters may simultaneously register to vote and cast an early in-person ballot (otherwise known as "Golden Week")ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:
SB 238 moves Ohio election administration in the wrong direction. Eliminating "Golden Week" and shortening the early voting period will needlessly complicate the voting process and place additional burdens on voters. Voters with disabilities, seniors,
the homeless, new residents, people with a lack of transportation, among many others, have utilized Golden Week as a flexible way to register & vote simultaneously. While the bill's sponsors may point to concerns over possible voting irregularities,
there is almost no evidence to justify those fears.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 20, 2013; passed House, 59-37-3, on Feb. 19, 2014; Rep. Pillich voted NAY; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 238
Feb 19, 2014
Don Huffines:
COVID: Amend state constitution to forbid church closures
Huffines issued the following statement: "Greg Abbott followed Fauci's orders and shut down Texas churches on Easter, the holiest week of the year. It was the most egregious violation of our religious freedom in my lifetime
and we can never allow it to happen again. That's why I am urging Texans to pass Proposition 3 to prevent Greg Abbott or any future governor from ever shutting down our churches again."
Source: 2021 Ohio Gubernatorial campaign website DonHuffines.com
Nov 3, 2021
Eric Deaton:
Limit & regulate campaign contributions
Q: Do you support increasing the amount individuals can contribute to federal campaigns? A: Yes. First amendment rights appear to protect all campaign contributions without limits, but limits must be in place to keep us from creating class warfare and
to keep foreign influences out of our election system.
Q:Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support removing all contribution/spending limits on federal campaigns?
A: No.
Source: Ohio Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Aug 11, 2010
Eric Deaton:
No line item veto; limit "signing statements"
Q: Do you support the line item veto for items concerning appropriations? A: No.
Q: Do you support limiting the President's ability to define how legislation is applied through the use of signing statements?
A: Yes.
Presidential signing statements should not change the intent of the very laws passed by congress and should only be used to clarify (after consultation with congress) or to protest the possible Constitutionality of the new legislation.
Source: Ohio Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Aug 11, 2010
Jane Timken:
There was widespread fraud in 2020's election
There was widespread fraud in 2020's election, and I would have voted against certifying because I wanted to have a full airing of what happened in November of 2020.
We never had the opportunity to explore some of the disastrous policies. Election integrity is very important to me, and we never had the opportunity to actually have full hearings of what happened in a lot of these states.
Source: Jewish Insider on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Mar 26, 2021
Jane Timken:
Democrats want to rig every election going forward
Democrats changed the rules in 2020 and now want to rig every election going forward to make it nearly impossible for conservatives to win again. Democrats should want American voters to have confidence in the elections process just as much as
Republicans do. Free and fair elections should not be a partisan issue. I will do everything in my power to protect the integrity of the vote and the integrity of America's ballot box.
Source: WarRoom.org on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Jul 15, 2021
JD Vance:
End mail-in voting bonanza, make Election Day a holiday
Bannon, who has advanced adherence to the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump as a litmus test for GOP candidates, asked for Vance's thoughts on the matter.
Vance answered indirectly while proposing an end to "this mail-in voting bonanza" and saying that Election Day should be a national holiday.
Source: NBC News on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Jul 1, 2021
JD Vance:
Investigate 2020 election, but we already know what happened
[On election fraud]: "I think we've got to investigate as much as possible," Vance said of the 2020 election results. "I believe sunshine is the best disinfectant. And we're going to learn a lot about what happened.
But, you know, I think at a basic level we already know mostly what happened." Other Republicans in the race have indulged in false or unsubstantiated claims about the last election.
Source: NBC News on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Jul 1, 2021
JD Vance:
Universal voter ID, but make it easier to get
Vance said he supports a universal voter ID. "And absolutely, if people can't afford to get an ID, you don't want that to prevent them from being able to vote. You want to make it easier for people to vote, but you want to make it easier for
them to vote in a fair and safe way. You want basically legal votes to count, illegal votes not to count, and making voter ID the law, that way it actually I think facilitates and supports that goal."
Source: WCPO-TV ABC-9 on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Jul 2, 2021
Jim Renacci:
End campaign contributions that lead to government contracts
Renacci said as governor he will focus on jobs, regulatory reform and ending political corruption in Columbus, including allowing officeholders from awarding government contracts to campaign contributors. "I don't believe
that politicians should get campaign contributions and then turn around and give them government contracts. There are a number of situations where I've learned that is occurring in the state. That needs to stop," he said.
Source: Dayton Daily News on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race
Feb 4, 2017
Jim Renacci:
Corporate political donations are protected political speech
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. "Special interests should not have a louder voice. than middle-class families."
Jim Renacci (R): No stand found. Did support strengthening Federal Elections Commission.
Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?
Sherrod Brown (D):
No. "Corporations are not people." Supports amendment to overturn.
Jim Renacci (R): Yes. Considers political donations to be political speech--"the most protected speech there is."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Jim Renacci:
Make donations and State contracts public
WIPE OUT CORRUPTION AND "PAY TO PLAY" POLITICS: After numerous scandals, it is time to root out the corrupt culture that has thrived in Columbus. Remaking the culture can be done by transparency and oversight.
Make donations and State contracts public. No contracts or appointments for direct or indirect donors that exceed a threshold level.
Source: 2021 Ohio Gubernatorial campaign website JimRenacci.com
Jun 10, 2021
Jim Renacci:
Redistribute state offices in Columbus around the state
OHIO MUST DECENTRALIZE STATE ASSETS THAT ARE IN COLUMBUS- Columbus has grown and prospered because it is a City with two large government institutions, The Ohio State University and the State of Ohio's government.
- It is time many of these
State institutions are decentralized and distributed throughout the State. Every job that can be redistributed to many of our other cities brings economic stability to that city along with an influx in families and economic activity.
Source: 2021 Ohio Gubernatorial campaign website JimRenacci.com
Jun 10, 2021
Joe Schiavoni:
Don't require "complete" ID on absentee ballots
SB 205 revises the law regarding the mailing of absent voter's ballots, permitting election boards to discard votes cast where an absentee ballot identification envelope is "incomplete," in addition to the current language of "insufficient."
ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill: While SB 205 does make some positive improvements for voters with disabilities, it fails on several fronts to make voting easier for Ohioans. One of the most concerning aspects of SB 205 is the addition of the
word "incomplete" in reference to a voter's absentee ballot identification envelope. Giving discretion to a few election officials to define exactly what this word means is likely to result in more ballots not being counted. Additionally, this language
is overly broad and could violate federal law.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 6, 2013; Sen. Schiavoni voted NAY; passed House, 60-38-1, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 205
Nov 6, 2013
Joe Schiavoni:
Keep "Golden Week" for registration and early voting
SB 238 shortens the early, in-person voting period by eliminating the week-long window where voters may simultaneously register to vote and cast an early in-person ballot (otherwise known as "Golden Week")ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:
SB 238 moves Ohio election administration in the wrong direction. Eliminating "Golden Week" and shortening the early voting period will needlessly complicate the voting process and place additional burdens on voters. Voters with disabilities, seniors,
the homeless, new residents, people with a lack of transportation, among many others, have utilized Golden Week as a flexible way to register & vote simultaneously. While the bill's sponsors may point to concerns over possible voting irregularities,
there is almost no evidence to justify those fears.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 20, 2013; Sen. Schiavoni voted NAY; passed House, 59-37-3, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 238
Nov 20, 2013
John Kasich:
A handful of billionaires should not decide who is president
John Kasich was asked how he planned to curb the influence of money in politics in the wake of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision. "Every time we change the laws, we have laws that we think are worse than laws that we had," Kasich said. "I
don't know what I believe the answer is, but I will tell you if I win I will think the system works pretty well. And if I don't win, I'm going to blame it on the system," he joked.[After that] the closest he came to broaching the subject of campaign
finance reform was when he declared that "sometimes I think these laws can work, but unfortunately I think they work mostly on the margin." Got it? Neither do we.
Kasich took a different tack last month when he said that "a handful of billionaires
should not decide who is president." But, even then, he was unsure of a solution to the problem.
Kasich has an unlimited-money super PAC. Earlier this year, it announced raising more than $11 million from 166 reportable contributions.
Source: Huffington Post on 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Aug 12, 2015
John Kasich:
Deal with fundraising influencing voting decisions
When campaigning in New Hampshire, John Kasich was asked about money in politics and corporate personhood as defined in Citizens United. Kasich agreed that something needs to be done so that billionaires don't get to pick who gets elected:
Q: "What would you do to end corruption of our government by big money, and more specifically, would you support and work for a constitutional amendment clarifying that the constitution applies to natural persons only?"
A: "I'd like to say a couple
things about campaign finance laws. First of all it is a bad system when billionaires can be the ones to pick a president, I don't like that. And here is the beauty of New Hampshire: they could spend all the money in the world but money don't buy you
love in New Hampshire. So I'm concerned about it, and I will have something to say about it at an appropriate time, but I want to think it through. I think there is an element of fundraising influencing decisions. It's an issue & it will be dealt with."
Source: AFSC.org press release on 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Jul 23, 2015
John Kasich:
Require complete & sufficient ID on absentee ballots
SB 205 revises the law regarding the mailing of absent voter's ballots, permitting election boards to discard votes cast where an absentee ballot identification envelope is "incomplete," in addition to the current language of "insufficient."
ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill: While SB 205 does make some positive improvements for voters with disabilities, it fails on several fronts to make voting easier for Ohioans. One of the most concerning aspects of SB 205 is the addition of the
word "incomplete" in reference to a voter's absentee ballot identification envelope. Giving discretion to a few election officials to define exactly what this word means is likely to result in more ballots not being counted. Additionally, this language
is overly broad and could violate federal law.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 6, 2013; passed House, 60-38-1, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 205
Feb 21, 2014
John Kasich:
End simultaneous registration and early voting
SB 238 shortens the early, in-person voting period by eliminating the week-long window where voters may simultaneously register to vote and cast an early in-person ballot (otherwise known as "Golden Week")ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:
SB 238 moves Ohio election administration in the wrong direction. Eliminating "Golden Week" and shortening the early voting period will needlessly complicate the voting process and place additional burdens on voters. Voters with disabilities, seniors,
the homeless, new residents, people with a lack of transportation, among many others, have utilized Golden Week as a flexible way to register & vote simultaneously. While the bill's sponsors may point to concerns over possible voting irregularities,
there is almost no evidence to justify those fears.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 20, 2013; passed House, 59-37-3, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 238
Feb 21, 2014
Jon Husted:
States should police elections, not Feds
Ohio's elections chief said he would provide the Presidential Commission on Election Integrity looking into voter fraud with only the voter information that is public. "Confidential info won't be provided," Husted tweeted.Husted said he ordered
detailed reviews of credible allegations of voter fraud & voter suppression after the last 3 federal elections. The investigations were conducted by Ohio's 88 bipartisan county boards of elections. None found significant instances of voter fraud or abuse
Source: US News & World Report on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race
May 23, 2017
Josh Mandel:
Does not accept gifts in public office
Josh Mandel does not take gifts. Or does he? The Ohio treasurer and U.S. Senate candidate asserted that he does not, and he said so in the most public of settings: a roomful of reporters from the Akron Press Club. The club wanted to give
Mandel a token of appreciation (a flash drive with the club's logo) after he addressed it on March 1. "I appreciate it. I don't take gifts," Mandel said.This raises a question: Why did Mandel recently declare in a public document that he got gifts
from 31 people in 2011? That number of gift-givers, and their names, showed up in the state financial disclosure statement that Mandel filed this week. This disclosure led incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown's campaign to declare that
Mandel lied when he told reporters that he doesn't take gifts.
Mandel's campaign spokesman says the gifts were primarily meals at "family gatherings, weddings, meetings and charity events."
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer on 2012 Ohio Senate debates
Apr 20, 2012
Josh Mandel:
Public officials should disclose more than is required
[Mandel listed] 31 people as gift-givers in 2011 in the state financial disclosure statement filed this week. [A campaign spokesperson] added that even though Ohio requires state officials to disclose all gifts above $75, many of the meals Mandel listed
cost less but were disclosed anyway, in an abundance of transparency. Mandel has said in his most recent and in past financial disclosure reports that he tries to provide more information than required.If there were gifts of significantly high value
or items that went beyond food or drink, the disclosure forms do not say, as the Ohio Ethics Commission only requires state officeholders to disclose the source of gifts valued at more than $75 but does not require specificity as to the gifts themselves.
The US Senate require only gifts worth more than $335 to be reported. Brown's most recent form said he had none. Mandel "goes above and beyond what is required on his disclosure forms," the spokesperson said. "More elected officials should do that."
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer on 2012 Ohio Senate debates
Apr 20, 2012
Josh Mandel:
No government bailout that I would ever support
The two parried on the auto bailout, which Brown supported. Brown said he was "proud of his work," and cited it as a key reason Ohio's economy has recovered more quickly than the rest of the nation's. "My opponent says my vote for the auto rescue was
un-American. To me, that vote was doing my job to fight for their jobs."But Mandel seemed to indicate he opposed all bailouts. "I'm not a bailout senator," he said. "There's no government bailout that I can think of that I would ever support."
Source: Dayton Daily News on 2012 Ohio Senate debate
Oct 25, 2012
Josh Mandel:
Time will prove widespread fraud & 2020 election stolen
At the heart of the impeachment trial is whether Trump incited the Jan. 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol as Congress began to certify the Electoral College votes. Trump urged his supporters in the months leading up to and on the day itself to
challenge the results based on unfounded claims that widespread fraud tipped the election to his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden.
Mandel said time will prove that Trump won the election. "I think over time, we're going to see studies come out that evidence widespread fraud," he claimed. "You know, what you see with any type of fraud, it usually
takes time to investigate it and to dig it out, and it might be months, it might be years, it might be decades. But I think when we look back on this election, we'll see in large part that it was stolen from President Trump."
Source: WKYC 3News on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Feb 10, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Would allow churches to endorse candidates
Mandel has created a faith outreach team whose first goal is repeal of a federal law prohibiting religious organizations and other charitable groups from backing political candidates. Mandel says the 1954 Johnson Amendment is "overreaching."
The amendment prohibits nonprofits with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, including churches, universities and many foundations, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.
Source: WOSU Public Radio on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Feb 10, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Will co-sponsor and vote for U.S. Term Limits Amendment
Today I pledge that as a member of the Senate I will cosponsor and vote for the U.S. Term Limits Amendment of three (3) House terms and two (2) Senate terms. Washington has become a cesspool of swamp creatures and self-serving politicians.
By signing this pledge, I am promising to you, the people of Ohio, that we will end the cycle of self-serving politicians who care more about lobbyists and cocktail parties than they do We The People.
Source: 2021 Ohio Senate campaign website JoshMandel.com
Apr 7, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Over time we'll see election was stolen from Trump
Mandel said time will prove that Trump won the election. "I think over time, we're going to see studies come out that evidence widespread fraud," he claimed. "You know, what you see with any type of fraud, it usually takes time to investigate it and to
dig it out, and it might be months, it might be years, it might be decades. But I think when we look back on this election, we'll see in large part that it was stolen from President Trump."
Source: WKYC on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Apr 18, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Would allow churches to endorse candidates
Mandel has created a faith outreach team whose first goal is repeal of a federal law prohibiting religious organizations and other charitable groups from backing political candidates.
Mandel says the 1954 Johnson Amendment is "overreaching." The amendment prohibits nonprofits with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, including churches, universities and many foundations, from endorsing or opposing political candidates.
Source: WOSU 89.7 FM on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Aug 29, 2017
Joyce Beatty:
Limit campaign contributions & campaigm spending
Q: Do you support limiting individual contributions to state legislative candidates?A: Yes.
Q: PAC contributions?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Parties?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of
campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Source: Ohio Legislative 2000 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Mike DeWine:
Opposed McCain-Feingold bill limiting political donations
Q: Campaign Finance: Limit political donations from corporations & unions?Richard Cordray (D): Yes.
Supported McCain-Feingold bill. Also supports public financing of campaigns.
Mike DeWine (R): No. Voted against McCain-Feingold.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Mike Gibbons:
Opposes making voter registration easier
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?
A: Oppose
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate
Apr 24, 2018
Lee Fisher:
Campaign spending limits, but no state funding
Q: Do you support current limits on the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates: Individual?A: Yes.
Q: PAC?
A: Yes.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance
information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q:
Source: Ohio Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Matt Dolan:
Get government out of the way of leading job creators
The government doesn't create jobs, but it can destroy them. I've hired employees. I've signed both sides of a check. I know what it means to deal with recessions, high taxes, regulation and onerous government burdens. In the State Legislature,
I've led the way in expanding workplace freedoms, cutting taxes and getting government out of the way of Ohio's leading job creators. I will do the same in the U.S. Senate.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Matt Dolan:
H2Ohio: $300M for four co-sponsored clean water bills
- Dolan authored the Great Lakes Compact in Ohio to protect water from being drained or wasted away.
- Dolan fixed budget shortfalls for the conservation & preservation of hunting, fishing and trapping areas.
- Dolan saw to it that $300 million
was invested in the H2Ohio program to improve statewide water quality and infrastructure.
- Dolan co-sponsored and passed four clean water bills to improve and protect Ohio's watersheds, reduce phosphorus runoff and coordinate efforts statewide.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Matt Dolan:
I strongly support Voter ID and upholding accurate rolls
I strongly support Voter ID and upholding accurate rolls. I will stand in opposition to any federal law that loosens or undermines the integrity and strength of Ohio's independent election system.
Voted to urge the U.S. Congress to reject Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer's unconstitutional overreach into state elections (federal bill HR 1).
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Michael Pryce:
Remove all contribution & spending limits on campaigns
Q: Do you support increasing the amount individuals are permitted to contribute to federal campaigns?A: Yes.
Q: Should Congress regulate indirect campaign contributions from corporations and unions?
A: No.
Q: Do you support removing all contribution limits on federal campaigns?
A: Yes.
Q: Should candidates for federal office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
A: No.
Source: Ohio Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Mike DeWine:
Supports purging voter rolls
Q: Support stricter voting rules such major voter purges, even if they prevent some people from voting?Richard Cordray (D): No. "The right to vote is vital to our democracy."
Make it "more accessible to Ohioans," don't take it away."
Mike DeWine (R): Yes. Applauds US Supreme Court decision upholding Ohio's strict method for purging voter rolls.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Mike DeWine:
Not healthy when people think election system isn't working
When we do mail ballots we have verification. I think Ohio sets a very high bar. And that's what we're used to dealing with in the state of Ohio. And I think, frankly, that should be the bar across the country. I'm not saying other states don't do it
well. But I'm saying we have to restore confidence in the people in this process. You can go through and talk about why we have this. The reality is, it's not healthy in our system for that many people to think the system's not working.
Source: CNN State of the Union on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Jan 3, 2021
Mike Gibbons:
Signed term limit pledge
Gibbons signed the U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge and said that he would only serve a maximum of two terms in the U.S. Senate. Mike Gibbons said, "I'm not running for Senate as the next step in my political career,
I'm running to get things done." The Pledge is a promise to sponsor and vote for an Amendment that would limit Senators to two terms.
Source: 2018 Ohio Senatorial website GibbonsForOhio.com
Oct 15, 2017
Nan Whaley:
Expand registration by moving deadline closer to election
In a letter signed by 22 prominent elected Democrats, leaders called for more than one early-vote site per county to prevent crowding and expanding voter registration by moving the deadline closer to
Election Day, as well as automatically registering voters who have recently filed for unemployment benefits. Signers include Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.
Source: Toledo Blade on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
May 11, 2020
Nina Turner:
Keep "Golden Week" for registration and early voting
SB 238 shortens the early, in-person voting period by eliminating the week-long window where voters may simultaneously register to vote and cast an early in-person ballot (otherwise known as "Golden Week")ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:
SB 238 moves Ohio election administration in the wrong direction. Eliminating "Golden Week" and shortening the early voting period will needlessly complicate the voting process and place additional burdens on voters. Voters with disabilities,
seniors, the homeless, new residents, people with a lack of transportation, among many others, have utilized Golden Week as a flexible way to register & vote simultaneously. While the bill's sponsors may point to concerns over possible voting
irregularities, there is almost no evidence to justify those fears.
Legislative outcome:Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 20, 2013; Sen. Turner voted NAY; passed House, 59-37-3, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 238
Nov 20, 2013
Nina Turner:
Don't require "complete" ID on absentee ballots
SB 205 revises the law regarding the mailing of absent voter's ballots, permitting election boards to discard votes cast where an absentee ballot identification envelope is "incomplete," in addition to the current language of "insufficient."
ACLU-Ohio opinion on this bill:While SB 205 does make some positive improvements for voters with disabilities, it fails on several fronts to make voting easier for Ohioans. One of the most concerning aspects of SB 205 is the addition of the
word "incomplete" in reference to a voter's absentee ballot identification envelope. Giving discretion to a few election officials to define exactly what this word means is likely to result in more ballots not being counted. Additionally, this language
is overly broad and could violate federal law.
Legislative outcome:Passed Senate, 22-10-1, on Nov. 6, 2013; Sen. Turner voted NAY; passed House, 60-38-1, on Feb. 19, 2014; signed by Gov. Kasich, Feb. 21, 2014
Source: ACLU commentary on Ohio legislative voting records: SB 205
Nov 6, 2013
P.G. Sittenfeld:
Constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United
Q: What new ideas have you put out that qualifies you for Senate?A: One thing that is new in the sense that it is not implemented right now: I do believe we need a Constitutional amendment to overturn the post-Citizens United corrosive role of money
in politics.
Q: That's not a new issue, though. Since the Supreme Court ruling, that's been an issue.
A: I'm trying to put forth things that aren't currently in play. If we get more leaders like me, we can make it happen.
Source: OTI transcript of Cincinnati Enquirer: 2016 Ohio Senate race
May 12, 2015
P.G. Sittenfeld:
The right to cast a ballot is under assault
Fifty years ago, the struggle for civil rights took a giant step forward when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 became the law of our land. But today, the right to cast a ballot freely and have it counted fairly is under assault. Two years ago, the
Supreme Court invalidated a key provision of the Voting Rights Act. And in states all across America--including Ohio--cut-backs in early voting and calls for photo IDs--which an estimated 25% of African-Americans don't have--are the transparent tools of
voter suppression.
Republicans say they're only trying to stop voter fraud. But even in the hotly contested 2004 Presidential election, Ohio's rate of voter fraud was 4/1000 of 1%--or roughly the same odds as being struck and killed by lightening.
So the real fraud isn't coming from voters. The real fraud is coming from politicians--and we can't let them get away with it.
Source: 2016 Ohio Senate race: Center of Hope Baptist Church speech
Aug 9, 2015
Richard Cordray:
Limit political donations from corporations & unions
Q: Campaign Finance: Limit political donations from corporations & unions?Richard Cordray (D): Yes.
Supported McCain-Feingold bill. Also supports public financing of campaigns.
Mike DeWine (R): No. Voted against McCain-Feingold.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Richard Cordray:
The right to vote is vital to our democracy
Q: Support stricter voting rules such major voter purges, even if they prevent some people from voting?Richard Cordray (D): No. "The right to vote is vital to our democracy."
Make it "more accessible to Ohioans," don't take it away."
Mike DeWine (R): Yes. Applauds US Supreme Court decision upholding Ohio's strict method for purging voter rolls.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Sherrod Brown:
Special interests shouldn't have louder voice than families
Q: Require political ads to disclose their largest funders?Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. "Special interests should not have a louder voice. than middle-class families."
Jim Renacci (R): No stand found. Did support strengthening Federal Elections Commission.
Q: Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?
Sherrod Brown (D):
No. "Corporations are not people." Supports amendment to overturn.
Jim Renacci (R): Yes. Considers political donations to be political speech--"the most protected speech there is."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Sherrod Brown:
Photo-ID rules discourage people from voting
Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter voting rules like photo-ID requirements?Sherrod Brown (D):
No. Should be encouraging people. Photo-ID rules make it harder.
Jim Renacci (R): Unknown.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ted Strickland:
Citizens United lets billionaires' dark money buy elections
Q: Should the US Congress address the influence of money in politics, especially in light of the US Supreme Court decision in Citizens United?Ted Strickland: The Supreme Court's Citizens United decision opened the doors to unlimited dark money and
for millionaires and billionaires to try and buy elections for themselves. It undermines our democracy and rightly makes people even more frustrated with politics. It has created a rigged system where the Washington establishment and the wealthy special
interests spend millions to elect those like Senator Portman who are pushing their agenda at our expense. In the U.S. Senate, I will work to overturn Citizens United so that to our country cannot be bought and sold, and I'll support additional
campaign finance reforms to increase transparency and accountability in campaign donations and spending. I will also support Supreme Court judges that will put our democracy before the interests of corporate billionaires.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters on 2016 Ohio Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Ted Strickland:
Overturn Citizens United with constitutional amendment
Q: On Campaign Finance: Support Supreme Court's Citizens United decision, which allows unlimited independent political expenditures by corporations and unions?Portman: Yes
Strickland: No. Supports constitutional amendment to overturn.
Q: On Campaign Finance: Do you support the DISCLOSE Act, which requires key funders of political ads to put their names on those ads?
Portman: No. Voted against it.
Strickland: Yes
Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2016
Tim Ryan:
End deeply partisan way district lines are drawn
I would make sure that voters are choosing the politicians who will represent them, not the other way around. We need real redistricting reform in Ohio. The way in which our congressional district lines are currently drawn has everything to do with the
deeply partisan nature of our politics. This must end. The goal in Ohio must be to create a redistricting process that is non-partisan and make districts more representative of the communities within them.
Source: Mahoning Matters on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Oct 29, 2020
Mike DeWine:
Consolidate services in new Dept. of Children and Youth
We quickly learned that the supports we provide Ohio children are strewn across departments, agencies, and offices, sometimes causing duplication and inefficiencies. I am proposing the creation of a new Cabinet-level agency, called the "Department of
Children and Youth." This statewide agency will allow us to have a sharp focus on children's issues. Our proposed Department of Children and Youth Services will consolidate programs from six different state agencies.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Ohio legislature
Jan 31, 2023
Bernie Moreno:
Wants Constitutional convention to propose term limits
U.S. Term Limits Ohio State Chair Bernie Moreno will be the featured speaker at the annual Lincoln Day Dinner held by the Wayne County Republican Party. "Over 80% of Ohioans favor congressional term limits," Moreno said in the release. "My job is to
make sure their voice is heard in Columbus and Ohio adopts a resolution calling for an amendment-proposing convention for an Article V convention for proposing a Congressional Term Limits."
Source: Yahoo! Sports on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Apr 27, 2023
Frank LaRose:
Election integrity can become undone if Democrats win
LaRose has made comments calling into question the integrity of the political party he opposes when it comes to elections. "Ohio's become THE leader for election integrity," he tweeted in April. "But that can all become undone if the Democrats win."
In spite of Trump's continued false claims of widespread election fraud in the 2020 election that continue to this day, LaRose this year continued to tout Trump as an authority on election fraud.
Source: News5 Cleveland on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Oct 5, 2022
Bernie Moreno:
Support voter ID laws: Easy to vote, hard to cheat
Voting Rules : Make voting harder or easier?- Sherrod Brown (D): Easier. Supported expanding early voting, voting by mail, and same-day registration. "Make it (voting) as easy as possible."
-
Bernie Moreno (R): Likely harder. Criticized Democrats for fighting against "voter ID laws." Called for "election integrity.... Easy to vote, hard to cheat."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Sherrod Brown:
Expand early voting & voting by mail
Voting Rules : Make voting harder or easier?- Sherrod Brown (D): Easier. Supported expanding early voting, voting by mail, and same-day registration. "Make it (voting) as easy as possible."
-
Bernie Moreno (R): Likely harder. Criticized Democrats for fighting against "voter ID laws." Called for "election integrity.... Easy to vote, hard to cheat."
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Bernie Moreno:
America is last best hope; fight like hell to protect this
If we don't fight here and now, there's nowhere left to go. There is no other country that respects the sanctity of life, freedom and liberty, and religious independence like America.
We are and have always been the last, best hope and we need to fight like hell to protect this.
Government is out of control. We the people tell the government what they can do, not the other way around. We can't be ruled by fear.
We all need to listen to each other--but politicians need to listen to the demands of the people more than the people need to listen to demands from "the experts." That's true on every issue.
Source: 2021 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Apr 19, 2021
Matt Dolan:
Support strong election integrity laws
Q: People should be able to vote without photo identification?A: Strongly Disagree
Q: What laws would you propose to change present voting practices?
A: Ohio has secure elections thanks to the strong election integrity laws. Voter fraud in our
state is extremely rare with only 13 cases of fraud in 2020. I support state-initiated Voter ID & upholding the maintenance of accurate roles. I oppose federal laws that loosens or undermines the integrity & strength of state's rights to hold elections.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2022 Ohio Senate race
May 3, 2022
Mike DeWine:
Companies like our business-friendly regulatory environment
Companies are coming here because of our exceedingly business-friendly regulatory environment. Since taking office, we have created a culture in our agencies that is not a "gotcha" culture, but one where we help businesses get from point A to point B.
In partnership with the General Assembly, all of our agencies have reduced their rules by 30 percent, and we will continue these efforts to ease the burdens on business and streamline our government.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Ohio legislature
Mar 12, 2025
Michael Rulli:
Require 60% vote to approve any constitutional amendment
SJR2--Require 60% vote to approve any constitutional amendment:CNN August 8, 2023: Ohio voters rejected an effort to raise the threshold to amend the state's constitution ahead of a November referendum on whether to constitutionally
guarantee abortion rights there. Known as Issue 1, the measure would have changed Ohio's referendum law--lifting the threshold from a simple majority to 60%. Its passage would have effectively raised new obstacles to direct democracy, making it harder
for citizens to bypass the Ohio legislature with referendums. The measure was a GOP-led effort targeting an upcoming referendum in which voters will decide whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution. A broad coalition that rallied
Ohioans to "Vote No on Issue 1" vowed to mount an aggressive campaign to protect abortion rights.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 26-7-0 on May/10/23; State Sen. Michael Rulli voted YES; passed House 62-37-0 on May10/23.
Source: CNN on Ohio OH-SJR2 SB23 voting records
Aug 8, 2023
Amy Acton:
Insist on transparency; mandate more disclosure
As Governor, I will shine light on the process, insisting on transparency, mandating more disclosure, reforming our campaign finance system, and opening bidding,
contracting, and appointment processes to ensure decisions are made on behalf of the public, and not private interests or big donors.
Source: 2026 Ohio Governor campaign website ActonForGovernor.com
Dec 31, 2025
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2026