State of Ohio Archives: on Homeland Security
Bernie Moreno:
A strong American military is the only way to ensure peace
A strong American military, the best in the world, is the only way to ensure peace. We need to ensure they are properly funded and have the resources they need to keep us safe.
Our heroic veterans put everything on the line to fight for our freedoms. We need to make sure we don't forget their sacrifices and always take care of them.
Source: 2022 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com
Dec 24, 2021
Connie Pillich:
Advocate for veterans, financially and community
As a State Representative, Connie worked with Democrats and Republicans in support of military service members by introducing bipartisan legislation to connect veterans to their benefits, help military families meet the financial challenges of military
transfers, and help veterans and their families get back to work.Connie continues to advocate for veterans and the military community and serves on the boards of the Truman National Security Project, Vote Vets, and the Resurrecting Lives Foundation
Source: 2018 Ohio gubernatorial campaign website ConniePillich.com
May 2, 2017
Eric Deaton:
More spending on military R&D and hardware
Deaton indicated the following priorities regarding spending levels: - Slightly Increase Intelligence operations
- Slightly Increase Military hardware
- Maintain Status on
National missile defense
- Maintain Status on salary and benefits for active duty personnel
- Maintain Status on Programs to improve troop retention rates
- Greatly Increase Research and development of new weapons
Source: Ohio Congressional 2010 Political Courage Test
Aug 11, 2010
Jane Timken:
Supports investing in our military and veterans
Despite the 2020 election loss for the former president, Timken thinks that the America First agenda is still on the minds of Ohio voters. "They like President Trump's policies," she said. "If you think about what he was able to accomplish, whether it
was securing the border or being strong on a national foreign policy stage. Our economy was booming before the pandemic, we had invested in our military and veterans. Those are things that resonate with voters and they still resonate with voters."
Source: Lima News on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Jun 18, 2021
Jim Renacci:
Ensure Armed Forces have resources they need; end sequester
One of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that our Armed Forces have the resources they need in order to protect our national security, both at home and abroad. That is why I have consistently supported policies that provide our military
with the right tools during active duty and the benefits they deserve as veterans for their commitment and service to our great nation.In an increasingly dangerous world, it is critical that we do not let a difficult fiscal environment threaten our
ability to keep the American people safe. The President's sequester threatens our national security as it drastically reduces defense spending while ignoring the primary drivers of our debt. This is why in May and Dec. 2012, I voted in support of
legislation that would have provided specific, planned spending reductions in order to replace the across the board sequester cuts for one year. As we evaluate proposals to reduce our debt, we must ensure that we do not cut core defense needs.
Source: 2018 Ohio gubernatorial campaign website renacci.house.gov
May 2, 2017
Joe Schiavoni:
Against military transgender ban
The gay pride parade comes in light of President Donald Trump's call for a ban preventing transgender people from serving in the military.
Schiavoni has been to several pride parades. "I think it's pretty ridiculous. If people want to serve our country I don't care what gender they are. If they want to serve, and they're able to serve then that should be the bottom line," said Schiavoni.
Source: WFMJ on 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Jul 29, 2017
Jon Husted:
Proclaimed Ohio a Hidden Heroes State for veteran caregivers
Gov. Mike DeWine is working to ensure that military and veteran caregivers are recognized and have access to helpful resources and support. DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted signed a proclamation which designates Ohio as a Hidden Heroes State.
The proclamation states since World War II, there has been 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers who are caring for wounded or ill service members. Those caregivers are often parents, spouses, siblings, children and friends.
Source: WLWT-TV5-NBC on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Aug 3, 2021
Josh Mandel:
AdWatch: served as Marine in Iraq; grandson of a soldier
Mandel last week aired a positive ad for the first time. Highlighting his military experience, the spot shows the 34-year-old Mandel, an Iraq War veteran, tying the laces on his Marine Corps boots, meeting with constituents and giving a speech. "Marine
veteran Josh Mandel knows America's strength begins with the middle class," the narrator says. "Grandson of a soldier and a blue-collar laborer, Josh Mandel served two tours in
Iraq, and came home to protect our tax dollars."The Mandel campaign fired back at his opponent's Sherrod Brown's ad spot [criticizing Mandel's Treasury hiring practices as nepotistic]. The campaign also used
Brown's ad in a fundraising pitch. "We'll take every dollar that we raise and use it to fund Josh's positive message of service to country and community," wrote Mandel's Campaign Manager in an email to supporters.
Source: RealClearPolitics' 2012 Ohio Senate ad review
Apr 27, 2012
Josh Mandel:
Supported reinstatement of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
Then there was the time in 2012 when nine of his family members took out an ad in their local newspaper blasting Mandel for his antigay views, which include opposing same-sex marriage, voting against extending employment non-discrimination protections
to LGBTQ people, and supporting the reinstatement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Adding yet another layer of weirdness to the matter is the fact that Mandel himself has two gay cousins, one of whom served in the military.
Source: Queerty blog on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Feb 10, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Claims Muslim civil rights group CAIR has terrorism ties
Mandel has been amping up his attention towards Islamic extremism while gearing up for his planned rematch with Sen. Sherrod Brown in the 2018 election. In a series of tweets, Mandel alleges the Council on American-Islamic Relations
Source: Fox-19 NOW on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Feb 10, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Supported reinstatement of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy
Then there was the time in 2012 when nine of his family members took out an ad in their local newspaper blasting Mandel for his antigay views, which include opposing same-sex marriage, voting against extending employment non-discrimination
protections to LGBTQ people, and supporting the reinstatement of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Adding yet another layer of weirdness to the matter is the fact that Mandel himself has two gay cousins, one of whom served in the military.
Source: Queerty.com on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Apr 18, 2021
Josh Mandel:
Claims Muslim civil rights group has terrorism ties
Mandel has been amping up his attention towards Islamic extremism while gearing up for his planned rematch with Sen. Sherrod Brown in the 2018 election. In a series of tweets,
Mandel alleges the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest civil rights group for Muslims in the U.S., has financial ties to terrorist organizations such a Hamas citing questionable evidence.
Source: Fox 19 NOW on 2022 Ohio Senate race
Aug 29, 2017
Lee Fisher:
Let anyone serve who is willing; end don't-ask-don't-tell
On Don't ask, don't tell, Portman says it should be up to the military to decide whether to repeal the policy on gays in the military. Fisher said if someone is willing to serve and risk their lives,
Americans should thank them regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation.
Source: Dayton Daily News coverage of 2010 Ohio Senate debate
Oct 13, 2010
Matt Dolan:
Set aside political correctness to keep America safe
Ohio is home to one of the largest populations of U.S. military veterans in America. These men and women represent the best of America. Those who have selflessly answered their nation's call should not be forced to sleep on the streets or
struggle to access the benefits and healthcare they earned. I will be a tireless advocate for upholding America's promise to those who have worn the uniform.
The most important duty of our next U.S. Senator will be protecting the nation. We need leaders in Congress who set aside political correctness to keep America safe.
This begins with being clear about the nature of present threats and preparing for the future in a way that funds our military and leverages the full breadth of American power to fortify alliances and defend vital interests at home and abroad.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Mike DeWine:
Brown voted 10 times to cut intelligence spending
DEWINE: Brown voted 10 separate times to cut our intelligence spending.BROWN: You know better than making charges like that, that are just unsubstantiated.
DEWINE: The roll call was there.
BROWN: I ultimately voted every time for those
intelligence budgets. And he knows that.
DEWINE: The majority of times of those 10 times where Sherrod Brown voted to cut our intelligence spending, he was the minority even of his own party.
Source: 2006 Ohio Senate Debate on NBC Meet the Press
Oct 1, 2006
Mike DeWine:
I don't have confidence in Rumsfeld
Q: Looking back at the war, should President Bush have replaced the Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld?DeWINE: I've already said I don't have confidence in Rumsfeld.He's made major mistakes in this war. There's absolutely no doubt about it.
The decision to put Rumsfeld in was made by the president, and that's his decision to keep. I was not elected president of the United States, the president was. That's why we have elections.
Q: Would you urge the president to replace him?
DeWINE: By saying I don't have confidence, it makes it pretty clear what I think.
Q: That you're urging the president?
DeWINE: I don't think that he's done a good job.
Q: Who would you put in there?
DeWINE: I'm not going to the point of specula
Source: 2006 Ohio Senate Debate on NBC Meet the Press
Oct 1, 2006
Mike Gibbons:
Must have the best weapons
The first priority of the United States military is to protect the United States of America, period. Our allies need to be able to trust us, and our enemies need to fear us.That means we must continue to make sure that
we have the best-equipped, best-trained military in the world. We must continue to invest in high-tech weapons systems to make sure our men and women in uniform have the tools they need to win any battle.
Source: 2018 Ohio Senatorial website GibbonsForOhio.com
Oct 15, 2017
Mike Gibbons:
Expand the military
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Expand the military"?
A: Strongly Support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate
Apr 24, 2018
Rob Portman:
Let the military decide on don't-ask-don't-tell
On Don't ask, don't tell, Portman says it should be up to the military to decide whether to repeal the policy on gays in the military. Fisher said if someone is willing to serve and risk their lives,
Americans should thank them regardless of their religion, race or sexual orientation.
Source: Dayton Daily News coverage of 2010 Ohio Senate debate
Oct 13, 2010
Sherrod Brown:
Voted every time in favor of final intelligence budgets
DEWINE: Brown voted 10 separate times to cut our intelligence spending.BROWN: You know better than making charges like that, that are just unsubstantiated.
DEWINE: The roll call was there.
BROWN: I ultimately voted every time for those
intelligence budgets. And he knows that.
DEWINE: The majority of times of those 10 times where Sherrod Brown voted to cut our intelligence spending, he was the minority even of his own party.
Source: 2006 Ohio Senate Debate on NBC Meet the Press [X-ref DeWine]
Oct 1, 2006
Sherrod Brown:
Screen returning veterans for PTSD, and offer entitlements
Q: After war, many veterans struggle upon re-entering society as they deal with injuries, homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder. What are you and the U.S. Senate specifically doing to combat this?SB: The Department of Defense and the VA
knows veterans are returning home the moment they get home. One of the things we have done is better connect the two so they're talking to each other. We also want the VA to get the men and women coming home from overseas screened and tested for
head injuries or potential post-traumatic stress disorder. We're also working to ensure veterans receive the reimbursements they're entitled to and have better care.
Q: What can the average American do to support veterans returning back to the U.S.?
SB: A lot of politicians vote to fund wars, but they're not willing to support veterans. The more people in Sandusky, Monroeville, Bellevue and Huron that speak out and support our veterans, the better Congress will respond.
Source: Sandusky Register on 2018 Ohio Senate race
Jan 1, 2017
Warren Davidson:
Equip our military for victory, and fix the VA
We need leaders in Congress who can hold the administration accountable for effectively waging the wars we declare and equipping our military for victory. On national security, Warren will lead!
Let's keep our nation safe, give our soldiers what they need, and defeat ISIS. Warren will hold Congress' feet to the fire by insisting that they have the same healthcare as the Veterans Administration (VA).
The federal government can't manage healthcare for 3 million veterans, and they want to inflict their solution on 300 million citizens.
By letting Congress experience the inadequacies of the VA, we will not only fix the VA, but also gain consensus on solutions that work.
Source: 2016 Ohio House campaign website DavidsonForCongress.com
Oct 9, 2016
Vivek Ramaswamy:
We are way behind; need modern Monroe Doctrine
We need a modern Monroe Doctrine in this country. The dirty little secret, Maria, is that much of our military defense spending in the last several decades has not actually gone to national defense. The reality is, if we do enter a serious conflict, and
I worry that Joe Biden is sleepwalking us into potential nuclear conflict with Russia, and Russia and China being in a military alliance with one another that would mean both nations.
The reality is, we need defense capabilities of the homeland, nuclear defense capabilities, cyber defense capabilities, super
EMP, electromagnetic pulse capabilities, that could take out our electric grid. We are way behind. And so the hallmark of my foreign policy is going to be you don't mess with the homeland. Start with that first.
Source: Fox News on 2026 Ohio Governor race
May 4, 2023
Frank LaRose:
Underfunding military is biggest threat to national security
Frank knows first-hand that freedom isn't free, and a strong national defense is essential to protecting democracy--both at home and around the world. For nearly 20 years, Sherrod Brown has worked to undermine and underfund our military, and he's been a
staunch supporter of the Biden Administration's foreign policy failures. No one knows better than Frank LaRose that our biggest threat to national security is under-funding our military. Brown has consistently voted to cut funding for troops.
Source: 2024 Ohio Senate campaign website FrankLaRose.com
Jul 25, 2023
Matt Dolan:
Islamic terrorism remains a clear threat
Q: What should the US do to help eradicate the threat of Islamic terrorism?A: Islamic terrorism remains a clear danger to U.S. national security and the security of our allies. We should not reenter into the flawed Iran Deal because it funds terrorism
and will make the world less safe. The U.S. should work with our allies on a case-by-case basis to facilitate policies that combat the growth of radical extremism and also remain vigilant in sharing valuable intelligence that keeps free people safe.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2022 Ohio Senate race
May 3, 2022
Jon Husted:
Invest hundreds of millions in next-generation weapons
Ohio's defense industry has always done its part to keep America secure, but China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea are more aggressive than ever. The Big Beautiful Bill keeps
America strong by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Ohio manufacturers that produce next-generation weapons. We're safeguarding Americans by deterring--and, if necessary, defeating--our enemies.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch on 2026 Ohio Senate race
Jul 25, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026