Ohio: A Potential Switch

Two Ohio news sources, the Cincinnati Enquirer and the Ohio Fox News affiliate, are reporting that Rep. Jim Renacci (R-Wadsworth) will soon announce he is switching from the gubernatorial race to instead challenge incumbent Sherrod Brown (D) in the Senate race.   Last week, the leading Republican Senate candidate, state Treasurer Josh Mandel, announced he would not pursue his campaign because of a health situation involving his wife.   At the time, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Rep. Renacci both said they would consider switching to the Senate campaign.  Later, Ms. Taylor declared that she would remain in the Governor’s race, but it appears that Rep. Renacci will make the switch.
 
The Governor’s race drastically changed in late November, when two of the top Republican candidates, Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted, decided to join forces and run as a team.  This makes Mr. DeWine the man to beat for the gubernatorial nomination and allows Mr. Husted the inside track to becoming the Lt. Governor nominee.  Rep. Renacci moving to the Senate race would continue to pressure Sen. Brown.  Investor Michael Gibbons is also in the Republican race, and intends to continue his campaign. 

--Jim Ellis