ohio debate commission
Debates are supported by 84% of Ohioans. Candidates should not ignore them
When a recent news story asked a former Ohio gubernatorial campaign manager about candidate debates this cycle, he said, “Campaigns respond to the electorate. They’re built to win. And if (doing debates) was a big deal, they would just do them.” Well, they are a big deal. According to a new USA TODAY Network/Suffolk University poll, voters […]
Healthy public debate is the essence of democracy
Most folks think of the Acropolis and the Parthenon when they think of the democracy of ancient Athens, but those were places of worship, which some do conflate with politics these days. It was on another hill, the Pnyx, where Athenian democracy grinded forward with all its inherent messiness. The Pynx was where, as early […]
Ohio’s U.S. Senate nominees trade debate plans
The Republican and Democratic nominees for Ohio’s open U.S. Senate seat are wrangling over participating in televised debates. As of Friday, it appears they will hold (at least) two. First out of the gate, Democrat Tim Ryan announced his commitment to three debates — two in or near his Youngstown-area congressional district and one in […]
Gov. DeWine turns down debate invitation without explanation
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine won’t participate in a primary debate later this month hosted by the Ohio Debate Commission. “No reason was given,” according to a commission statement. The decision comes as more conservative elements of the GOP express growing skepticism with the governor’s administration. Last month at the central committee meeting, a contingent within […]