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“I talked with DeWine twice today (Monday), and one time earlier in the past few days,” Jones told this news organization. “We had a lengthy conversation.”
That conversation included the U.S. Senate race, for which Jones has been courted by some in Columbus to replace Mandel, who dropped out of the race last week, citing health concerns with his wife, Ilana.
Jones wouldn’t share the details of that conversation on the Senate race, saying it was “private” — he said he’s “still looking” into a possible bid — but did share that he and DeWine talked about what the attorney general’s goals would be as governor.
“We talked about quite a few things, about what he was going to do for the state of Ohio, sanctuary cities and fighting the drugs,” Jones said.
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Jones said DeWine has worked to crack down on drug cartels and dealers that bring fentanyl into Ohio.
Jim Renacci, another gubernatorial candidate, also called, Jones said, after the DeWine-Husted campaign sent out a release about the sheriff’s support.
“I told him that I supported Mike DeWine and Jon Husted because I feel, to begin with, I’ve known Mike DeWine for quite some time, and he’s a fine attorney general and I knew him when he was the lieutenant governor,” Jones said. “And I know he’s going to win. I feel he’s going to be the best for the state of Ohio, and he’s going to win.”
He said Renacci is “a nice man and a good guy, but I believe he should get out of the race at this point and he should get behind DeWine and Husted.”
This news organization has reached out to the Renacci campaign for comments.
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor is the other Republican candidate seeking to be the party’s nominee for the November election.
Democrats seeking to win the May primary to be their party’s nominee in November include Richard Cordray, former Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and former Ohio Attorney General; Dave Kiefer, former Wayne County Commissioner; Bill O’Neill, Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court; Connie Pillich, former state representative; Joe Schiavoni, state senator and former Minority Leader of the Ohio Senate; Betty Sutton, former U.S. Representative; and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley.
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