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“I’m a conservative outsider who’s unafraid to debate a professional politician,” Gibbons said. “When voters hear the philosophical differences between Congressman Renacci and me, they overwhelmingly want to support our campaign. Congressman Renacci has terrible ratings from leading conservative organizations and wants to bring back earmarks among other issues. I look forward to talking about the issues with Jim around Ohio.”
Renacci, 59, whose first political office was Wadsworth Mayor from 2004 to 2008, had considered a bid for Ohio governor but declined when Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel dropped out of his U.S. Senate bid, citing his wife's health.
The four-term Republican Congressman out of Wadsworth doesn’t appear as if he’ll be accepting Gibbons’ challenge.
RELATED: Josh Mandel drops out of U.S. Senate race, citing family health
“While the pro-choice, ‘ideologically flexible’ Mike Gibbons is busy debating himself on everything from abortion to the reasons why every leading conservative and the White House support Jim Renacci, Jim will remain focused on spreading his common sense conservative message across the state and defeating liberal career politician Sherrod Brown in November,” said Brittany Martinez, Renacci for Senate communications director.
The winner of the May 8 primary election will face incumbent U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland, in November.
Gibbons has already received a handful of endorsements from county Republican parties, and state, county and local leaders in various corners of the state — including Jones. Renacci has received endorsements from several county parties, the Ohio Republican Party, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman and President Donald Trump.
RELATED: If Trump asks, Renacci would run for U.S. Senate
The seventh-largest county in Ohio — Butler County — could not reach an endorsement decision in January in this U.S. Senate race (nor could they endorse in the Ohio governor’s race).
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