Posted on 01/05/2018 11:45:00 AM PST by LS
Republican Josh Mandel has ended his bid for U.S. Senate in Ohio, citing health issues with his wife. The PPD Big Data Poll, also known as the PPD Buckeye State Battleground Poll, gave Mr. Mandel a solid edge against incumbent Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown.
In July, Mr. Mandel expanded his lead over Sen. Brown. In May, the state treasurer led 49% to 44%, but that 5-point advantage widened to 8 points, 50% to 42%.
In 2016, President Donald J. Trump easily defeated Hillary Clinton in Ohio, 52.1% to 43.5%. Republican Sen. Rob Portman crushed Clinton ally Ted Strickland, 58.3% to 36.9%.
Now, the race for U.S. Senate in Ohio has shifted back to Democrats unless Republicans can field a candidate with as much broad support.
Here’s the release:
—
Friends & Family,
Over a year ago, I launched a campaign for US Senate to make our state and country a better place for my children and yours. Since then, we’ve built a campaign that has us on a path to defeating Sherrod Brown this November. We’ve led him in every public poll and we’ve been the top fundraising Republican challenger in the country.
That being said, I was raised to believe that family always comes first. I still remember the first two words of advice my father gave me when Ilana and I had our first child: “Be there.” These were the same two words his father told him when I was born.
We recently learned that my wife has a health issue that will require my time, attention and presence. In other words, I need to be there.
Understanding and dealing with this health issue is more important to me than any political campaign. For as long as that takes, whether it is months or years, it is important that I heed my dad’s advice and be there for my wife and our kids.
After recent discussions with our family and healthcare professionals, it has become clear to us that it’s no longer possible for me to be away from home and on the campaign trail for the time needed to run a US Senate race.
Therefore, I’m writing today to let you know that I am ending my campaign for US Senate in order to be there for my wife and our three children. This was a difficult decision for us, but it’s the right one.
While unexpected, I accept that this changeof course is what God has in store for our family at this time. As we read in the Book of Proverbs, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it’s God’s purpose that prevails.”
The issues facing our country are profound and I believe we had a voice and perspective better than the current one in the office. At the same time, I think it’s important to acknowledge the respect I have for Senator Brown for having the passion to advocate for his beliefs and, as Teddy Roosevelt once aptly said, the courage to be “The Man in the Arena.”
I will continue to serve out the remainder of my term as State Treasurer and hope to have the opportunity to serve my state and country again in the future. But in the meantime, I must put my family first. I’m grateful for your understanding.
Josh
Anyone know what’s wrong with his wife or is this b*******
Wow, this is a big loss of a very competitive conservative candidate.
Prayers up for his wife’s health.
Josh Lost to Sherrod last time.
Mike Gibbons could beat Brown.
Dang! I was pulling for him. My gut instinct is this is seldom the WHOLE story, even if it is a real situation.
Serious health issues require good health benefits.
Who knows. Goody. DeWine.
Not the end of the world. Ohio has swung right so that seat is still on the radar.
John Kaschich is available.
It is bad news but at least we know the Rat is vulnerable.
Sherrod Brown is the Dick Durbin of Ohio - Always claiming he is for the working people then stabbing them in the back with his Senate votes. If it weren’t for Cleveland and their 131% voter turn out, Brown would have lost the last election.
Pig Vomit isn’t fit to serve as a toilet seat.
Very bad. The worry here is if Pig Vomit will try to run instead. I’d campaign for Sherrod Brown before I’d support him for anything. A treacherous scumbag like Willard.
God bless the man. Prayers for his wife.
[John Kaschich is available]
MITT is back. Wouldn’t be surprised to see JOHN take up where McCAIN left off.
My guess is that Kasich will step in
Putting aside a political career to care for an ailing wife makes him an even bigger winner in my book.
In a state as big as Ohio, there must be some other viable candidates.
I would like to see Jim Jordan run for the Senate against Sherrod Brown.
Jim Jordan would be my first choice as well. Unfortunately, I think that it is likelier that Jordan will prefer to stay in the House and that one of the prominent Republicans in the gubernatorial race (such as Lt. Gov. Taylor or Congressman Renacci) will switch to the Senate race.
I second the Jim Jordan idea. He has really impressed me as a great patriot.
I can see how it might be difficult to campaign when a spouse is undergoing chemo.
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