by Steve Bittenbender
Ohio lawmakers will return to Columbus on Tuesday trying to pass legislation to secure President Joe Biden’s name in the November election.
Gov. Mike DeWine called a special session behind schedule Thursday. At a brief press conference, the Republican governor was concerned, saying it was “ridiculous” that the legislation had not been passed sooner.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose said last month state law and the date of the Democratic National Convention were contradictory. The deadline to confirm candidate names in Ohio is Aug. 7; the convention will be held on August 19–22 in Chicago.
In early March, Biden had gathered enough delegates to declare the Democratic nomination.
DeWine noted that in previous years, lawmakers have made exceptions for both parties to accommodate when their conventions start after the state’s deadline. But time is running out for the Legislature to approve a remedy, whether indefinite or short-lived.
If the legislative effort fails, the governor said the matter would likely go to court, something he would prefer to avoid.
“I waited. I have been patient and my patience has run out,” he told reporters. “And I think Ohioans’ patience, their patience, should be wearing thin by now as well.”
Legislative leaders in both chambers did so expressed its willingness to adopt legislation to address this issue. However, in a statement issued after DeWine called the special session, House Speaker Jason Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, said the “will” to pass the bill was not sufficient among GOP lawmakers.
Biden’s issue won’t be the only issue to be discussed during the special session. DeWine also wants lawmakers to pass legislation that would prohibit foreign interests from participating in pro-vote political campaigns. Ohio senators included language in their bill that would also ensure the president appears on the ballot.
Stephens said an agreement had been reached on foreign money not being allowed to influence voters.
“We are using language that includes input from campaign finance experts and important stakeholders to deal with this issue,” he said. “This is language that explicitly and directly prohibits foreign influence in Ohio’s election campaigns while not unintentionally limiting citizens’ rights to be heard.”
While Democrats support ensuring their presidential nominee’s presence on the ballot, they oppose Senate Republicans’ plan. The state party said on the social media site X that following DeWine’s announcement, Columbus lawmakers have a proposal for real campaign finance reform.
“Corrupt Republican Party politicians prevented Ohioans from choosing who they wanted to be president and used the process to launch a witch hunt designed to limit Ohioans’ ability to hold their government accountable,” the statement read. “Instead of playing political games, we must pass an Ohio anti-corruption bill that would require dark money groups to identify their funders, disclose their spending and strengthen the ban on spending foreign money.”
– – –
Steve Bittenbender is a contributor Central Square.
“Joe Biden Campaign” photo by President Joe Biden.
