In a move that has sparked controversy among conservatives, Ohio's Republican Governor Mike DeWine has taken steps to ensure President Joe Biden's name appears on the state's November ballot.
This comes as the Democratic Party's official nomination of their candidate, presumably Biden, is set to occur too late to meet Ohio's ballot access laws. Although this is not an unprecedented situation, it has typically been resolved quietly by the state's legislators. However, in 2024, it threatens to ignite a partisan conflict in Ohio's GOP-dominated legislature.
On Thursday, Governor DeWine announced his intention to convene a special session of the Ohio General Assembly on May 28. The goal of this session is to pass legislation that guarantees both former President Donald Trump and President Biden will be on Ohio's November ballot. Additionally, DeWine is urging lawmakers to enact legislation that bans campaign spending by foreign nationals.
In a statement, DeWine expressed his concern over the dwindling time left to secure a spot for the incumbent President on the fall ballot, stating, "Ohio is running out of time to get the sitting President of the United States on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is unacceptable." He further emphasized that Ohioans should have the opportunity "to cast a vote for either of the major party candidates."
However, DeWine's call for swift action to rectify the situation and ensure Biden's inclusion on the November ballot has been met with backlash from many Trump supporters, who have labeled him a traitor.
Joe Mannarino, a conservative podcast host and political commentator, took to social media to denounce DeWine as a "traitor to his nation" for his efforts to get Biden on the ballot. He criticized DeWine's decision to call a special legislative session to change the law, arguing, "This is why Republicans lose."
Sean Parnell, a former U.S. Army airborne Ranger and author, echoed Mannarino's sentiments, accusing DeWine of going to great lengths to ensure Biden's presence on the Ohio ballot, thereby aiding Democrats. He urged Republicans like DeWine to "wake up."
DeWine has also been accused of being a "RINO," or Republican in name only, and a covert Democrat. Some critics have even called for his replacement. Despite recent clashes with Trump, DeWine declined to endorse the former President as the Republican nominee for the 2024 election.
In a March interview with CNN, DeWine stated, "I've always said that I will support the Republican nominee. I'm a Republican." However, he also indicated his focus would be on local races and the United States Senate.
Despite the backlash, some members of the MAGA movement have supported DeWine's efforts. Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, rumored to be a potential VP pick for Trump, commended DeWine's decision, calling it "the right call" and a "reasonable compromise."
However, not everyone views DeWine's actions as a noble attempt to transcend partisanship in the name of voters' rights. David Pepper, former chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, accused DeWine of favoring a right-wing approach to get Biden on the ballot, rather than a bipartisan solution.
Rachel Coyle, an Ohio politics enthusiast, criticized DeWine for endorsing a solution that would "weaken people power in Ohio by forcing ballot initiatives to act as PACs."
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