In this week's Snollygoster, Ohio's political podcast from WOSU Public Media, Mike Thompson and Steve Brown discuss whether Democrats can flip Ohio's 12th congressional district - both in the upcoming special election and again in November.
We also examine the response from Ohio Republicans to President Trump's controversial statements on Russia. Cleveland.com columnist Thomas Suddes joins the conversation.
Listen to Snollygoster on theWOSU Public Media mobile app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to leave a rating and review!
In this week's episode:
Wouldn't It Be Nice?
After President Trump seemed to give Russia a pass on interfering in U.S. elections, many members of the GOP were critical, calling his performance everything from embarrassing to treasonous. Sen. Rob Portman stated that he was "troubled" by the president's words and later said he was glad the president clarified his statement.
Some reactions were more extreme. One Republican Party leader in southeast Ohio decided to resign after watching President Trump's remarks, saying "something just snapped" in him.
A Very Special Election
Ohio's 12th congressional district is wide open after longtime Rep. Pat Tiberi stepped down last year. After an incredibly crowded primary, both parties have narrowed down their candidates, and it's a tight race. Democrat Danny O'Connor is ahead in early voting but Republican state Rep. Troy Balderson has a lead in the polls.
No matter what happens in August's special election, we'll have to do it all over again when the candidates face off in November.
John Kasich GPS
Our governor was ready and available to join cable news shows to denounce the President over his Russia comments.
