I just got home from a rally at a place in downtown Cincinnati on 6th Street, called The Backstage Event Center. Among the Republican candidates who spoke at this boisterous event, one week before a major election, were Congressman Warren Davis, Senator Rob Portman, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, and oh yeah, me.
Prior to that, I’d been at the Patricia Corbett Theatre on UC’s campus, debating for the third and last time, my opponent for Congress this year, Aftab Pureval. When I got the first question, I asked that we have a moment of silence to honor and remember the innocent people who lost their lives, or were wounded, at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh over the weekend.
Then after answering the question, which was about gun control, I decided to try something. The Cincinnati Enquirer had suggested recently, that Mr. Pureval and I should “take the high road” and be more civil to each other. I said I thought they were right, and offered to be completely positive, and not criticize Mr. Pureval in the debate. I would stay focused on the issues, what I’ve done, and what I intend to do in the future, and I wouldn’t criticize him at all.
I then went even further, offering to pull any “negative” TV ads, and run only positive ads from now through the election. I mentioned that knowing the people of our community as well I do, I guessed they would welcome this ceasefire. He accepted my offer, and then proceeded to attack me anyway for the rest of the evening. Well, at least I tried.
Anyway, we’ve got one week to go. My sense is that we’re in good shape. But I’m taking nothing for granted. I’d say Republicans will probably pick up a few Senate seats, and thus, obviously, hold the Senate. In the House, even though most of the political pundits predict the Democrats will take it back, I still believe we’ve got a 50/50 chance of holding it. And mine is one of the seats that will determine the outcome.
So if you want to help our cause, you can do so right now – volunteer, get a yard sign (there’s still time), or make a contribution, if the spirit so moves you.
God bless you and your family. And DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!