According to Brad Parscale, the ex-campaign manager to former President Donald J. Trump, at least one poll has Republican and Trump loyalist, former Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH-16), significantly ahead of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R).
Renacci has not officially declared a run for Governor, but Parscale is reported to be advising him.
“Ohio Governor Mike DeWine nearly 20 points behind Jim Renacci in the upcoming primary. This might be very embarrassing for the end of DeWine’s political career,” Parscale said on Twitter, posting a photo of the results of the Harris Quick Poll.
https://twitter.com/parscale/status/1394651758920572929
That poll of 837 likely Republican voters was conducted on May 15 and it shows Renacci leading DeWine 47 percent to 29 percent – a whopping 18 point margin. A third candidate, Joe Blystone, garnered 12 percent in the poll, with another 12 percent saying they were undecided. The margin of error is five points.
Despite not having officially declared a run for office, Renacci appears to be actively campaigning.
“Another SOLD OUT room last night with liberty lovers and those who want to Make Ohio Great Again. Thanks Geauga County!” he said Thursday on Twitter, posting a photo from an event.
Another SOLD OUT room last night with liberty lovers and those who want to Make Ohio Great Again. Thanks Geauga County! pic.twitter.com/YITpZsrBeS
— Jim Renacci (@JimRenacci) May 21, 2021
He has also been attacking DeWine on the social media site.
“Ohio has a choice to make: We can stick with DeWine and become another New York, California or Minnesota. OR We can shake things up and become a business friendly freedom loving state like Texas and Florida. I say let’s Make Ohio Great Again!” he said earlier this week, altering Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
Ohio has a choice to make:
We can stick with DeWine and become another New York, California or Minnesota.
OR
We can shake things up and become a business friendly freedom loving state like Texas and Florida.
I say let’s Make Ohio Great Again!
— Jim Renacci (@JimRenacci) May 20, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent lockdown measures imposed by DeWine and his administration, have taken their toll on the Ohio governor. He has faced criticism for conservatives who claim that he allowed the state to be shut down for too long.
In March, the legislature sent a bill to his desk that would limit the scope of his powers to handle public health emergencies. He promptly vetoed that bill, though the veto was overridden by the Senate the next day.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a contributor at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter. Email tips to dabroscareports@gmail.com