As former President Donald J. Trump prepares for a highly-anticipated rally in Ohio this weekend, the state’s top two politicians announced that they will not be in attendance.
According to several reports, Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has “has previously scheduled family commitments” that disallow him from attending. Lt. Gov. John Husted (R) will also not attend. He has not given a reason for missing the event.
“The Lt. Governor is unable to attend,” a Husted spokesperson reportedly said.
The rally will be held at the Lorain County fairgrounds Saturday, and will be the first event held by Trump since he lost his reelection bid in November.
“Big crowds in the Great State of Ohio this weekend for the Trump rally. See you on Saturday night. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, AGAIN!” Trump said on Telegram.
Both DeWine and Husted were booed at a Trump rally in Dayton in September. Neither are particularly strong Trump allies, and DeWine criticized Trump for his role in the mostly peaceful protests at the Capitol in Washington on January 6.
Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), who is retiring in 2022, will also skip the rally.
Some high-profile Republicans will attend the event, though.
Former Republican Congressman Jim Renacci, a Trump ally who is running against DeWine in 2022, will be in attendance, according to Newsweek.
So will Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH-04) said.
“Heck yes, Mr. Jordan will be there,” one of his spokespeople reportedly said.
DeWine has drawn the ire of many conservatives for his approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, which can be described as cautious compared to other Republican governors.
He is viewed as less of a Trump loyalist than his opponent Renacci, who has openly stated his support for Trump, and has pledged to “Put Ohio First,” borrowing from Trump’s “America First” slogan.
Trump has not issued his endorsements for Ohio’s gubernatorial or Senate races, though many contenders are vying for that coveted prize.
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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.
Background Photo “Women for Trump Supporters” by Women for Trump.