Taxes and health care policies were prominent issues for voters who spoke to The Epoch Times at three Columbus-area locations on May 4 and May 5.
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy glided to victory in the Ohio GOP primary election for governor, solidifying the predicted Nov. 3 General Election showdown between him and the uncontested Democratic nominee, Dr. Amy Acton.
Ramaswamy defeated a political newcomer, Toledo automotive entrepreneur Casey Putsch. The Associated Press called the race at 7:42 p.m. ET, with Ramaswamy holding a 70-point lead.
Ramaswamy, at a watch party in Columbus, called his margin of victory in the primary “historic.” He also said he believed the results showed that the “Republican Party, coming out of a primary for governor, has never been more united.”
To every Ohioan, he said: “Our pledge to you is that we will deliver you lower costs, bigger paychecks, and better schools.”
Rather than attacking Putsch or responding to his criticisms, Ramaswamy has kept his campaign messaging focused on his agenda—emphasizing his plans to eliminate or reduce taxes—a message that resonated with several Ramaswamy voters whom The Epoch Times interviewed in the Columbus area.
Randy Tarrier, who attended a Ramaswamy town hall in a northern Columbus suburb on May 4, called Ramaswamy “one of the most original candidates that I have seen in a while.”
“I like the fact that he is looking at rolling back income taxes, at least for seniors—and property taxes, possibly for people who have paid off their own homes,” Tarrier said. “So, I think that’s a very good place to start.”
Tarrier’s wife, Debra Tarrier, commented: “He’s so approachable on all different issues. He’s such a smart guy. He’s very successful, and I think he can correct a lot of the issues we’re facing in Ohio.”
Discussion of taxes and affordability policies has dominated messaging for both Ramaswamy and his Democratic opponent, Acton.
Her platform calls for tax credits and tax cuts, her campaign website states, along with lowering health care costs, helping people stay on Medicaid, and forgiving medical debt.
Voters and Ramaswamy have also raised Acton’s prior performance as Ohio’s health director during the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant issue. The divide over Acton’s COVID reaction appears to fall largely along party lines—with Republicans mostly opposing stringent restrictions and Democrats favoring them.
By Janice Hisle
