Ohio Republican State Central Committee Votes To Ignore Voice of People, Secure Future Funding

BY JEFF SKINNER 

What began as a clandestine attempt to funnel funding to a political candidate an entire year before a primary has taken place has ended in a full coronation, with the Ohio Republican State Central Committee voting to forgo any primary and endorse Vivek Ramaswamy as their chosen candidate for Ohio Governor. 

The ORSCC considered the measure behind closed doors, in executive session, keeping the agenda item as well as any discussion or vote out of the public view. According to one source, the vote was 60 - 3, indicating a near unanimous vote by the Ohio Republican Party to circumvent any public vote or primary and essentially coronate a candidate for the election. The move comes after Lt. Governor Jim Tressel showed interest in potentially throwing his hat in the ring as well, presenting Ohioans with multiple choices and an opportunity in a primary to let their voice be heard. The Dave Yost campaign has issued a statement on the matter, decrying the move. 

Some within the ORSCC have stated they believe the vote was based on a desire to secure endorsements and funding for their own future campaigns.