The Columbus Dispatch in Ohio endorsed Democrat Rep. Tim Ryan on Tuesday for the open U.S. Senate seat.
The editorial board stated that it cannot support Republican candidate J.D. Vance for his “hateful words and adhesion to former President Donald Trump‘s big, destructive election lie, Vance has demonstrated time and time again that he is not the right U.S. senator for all Ohioans.”
The newspaper continued that Ohioans need a senator who is “capable and willing” to represent everyone. The editorial board called Vance’s talking points vague and claimed that he doesn’t know or seem to care about what Ohio voters really want.
The Columbus Dispatch noted that Ryan “has focused his economic message on finding bipartisan solutions, taking on China and stopping ‘stupid’ political fights to end ‘decades of disinvestment, unfair trade and outsourcing, and policies that have boosted the wealthiest and the biggest corporations at the expense of working people.'”
The Columbus Dispatch endorsed President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
Ryan and Vance are locked in a tight race. A Cygnal Momentum tracking poll released Monday showed Vance leading 48% to 44%. In the poll, 19% of respondents said they already cast their votes.
Most polls have shown Vance leading but two recent polls showed the race is tied.
Vance and Ryan fielded questions Tuesday night in Columbus from a live audience. The townhall was broadcasted on Fox News.