The Democratic Governor’s Association (DGA) is wading into Ohio’s referendum vote on a possible repeal of SB 5, the new anti-union law pushed by state Republicans who say it’s necessary to control state and local budgets. Labor forces on the ground forced a statewide vote on the issue that was pushed primarily by Gov. John Kasich (R), who has put serious resources into fighting repeal.
The DGA’s ad specifically features Kasich, a Republican who won the Ohio seat by two points in the 2010 election, but whose approval rating has fallen off over the year. SB 5 was one of his earliest initiatives, and Democrats see an opportunity to simultaneously win the SB 5 repeal vote and weaken the Ohio Governor.
Check out a screenshot of the ad below, which is showing up on sites in Ohio, directing voters to a webpage where they can find their polling location. The DGA confirmed that it’s a five figure ad buy in the state, following up the $150,000 they sent to We Are Ohio, a coalition in the state quarterbacking repeal efforts on behalf of Democrats and organized labor.
Kasich himself was featured in a web video released on election day through pro-SB 5 group Building A Better Ohio, touting endorsements from the Columbus Dispatch and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, saying the new law provided taxpayers with “fairness” and would create jobs.
Mark Giangreco, Deputy Communications Director for the DGA, said their organization would be more proactive in others states like Wisconsin and Florida, swing states with new Republican governors that have supported some controversial policies. “This is a new role for the DGA to get involved early and stand up to Republican governors who are demonizing workers instead of creating jobs and opportunity for all citizens,” he said in an email to TPM.
See the TPM Poll Average of Gov. Kasich’s approval in Ohio below.
