5 thoughts on Gov. Mike DeWine's reelection bid and Democratic challenger Nan Whaley

With Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine enjoying a significant lead in the polls for Tuesday's election, we're sharing our observations on his race against former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, a Democrat.

DeWine can tout clear wins

When the mysterious COVID-19 virus began spreading across the globe, DeWine used all of his years of experience and leadership skills to become one of America's strongest pandemic governors. His live daily briefings and bold decisions to close Ohio's schools and non-essential businesses protected Ohioans from a virus doctors had no idea how to treat at that time. Although he backed down on mask mandates too early, DeWine has been one of the most consistent and responsible Republican voices on the virus, vaccines and common sense steps to save lives.

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He's scored major economic development wins for Ohio, including a $20 billion Intel chip factory near Columbus and $3.5 billion Honda project to make electric batteries for cars. The Intel deal in particular is a game changer for Central Ohio, with long coattails of new developments likely to follow.

DeWine's disturbing scandal, failures

There's also a long list of concerns about DeWine's performance, especially the massive $61 million bribery scandal that led to the downfall and indictment of former Republican House Speaker Larry Householder. While the governor has not been accused of any wrongdoing, he was in charge during FirstEnergy's effort to get millions in extra ratepayer money and was even labeled as "State Official 1" by federal prosecutors in court filings.

We've also watched DeWine's political power erode as highly conservative lawmakers stripped him of many emergency health powers and rebuked his calls for gun reform after a mass shooting in Dayton. Instead of following through on pledge in Dayton when a crowd urged him to "do something," DeWine has signed more permissive gun laws and a senseless Stand Your Ground bill. And he's endorsed restricting abortion as much as possible despite polls showing Ohioans favor abortion access.

When it came time to redraw Ohio's congressional and Statehouse maps, DeWine ignored the clear will of Ohioans and the Ohio Supreme Court and consistently fell in line with his fellow Republicans to maintain their illegal, gerrymandered grip on power.

And this fall, he's avoided debates with Whaley in an arrogant effort to minimize debate about his performance.

Is Ohio headed in the right direction?

This is the fundamental question before us today. Away from the glitzy Intel and Honda news that's beneficial to the Columbus region, is all of Ohio making progress to reverse decades of economic stagnation?

Recent news that Ohio lost more jobs in September than any state in the nation and now needs 133,000 jobs to match pre-COVID levels suggests a significant problem still exists after nearly three decades of business-friendly Republican leadership.

There's also ample evidence the current General Assembly members are far more conservative than most of the state they represent, again thanks to illegal gerrymandering. Whaley credibly suggests even the current six-week abortion ban will lead to fewer medical professionals wanting to work in Ohio, not to mention young professionals.

Whaley could be a check on GOP

While Tuesday's election in newly configured districts may help Democrats pick up a few seats in the House and Senate, there's also a chance Republicans will keep a veto-proof supermajority. If that concerns you, a vote for Whaley would make good sense.

Whaley, the first woman to run in the November governor's election, would be a capable state executive and a powerful balance to the current lopsided Statehouse politics. She's a strong Democrat who offers a common-sense approach to problems, including guns.

Which DeWine will Ohio get in a second term?

Many thought DeWine might pivot back to a more moderate version of himself — outside of his strong anti-abortion position — once he defeated his Republican primary challengers. That's not happened.

Presuming he wins Tuesday, which Mike DeWine will Ohioans see? The courageous leader rising to key challenges and extremism or the politician who hides from debates and signs whatever his party approves? The answer could define his legacy.

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Mike DeWine or Nan Whaley? What to consider before Ohio governor vote