Issue 1 reax: Out-of-state interests and dark money didn't cast my no vote | Letters

After Tuesday's resounding defeat of Issue 1, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose once again blamed "outside interests and liberal billionaires" for the loss at the polls. Similar to a 3-year-old running around with their hands over their ears saying "La, la, la" in protest over bedtime, LaRose and his GOP cronies continue the rhetoric and obstinance that pushed me and many other Republicans away from the party.

Outside interests and money did not cast my "No" vote to Issue 1. The GOP’s misogynistic viewpoints and pathetically meek obedience to the religious right is what helped me make an informed decision. I understand the checks are just too big to ignore from those religious leaders, and, therefore, your judgment has been clouded. Truly pathetic.

What’s more pathetic is the attempt to redefine democracy as 41% majority rule. One step closer to Apartheid, and unfortunately one step closer to a Sectarian Government. Does the Ohio GOP really think their constituents are too stupid to recognize these attempts? Hopefully, Tuesday’s decision clarifies this for them. I don’t want to live in Iran, or the Ohio GOP version of it.

LaRose touts his former military service as a quantifier for his worthiness to serve. I, too, am a veteran of the U.S. Army. I joined the military to uphold liberty and democracy here and to help those individuals in other countries lift the yoke of oppression. It disgusts me that a veteran would try to "customize" democracy to fit a religious sect’s belief.

Well Mr. LaRose, you wake up today a "No-Go." I know you and all the veterans who read this letter to the editor will understand that term. You are not a champion of democracy, you are a champion of far-right religious donations, as the rest of your GOP cohorts are. You will be a "No-Go" if you choose to run for the U.S. Senate as well. I offer this slogan with no expectation of recognition or compensation, just the hope that it sends LaRose and the rest of his fellow bullies to defeat in future elections.

The GOP is a No-Go in Ohio.

(Editor's note: No-Go is a military term for a situation or person to avoid.)

Patrick Mitchell, Indian Hill

Don't mess with what the majority of Ohioans want

In regards to issue 1, it’s a shame Secretary of State Frank LaRose did not pay attention to the lesson former Ohio Gov. John Kasich learned: Don’t mess with what the majority of Ohioans want. My suggestion for LaRose and all who support an authoritative regime, Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking for replacements for his army, maybe it’s time for you to move.

Gregory Reece, Pleasant Ridge

Ohio voters have spoken, and lawmakers need to listen

The people of Ohio have spoken, and they said they don't want politicians interfering with women's reproductive rights. They rejected Gov. Mike DeWine's apparent philosophy to keep women in their place − "barefoot and pregnant" as the old saying goes. There are any number of reasons a woman may want or have to terminate a pregnancy at some point. That's traumatic enough, and it's time we tell our elected representatives they shouldn't be making it worse by passing misogynic laws that turn women and medical personnel into criminals.

Robert Sharkey, West Chester Township

LaRose desperate to explain Issue 1 defeat

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose's explanations of the failure of Issue 1 remind me of the guy who had a stand at the county fair selling liver and onions on a stick. Now he's trying to figure out where he went wrong. Some products don't sell because nobody wanted them in the first place.

Clint Bramkamp, East Walnut Hills

Issue 1 defeat shows Ohio GOP out of touch with electorate

The results of Tuesday's special election on Ohio Issue 1 show clarity on three separate issues.

First, Ohio voters are quite satisfied with the current process used to amend our state constitution. Second, Ohio voters are overwhelmingly in favor of rejecting the Ohio GOP's legislative enactment of a de facto ban on abortion, because, according to Secretary of State Frank LaRose, this election was 100% about abortion. And third, it shows the gerrymandered GOP legislative majority to be vastly out of touch with their electorate. 

With Issue 1 going down in flames by an almost 2-1 margin, it shows a party in control of the legislature not because their voters chose them, but because they chose their voters.

Steven Otto, Maineville

Power-hungry Republicans won't relent even with Issue 1 defeat

The overwhelming defeat of Issue 1 is a triumph for those who believe in a strong constitutional republic. The Ohio Legislature was trying to remove any vestige of balance of power in our state. In the last few years, they have ignored Supreme Court decisions which have said they are violating the Constitution of Ohio concerning public school funding and redistricting. They have defied public opinion which favors more responsible gun ownership and have actually gone in the other direction. But this power-hungry majority in Columbus will show no signs of relenting. We must be no less bold. We must continue to hold their feet to the fire by communicating on a regular basis with our state representatives to express our feelings and tell them when they are stepping out of line. If we neglect our duty going forward, then the events on election night will prove to be little more than a pyrrhic victory.

Rob Weidenfeld, Montgomery

Ohio voters aren't stupid

The most common argument I heard for Issue 1 is that Ohioans are suckers for bad ideas funded by out-of-state special interests. Thank you, Ohio voters, for proving this wrong on Tuesday (Aug. 8).

Geoff Wise, Wyoming

August special election was a waste of taxpayer money

Issue 1 was defeated. What a waste of taxpayer money for the August special election. Once again, the politicians call for a special election that supposedly cost the Ohio taxpayers around $20 million. Remember Ohioans, it was our tax money that was wasted on this special election. Twenty million dollars could have fed a lot of kids, helped schools and fixed a pot hole or two.

John Howison, Tate Township

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Issue 1 reax: Out-of-state interests, money didn't cast my no vote