Local Republicans excited about Vance pick

SANDUSKY — Local Republicans said they are excited about the news that Ohio's U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance has been chosen as former President Donald Trump's running mate. Vance, 39, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022, and previously had been best known for his bestselling memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." If the Trump-Vance ticket wins, then a new U.S. senator will be appointed to fill the vacancy created when Vance takes his new job. State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, whose district includes Sandusky, is a delegate at the Republican National Convention. She was on the floor when the news about Vance was announced and said delegates from Ohio responded with a huge cheer. "There's a lot of excitement," she said. Gavarone also issued a statement. "Senator Vance has done an outstanding job serving Ohioans in the U.S. Senate. That experience makes him well-suited to serve us as vice president come January. President Trump made an excellent pick and I am excited to be in Milwaukee serving as a delegate for the Trump/Vance ticket," Gavarone said. Caleb Stidham, the chairman of the Erie County Republican Party, also welcomed the developments. "It's incredibly exciting to see a fellow Ohioan represent the Republican Party as our vice presidential pick," Stidham said. "I think everybody paying attention to politics right now thinks that Sen. Vance is an up-and-coming leader." Vance's six-year term does not expire until 2028. Stidham explained that if Trump wins, Gov. Mike DeWine would name a temporary replacement. There would then be an election to fill the unexpired term. While there already has been discussion about whom DeWine might consider — GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is from Ohio — Stidham said Republicans have more immediate concerns in an important election year. "We've got to get the president across the finish line in Ohio. We've got to get Bernie Moreno across the finish line," Stidham said. "We don't want to count chickens before they hatch." Moreno is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate. He is challenging U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, in the November election. J.R. Majewski of Ottawa County, the Republican nominee for the U.S. House in 2002, reacted on X.com by posting a photo of himself standing near Vance. "J.D. and I are friends," Majewski said. Soon after the announcement, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Elizabeth Walters issued a statement attacking Vance. "J.D. Vance is an out-of-touch millionaire who launched his political career by taking advantage of Ohio's opioid crisis and has spent his time in the Senate humiliating himself in the service of a convicted felon instead of working to improve the quality of life for Ohioans," Walters said. "His support for a national abortion ban and his twisted belief that women should stay in violent marriages for the benefit of their children exemplifies his dangerous extremism. He's not just wrong for Ohio, he's wrong for the country," Walters said. DeWine issued a statement welcoming Vance to the ticket. "J.D. is a father, military veteran, best-selling author, and has served Ohio well as our U.S. Senator. In addition, J.D.'s unique life story will resonate with Republicans and Independent voters across the country," DeWine said. "J.D. will also bring a new generational perspective to the ticket."