A social media influencer paid by Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Josh Mandel’s election campaign last week disparaged opposing candidate J.D. Vance’s U.S. military service.
“[J.D. Vance] carried a camera, not a rifle,” Nick Adams said on Twitter.
The internet dust-up that Adams tweeted – “Ohio should send the Marine to the Senate” – was met with a reply from a Twitter user noting that Vance, too, is a Marine.
Journalist Luke Thompson noted that Adams is paid by a consulting firm called H&F Strategies. Thompson also noted that Adams was born in Australia and emigrated to the United States.
Adams is listed as an asset used by the company on its website.
“At H&F Strategies, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality and efficient digital marketing and consulting services at an affordable cost to our clients,” the website says. “Custom packages and service agreements to fit the individualized needs of your organization, campaign, or business is our standard.”
Numerous high-profile military figures spoke out in defense of Vance.
“JD Vance served his country and spent time in war torn Iraq as a Marine. For Josh Mandel, a Marine himself, to not condemn the disgusting comments of his paid surrogate insults all veterans and military servicemen and women,” retired U.S. Army Maj. Joseph C. Cini told The Ohio Star via the Vance campaign.
Retired Air Force Col. Rob Manass, now a political commentator, also weighed in on the exchange.
“JD Vance enlisted in the Marines right out of High School at 18 years old. It’s disgraceful that [Josh Mandel’s] paid surrogates are denigrating JD’s service,” Manass said. “As a fellow Marine, Mandel needs to publicly repudiate these disgusting attacks from his supporters.”
JD Vance enlisted in the Marines right out of High School at 18 years old. It’s disgraceful that @JoshMandelOhio’s paid surrogates are denigrating JD’s service. As a fellow Marine, Mandel needs to publicly repudiate these disgusting attacks from his supporters. https://t.co/h873VJEClU
— Col. Rob Maness ret. 🇺🇸 (@RobManess) March 10, 2022
Mandel’s campaign did not immediately return a comment request.
The Ohio U.S. Senate primary will be held on May 3, and several candidates are vying for the Republican nomination to replace outgoing Senator Rob Portman (R-OH).
Currently, three candidates, Vance, Mandel and businessman Mike Gibbons appear to be the top three candidates in the race. Former Ohio Republican Party (ORP) Chairwoman Jane Timken is the other notable candidate battling for the nomination.
Former President Donald J. Trump, still considered the kingmaker in the GOP, has not yet issued an endorsement in the race.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “JD Vance” by Gage Skidmore. CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo “Josh Mandel” by PUBLICPOLICYSTUDY. CC BY 2.0. Background Photo “U.S. Marine Corps” by U.S. Marine Corps.
