Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Whaley signaled her support for a vaccine mandate for children in an interview with The Ohio Capital Journal.
Whaley, who covered her positions on multiple issues in the interview, compared a coronavirus vaccine mandate to those of established requirements for other diseases.
“Kids need to stay in school no matter what,” Whaley told the news outlet. “Having the requirement, once this is FDA-approved, like all other vaccines, makes a lot of sense.”
However, critics of the candidate argue the decision would completely remove a parent’s ability to make a decision for their child.
“Nan Whaley’s big government approach to force vaccines on children is out of touch with Ohio values and will ensure her defeat,” said RGA Spokesman Chris Gustafson. “Ohioans overwhelmingly support Governor DeWine and his agenda that puts families first, and look forward to re-electing him in November.”
Previously, Gov. DeWine and the state legislature enacted a ban on mandates for vaccines that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, multiple coronavirus vaccines have since received full approval from the federal agency; therefore the law would not apply.
While DeWine’s Democratic opponent supports the mandate, GOP challenger Jim Rennaci has blasted DeWine for not strongly opposing all mandates.
“Every single day we see our freedoms eroded by DeWine’s policies and, if we do not have new leadership in Columbus soon, he will continue to be an emboldened tyrant willing to sacrifice our futures by living under his warped rule of law. As governor, I will protect all Ohioans from these mandates and ensure the government will never intrude on their ability to choose what is best for themselves and their families,” Renacci pledged.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Nan Whaley” by Nan Whaley.
