Various outside groups and campaigns have spent millions to project their supported candidate in the Ohio 15th Congressional District special election, but many signs point to rather low voter turnout in the approaching August 3 primary.
According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, approximately 3,900 people had voted early or returned absentee ballots through Friday with only one week left to cast an early ballot.
The light early voting numbers seemingly indicate that the primary election will be decided by a smaller number of voters. In comparison, in last year’s Republican primary, more than 47,000 voters headed to the polls.
Even though the number of voters may be less than an average primary, the consequences of the results will remain the same. Because of this, outside groups have assisted campaigns to spend millions to prop up their preferred candidate.
For example, in the Republican primary, Protect Values PAC has spent more than $475,000 to support former state Rep. Ron Hood, who identifies as a “Forever Trumper” and an “America First” candidate.
Additionally, the Conservative Outsiders PAC have launched a $220,000 opposition ad campaign against Mike Carey. However, Carey has a strong backing from former President Donald Trump. Trump endorsed Carey and called him a “courageous fighter for the people and our economy, is strong on the Border, and tough on Crime.”
Furthermore, retiring Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH-15) has used some of his remaining war chest to advance Jeff LaRe, a former law enforcement officer.
According to Medium Buying, a firm that tracks radio and digital expenditures from campaigns, more than $2.5 million has been spent between all candidates.
Total TV/radio spending in —#OH11 DEM primary: $4.17M#OH15 GOP primary: $2.56M
— Medium Buying (@MediumBuying) July 28, 2021
The winner of the GOP contest will likely be favored in the general election that will follow on November 2
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
