A new poll conducted by Tony Fabrizio for a pro-J.D. Vance Super PAC showed Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Vance has surged into a three-way tie for first place with Josh Mandel and Mike Gibbons.
Fabrizio, who served as a pollster for former President Donald Trump, noted that “as voters learn more about J.D. Vance and what he stands for, his ballot support increases.”
New: Poll done for pro-Vance super PAC Protect Ohio Values shows Gibbons, Mandel and Vance in a three-way tie for first, at 18% each with Timken and Dolan at the bottom.
This is the first data we’ve seen in weeks on #OHSen. Super PAC connects Vance’s rise to TV ad. pic.twitter.com/74xdo5Df8t
— Henry J. Gomez (@HenryJGomez) April 6, 2022
Over the past few weeks, Vance has utilized GOP primary debates to separate himself from other competitors. He has blasted Gibbons and Mandel for their support of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, arguing the decision could place the U.S. in direct conflict with Russia.
“These 2 neocons want to blunder us into WW3,” he tweeted after one debate. “What happens when Russia shoots down the plane of a European ally? America will be forced to respond with our blood & treasure. Mandel & Gibbons are either too dumb to realize this, or they know & are ok with it. Absolutely reckless.”
These 2 neocons want to blunder us into WW3.
What happens when Russia shoots down the plane of a European ally? America will be forced to respond with our blood & treasure.
Mandel & Gibbons are either too dumb to realize this, or they know & are ok with it. Absolutely reckless https://t.co/oiHD9c8THG
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) March 22, 2022
Furthermore, the other two front runners got into a heated confrontation at another debate. Mandel and Gibbons got into each other’s faces, suggesting a physical altercation. Despite blame-casting from both campaigns, video has shown Gibbons seemingly directing a vulgar term toward Mandel.
“There were two clowns on the stage tonight who did nothing more than embarrass themselves and prove they are not ready for the United States Senate,” the Vance campaign said of the altercation.
In addition to the debates, Fabrizio’s memo connects Vance’s raise to an ad campaign from Protect Ohio Values, the Super PAC supporting Vance. He said the group should continue “to push forward with these ads that show J.D. Vance’s take on issues that truly matter to Ohioans.”
Former President Trump, who could play a key role in deciding the race, has opted to not weigh in on the contest as early voting has started.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Ohio Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “J.D. Vance” by J.D. Vance. Photo “Josh Mandel” by Josh Mandel. Photo “Mike Gibbons” by Mike Gibbons.Â
