Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) and Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley (D), who are both running for governor in 2022, routinely have complimented each other’s job performance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a report from the Cincinnati Enquirer, DeWine and Whaley exchanged numerous text messages over the past years where they praised each other, while publicly disagreeing.
In the first exchange of text messages acquired by The Enquirer, DeWine downplayed alleged corruption in Dayton, where Whaley serves as mayor.
“Nan, not a culture of corruption,” DeWine texted Whaley in May 2019. “As atty gen we prosecuted public officials, sadly, all over the state. Not unique to our area. This will pass.”
Ironically, Whaley, since launching her campaign, has slammed DeWine for state-level corruption.
Furthermore, the two consistently communicated during the coronavirus pandemic. Whaley thanked DeWine for his “leadership” in early March when he declared a state of emergency and eventually began shutting down schools and businesses.
“Thx for your leadership. We are amplifying your message,” Whaley said in the text messages obtained by The Enquirer.
The praise from Whaley continued into the summer, when DeWine urged coronavirus mandates.
“Look! We’ve got a movement going!” Whaley texted DeWine, referring to the spread of mask mandates throughout the state.
“Good work,” DeWine replied. Later, DeWine stated that Whaley “started a great movement” when she urged leaders to implement the mask regulations.
The report from the outlet led to immediate, sharp criticism from candidates looking to challenge DeWine in the GOP primary. In a press release, former Congressman Jim Renacci accused DeWine and Whaley of being “cut from the same liberal cloth” and “praising each other on implementing mandates while millions of Ohioans were suffering under their lockdowns.”
“When far-left Mayor Nan Whaley forced masks on the people of Dayton last year, Mike DeWine texted her and praised her for starting “a great movement,” Renacci tweeted. “This is who Mike DeWine really is, don’t let him fool you.”
When far-left Mayor Nan Whaley forced masks on the people of Dayton last year, Mike DeWine texted her and praised her for starting "a great movement."
This is who Mike DeWine really is, don't let him fool you. pic.twitter.com/8wlOAqcEQ4
— Jim Renacci (@JimRenacci) October 18, 2021
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Nan Whaley” by Daniel E. Cleary. CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo “Mike DeWine” by Peter Cracchiolo. Background Photo “Texting” by Wonderlane.
