Seeing 'moment of opportunity,' Ohio Democratic candidates visit Lancaster on bus tour

LANCASTER - Fresh off a debate Friday in Columbus against U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers, Democratic challenger Rick Neal was on the campaign trail and made a stop at Firehouse Park on East Chestnut Street Monday.

"It's a great race," Neal said of the battle for Stivers' 15th Congressional District seat. "There's so much energy out there, and yet people are also really worried about health care and retirement security. So it's a great opportunity to get out there and really push for a new vision. Folks have a choice this year, and I'm excited to be part of it."

Joining Neal on the "People First Express" stop were fellow Democrats, including Ohio State Party Chair David Pepper, Democratic National Committee Secretary Jason Rae, Amber Daniels, candidate for the Ohio House 78th District and Brett Pransky, candidate for the Ohio House 77th District.

'Democrats are organized'

The candidates, along with Rae and Pepper, gave short remarks to about 15 people beside their blue tour bus with 15 days remaining until the Nov. 6 election.

"Democrats are organized," Neal said. "People are coming out to listen, find out what's going on, and they're excited they have a choice for Congress this year. People are really worried about health care, in particular. It's very much the main thing."

Pransky is facing incumbent State Rep. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, in his race.

He said it is unlikely Schaffer will keep the office long if he wins, though. Pransky said Schaffer wants Troy Balderson's, R-Ohio, former state senate seat if Balderson beats Democrat Danny O' Connor to keep his U.S. 12th Congressional District seat.

Looking ahead to November

Schaffer has been coy of his intentions and said his focus is to win next month.

Pransky said if he does not win the seat, the Ohio Speaker of the House will name someone to fill it should Schaffer vacate it.

"And that representative will be chosen, one, by someone who doesn't live here and, two, based solely on his willingness to support the current speaker," Pransky said. "And not necessarily whether he's right for the people of this district. So knowing that, and letting the people know what the plan is, is important. I'm the only major candidate in this race that can actually commit to serve if elected. I think that's a fairly important issue."

A pivotal moment for Democrats

Daniels will face incumbent State Rep. Ron Hood, R-Ashville, for the district in which a portion is in Fairfield County. She said health care is important to her because her two children have pre-existing medical conditions. Daniels said Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine flip-flops on health care.

"We need people that are for people," she said.

Pepper said polling suggest every race in Ohio is either tied or within the margin of error.

"I think it's a moment of opportunity," he said. "People are tired of what they're seeing in Columbus or Washington. People seem to be open to new leadership and to ending one-party rule that's held the state back for a long time. If we get the turnout, we have a chance that we often don't have."

Catch up on stories you may have missed:

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• Midterm election:Steve Stivers, Rick Neal spar, but keep it civil in debate

jbarron@gannett.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron