Democratic candidates (from left) Chelsea Clark and Taylor Sappington come together with council member Jamie Dixon to address the state-wide issues.
J Swygart | The Lima News
LIMA — The Democratic party has begun the start of something new. Democratic Candidates Taylor Sappington, and Chelsea Clark rallied together to begin a tour known as the ‘Not-So-Strong-Ohio.’ The goal is to journey the state of Ohio and address abortion, gun violence, redistricting and the FirstEnergy bribery scandal.
The two candidates made their first stop in Lima.
Sappington is the auditor for Nelsonville, Ohio running against State Ohio Auditor Keith Faber in the November election.
He addressed recent scandals in the state of Ohio and advocated for Nan Whaley’s campaign against Governor Mike DeWine.
“For the last four years when given the choice to do what is right or do what is easy,” said Sappington, “Governor DeWine has caved every single time. Especially when it comes to being transparent and accountable. Why did Mike DeWine refuse to stand up to big energy lobbyists who funded his campaign and his families?”
According to the Department of Justice, in 2021 First Energy Corp. admitted to conspiring with public officials to pay millions of dollars in exchange for specific action for the corporation’s benefit.
GOP Spokesman from the Republican Party Dan Lusheck released this statement in opposition:
“The fact is, while Whaley was joining liberal mayors from New York City, Seattle, and Philadelphia in calling for an end to ‘tough on crime’ policies and supporting Joe Biden’s open border disaster, Republicans like Mike DeWine were fighting for Ohioans, investing in law enforcement and creating new opportunities for working families.”
Fifth Ward Lima City councilman Jamie Dixon continued to advocate for the Democratic party and encourage Ohioans to vote.
“Ohioans deserve better,” said Dixon. “We deserve a leader like Nan Whaley and the leaders that have joined us today. Ohioan’s interest first. Stand for the people and with the people.”
Elida native Chelsea Clark is running against Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose. For Clark, a heart for justice hits close to home.
“When Dr. King wrote his letter from a Birmingham jail, just a few cells down from him held my dad,” said Clark. “He was also arrested at that protest. I am only one generation removed from that struggle and I refuse to let us be dragged into the fights of my father.”
