A rising star within the Republican Party is in the hunt to defeat Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown (D), a 15-year incumbent, this fall. Real Clear Politics reports that Josh Mandel, a former state representative, Iraq war veteran and current state treasurer, may give Brown a good run in November.
Mandel has gained a reputation for being a strong fundraiser, having brought in $5.8 million, with $4.3 million on hand, and has been endorsed by Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.). Brown, on the other hand, has raised $10 million and has $5 million on hand, according to Real Clear Politics.
Although Mandel's resume has been praised by Republicans, he has not escaped criticism. Asked by Real Clear Politics about meetings with the state Board of Deposit that he had repeatedly failed to attend, he explained his decision to send his CFO in his place.
"One of the main lessons I learned in the Marine Corps was the importance of empowering leaders and the importance of empowering people on my team to be leaders, and we've got a great CFO who does a great job at the Board of Deposit meeting,” Mandel said.
He used the question as an opportunity to blast his opponent. "There is only one person in this campaign who is not doing his job and that's Sherrod Brown," he said, noting the Senate's failure to pass a budget and the number of jobs lost in Ohio.
10 more elections stories from beyond the presidential field.
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