Politics

DeVos proposes overhaul to campus sexual misconduct rules

Associated Press

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Friday proposed a major overhaul to the way colleges and universities handle complaints of sexual misconduct, adding protections for students accused of assault and harassment, and narrowing the types of cases schools would be required to investigate. Under the plan, schools would be required to investigate complaints only if they occurred on campus or other areas...

APNewsBreak: Abrams preparing new challenge in Georgia race

by BILL BARROW, KATE BRUMBACK, Associated Press

Stacey Abrams' campaign is preparing an unprecedented legal challenge in the unresolved Georgia governor's race that could leave the state's Supreme Court deciding whether to force another round of voting. The Democrat's longshot strategy relies on a statute that's never been used in such a high-stakes contest. It is being discussed as Georgia elections officials appear to be on the cusp of certifying...

Mrs. Obama says 'Access Hollywood' tape led her to speak out

AP Entertainment Writer

Michelle Obama said she felt anxious before giving her emotional New Hampshire speech in 2016 condemning Donald Trump for bragging about sexually assaulting women in a recording more than a decade ago. The former first lady recalled that she wrote the outline of her speech addressing Trump's comments on the infamous 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape while sitting in a waiting room as her mother...

Pelosi sees vocal opposition to her return as House speaker

by LISA MASCARO, MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press

If it was up to most of the Democratic Party, Nancy Pelosi would be the obvious choice to become speaker of the House. But within the ranks of the chamber's Democratic majority, there's a small but persistent group pushing to topple her return as the first woman with the gavel. Pelosi appears be winning the outside game amassing endorsements from a who's who of the nation's Democrats, including former...

WikiLeaks chief could see charges, US court filing suggests

Associated Press

The Justice Department inadvertently named Julian Assange in a court filing in an unrelated case, suggesting prosecutors have prepared charges against the WikiLeaks founder under seal. Assange's name appears twice in a recently-unsealed August court filing from a federal prosecutor in Virginia who was attempting to keep sealed a separate case involving a man accused of coercing a minor for sex. In...

After midterms success, Democrats develop 2020 strategies

Associated Press

Speaking before a gathering of black leaders on Capitol Hill this week, Sen. Kamala Harris offered guidance on when Democrats should fight President Donald Trump and Republicans. "What I've found myself recently saying is this: 'If it's worth fighting for, it's a fight worth having,'" the California Democrat and potential presidential candidate said, pausing, before repeating the phrase...

Trump to honor donor's wife with presidential award

Associated Press

Miriam Adelson is a doctor, philanthropist and humanitarian, but is perhaps best known as the wife of Sheldon Adelson, a Las Vegas casino magnate considered one of the nation's most powerful Republican donors. She gets to add a new title Friday when President Donald Trump honors her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Miriam Adelson is among seven people Trump is recognizing with the medal, the...

California GOP ponders way forward after stunning losses

Associated Press

In a speech to fellow Republicans in May, U.S. Rep. Mimi Walters issued an ominous warning about the coming election — California Democrats, she said, were "coming for all of us." She was right. The congresswoman's stunning defeat Thursday in the heart of Orange County, once a nationally known Republican stronghold, extended a Democratic rout that has seen five GOP-held House seats...

Ruling expected in CNN White House credentials case

The Associated Press

A judge is expected to announce Friday whether he will order the Trump administration to return the White House press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly, an appointee of President Donald Trump, has set a hearing for Friday morning to announce his decision. CNN has asked the judge for an order that would force the White House to immediately hand back the...

Senator spoke of 'difficult' voting for liberals in video

Associated Press

A Republican U.S. senator from Mississippi is shown in a new video talking about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. A campaign spokeswoman for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith criticized the video, saying the senator was joking. The brief clip appeared on social media days after another video showed Hyde-Smith praising someone at a different event...

Heated Georgia gov's race: Absentee ballots in the spotlight

by KATE BRUMBACK, BILL BARROW, Associated Press

As the candidates in the disputed Georgia governor's race retreat further into their corners, counties statewide have begun a court-ordered process of reviewing absentee ballots and counting those previously rejected for missing or incorrect dates of birth. Georgia Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden issued guidance Thursday to counties to review the absentee ballots, count those rejected for missing...

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Florida: Hand recount begins for tight US Senate race

by GARY FINEOUT, BRENDAN FARRINGTON, Associated Press

A hand recount began Friday in Florida's acrimonious U.S. Senate contest after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by fewer than 13,000 votes out of more than 8 million cast. Under state law, a hand review is required when the victory margin is 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website's unofficial results...

AP source: Mueller probe to go on, Whitaker tells Graham

by MARY CLARE JALONICK, MIKE BALSAMO, Associated Press

Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker has told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in a meeting that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation will proceed, according to a person familiar with the meeting. The meeting with Graham and Whitaker Thursday comes as a bipartisan group of senators is pushing legislation to protect Mueller's job. The senators are concerned about Whitaker's past criticism...

Correction: Ailing Iranian-American detained in Iran story

The Associated Press

In a story Nov. 15 about an Iranian-American held in Tehran, The Associated Press reported erroneously that Baquer Namazi had been diagnosed with narcolepsy. The diagnosis was epilepsy. A corrected version of the story is below: Son of Iranian-American detainee asks Tehran 'to show mercy' The family and attorney of an Iranian-American dual national held in Tehran say his health is rapidly deteriorating...

Democrat Porter flips GOP House seat in Southern California

Associated Press

Democrat Katie Porter captured a Republican-held U.S. House seat Thursday in the heart of what once was Southern California's Reagan country, extending a rout of the state's GOP House delegation that might not be over. Porter's upset in Orange County is a sign of changing times in a region once known nationally as a GOP fortress. The coastal county southeast of Los Angeles was home to President Richard...

How Democrats will rule: Roadmap drafted for House overhaul

AP Congressional Correspondent

House Democrats unveiled a draft rules package Thursday for how they would govern the chamber when they take over the majority in the new Congress next year. The changes are large and small, from a requirement to post legislation at least 72 hours before action is taken to restoring some floor rights for the resident commissioner from Puerto Rico and other nonvoting delegates. One change, proposed...

Trump aide ousted by first lady says service was 'an honor'

Associated Press

A White House aide pushed out by first lady Melania Trump said Thursday that it had been "an honor" to serve in President Donald Trump's administration and that she admires the first family. Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security adviser, departed the White House on Wednesday, a day after the first lady's office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her ouster. "I admire...

South Dakota turkeys head to White House seeking pardons

The Associated Press

A pair of South Dakota turkeys will make their way to the nation's capital in the hopes of receiving presidential pardons and avoiding ending up as Thanksgiving dinner at the White House. Tourism officials in the birds' hometown of Huron paraded the turkeys around the city on Wednesday as part of a formal send-off, the Daily Republic reported. Although the turkeys have been presented to presidents...

AP source: Whitaker told Graham that Mueller probe to go on

by MARY CLARE JALONICK, MIKE BALSAMO, Associated Press

Acting Attorney General Matt Whitaker told Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham in a meeting on Thursday that special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation will proceed, according to a person familiar with the meeting. The meeting with Graham and Whitaker comes as a bipartisan group of senators is pushing legislation to protect Mueller's job. The senators are concerned about Whitaker's past criticism of...

Forest Service chief vows to rid agency of sexual harassment

Associated Press

Amid scrutiny stemming from fresh revelations of rampant discrimination, bullying, retaliation and sexual misconduct at the U.S. Forest Service, the agency's new chief pledged Thursday that she will "do everything in my power to put us on a path to no harassment." Vicki Christiansen acknowledged to a congressional panel that the Forest Service is in need of a culture change. She pledged...

Melania Trump OK with criticism over anti-bullying campaign

Associated Press

Melania Trump says she's OK with the criticism and ridicule she has received for tackling online bullying and remains committed to the issue because "it will provide a better world for our children." The first lady told attendees Thursday at an annual online safety conference to consider using "negative words" directed at them as motivation to help encourage responsible behavior...

US cutting counterterror forces in Africa

AP National Security Writer

The Pentagon is reducing its counterterrorism forces in Africa and studying whether to make similar moves elsewhere in the world as part of a broad effort to shift American military focus toward what it calls threats from Russia and China. The planned 10 percent cut from U.S. Africa Command's total force of 7,200 troops will be carried out over several years, the Pentagon said in a brief statement...

Trump seeks confirmation of new US ambassador to Iraq

The Associated Press

President Donald Trump is asking the Senate to approve a new ambassador to Iraq as the U.S. ratchets up pressure on neighboring Iran and as some Republicans in Congress call for a stronger response to Tehran's influence in Baghdad. Trump on Thursday officially asked the Senate to confirm Matthew Tueller, who has been U.S. ambassador to Yemen since 2014. If confirmed, he would succeed Douglas Silliman...

Lawyer in stalled coal bailout argues for energy appointment

Associated Press

Senate Democrats are questioning whether President Donald Trump's choice for a seat on a national energy board can be objective given his past work on the administration's plan to subsidize aging coal plants. Bernard McNamee, an Energy Department lawyer, appeared Thursday before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which was considering his nomination to the Federal Energy Regulatory...

Nevada's Cortez Masto will run Senate races for Democrats

The Associated Press

Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto will be in charge of the Democratic Party's arm focused on 2020 Senate races. She will be the first Latina to hold the position. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Cortez Masto "has demonstrated the attributes we want in a leader." Cortez Masto — who's also the first Latina elected to the U.S. Senate — says she is "...

Women elected in record numbers in state legislative races

Associated Press

Women's winning streak in this year's elections has extended to statehouses across the country. More than 2,000 women will serve in state legislatures when those chambers convene for their upcoming sessions, representing roughly a quarter of all state lawmakers across the country. That mark will eclipse the record of 1,875 who served this year, according to reports Thursday from the Center for American...

Ohio congresswoman may challenge Nancy Pelosi for speaker of the House

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

Rep. Marcia Fudge, a Cleveland Democrat who led the Congressional Black Caucus from 2012 to 2014, is considering challenging Nancy Pelosi for speaker of the House. Fudge, whose spokeswoman said she was unavailable for comment Thursday, told Cleveland.com late Wednesday she was considering a run for the top leadership position, and a spokeswoman Thursday confirmed that she was considering running....

EPA official arrested on felony ethics charges in Alabama

Associated Press

The Trump administration's top environmental official for the Southeast was arrested Thursday on criminal ethics charges in Alabama reported to be related to a scheme to help a coal company avoid paying for a costly toxic waste cleanup. Trey Glenn, 47, was briefly booked into a county jail in Birmingham before being released on a $30,000 bond. Glenn was appointed in August 2017 to serve as chief of...

The Latest: Judge delays ruling over White House press pass

The Associated Press

The Latest on the legal challenge to the White House's decision to strip CNN reporter Jim Acosta of his White House press credentials (all times local): 1:15 p.m. A federal judge has delayed until Friday a ruling on whether the Trump administration has to return the White House press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly isn't offering any explanation for...

Senate lets Bahrain weapon sale proceed; Yemen unease grows

The Associated Press

The Senate rejected an effort Thursday to block $300 million in weapon sales to Bahrain, but there's growing unease in Congress about the U.S. role supporting the Saudi Arabia-led coalition's military campaign in Yemen. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., forced the vote to send a message to President Donald Trump that the United States is "done with the war in Yemen." Facing a veto threat from the White...

ICE head denounces political vitriol, apologizes for tweet

Associated Press

The acting head of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement told senators Thursday that employees' morale has suffered because of the bitter political climate, and he apologized for sending a tweet in 2015 that suggested renaming the Democratic Party as the "NeoKlanist" party. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee heard testimony on whether to confirm Ronald Vitiello...

Trump visits Marines, talks at veterans' event

Associated Press

President Donald Trump visited with Marines and spoke at a White House veterans' conference Thursday amid fallout over his decision not to visit an American cemetery during his weekend trip to Paris to commemorate the end of World War I. The president and first lady Melania Trump spent about 40 minutes at the Washington, D.C. Marine Barracks compound, where about 150 Marines had gathered in an event...

Pelosi claims 'overwhelming support' for 2nd act as speaker

The Associated Press

Lawmakers trying to oust Nancy Pelosi started rallying behind a possible contender Thursday, but the House Democratic leader gained key endorsements and said she has "overwhelming support" to become the next speaker. Pelosi picked up backing from Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., the civil rights leader, while a who's-who of Democrats — including former Vice President Al Gore and former Secretary...

Judge allows Mueller case against Russian company to proceed

The Associated Press

A federal judge on Thursday refused to dismiss a special counsel indictment against a Russian company accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential election. The decision by U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich, an appointee of President Donald Trump, allows the criminal case against Concord Management to proceed. The company and two other entities were indicted in February for participating in...

Influential president of Human Rights Campaign stepping down

AP Washington Bureau Chief

Chad Griffin, the influential LGBTQ activist who helped turn the Human Rights Campaign into a powerful political force, announced Thursday that he is stepping down as the organization's president. Griffin's announcement follows a midterm election in which the group invested heavily in Democratic campaigns. The capstone for the organization came this week, when Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., won a close...

VA seeks to reduce GI Bill payment delays after IT woes

Associated Press

The Department of Veterans Affairs on Thursday promised to try to speed up payments to thousands of veterans after delays caused by information technology problems. "We are working diligently to minimize these delays affecting GI Bill students," said Paul Lawrence, VA's undersecretary for benefits. "We're frustrated that we don't have a solution in place." Last year, President...

Trump nominates handbag designer as envoy to South Africa

The Associated Press

President Donald Trump has nominated a South Florida-based luxury fashion and handbag designer to be the new U.S. ambassador to South Africa. The White House announced the nomination of native South African Lana Marks late Wednesday. Marks was born and raised in South Africa and is now the CEO of the Lana Marks Collections design firm which caters to celebrities. She speaks Xhosa and Afrikaans and...

The Latest: At least 55,000 ballots in Senate hand recount

The Associated Press

The Latest on Florida's election recount (all times local): 7 p.m. Election offices across Florida will have to hand count at a bare minimum almost 54,000 ballots in the U.S. Senate race. A survey of 64 of Florida's 67 counties by The Associated Press put the number of overvotes and undervotes Thursday evening at 53,769 ballots in the U.S. Senate race between incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson...

Bitter battle for Florida Senate seat goes to hand recount

by GARY FINEOUT, BRENDAN FARRINGTON, Associated Press

Florida's acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount...

After arrest, Michael Avenatti denies LA domestic violence

by MICHAEL BALSAMO, ANDREW DALTON, Associated Press

Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for Stormy Daniels, has denied allegations of domestic violence after his arrest near his ritzy Los Angeles skyscraper apartment. "I have never struck a woman, I never will strike a woman," Avenatti told reporters Wednesday after being booked and posting $50,000 bail. Avenatti said he has been an advocate for women's rights his entire career and is confident...

The Latest: Singapore PM says China-US rivalry 'awkward'

The Associated Press

The Latest on the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which ends Thursday in Singapore (all times local): 6:40 p.m. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (LEE SEE'-yan LONG) has said the rivalry between the U.S. and China for influence in Southeast Asia is proving awkward for countries that do not want to have to choose between them. Lee told reporters at a news conference Thursday...

Nielsen's DHS replacement to face same border challenges

by COLLEEN LONG, JILL COLVIN, Associated Press

President Donald Trump and Homeland Security chief Kirstjen Nielsen never quite clicked personally as the president chafed at her explanations of complicated immigration issues and her inability to bring about massive changes at the U.S.-Mexico border. With Nielsen's departure now considered inevitable, her eventual replacement will find there's no getting around the immigration laws and court challenges...

House Republicans elect McCarthy as leader with eye to 2020

AP Congressional Correspondent

Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy on easily won an internal party election to take over the shrunken House GOP caucus, handing the seven-term Californian a familiar role of building the party back to a majority as well as protecting President Donald Trump's agenda. With Speaker Paul Ryan retiring and the House majority gone, the race for minority leader was McCarthy's to lose Wednesday. But rarely has...

Pentagon: Troop contingent on border 'pretty much peaked'

AP National Security Writer

The number of U.S. active-duty troops deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border has "pretty much peaked" at the current total of 5,800, the Pentagon's No. 2 official said Thursday. That is far below the 10,000 to 15,000 that President Donald Trump initially said would be needed to secure the border against what he called an "invasion" of migrants. Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan...

Judge delays ruling on CNN reporter's White House credential

Associated Press

A federal judge has delayed his decision on whether to order the Trump administration to return the White House press credentials of CNN reporter Jim Acosta. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Kelly had been expected to announce his decision on the matter Thursday afternoon but delayed the announcement until Friday morning. Kelly, a Trump appointee, heard arguments Wednesday from lawyers representing...

Video: GOP senator spoke of 'difficult' voting for liberals

Associated Press

A Republican U.S. senator from Mississippi is shown in a new video talking about "liberal folks" and making it "just a little more difficult" for them to vote. A campaign spokeswoman for Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith criticized the video, saying the senator was joking. The brief clip appeared on social media Thursday, days after another video showed Hyde-Smith praising someone at a different...

Absentee ballots reviewed in heated Georgia governor's race

by KATE BRUMBACK, BILL BARROW, Associated Press

As the candidates in the disputed race for Georgia governor retreated further into their corners, counties across the state on Thursday began a court-ordered process of reviewing absentee ballots and counting those previously rejected for missing or incorrect dates of birth. Georgia Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden issued guidance to counties to review the absentee ballots, count those rejected...

US, China rivalry challenging entwined Asia-Pacific region

The Associated Press

The rivalry between the U.S. and China in the Asia-Pacific is proving "awkward" for Southeast Asian nations that do not want to have to choose between their friends, Singapore's prime minister said Thursday as he wrapped up a regional summit. "It's easiest not to take sides when everybody else is on the same side. But if you are friends with two countries which are on different sides...

Challenger: Mississippi senator's 'hanging' comment harmful

Associated Press

A white Republican U.S. senator from Mississippi needs to fully explain her comment about a "public hanging," her black Democratic challenger said Wednesday. Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith made the remark in a video that surfaced Sunday. She praised a cattle rancher at a Nov. 2 campaign event in Tupelo by saying: "If he invited me to a public hanging, I'd be on the front row."...

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown talks about potential presidential run on WHIO Radio

by Staff reports

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown says his message of fighting for workers resonated in his recent election victory and he told WHIO Radio that’s the message he’d push if he decides to run for president in 2020. Right now he says he’s having family discussions about a potential run, but no decision has been made. “I don’t know what we’re going to do,” he told Miami...

‘Heartbeat’ abortion bill passes Ohio House

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

After more than an hour of heated debate, a controversial abortion ban that Gov. John Kasich vetoed two years ago passed the Ohio House on Thursday 59-35 and now heads to the Senate where its fate is unclear. The ‘heartbeat bill’ would prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which is as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. “This bill basically says if there is...

2 local congressmen may compete to be top Republican on Judiciary Committee

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

Warren County-area Rep. Steve Chabot is one of two remaining Republicans in the House of Representatives who brought the case for impeachment against then–President Bill Clinton 20 years ago. Now, he’s arguing that experience could help him and other Republican fight off Democrats if they move forward on impeaching President Donald Trump. Chabot of Cincinnati, who just won a 12th term...

Report: U.S. military at risk of losing war to Russia, China

by Max Filby, Staff Writer

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base may be the difference between victory and defeat if war eventually breaks out between the United States and Russia or China, a defense expert said about a new report out Wednesday. The U.S. is at risk of losing a war to either country, states a report released Wednesday by a bipartisan commission that Congress created to evaluate the Trump administration’s defense...

Are Ohio’s 4 Democratic members of Congress supporting Pelosi for speaker?

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

For those counting, two Ohio Democrats are now backing Nancy Pelosi for House speaker and two are opposed. Rep. Marcy Kaptur Wednesday announced she will back Pelosi for speaker, joining Rep. Joyce Beatty, D–Jefferson Township, who was one of the first House Democrats to announce her support for Pelosi after Democrats won the House majority last Tuesday. Beatty has been whipping up support...

Local Rep. Jim Jordan loses bid to lead House Republicans

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy easily fended off a challenge from Rep. Jim Jordan Wednesday, becoming House Republicans’ choice to become the incoming House minority leader in January. Jordan, an Urbana Republican who leads the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, received 43 votes to McCarthy’s 159 in a closed–door meeting of House Republicans. While Jordan is viewed...

Ohio Libertarians say they may sue to keep ballot access

by Associated Press, Staff Writer

The Libertarian Party of Ohio says it may sue the state to force continued recognition of the minor political party. Secretary of State Jon Husted says the Libertarians and Ohio Green Party lost ballot access because their respective candidates did not get 3 percent of the vote needed to remain a recognized party. Cleveland.com reports the Libertarian Party of Ohio regained state recognition...

Against odds, local Congressman Jim Jordan seeking GOP leadership post

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

After years of bucking Republican Speakers John Boehner and Paul Ryan on everything from health care to approving spending bills to keep the federal government open, local Congressman Jim Jordan has launched a bid to become leader of the House Republicans. On Wednesday, in a private meeting of House Republicans, Jordan will face Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the current House majority leader...

Opinion: Ohio isn’t now becoming red — it always was

by Thomas Suddes

Donald Trump energizes Ohio’s Republican grassroots. And for at least two generations Ohioans have known the name Mike DeWine and, roughly, what DeWine stands for. Those two facts – in a state that prefers any changes to be gradual – are why voters made DeWine Ohio’s next governor. As barstool analysts are first to say, elections have consequences. A winning candidate for governor...

Ohio Democrat to oppose Nancy Pelosi for speaker

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

As Nancy Pelosi digs into her campaign for House Speaker, two Ohio Democrats have taken polar opposite positions on her bid. U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan confirmed through a spokesman he will vote against Pelosi’s bid for speaker, and said earlier this week he has been talking privately to incoming new Democrats who vowed not to vote for her. Ryan, a Niles Democrat who ran against Pelosi for House Minority...

Ohioan named to commission that will study military plane crashes

by Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

Joe Hagin, a longtime friend of Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, and former White House deputy chief of staff to President Donald Trump, has been named by Trump to a new commission trying to determine the cause in the alarming rise of military jet accidents. Hagin, who is from Cincinnati, was one of four officials named by the White House to the panel. The panel, known as the National Commission on Military...

Will Sessions firing impact Mueller probe?

by Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

Sens. Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown said Wednesday the firing of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should not impact Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into whether aides to President Donald Trump colluded with Russian intelligence during the 2016 presidential campaign. Brown, D-Ohio, who opposed Sessions’ confirmation, said “our justice system is bigger than any one...

DeWine proposes cabinet post to focus on military issues, Wright-Patt

by Laura A. Bischoff , Thomas Gnau , Columbus Bureau

Mike DeWine said Wednesday that as governor he will appoint a cabinet-level official to concentrate on military installations across Ohio, specifically mentioning Wright-Patterson as a key reason for the new position. “As you know, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is a very complex place,” he said at a Wednesday press conference after winning the race for governor against Democrat Richard...

Mike DeWine to be first Dayton-area governor since James Cox

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Mike DeWine will be the first Miami Valley man to serve as Ohio governor since Democrat James M. Cox held the post in 1913-15 and 1917-21. Here is a quick look at what they had in common. 1. Farms. Cox and DeWine both started out life on local farms. Cox, the youngest of seven children, was raised on Old Home Farm, his family homestead in Butler County. DeWine grew up in the Yellow Springs area and...

Local Congressman Jim Jordan announces run for House minority leader

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

Rep. Jim Jordan announced Wednesday that he will run for minority leader, hours after winning a seventh term representing his western Ohio congressional district and hours after Republicans lost the House majority. Jordan, an Urbana Republican, announced his decision on Hill.TV Wednesday morning, though he’s broadly indicated his plans to seek a leadership role ever since House Speaker Paul...

Morning After Update: 7 major election updates you need to know now

by News Staff, Staff Writer

While the Democrats seized control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Republicans retained the Senate majority. Here are seven local and national updates that you need to know this morning: 1. Republicans hold the Senate, Democrats take the HouseThe Associated Press has joined other outlets in reporting that Democrats have secured at least 218 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, winning...

Warren Davidson, Jim Jordan will return to Congress

by Will Garbe, Michael D. Pitman , Staff Writer

Congressmen Warren Davidson and Jim Jordan will return to the U.S. House in January, according to unofficial results of Tuesday’s election. Davidson, R-Troy, represents Springfield in the 4th District and won his election over Vanessa Enoch. The Republican was re-elected to his his second full term to the congressional seat. Jordan, R-Urbana, won re-election in the 8th District over Janet Garrett...

Polls are open for Election Day: What you need to know

by Kaitlin Schroeder , Josh Sweigart , Staff Writer

Local voter turnout is strong so far this election. "We've got a big turnout at all of our polling locations throughout the county," said Jan Kelly, director of the Montgomery County Board of Elections, at a Tuesday afternoon press conference. After polls close at 7:30 p.m., results might not be in as quickly as after the primary vote because there are two extra machines at each location...

Election highlights: DeWine wins, some familiar names lose, Dayton OKs marijuana issue and more

by Laura A. Bischoff , Jack Torry, Will Garbe, Jeremy P. Kelley , Cornelius Frolik , Chris Stewart , Lynn Hulsey , Max Filby, Mark Gokavi

Ohio voters picked a new governor, backed the full slate of Republicans to statewide non-judicial offices and killed Issue 1. Local voters backed the Five Rivers MetroParks levy and Dayton voters OK’d effort to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. It also was a night where some familiar faces lost their seats locally and some newcomers won. Here’s a look at some of the...

DeWine beats Cordray for governor, leads big night for Ohio Republicans

by Laura A. Bischoff , Max Filby, Columbus Bureau

Republican Mike DeWine won Ohio’s governor race Tuesday in a big night for the GOP, which swept the down ticket executive offices – attorney general, auditor, secretary of state and treasurer – for the third consecutive statewide election cycle. Around midnight, DeWine and his running mate, Jon Husted, and their families took the stage at the Ohio Republican Party event...

Sen. Brown wins, holds off challenge from Renacci

by Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

Sen. Sherrod Brown won re-election Tuesday over Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Wadsworth, giving the Ohio Democrat a third six-year term in the U.S. Senate and his fifth statewide victory since 1982. CNN called the race about a half hour after the polls closed at 7:30 p.m. Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci of Wadsworth worked to the end of the race, pointing to an internal poll showing 17 percent of voters...

Mike DeWine rallies hometown crowd on Election Eve

by Will Garbe, Staff Writer

In the latest installment of his longstanding political tradition, Mike DeWine finished his campaign for Ohio governor where he always ends his races: the dining room of Young’s Jersey Dairy packed with supporters chanting “Go, Mike! Go!” Whether Tuesday’s general election will turn out like it did in 2006, when he lost his U.S. Senate seat to Democrat Sherrod Brown, or like...

Ohio voters overwhelmingly reject Issue 1, which would decriminalize low-level drug offenders

by Katie Wedell, Staff Writer

Ohio voters defeated State Issue 1 Tuesday 63 percent to 37 percent, according to final, unofficial results. The proposed constitutional amendment would have changed Ohio law to keep low-level drug offenders out of prison with the goal of promoting treatment of drug addiction instead of incarceration. But opponents raised concerns about the impact removing the threat of punishment would have...

Supreme Court won’t decide if Ohio’s death penalty is constitutional

by Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

Rejecting a chance to decide whether Ohio’s death penalty law violates the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way Monday for a state court to hold a sentencing hearing for a man convicted of murder and rape in 1993 in Marion County. The justices, without comment, chose not to review an Ohio Supreme Court decision last April that the state’s death penalty is constitutional...

Dems call out GOP over claims on pre-existing conditions

by Jessica Wehrman , Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

When Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, sent out a campaign mailer telling voters he’s working to guarantee private insurance for people with pre-existing conditions, Democratic opponent Theresa Gasper snapped that Turner is “hoping to dupe voters about his record.” In Columbus, Democrat Rick Neal made a similar charge about Republican Rep. Steve Stivers of Upper Arlington. The Democratic...

Local congressional candidate’s campaign manager resigns days before vote

by AP AP

The campaign manager for a Democratic candidate seeking a congressional seat in Warren and Hamilton counties has resigned days after Republicans officials accused one of the candidate’s workers of stealing voter data from his opponent. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Aftab Pureval says Sarah Topy resigned Tuesday based on “new information.” Pureval, a Beavercreek native, is trying...

Ohio must allow ‘purged’ voters to vote, court rules

by Associated Press, Staff Writer

A federal appeals court has ordered Ohio to allow voters who had been purged from the election books for not voting over a six-year period to participate in this year’s election. A divided 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel on Thursday granted an emergency motion sought by voting-rights groups. The ruling overturned in part an Oct. 10 ruling by a federal judge that said voters hadn&rsquo...

Portman wants bill to protect synogogues following mass shooting

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, is urging Senate leadership to take action on a bill that he says would better protect synagogues and other nonprofit institutions in the aftermath of a mass shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., released Tuesday, the Ohio Republican urged the two leaders to pass a bill authorizing...

You can still vote early today until 2 p.m.

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Election Day is tomorrow, but you can still vote early today. Your county board of elections office is open for voters today until 2 p.m. Absentee voting is running higher than in the 2014 midterm elections but voter turnout was just below 41 percent that year and Democrat Ed FitzGerald, who proved to be a flawed candidate, lost in a landslide to Republican incumbent Gov. John Kasich. This year&rsquo...

Ohio governor candidates: Where they stand on jobs & the skills gap

by Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer

Ohio has a four-way race for governor this year and voters will decide on Nov. 6 who will lead the state for the next four years. The candidates are Democrat Rich Cordray, former director of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; Republican Mike DeWine, who is Ohio attorney general; Green Party candidate and Columbus attorney, Constance Gadell-Newton and Libertarian Travis M. Irvine, a filmmaker...

Ten LGBTQ candidates are running at state, national level in Ohio

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

Ten openly LGBTQ candidates are running for the Statehouse or federal office in Ohio this year, part of a wave that is taking hold across the country, according to Andrew Reynolds, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill who studies the issue. Twenty-one candidates nationally who identify as LGBTQ are running for Congress, while 203 candidates are running for...

Governor race: Mike DeWine runs on his long experience and track record

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Mike DeWine is seemingly everywhere in Ohio. He stands before cameras at press conferences in the Attorney General’s office, he pops up at gruesome crime scenes wearing a BCI jacket, he welcomes supporters to his annual ice cream social at his sprawling farm in Greene County, and he shows up at high school track meets to watch his grandchildren. It’s an image carefully cultivated over...

Governor Race: What you need to know about Richard Cordray, where he stands on issues

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Some politicians try hard to be cool and hip, but none of them are named Richard Cordray. In his run for governor, the Grove City Democrat is fully embracing his nerd image and capitalizing on his five time Jeopardy! champion bragging rights. His campaign rolled out a website, RichKnowsOhio.com, which weaves together Jeopardy! clips from 1987 with modern-day Cordray answering Ohio trivia. He has a...

OPINION: Organizations, people explain why they support State Issue 1

Staff Writer

The ACLU of Ohio urges a “yes” vote on State Issue 1, which will reduce the number of people in state prison and reinvest the savings to drug treatment programs and community services. The ballot measure would amend the state Constitution and require all fourth- and fifth-degree felony offenses for obtaining, possessing, or using drugs or drug paraphernalia to be reclassified as misdemeanors...

OPINION: ACLU of Ohio urges Ohioans to vote yes on State Issue 1

Staff Writer

Election 2018: Congressman Jordan facing Democrat Garrett in rematch

by Ted Beust, Contributing writer

Congressman Jim Jordan, who says he plans to run for speaker of the House if Republicans maintain the majority, is running against Democrat Janet Garrett in his bid for re-election. Garrett, who has run against Jordan before in 2016 and 2014, was a member of the Peace Corps, and served on the Oberlin Ohio Education Executive Association Council. Jordan is a member of the Freedom Caucus and believes...

Gov. Kasich orders flags lowered for synagogue tragedy

by AP AP

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has ordered flags lowered to half-staff following a gunman’s attack on a Pittsburgh synagogue that killed 11 people. The governor’s announcement came after Saturday’s shooting at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood that also injured six people, including four police officers. Kasich says “Our hearts are heavy...

Bringing more jobs to the region: Here’s how the Ohio governor candidates plan to do it

by Lynn Hulsey, Staff Writer

The economy is booming for some people, but Ohio still has a serious skills gap, wages are stagnant for many workers and there are concerns the state isn’t poised to attract high-tech jobs now and into the future. Each of the candidates for governor is heavily focused on bringing good-paying jobs to Ohio and growing the jobs that are already here, though they differ on how to get there. This...

Outside groups spending millions supporting Sen. Brown this year

by Jessica Wehrman, Washington Bureau

When Sherrod Brown ran for re-election in 2012, he had a constant refrain: outside groups were out to get him. This year, though,outside groups are either on his side or sitting out the race. Outside groups are organizations that don’t necessarily contribute directly to the campaigns, but instead spend money on TV ads and direct mail backing or opposing candidates. In the current funding cycle...

Watch: Turner, Gasper, Harlow debate issues in congressional race on WHIO-TV

by Will Garbe, Staff Writer

In their only event together this election cycle, the three candidates for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District joined News Center 7’s Jim Otte for a forum broadcast during a special Saturday afternoon airing of WHIO Reports. Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Turner, Democrat Theresa Gasper and Libertarian David Harlow participated in the forum. The 10th Congressional District includes all...

What happens to fentanyl cases key dispute in Issue 1 debate

by Katie Wedell, Staff Writer

One of the most confusing aspects of State Issue 1 is how people caught with large amounts of fentanyl would be handled in the court system. Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot that would convert some lower-level drug felonies — felony 4 and felony 5 charges —to misdemeanors. The issue also dictates that offenders serve no prison time for the first two offenses....

State Treasurer candidates lay out plans to protect Ohio’s money

by Staff reports

Republican Robert Sprague and Democrat Rob Richardson are running for state treasurer this fall to replace Treasurer Josh Mandel who is term-limited. We asked both candidates what they would do if elected. Here’s a look at their experience and their answers to our questions: Experience: 9 years on the University of Cincinnati’s Board of Trustees. 10 years as a labor attorney practicing...

Ohio lawmakers react to mail bomb attacks

by Jack Torry, Washington Bureau

Lawmakers from both parties rushed to praise the FBI and law enforcement agencies for quickly arresting a man suspected of mailing explosive devices to Democratic figures although some Democrats suggested President Donald Trump’s divisive rhetoric was partly to blame. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the FBI had arrested 56-year-old Cesar Sayoc of Florida and accused him of mailing...

Overtime pay for mid-level workers becoming key issue in governor’s race

by Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

In May 2016, Vice President Joe Biden dropped into Columbus to tout a federal new rule: overtime pay would be required for salaried workers who make up to $47,476 a year. The change was expected to boost the paychecks of 4.2 million Americans who work as mid-level managers in places such as big box stores, restaurants and the like. In September 2016, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined a lawsuit...

State Issue 1 supporters have big money advantage against opponents

by Laura Bischoff, Columbus Bureau

Campaign finance reports filed late today show backers of State Issue 1 are out-raising opponents by a 10 to 1 ratio. Ohioans are also deciding whether to amend the state constitution to reduce criminal penalties for drug use and possession charges. State Issue 1 calls for converting felony 4 and felony 5 drug charges into misdemeanor offenses that generally won’t carry prison time and plow...

Ohio governor candidates on school funding, and helping needy students

by Josh Sweigart

Rich Cordray, Democrat: Offer services like mental health, dental, after-school, and parent support programs at neighborhood schools. Increase state support for hiring education professionals like librarians, nurses, guidance counselors, and social workers. Mike DeWine, Republican: Ensure every school has access to a mental health professional. Implement age-appropriate drug prevention. Modernize...

Ohio lawmakers react to bomb packages sent to Clintons, Obamas, others

by Drew Simon, Staff Writer

Bombs and other suspicious packages targeting Hillary Clinton, former President Barack Obama and CNN were intercepted Wednesday in a rash of attacks. A similar device was found Monday at the New York compound of liberal billionaire George Soros, a major contributor to Democratic causes. There have been no reports of suspicious packages delivered to Ohio leaders or the statehouse. Here’s what...

Cordray, DeWine both pledge to expand subsidized childcare eligibility

by Josh Sweigart

Rich Cordray, Democrat: Raise the eligibility limit for subsidized childcare from 130 percent of the federal poverty level to 150 percent. Establish an office in state government to ensure high-quality early education programs. Expand Ohio’s home visitation program for new parents. Mike DeWine, Republican: Raise the eligibility limit for subsidized childcare from 130 percent of the federal...

2018 Midterms: Who is Stacey Abrams, candidate for Georgia governor?

by Jeremy Redmon, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“An engine revved behind her, and she could hear the hiss of a power window sliding down its pane of glass. With instinct born of experience, she dodged between two buildings as the pop of a silencer registered its fury. Glass shattered and sprayed the ground, shards tinkling in the quiet morning. A second shot was fired, and she could feel the bullet pierce skin, singe flesh.” That harrowing...