Frank LaRose: Mr. Irrelevant and a Clown Show All Wrapped Together

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) condemned Secretary of State Frank LaRose’s statement blaming Democrats for the Ohio House not taking up amended House Bill 114, which includes language that would make it harder for citizen groups to participate in direct democracy through ballot initiatives.

“Frank LaRose blaming Democrats for his party’s dysfunction is almost so sad it’s funny,” said DeMora. “It is not the Democrats’ fault that the Republicans are infighting and can’t govern, but the Secretary is just trying to please right-wing extremists instead of doing his job to avoid further embarrassment. This debacle falls squarely on the MAGA cult Republican supermajority in both chambers who only hold power because of the unconstitutionally gerrymandered maps that LaRose voted for.”

 House Bill 114 includes changes to delay the deadline for a major political party to certify its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. However, the bill was also amended to make it harder for citizens to have access to ballot initiatives and force all local ballot issue committees to adhere to the same regulations as political action committees. This would make local ballot issue committees vulnerable to fines starting at a minimum of $10,000 for simply trying to enact proposed liquor law changes, zoning changes, or even a citizen-led initiative to install a stop sign at a dangerous intersection.

“Instead of purging voters and sending out press releases that read more like political ads from his official office, he should focus on doing his job,” added DeMora. “Frank continues his downward spiral as he slips further and further into irrelevancy.”