Ohio Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor tried to differentiate herself Friday from the three other Republicans who are running for governor next year. In her official announcement that she’s running, Taylor told more than 100 people at the City Club of Cleveland about heading the state’s effort to cut regulations, the need for charter schools to return to their promise as ‘centers of innovation,’ and her fight as head of the state’s insurance department against the Affordable Care Act. But she drew the most distinct differences when she spoke of responding to the state’s opioid crisis. Last month, Taylor revealed that both her adult sons struggled with addiction and are in recovery. During her speech on Friday, she called for a comprehensive approach that includes prosecuting dealers and shutting down drug imports.
Taylor took a swipe at one of her likely primary opponents, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, who recently sued some opioid manufacturers. She said hiring lawyers won’t solve the problem.