Two Republican gubernatorial candidates are joining forces. Attorney General Mike DeWine and Secretary of State Jon Husted will announce today they'll run together. Political analysts say the pair's fundraising skills and statewide recognition will likely clear the GOP field. More from Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler.
DeWine and Husted were likely to be formidable opponents in the May primary – the 70 year old DeWine has significant name recognition after four decades in elected office including as a US Senator, and the 50 year old Husted, a former House speaker, is considered a rising star in the party. DeWine would lead the ticket with Husted as his running mate, leaving current Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor and Congressman Jim Renacci still in the race. Renacci, Dewine and Husted each had over 4 million dollars in fundraising as of the last report in July, with Taylor far behind at less than a half a million. DeWine and Husted are expected to make their first appearance in Dayton and then in Columbus.
