Internet lauds Gov Mike DeWine's call for special session to address delay in getting Biden on ballot

COLUMBUS, OHIO: Ohio Gov Mike DeWine called for a special and rare legislative session to resolve the conflict surrounding President Joe Biden's presence on the ballot in the November election.

The Republican governor expressed his dissent against his fellow party lawmakers for creating an "unacceptable" delay in offering a legislative solution to add the Democrat's name on the ballot by fixing the timing problem with the Democratic National Convention (DNC)," as per NBC News.

According to an Ohio state law passed in 2010, each political party candidate should receive the nominations 90 days before the general election to include their name on the state ballot. This law was waived in 2012 and 2020 when Republican and Democrat conventions were held after the 90-day deadline.

However, on May 21, the Ohio Secretary of State, Frank LaRose, a Republican, cautioned the Democratic Party that Biden's name might not be on the ballot because of the DNC timing. The deadline falls on August 7, while the DNC, where Biden will be certified as the presidential nominee, is scheduled for August 19 to 22.

Gov Mike DeWine blasts Republican legislators

"The Legislature had [a] session yesterday and again failed to take any action. This is simply unacceptable," the governor said to the press on Thursday, May 24.

"Ohio is running out of time to get Joe Biden, the sitting president of the United States, on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is simply not acceptable. This is a ridiculous — this is an absurd situation."

DeWine asserted the purpose of the special General Assembly session was to "pass legislation ensuring that both major presidential candidates will be on the Ohio ballot in November, as well as legislation that would prohibit campaign spending by foreign nationals."

The session is set to start on Tuesday, May 28.

The Republican governor also expressed his outrage at fellow legislators of his party for not making significant efforts to ensure Biden's presence on the ballot. He accused the House Representatives of failing to follow up despite the Senate passing several bills to resolve the situation.

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex M Triantafilou sided with the governor's decision for a special session but claimed, "although we are confident that Donald Trump will win decisively."

Elizabeth Walters, Ohio Democratic Party Chair, issued a statement lashing out at "corrupt GOP politicians" after DeWine's move to bring Biden on the ballot. She demanded the GOP, the majority in both state legislature chambers, to "put politics aside and pass a clean bill" to add the president's name on the ballot. "Despite Republicans' political gamesmanship, we're confident Joe Biden will be on the Ohio ballot," Walters added.

Despite being a swing state in the past, the Buckeye State favored former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. Barack Obama was the last Democratic nominee to win the seat in 2012.

Internet praises Mike DeWine's call for rare session to put Biden on Ohio ballot

Netizens welcomed DeWine's move and lauded him for coming forward to ensure Biden's presence on the ballot.

One user wrote, "A very reasonable approach! Good!" Another user called the governor a "True moderate unifier."

"Disagree with 99% of what DeWine normally believes and yet… I immensely appreciate this. Thank you Governor," a third user added.

A fourth response read, "Someone with a brain on the Republican Party."

Another person said, "Interesting dynamic. Body of the OH GOP legislature was content to see if they could get away with this & Governor (old school former Rep/Sen) calls them on it. Not many of these guys left in the GOP in active service. A lot retired rather than put up with the BS...."

"That’s integrity, Gov DeWine I applaud you and your sense of fairness," someone else chimed in.

An individual wrote, "Love this. I’m not saying we all have to agree with Gov Dewine on all issues, but he’s at least rooted in REALITY! The little things seem big these days. Appreciate his position here."

Another user added, "I’m glad DeWine is doing this. The Ohio House Republican representatives were sitting on their hands just happy to let Trump be on the ballot by himself rather than doing something. Clearly election interference by the Reps!"

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