Carey’s central Ohio win establishes President Trump as a “kingmaker.”
QUICK FACTS:
- Mike Carey is a coal lobbyist who is backed by Donald Trump.
- He will now face Democratic state Representative Allison Russo—a health policy consultant who won the Democratic nomination—in the GOP-leaning 15th Congressional District this fall, notes The Associated Press (AP).
- The political newcomer defeated a group of Republican candidates vying for the same spot in the Columbus-area race, some having the backing of the state political establishment.
- “Carey’s race reinforced Trump’s status as GOP kingmaker,” comments AP.
- Although Rep. Jeff LaRe (R) lost to Carey, he nevertheless called for Republicans to “all work together to keep central Ohio red for decades to come.”
WHAT TRUMP SAID:
- Trump celebrated Carey’s win Tuesday saying in a statement, “Thank you to Ohio and all of our wonderful American patriots,” adding, “Congratulations to Mike and his family. He will never let you down!”
BACKGROUND:
- “Most want Trump to have at least some influence over their party’s future direction,” notes AP.
