Former Republican Ohio Gov. Bob Taft has announced his plan to vote for incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in the Buckeye State’s 2024 U.S. Senate race.
Taft, who served as governor from early 1999 through early 2007, is the great-grandson of the late President William Howard Taft.
“I have always run for office under the banner of the Republican Party, am a conservative and usually vote a straight Republican ticket. Although still a Republican, I will be making an exception this year in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race by supporting Sherrod Brown,” Taft wrote in a piece posted by the Dayton Daily News.
“In doing so, I will be joining most voters who make judgments about candidates based not just on party affiliation but, often more importantly, on the candidate and his or her character, experience and expertise,” he continued.
📊 OHIO Senate: @ActiVoteUS
🟥 Bernie Moreno: 51.9% (+3.8)
🟦 Sherrod Brown: 48.1%
——
Last 3 polls
7/20-8/12 – 🔵 Brown +5.0
8/16-9/22 – 🔴 Moreno +2.2
9/23-10/20 – 🔴 Moreno +3.8538 rank: n/a | 400 LV | 9/23-10/20https://t.co/82AJr4pKlM pic.twitter.com/k3TZgHtRnS
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) October 21, 2024
Taft noted that he does not agree with Brown on all policy issues, but believes “Ohioans very much need a highly effective, experienced advocate in the U.S. Senate – someone who is squarely focused on both Ohio’s and America’s needs. This is the kind of leader Sherrod Brown has been.” (RELATED: 5 Most Competitive US Senate Races To Watch In 2024)
Brown, who has served in the Senate since 2007, is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Bernie Moreno.
Brown acknowledged the endorsement on social media, noting, “Bob Taft is the only guy to beat me in an election. Despite our political differences, I’m grateful to have his support in this race.”
Taft defeated Brown in the 1990 Ohio Secretary of State contest.
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This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.