Moreno Blasts Brown for Dodging Harris

LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) — Republican candidate Bernie Moreno criticized Democratic U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown during a campaign event in Lancaster, accusing him of attempting to distance himself from Vice President Kamala Harris despite their shared policy history. Moreno, a Cleveland businessman endorsed by former President Trump, highlighted Brown's past collaborations with Harris, including her fundraising efforts for his 2018 Senate campaign and her consideration of him as a running mate during her 2020 presidential bid. Moreno argued that Brown's current strategy of presenting himself as a moderate and bipartisan figure contradicts his long-standing political ties with Harris. He noted that Ohio has shifted significantly to the right, having supported Trump in the last two presidential elections, which has prompted Brown to emphasize his bipartisan efforts and legislative achievements with Republican leaders, including Ohio's junior senator, JD Vance. As Brown seeks to leverage his extensive political experience and name recognition to attract crossover voters, his campaign has indicated support for Harris, despite her likely absence from Ohio during the current presidential race. Meanwhile, Moreno underscored the stark differences between Republican and Democratic policies, particularly on issues like immigration, the economy, and Social Security. In response to Moreno's campaign, Democrats have organized protests to label him as an anti-worker "fat cat," referencing past lawsuits related to his businesses. Brown, in contrast, positions himself as a pro-union advocate, emphasizing the importance of "the dignity of work" in his campaign narrative.