With Election Day just days away, a group of Ohio's Republican statewide candidates stopped in Logan County Friday morning, Oct. 30, to share their priorities and make a final appeal to voters.

While the campaign trail has been filled with television commercials and political sparring, the candidates used their time with local residents to talk about what they hope to accomplish if elected.

The visit came as Logan County voters were making their voices heard in impressive numbers. Nearly 52 percent of the county's voters had already cast ballots, making Logan County the highest in voter participation in Ohio, according to figures shared during the gathering.

The turnout was a point of pride for those in attendance. Current Secretary of State Frank LaRose encouraged residents not to let up, noting that Logan County typically sees approximately 24,000 voters participate in presidential elections, but gubernatorial election years often see about 7,000 fewer voters.

Lowering costs and creating opportunities

Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican nominee for Ohio governor, outlined an agenda centered on lowering costs for Ohio families, increasing economic opportunity and improving public services. He pledged to pursue what he described as the largest property tax reduction in Ohio history. He also said he would work to lower electricity costs by increasing energy production and adding more power to the state's electric grid.

Other priorities included increasing take-home pay, improving schools and public safety, and bringing more high-paying jobs to Ohio.

Ramaswamy also announced plans for seven executive orders he said he would sign on his first day in office. Among the priorities he identified were launching investigations into Medicaid waste, fraud and abuse and ending sanctuary cities in Ohio.

He described his overall goal as making Ohio a state where families can afford to live, work and raise their children without having to leave for better opportunities elsewhere.

Faber puts focus on Medicaid fraud and public safety

Keith Faber, candidate for Ohio attorney general and current state auditor, discussed his record of government accountability and his plans to carry that approach into the attorney general's office.

Faber said his office has identified more than $12 billion in waste, fraud and abuse during his tenure as auditor. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen laws addressing human trafficking and sexual predators.

During a separate conversation, Faber was asked specifically about Medicaid fraud and whether addressing it would be a priority if elected attorney general.

His answer was unequivocal.

"We will absolutely prosecute Medicaid fraud," Faber said. "The Attorney General has exclusive prosecution authority over Medicaid fraud. We will go after that with a venom and vigor that Ohio has never seen."

Faber said his priorities in the attorney general's office would include combating human trafficking, cyber fraud and elder abuse. He also pledged to hold businesses accountable when they defraud or take advantage of consumers.

In addition, the attorney general candidate pointed to the importance of supporting law enforcement and holding individuals accountable for crimes against officers and members of the public.

Husted highlights tax relief for families

U.S. Senator Jon Husted also made time for a one-on-one conversation about his experience in office and the work he hopes to continue.

When asked what accomplishment he was most proud of during his first two years in office, Husted pointed to the Working Family Tax Plan and its provisions aimed at allowing families to keep more of their earnings. He specifically highlighted tax relief on tips, overtime and Social Security, along with a $2,200-per-child tax credit.

"All of that allows people to keep more of what they earn to spend and save with their priorities," Husted said.

He added that the additional child tax credit means more money in families' pockets to help pay their bills.

Looking ahead, the senator said he wants to continue advocating for policies that support middle-class families and reflect what he described as Ohio values. For him, the priorities remain straightforward: good jobs, safe communities and strong families.

"I want to fight for families, fight for faith, fight for freedom," he said.

Husted also spoke about the importance of getting out of Washington's political culture and remaining focused on the concerns of people back home.

Election integrity and government accountability

Robert Sprague, candidate for secretary of state who is currently the state treasurer, focused his remarks on election administration and voter identification.

Sprague said his first priority would be ensuring that only American citizens are eligible to vote in Ohio elections. He supports photo identification requirements for both in-person and mail-in voting and said he wants those requirements incorporated into the Ohio Constitution.

LaRose, who is running for state auditor after serving as Ohio's secretary of state, discussed government efficiency and financial accountability. He said performance audits can help identify wasteful government spending and encourage local and state agencies to operate more efficiently.

LaRose connected government efficiency to the financial pressures facing Ohio families, particularly property taxes. He said identifying ways for government to operate within its means can help reduce the pressure to continually seek additional revenue from taxpayers.

The role of Ohio's courts

The judicial candidates also discussed the importance of the courts in shaping Ohio's future.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Dan Hawkins said the court's responsibility is to uphold the Constitution, respect the rule of law and protect public safety. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the separation of powers among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.

Colleen O'Donnell, also seeking a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court, echoed the importance of judicial responsibility and said courts should interpret and uphold the law rather than create legislation from the bench.

A final push for voter participation

As the candidates made their final appeal, a recurring theme was the importance of looking beyond the campaign season and considering the long-term direction of the state.

For Logan County, the message came against the backdrop of an already strong voter turnout.

With nearly 52 percent of registered voters having participated before Election Day, the county has demonstrated a high level of engagement in the election. With Election Day approaching Tuesday, Nov. 3, the candidates encouraged residents to make their voices heard and to take an active role in the future of their communities and state.