Unions Slam Bernie Moreno Over Central Ohio Dealership Plans in Senate Race
As the U.S. Senate race heats up, labour unions have turned their ire towards Bernie Moreno, a Republican challenger vying for the seat currently held by Democrat Sherrod Brown. The latest controversy? Moreno’s plans to build a new car dealership north of Columbus, Ohio, despite his previous claims of divesting from his business interests. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what it means for this tightly contested Senate race.
Background on Bernie Moreno’s Senate Candidacy
Bernie Moreno, an entrepreneur with a history in the auto industry, has been running a high-profile campaign for the U.S. Senate. In a bid to portray himself as a dedicated public servant free from conflicts of interest, Moreno pledged to divest from his business holdings. In November 2023, he emphasised that he had sold off all his operating businesses to focus entirely on his Senate campaign.
“I’ve sold all my operating businesses,” Moreno asserted. “I wanted to go to Washington, D.C., free of any conflicts of interest. No individual stocks, no individual bonds, no corporate holdings. I’ve made that sacrifice to run for the U.S. Senate.”
The New Controversy: Central Ohio Dealership Plans
Despite his assurances, recent documents from the Delaware County Recorder’s Office reveal that Moreno has been involved in new business dealings. Moreno has reportedly secured $40 million in financing for a Mercedes-Benz dealership and purchased a plot of land in Sunbury for the new auto storefront. This move has raised eyebrows, especially given Moreno’s previous statements about severing ties with his business interests.
Union Response: Allegations of Dishonesty
Labour unions have been vocal in their criticism of Moreno’s plans. Leaders from the local AFL-CIO, the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, and the United Auto Workers held a press conference outside the proposed dealership site. They were joined by a familiar symbol of union dissatisfaction: a large inflatable “fat cat” balloon.
Dorsey Hager, executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council, expressed his discontent with Moreno’s actions. “It’s not about the investments themselves,” Hager explained. “It’s about the fact that he claimed he was fully committed to his Senate run and then proceeds to set up a new business. It’s disingenuous to say that this dealership isn’t his concern when his name is on it.”
Moreno’s Defence: The Family Business Argument
In response to the unions’ criticism, Bernie Moreno’s spokesperson Reagan McCarthy defended the dealership plans. “There is zero contradiction,” McCarthy said in a statement. “The Sunbury dealership is not currently an operating company and is going to be run by Bernie’s son. This is an investment for his son, not a business for himself.”
This statement aims to clarify that Moreno’s involvement with the dealership is more about family investment than personal gain. However, the controversy continues to stir debate, particularly among voters who are questioning Moreno’s commitment to his campaign promises.
The Senate Race: A Tight Contest
With less than two months to go until Election Day, the race between Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno remains one of the most competitive Senate contests in the nation. The focus on Moreno’s business dealings could influence undecided voters and sway opinions in this crucial battleground state.
Key Takeaways and Impact
- Conflicting Statements: Moreno’s past assurances of divesting from business interests are now being challenged by his new dealership plans.
- Union Criticism: Labour unions argue that Moreno’s actions contradict his campaign promises, raising concerns about his integrity and commitment to workers.
- Election Implications: The controversy could impact voter perceptions and play a significant role in the final stretch of the campaign.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Bernie Moreno?
As the election draws nearer, Bernie Moreno’s plans for a new dealership will likely remain a focal point of the campaign. How this controversy plays out could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the Senate race. With union leaders and voters scrutinising his every move, Moreno will need to navigate these issues carefully as he seeks to unseat Sherrod Brown.
