U.S. Rep Tim Ryan (D-OH) speaks with diners at Kewpee on Bellefontaine Ave. during a campaign stop on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
Courtesy of the Tim Ryan campaign
LIMA — Congressman Tim Ryan (D) continues to campaign throughout the state of Ohio just days before the election. On his way from Dayton to Toledo on Wednesday, he made a stop at a Lima favorite: Kewpee Hamburgers.
Ryan was joined by a local group of motorcyclists on his journey.
On Nov. 8, Ryan will be on the ballot opposite Republican JD Vance for the open seat in the U.S. Senate. The open seat is due to the retirement of Senator Rob Portman, who has held the office since 2011.
On Tuesday evening, Ryan debated Vance during a Fox News Town hall.
“I thought the debate was great,” said Ryan. “I was the one getting all the tough questions. We had a such great response from Republicans who were saying they want a leader who has the guts to go in a tough crowd because that is what you have to do in D.C. I think the debate last night really re-energized how our voters will turn out. People want a fighter for working-class people.”
The two candidates completed their third debate. The first debate was hosted by Cleveland’s Fox 8 News and the second debate was held in Youngstown.
“We got a great response from Fox News last night,” said Ryan. “Our Republicans for Ryan’s initiative is really catching on. We are going to shock the world.”
Ryan said Senator Rob Portman’s former chief of staff, John Bridgeland, and former Congressman David Hobson are leading the Republicans for Ryan.
The Congressman added that he hopes to advocate for cities like Lima if elected to the U.S. Senate. Ryan added that holds a position on the Defense Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives.
“By my position, I helped save the Lima tank plant a few years back,” said Ryan. “This community will have an advocate for the tank plant of the next generation.”
Ryan said he is from a small town and hopes to represent this region.
“I grew up in a town like Lima,” said Ryan. “It is not much different than up in Youngstown. We need a working-class guy from a community like this and that is what they are going to get. Someone that will fight for them and make sure Lima does not get forgotten.”
Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.
