OH House-17: Mandel Refuses to Debate Challenger Bob Belovich

Make no mistake. Attorney Bob Belovich (D-Broadview Heights) is making a genuine, vigorous challenge to well-funded incumbent Josh Mandel (R-Lyndhurst) in the 17th Ohio House District. He has been pounding the pavement, knocking on voters' doors all around the far-flung suburban district. He's making all the parade, festival, media, and club meeting appearances that are necessary to mounting a solid campaign, but also make campaigning such a grueling experience. And he is a personable, articulate, and dedicated candidate who makes a very good impression.

Yesterday Belovich marched with a crowd of supporters in the Home Days parade in Mandel's home town of Lyndhurst. I wasn't able to attend, but I'm told that a number of Democratic elected officials shared the spotlight with him and the crowd reaction was enthusiastic.

How is Mandel responding to this challenge? It looks like his approach is to duck and cover.

Belovich reports that on July 11th he spoke to Mandel's campaign manager Jonathon Petrea about a debate, and Petrea said he'd get back to Belovich. Within a week the host of cable's "In the Spotlight," Bob Conklin, offered to host a debate on his show, and Belovich agreed. Later, however, Conklin called back and reported that Mandel was busy until after the first part of November, in other words, until after the election.

Subsequently Belovich appeared on the Nick Phillips show "The Advocate" on WHK radio, at which time Phillips also offered to host a debate. Belovich wrote a letter to Mandel on August 21 asking directly for a debate and requesting a reply within seven days. Mandel has not responded.

Making the situation more bizarre is the behavior of Mandel's campaign manager. Belovich saw him at the Seven Hills Home Days parade and asked him about Conklin's debate proposal. Petrea was "visibly upset," Belovich says, and called Conklin "stupid." The next weekend, Petrea began to follow Belovich around at parades, obtrusively videotaping the candidate and his family. This happened at the Solon Parade and again at Independence Home Days. Belovich has written Mandel to protest, but Mandel has not responded to Belovich's letter.

Belovich and Mandel did meet in person when they were interviewed together by the editorial board of the Plain Dealer, and Belovich reports that the candidates offered opposing views on most of the issues raised. However, with Mandel ducking out of a debate, the voters of the 17th District won't be getting the benefit of a full exchange of their views.

Bob Belovich is a good candidate running a strong campaign and deserves support. Josh Mandel's response to Belovich's campaign says a lot about what is wrong with politics today. Not only is Mandel refusing to debate Belovich, he seems to be taking his re-election entirely for granted. Belovich says that he understands that Mandel is currently out of the country, and doesn't know when he is coming back.

Belovich has a Cookout and Fundraiser coming up this Friday, September 12th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Shriner’s Pavilion, 1000 Edgerton Road in Broadview Heights. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you can't attend but want to help out, visit Belovich's campaign site and click on the contribution link.