U.S. Rep Jim Renacci is using his first TV ads in the race for Ohio governor to position himself as a political outsider against three "Columbus fat cats."
Renacci, of Wadsworth, launched the ads on statewide digital and television platforms Thursday.
Borrowing from President Donald Trump's successful 2016 campaign, the spots present the "combined 70 years" in elective office of Renacci's Republican primary opponents as a negative.
It’s a key message in Renacci's campaign against three better known competitors: Attorney General Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and Secretary of State Jon Husted.
“They’re the scaredy cats who refuse to support Right To Work, career fat cats who’ve lived off taxpayers for decades,” the ad says, depicting each candidate as a literal cat.
The ads suggest each would continue the approach of Republican Gov. John Kasich, a Trump critic, if elected. In a post on Facebook, Renacci says the politicians have "abandoned core conservative principles."
Renacci has already channeled Trump in his rallying cry of “Ohio First," and has called for a complete repeal of the Affordable Care Act among other issues.
Renacci spent 30 years in business before being elected to Congress, where he's served since 2011.
