Ohio Governor candidates talk debates, election during stops in the Miami Valley

MIAMI VALLEY — There are 63 days until the November midterm election and one of the biggest races is the one for Governor.

Both major party candidates were in the Miami Valley today and News Center 7 was there to talk to them both about their campaigns.

Gov. Mike DeWine was in Beavercreek Tuesday tour Quality Quartz Engineering, while Democratic nominee Nan Whaley was in Dayton to announce her statewide jobs and economic improvement plan. News Center 7 asked both how they’re feeling about the homestretch of their campaigns.

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DeWine said he’s spent the summer at difference county fairs.

“Got to county fairs, for example, give me a great opportunity to listen to people and what they have to say and have that kind of informal exchange of ideas,” DeWine said.

Whaley said she feels great heading toward the November election.

“We’re seeing great movement in the race. Incredible momentum. The decision unfortunately around just extreme actions at the statehouse, particularly around women’s access to abortion and their healthcare has completely fundamentally changed this race,” Whaley said.

Three different debates have been scheduled for October. So far, Whaley’s campaign has accepted all three invites, but DeWine’s camp has not responded yet.

“We’re happy to go wherever anybody wants to debate. He’s welcome to show up,” she said.

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News Center 7′s John Bedell asked DeWine whether he’ll accept one or all three invitations. He’s said the decision will come around the first of October.

“We know that we’re going to have some joint appearances. For example, some of these editorial boards put together these joint appearances. People will have the opportunity to watch those, pull those down from online and see that exchange,” DeWine said. “The other thing is, I don’t think anybody really has any doubt about my position on different issues and frankly the things that we have done.”

We’ll provide an update once the DeWine camp makes their decision.

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