Republicans in the Ohio House have voted to increase the penalty for texting while driving. They passed a bill that would make the violation a primary offense, so law enforcement could pull you over if they see you texting and driving.  Currently they must pull the driver over for another reason to charge them for texting.  Right now, they also allow drivers to hold their phones during a call and to physically push the buttons to make the call.  If the proposed law is passed, it would prohibit drivers from using, holding, or physically supporting an electronic device, unless they are stopped at a red light, using the speakerphone function without holding the phone, or holding a phone to the drivers ears for a call, but not using the texting or typing functions.  The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.  Democrats say the bill doesn't go far enough and adds it isn't truly a “hands-free bill.” 

The Ohio Northern Institute for Civics and Public Policy says that Gen Z voters were an unexpected force in the November 8th election. The group is categorized as being born after 1997 and according to national data, voters between 18 to 29 years old had around 27% voter turnout last week. Compared to around 20% in past elections for the same age group.

The Democrats maintain control of the U.S.  Senate, and the House is up for grabs.  While a handful of congressional races yet to be determined, the Republicans have a slight edge to take control of the house.  But the results of last week’s mid-term election was not the overall victory that both the Republican and Democratic parties were promising before the election.   While the Republican statewide candidates had sound victories in the election last week.  Ohio Northern Political professor Rob Alexander says that the November 8^th election was more about Donald Trump than Joe Biden and the economy when it came to bringing out voters.

Jordan is up for reelection. He is facing Democratic challenger Tamie Wilson in the general election in November. Today, media sources say Trump’s lawyers have accepted the subpoena from the House January 6 Select Committee. The former president and his lawyers have until November 4th to turn over any documents that were requested, and until November 14th to testify at a deposition. We asked Jordan if he thinks Trump will testify.

Exactly two weeks before the election, the Allen County Republicans turning out to throw their support behind their candidates. Including one of the evening’s featured speakers U.S. Senate Candidate JD Vance.  Vance was making stops around the state with republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. The pair talking about various issues like the southern border and inflation. Vance and his democratic challenger Tim Ryan will be going head-to-head in a Fox News Townhall on November 1st.  The candidates faced off in two debates in eastern Ohio at the beginning of the month and Vance welcomed the opportunity to share the stage with the long time Washington congressman. 

With less than a month to go, about 8 in 10 registered voters say casting their ballot this year is extremely or very important. That's true of voters who prefer Republicans to win majorities in Congress, and those who want to see Democrats remain in control.

Jim Jordan was the keynote speaker for the Republican's monthly lunch. Recently, Jordan has been vocal about cracking down on fentanyl-related substances if Republicans take back the House. The United States is still dealing with a high number of drug overdoses and overdose deaths. Jordan sees a need to fix the situation at the southern border and to preview the flow of deadly fentanyl into the United States.

A grand opening for the center welcomed a variety of candidates, including Susan Manchester. The center is located at 2161 Elida Road and will host a variety of events for the Allen County GOP, as well as be the hub for activity when it comes to the Republican party in the area.