“It took Troy Balderson all of one year in Congress to become a proud member of Washington’s Republican insider class. Balderson cares more about standing with the establishment in support of a lawsuit to rip health care from his constituents and against lowering prescription drug costs, over the Ohioans he was elected to represent,” DCCC Chairwoman Cheri Bustos said. “In direct contrast to Congressman Balderson’s out-of-touch agenda, Alaina Shearer will use her experience in business and her love for her community to fight for issues that will matter most for Ohioans.”
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To: Interested Parties
From: Sarah Guggenheimer, DCCC Regional Press Secretary
Date: April 29, 2020
Subject: The Case Against Congressman Troy Balderson
In his short time in Congress, Troy Balderson has proven himself a reliable yes-man for Washington Republicans, voting repeatedly and consistently against the interests of Ohioans.
Nowhere is this more notable than his agenda to take away protections for pre-existing conditions and his votes against lowering prescription drug costs for families. Consistently and throughout his career, Balderson has taken the wrong side on the issue voters care most about in this election.
His record stands in stark contrast to that of Alaina Shearer who will work to improve health care and tackle prescription drug costs. As a former businesswoman who built a company from the ground up, she certainly knows how to get things done.
As voters head to the polls in November, they’ll be faced with a clear choice: continuing Balderson’s inadequate status quo or the honest, responsive, and independent voice of Alaina Shearer.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Columbus Dispatch: “Alaina Shearer, 40, said her mix of professional and life experiences qualify her to go to Washington, D.C., and work to make life better for her constituents.” [Columbus Dispatch, 10/23/19]
Columbus Dispatch: “As with many other congressional districts, suburban parts of the 12th District have been driving it toward Democrats in recent years.” [Columbus Dispatch, 10/23/19]
WCMH: “Ohio’s 12th Congressional District was one of the most talked-about elections two years ago, with Representative Troy Balderson winning a narrow special election and the general election just months later. And this year, he’s facing even more challengers.” [WCMH, 3/1/20]
Columbus Dispatch: “His narrow victories over Franklin County Recorder Danny O’Connor have left Democrats hopeful that the central Ohio district, which included Delaware, Licking and Morrow counties and parts of Franklin, Muskingum, Marion and Richland counties, is more competitive than previously thought.” [Columbus Dispatch, 3/2/20]
Troy Balderson: Proud New Member of the Washington Establishment
BALDERSON’S RECORD ON HEALTH CARE MAKE OHIOANS SICK
Troy Balderson’s health care record in Washington is out of touch and out of step with Ohioans. In Washington, Balderson has voted in lockstep with a Republican establishment unflinching in their efforts to cut protections for those with pre-existing conditions. In 2019, Balderson voted three separate times supporting a lawsuit to repeal the Affordable Care Act, eliminating protections for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions.
He also voted against legislation to lower prescription drug costs for families across the country.
Balderson’s actions, while damning, are certainly no surprise. The Congressman was clear when he said: “… I would vote to repeal and replace Obamacare once and for all…”
With his obedience to Washington Republicans’ unpopular health care agenda, it’s no wonder his campaign is funded by pharmaceutical and insurance interests.
Alaina believes that health care is a right, and in Congress she’ll work to lower costs, improve access, and protect coverage for Ohioans with pre-existing conditions.
BUT THAT’S NOT ALL…BALDERSON WANTS TO CUT MEDICAID AND ENTITLEMENTS TOO
Balderson’s agenda goes beyond just cutting protections for pre-existing conditions and opposing lowering prescription drug costs, he has also worked to cut Ohioans’ social safety net as well.
As a State Senator, Balderson voted to freeze Ohio’s Medicaid expansion, a decision that would cut coverage for more than 500,000 Ohioans.
His votes will certainly play a role in the upcoming election after President Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
Voters already trust Democrats over Republicans on the issue of health care. And with Balderson’s votes and threats to Medicaid this will certainly be a major issue for voters this election, particularly in contrast to Shearer’s approach to health care. In Congress, Shearer will work to lower costs and improve coverage for her constituents, unlike Balderson and his focus on repealing the Affordable Care Act.
PATH TO VICTORY
This race is shaping up to be one to watch thanks to Balderson’s record and the rapidly shifting district. In 2016 Democrats won only 31% of the vote, but by 2018, Democrats won 47.2% of the vote. This district is majority suburban, highly educated, and trending blue. Not only that, but turnout in a presidential race will benefit Democrats as the electorate grows younger.
The suburban areas of this district will play a particularly important role in this race as they’ve been proven to be repeatedly motivated to vote with health care in mind: an issue where Balderson’s views are far removed from this increasingly moderate district.
Meanwhile, Shearer has a record as an entrepreneur who started a business in the digital industry, created jobs, and delivered results. She’s working hard to be a representative for her district, work with her constituents, and fight for their best interests.
With this ever-changing district and an out of touch incumbent, voters are ready to flip OH-12.