Trump endorses Ohio candidate in special election

President Trump endorsed a Republican running to replace retired Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio) in a special election next month.

“Troy Balderson of Ohio is running for Congress against a Nancy Pelosi Liberal who is WEAK on Crime & Borders. Troy is the total opposite, and loves our Military, Vets & 2nd Amendment,” Trump tweeted Saturday night, repeating the same reasons he gives for supporting candidates he endorses.

“EARLY VOTING just started with Election Day on August 7th. Troy has my Full & Total Endorsement!” he added.

Troy Balderson of Ohio is running for Congress against a Nancy Pelosi Liberal who is WEAK on Crime & Borders. Troy is the total opposite, and loves our Military, Vets & 2nd Amendment. EARLY VOTING just started with Election Day on August 7th. Troy has my Full & Total Endorsement!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 21, 2018

{mosads}The Cook Political Report, a nonpartisan election analyst, rates the race between Troy Balderson and Democrat Danny O’Connor as a “toss-up.”

Balderson, however, has led all public polling in the district, which has been reliably Republican. Tiberi, who resigned in October, represented the district since 2001.

O’Connor is attempting to solidify support among more centrist Republicans who back Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R).

Additionally, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has reserved about $240,000 in air time to bolster O’Connor ahead of the vote.