State senate candidates debate

SANDUSKY – With few differences on key issues, the Democratic candidates for Ohio Senate District 2 stressed their personal backgrounds during a debate Thursday night at the Sandusky Register. Reem Subei repeatedly reminded viewers that she is a civil rights attorney with a history of fighting for people who need help. Joel O'Dorisio often referred to his efforts on behalf of a union representing the faculty at Bowling Green State University, emphasizing he doesn't just talk about supporting unions but has been active in collective bargaining. Any differences in Thursday's debate were largely a matter of emphasis. Both support raising the minimum wage in Ohio, oppose diverting money from local public schools to charter schools and private schools, support Medicaid expansion and medical care for all and urge voters to support this year's Democratic nominee for president. Both said they support allowing Ohioans to own guns but also support background checks for all gun purchases. O'Dorisio said he also supports red flag laws. "My position doesn't remove guns from society," he said. "My family has been a hunting family for a very long time ... I've never needed to own a bazooka." "Most Ohioans support sensible gun regulation," Subei said. Ohio can have universal background checks for all gun purchases without abridging the Second Amendment, she said. The two are seeking the Democratic nomination in the March 17 primary for Senate District 2, which includes all of Erie, Ottawa and Wood counties and parts of Lucas and Fulton counties. The primary winner will face the incumbent, state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green in the general election. On Thursday night, Gavarone Tweeted, "While my potential opponents are talking tonight about what they WANT to accomplish in the Ohio Senate, take a look at what I HAVE accomplished as YOUR State Senator," referring followers to her campaign website, theresagavarone.com. During Thursday's debate, Subei criticized Gavarone for voting against Medicaid expansion, saying that it was a vote to hurt Ohio's working families. The debate, which lasted just under an hour, may be viewed at the Register's YouTube channel. Unlike recent Democratic presidential debates, it was a friendly conversation, with each candidate stressing their qualifications and positions and confining their criticisms to Republicans. Subei, a Perrysburg resident, graduated from the University of Toledo's law school in 2014. She is an an attorney for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, a Legal Aid office. She is believed to be the first Muslim candidate to run for the Ohio Senate. Her last name is pronounced "so bay," like "sorbet" without the "R." She stressed that as a civil rights attorney, she works every day to help working families improve their lives. Subei explained her cases include single moms facing eviction from their homes and helping kids with disabilities get proper service from public schools. "I want to ensure every Ohioan has a voice," she said, and will work for jobs that allow everyone to support a family. O'Dorisio, born and raised in Columbus, is a glass artist who has sold art to customers all over the country and is a professor at Bowling Green State University. He has been active in campus affairs and was president of the Faculty Senate. He and his wife of 20 years, Mary, and his two children live in Bowling Green. "I'm a parent and I'm an educator and I'm a union organizer," O'Dorisio said. He said that as a parent, he understands the challenges facing Ohio children, and as a union organizer, he understands the power of a collective voice. He said that as a union organizer, he will fight for the dignity of work, and will work to help every Ohioan has access to health care and to make college affordable in Ohio.