Riedel: I can beat Kaptur

SANDUSKY — Craig Riedel said his background makes him the best possible Republican nominee to oppose veteran Democratic lawmaker Marcy Kaptur in the November general election. Riedel, 57, a Defiance resident, is a former state representative who served three terms. He's opposed in Tuesday's Ninth District U.S. Representative primary by state Rep. Derek Merrin and businessman Steve Lankenau. A fourth candidate, J.R. Majewski, dropped out and endorsed Merrin. The winner gets to oppose Kaptur in a district that includes Erie and Ottawa counties. Riedel appeared Thursday on "Between the Lines Live," the Register's public affairs show. The interview, about 15 minutes long, is available for demand viewing at the Register's YouTube channel and sanduskyregister.com. A 9th District debate between Lankenau and Merrin, occurring at the Register, also remains available. Riedel did not agree to participate but was then invited to appear on "Between the Lines." During the debate, Merrin and Lankenau criticized Riedel for not showing up. The Register's community editor, Brandon Addeo, asked Riedel why he's the best choice for Republicans hoping to defeat Kaptur. "It really boils down to my background," said Riedel, who said he spent 27 years in the private sector, working for the steel industry and was a "strong voice for conservatives" in the Ohio House. It's a combination of business and lawmaking experience the other two don't have, he said. "We've raised over $1.2 million in this primary. That's by far and away the most money raised," he said. That shows he can have the resources to take on Kaptur, he said. "I don't have any skeletons in my closet. That's important because Miss Kaptur is good at finding those skeletons," he said. He said he's "100% certain" the national Republican Party will get behind him after he wins the primary. Riedel said he'll debate Kaptur if he wins the nomination. Merrin got into the race after a recording emerged of Riedel criticizing former President Donald Trump. Riedel did not explain the recording but said he fully supports Trump and has endorsed Trump for president. Congressman Jim Jordan has endorsed Riedel's campaign, Riedel noted. On the issues, Riedel said he supports term limits for members of Congress, saying he doubts the nation's Founding Fathers envisioned career politicians. "We've got to shut down that border," he said. "Number two, we've got to stop this out-of-control spending." The national debt is approaching $35 trillion and spending fuels inflation, he argued.