Whether Jim Jordan wins speaker or not, voters in his Ohio district will stand with their man

URBANA, Ohio (AP) — Rep. Jim Jordan, so far, Failed to obtain the required votes To become Speaker of the House of Representatives but his battle for the coveted leadership role not doneAnd the loyalty of many of his Ohio voters seems unwavering.

In Washington, Jordan He’s made a name for himself As a conservative boxer – in keeping with his ardent supporters, Former President Donald Trump – By not being afraid to go into the political arena, especially against his fellow Democrats. He is the founder of the Freedom Caucus, a group of pugnacious and often chaotic far-right House Republicans, and one of the loudest voices that continues to perpetuate false claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen.

In Ohio, Jordan is a hometown boy Ohio State University His wrestling coach title, conservative politics and never-say-die personality on Capitol Hill have earned him more devotion than he currently receives in Congress.

“He says what he believes, because he’s there for the people,” said Betty Lemon, a 77-year-old Republican from Champaign County. She said Jordan would be an excellent Speaker of the House, citing his track record of leading the ideological charge for Trump, for whom she voted in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

That was a common theme on a cloudy fall day in downtown Urbana, Ohio, an oasis of cafes and antique shops in the rich, sprawling farmland that makes up most of the Jordan District. It’s a district Jordan won nearly 70 percent of the vote in the last election, and one that the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled several times unconstitutional. Gerrymandered congressional maps Drawn by Jordan’s Republican colleagues.

Voters interviewed by The Associated Press praised his combative spirit and conservative positions on federal issues such as border security and abortion. Many were impressed that he still refused to comply with Congress’ subpoena on him January 6 attack on the Capitol And he drives Impeachment inquiry into President Joe Bidenpromoting a “stick it to the man” attitude.

Cynthia Leach, a Republican store owner in Urbana’s Monument Square, described Jordan as “not easily persuaded” and “strong” — qualities she said she admired in a leader.

But despite all his positions and questions, it is difficult to monitor Jordan’s achievements as a legislator. While Russell Day, Jordan’s spokesman, noted in an email that Jordan has signed his name to support more than 60 bills created by other lawmakers that have become law, no bill sponsored by Jordan himself has had much movement in the House since he was first elected In 2006.

When asked what Jordan had done specifically for his district, Day did not cite any of Jordan’s legislation, but instead pointed to issues for voters to do. “Congressman Jordan has always done what he told voters he would do — whether it was helping seniors get Medicare and Social Security benefits, speeding up passports, helping veterans, meeting with thousands of constituents, or touring hundreds “Businesses in Ohio’s 4th District — and voters know it.”

But there are voices criticizing Jordan even in the region with a Republican majority.

Sherri Vaught, the Democratic mayoral candidate for Mansfield, has harshly criticized the Ohio congressman as he approaches his term as speaker. She said Jordan was too busy dividing the U.S. House of Representatives to get any real work done for the people he represents.

“While he is busy scoring points on the political stage and pursuing partisan agendas, people are fighting for real issues here at home,” Vaught said in a statement.

But what Jordan has done so far appeals to his supporters, who say they are proud to have such a loud, well-known and feisty actor in their corner. They are happy that he has become a Trump darling, a would-be federal leader and one of the most talked-about politicians in the country.

The way he gets people talking is part of his appeal, said Herb Asher, a political science professor at Ohio State University. Jordan’s seat is ideal for a Republican like him — a red district in a red state that has embraced more extreme Republicans like Sen. J.D. Vance in recent years.

“There are a lot of people who are happy to have a member of Congress say what they think,” Asher said.

J.D. Knope, an 18-year-old resident of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, outside Urbana, said he thinks Jordan will be a great leader for the divided Republican Party.

“He doesn’t take crap from anyone. He’s a country boy,” he said.

Knob likes Jordan to put other politicians “in their place” and “drain the swamp” mentality. Jordan becoming Speaker will not sway his opinion, but it may change the way he views those who prevent the congressman from winning the Speakership.

“I guess they’re Reno, then,” Knopp shrugged, referring to a term used to describe “Republicans in name only.”

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Samantha Hendrickson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America It is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.