Do establishment-backed Republicans win House primaries?
Two National Republican Congressional Committee preferred candidates—Jim Renacci in the 16th District and state Sen. Bob Gibbs in the 18th District—will be tested in their primaries and weak performances by either will hurt their stock both in Ohio and Washington. Renacci faces several challengers, including poorly-funded repeat candidate Matt Miller, a former Ashland County commissioner. The winner takes on freshman Rep. John Boccieri, who is unopposed in the Democratic primary. Gibbs is in a crowded field of eight Republicans vying to take on Rep. Zack Space (D). He’s the only one with legislative experience, but that’s not necessarily an asset this year—he’s been under fire from the right at recent candidate forums for his establishment support. Is there a Boehner protest vote? House Minority Leader John Boehner will win his primary, and it won’t be close. But his winning percentage may nonetheless be revealing. He faces two unknown Republican opponents, neither of whom has reported
