Republican Candidates in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District Discuss Economic Policy

Next week, voters in Ohio's 9th Congressional District will choose the Republican candidate to face Marcy Kaptur in the upcoming general election. Derek Merrin, Craig Riedel, and Steve Lankenau recently sat down with WTOL 11 to discuss their economic policies.


Next week, voters in Ohio's 9th Congressional District will choose the Republican candidate to face Marcy Kaptur in the upcoming general election. Derek Merrin, Craig Riedel, and Steve Lankenau recently sat down with WTOL 11 to discuss their economic policies.

Tackling the National Debt


All three candidates emphasized the importance of addressing the national debt, which currently stands at nearly $34.48 trillion according to the U.S. Treasury. Derek Merrin, a fourth-term state representative, expressed concern about the sustainability of the debt, likening the government's spending to putting it all on a credit card.

Merrin stressed the need for new policies to combat inflation and ensure responsible spending. He also highlighted the importance of advocating for federal funding in the region, particularly for infrastructure projects like ports, airports, and transportation.

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Addressing Runaway Spending and Inflation


Craig Riedel, a former state representative, echoed Merrin's concerns about runaway inflation and excessive government spending. He emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and limited government, pointing to investments in nuclear energy, the Keystone Pipeline, and military and law enforcement as key priorities.

Riedel believes that tackling inflation starts with addressing the cost of energy and supporting industries like coal, oil, and natural gas. He stressed the importance of having "adults in the room" to make tough economic decisions and steer the country back towards fiscal responsibility.

Putting Working-Class Families First


Steve Lankenau, a former mayor, centered his economic policy around working-class families in the 9th Congressional District. He proposed introducing a balanced budget amendment to ensure that the federal government operates with the same level of responsibility as individuals and small businesses.

Lankenau emphasized his support for Ohio's agriculture industry, citing farmers as a key priority. He believes in understanding and addressing the issues facing farmers and ensuring that they receive the support they need to thrive.

In the upcoming election, voters will have the opportunity to choose the candidate they believe will best represent their economic interests. For more information on the candidates and election details, visit WTOL 11's voter guide.

Mohamed Rahat

Hey there, I'm Mohamed Rahat, your go-to writer for all things business and economy. Originally from Mumbai, now rocking it in Navi Mumbai. With a past life at Tata Power Co. Ltd., I'm here to unravel the mysteries of the economic world, one article at a time. Stick around for some mind-bending insights! Connect With Me