Ohio Republican U.S. Senate candidates trade jabs in debate

Driving the news: The three Ohio Republicans running for U.S. Senate traded jabs and tried to convince voters they were each the best candidate during the first of three GOP debates Monday night.

Why it matters: The winner will go on to challenge Democrat Sherrod Brown in a state where Donald Trump dominated in both 2016 and 2020.

• The hour-long debate, televised by Fox 8 in Cleveland and other Nexstar affiliates across Ohio, was the first opportunity for many voters to see the candidates interact.

What happened: They responded to a series of questions on immigration, Trump, Jan. 6, the economy, abortion and foreign policy.

Between the lines: Debates are opportunities for candidates to attack their opponents and distinguish themselves, but the broad strokes of their stances are aligned.

• All three candidates support Trump (even Dolan, who had not campaigned for Trump's endorsement), aggressive border security and deportation of undocumented immigrants; and think trans women should not be allowed to play women's sports.

Yes, but: They had no trouble attacking each other regardless.

• Moreno continually cited his Trump endorsement and said that, like the former president, he'd be able to help transform Washington, D.C., because he was not a lawyer or career politician like his opponents.
• Dolan cited his work in the Ohio legislature, arguing that he has remained steadfast in his conservative views, unlike his opponents, who he says would say anything to suit the political moment.
• LaRose said his opponents were wealthy elitists, and that only he understood the plight of Ohioans struggling through the current economy.

What's next: The primary election is March 19.