Republican Frank LaRose had a lot on the line when voters went to the polls on Aug. 8.

• As secretary of state, it was his responsibility to ensure a smooth election day and encourage citizens to cast ballots.
• Meanwhile, as a major Issue 1 supporter and U.S. Senate candidate, he publicly urged a yes vote on the only ballot item, which would have raised the threshold for constitutional amendment passage to 60%.

Why it matters: The collision of LaRose's professional and personal interests has made him a central target across the political spectrum following the demise of Issue 1.

State of play: Just as Issue 1 was a proxy for November's abortion rights amendment, LaRose's support was a proxy for his Senate campaign hopes in 2024.

• It was a high risk, high reward strategy — victory last Tuesday could have helped thwart the abortion amendment and made LaRose a hero among anti-abortion conservatives.

Instead, LaRose became the face of defeat in a 14-point drubbing that cost Ohio taxpayers $20 million.

• Ohio Democrats are calling him "Issue 1's biggest loser."
• Fellow GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno's campaign called the special election result a "preview of what would happen with Frank LaRose at the top of the ticket in 2024," per NBC News.
• The Libertarian Party even filed a Hatch Act complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleging LaRose's support for Issue 1 was illegal because of his role as secretary.

The big picture: It's not uncommon for secretaries of state to comment on political issues, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics.

• But it is notable that this involved a chief elections officer taking a stand on an elections issue, he told Axios two days after the election.

What he's saying: LaRose defended his actions to WKYC-TV by claiming all campaign work was done on his "personal time."

• After abandoning his secretary of state media availability on election day because of protesters at his polling place, LaRose spun the Issue 1 result as part of a broader fight "to protect Ohio's values."

What we're watching: The extent of LaRose's involvement with the anti-abortion rights campaign this fall.

• His office did not respond to Axios' questions regarding whether LaRose would actively campaign against the amendment or support Issue 1 if presented another time to voters.

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The average Columbus metro area household traveled 28,775 miles last year, per a new study, nearly the equivalent of taking a one-way trip to Kings Island every single day.

Why it matters: Closer proximity to entertainment, jobs and other essentials "could lower environmental emissions, create safer streets, and unlock financial savings," analysts with the Brookings Institution wrote.

What they did: The study tracked household auto, biking, mass transit and walking data for the 110 largest U.S. metro areas to measure how close people are to where they work, eat, play and shop.

Zoom in: Households in each of Ohio's major cities averaged fewer miles in 2022 than the national average of 30,500.

• The Cincinnati area was highest with an average of 28,872 miles, while Toledo had the lowest with 25,210 miles.

State of play: Columbus' urban planning decisions have historically favored car travel, though the tides are changing somewhat.

• A zoning code rewrite is underway that could help develop more "walkable" neighborhoods.
• The city is incentivizing e-bike purchases and building new bicycle infrastructure, and has an $8 billion COTA expansion potentially on the horizon.
• Public transit advocates also await news on a proposal to bring Amtrak passenger rail service back to town.

🍟 Little West Poutine, the area's first eatery dedicated solely to poutine, opened over the weekend in Franklinton's Junto Hotel. (614 Magazine)

✈ The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is now eyeing a late 2028 or early 2029 opening date for a proposed new terminal. (WOSU)

🎨 Local artist Raeghan Buchanan's latest mural in the Hilltop depicts the "everyday folks" of Columbus. (Matter News)

The Short North will be uncharacteristically full of 18-wheelers for the next few days.

Driving the news: The National Truck Driving & Step Van Driving Championships kick off today at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and run through Saturday.

How it works: Also called the "Super Bowl of Trucking Safety," the competition features the very best truck drivers from all 50 states.

• Participants must be accident-free for the past year and succeed in their home state's qualifier to make it to nationals.

The intrigue: Drivers showcase more than just their expert maneuvering skills.

• They must also complete a written exam and truck inspection test to be crowned champion.

Our take: This sounds difficult enough, but the real test would be driving those suckers through the streets of German Village. Good luck with that.

Franklinton's Gravity development has tapped Axios readers' favorite brewery to operate a new park within its 15-acre campus.

What's happening: Gravity Experience Park, on a former half-acre parking lot, will feature an outdoor Land-Grant bar, concert stage, pickleball courts, fire pits and public art.

• It will operate year-round, with the courts converted into a wintertime ice rink.
• 🍺 Let's hope for beer curling!

Of note: The park will be open to everyone, not just residents of the Gravity apartment complex.

What's next: It's expected to open in October, according to a press release.