Great Excitement Regarding Governor DeWine Visit

By: Nezar Shakaki

Mike DeWine, the 70th Governor of Ohio, came to visit American Legion Buckeye Boys State (ALBBS) on Wednesday morning. DeWine was eager to give advice at the assembly about how the delegates could use the information taught here in the real world of politics.

During his interview, DeWine said that an important idea that delegates are taught is the concept of voter contact.

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It is making sure that the voter understands what you stand for. Making sure the voter understands that you care about them,” DeWine commented. “The way you do that is to get out and literally talk to as many people as you can.”

DeWine also gave some advice regarding dealing with election results. “When running for office, one of two things can happen. You might win; you can also lose. A lot of people are not willing to deal with the procedures, handling rejection.”

Prior to DeWine’s visit, many delegates shared their positive views on the governor, emphasizing his unifying and careful job as governor.

Tressel Holton of Peltier City said, “It’s really difficult to determine success from leadership. I’d say [DeWine has succeeded as a leader], because the biggest test of leadership, in my opin- ion, is one’s response to a crisis. With COVID-19, DeWine took direct action quickly and efficiently.”

Nick Szekely of Dieringer City shared his excitement by saying, “I will say that I am pretty excited. It is not a super common occasion where anyone gets to meet some form of official, especially the guy that governs the entirety of Ohio.”

Szekely added that DeWine’s presence would “bring a sense of realism.” He continued, “this person literally exists and is doing what we are mocking right now I think him coming here shows that what we are doing is real.”

Following DeWine’s visit, delegates shared their satisfaction with the experience. Colin Moore of Peltier City stated, “I thought it was pretty cool [to see DeWine]. I never thought I'd be able to get that close to someone like him, someone so high up in the government.”

Likewise, when Dennis Sutt of Allen City was questioned about how he thought DeWine’s visit would impact the delegates, he answered, “I feel like the answers that he had will benefit the people actually doing those positions, because they now have some outside help from a real politician.”

DeWine’s visit serves as a reminder that the activities at ALBBS are representative of real, serious policy.

Contributed by Connor Campbell