Wenstrup upsets Schmidt in 2nd District race
Lead Summary
By
Brandy Chandler-brandychandler@gmail.com
With 99 percent of the precincts reporting, Republican Dr. Brad Wenstrup is declaring an unofficial upset over incumbent Jean Schmidt in the race for Ohio's Second Congressional District.
Rep. Schmidt was seeking her third term in the office. She and Wenstrup faced off against fellow Republicans Fred Kundrata and Tony Brush.
The official winner of the GOP race will face the winner of the contest between Democrats David Krikorian and William R. Smith. The unofficial results of that race are still pending.
Schmidt won in Highland County, receiving 2,355 votes, unofficially, with Wenstrup receiving 2,194. Kundrata received 245 votes and Brush received 368 votes.
In Highland County, Smith beat Krikorian with 698 votes to 402 votes, unofficially.
Highland County is currently part of Ohio's Third Congressional District, Represented by Republican Mike Turner. In accordance with the new redistricting map, Highland County will join the Second District in 2013.
Republican Dr. Brad Wenstrup is declaring an unofficial upset over incumbent Jean Schmidt in the race for Ohio's 2nd Congressional District.
Rep. Schmidt was seeking her third term in the office. She and Wenstrup faced off against fellow Republicans Fred Kundrata and Tony Brush.
The official winner of the GOP race will face the winner of the contest between Democrats David Krikorian and William R. Smith. The unofficial results of that race were not immediatley clear Tuesday night.
Schmidt won in Highland County, receiving 2,355 votes, unofficially, with Wenstrup receiving 2,194. Kundrata received 245 votes, and Brush received 368 votes.
In Highland County, Smith beat Krikorian with 698 votes to 402 votes, unofficially.
Highland County is currently part of Ohio's 3rd Congressional District, represented by Republican Mike Turner. In accordance with the new redistricting map, Highland County will join the 2nd District in 2013.
Cincinnati news stations reported Tuesday night that Schmidt had called Wenstrup to congratulate him on his victory.
[[In-content Ad]]Cincinnati news stations reported Tuesday night that Schmidt had called Wenstrup to congratulate him on his victory.
Wenstrup contacted The Highland County Press Tuesday night with 99 percent of the precincts reporting, saying that he is grateful for the trust he has received, and that he will work to gain the support of the remaining Highland County voters.
According to the Wenstrup campaign, he received 50.17 percent of the vote in Clermont County.
"I am very grateful for the people in the district being open-minded to the new face - and in Highland County two new faces - and accepting me, and listening to my message," Wenstrup said. I am grateful for the response, that they respected my background, and see what I can offer the American people representing the Second District in Washington."
Wenstrup thanked the voters, and his advisers, and said he was proud of the campaign he was able to run.
"I stayed true to who I am, and my beliefs, and my beliefs in America and what America can and should be," Wenstrup said. "I think the people listened to that."
A medical doctor, Lt. Col. Wenstrup, according to his website, enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1998, after witnessing what he described as signs of America's freedom being threatened. He accepted an officer’s commission and served in the Medical Service Corps. In 2005, he was deployed for a year of active duty in Iraq, where he served as a combat surgeon with the 344th Combat Support Hospital. For his service and actions in Iraq, Wenstrup was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. He served in the Army for 14 years and has been a physician for 25 years.
"I'm seeing patients (Wednesday) afternoon," Wenstrup told The Highland County Press. "I still have bills to pay, and I will continue to work and will regroup."
Wenstrup has a second home in the Rocky Fork Lake area, and he said that this campaign has given him a chance to get to know his Highland County neighbors.
"I have had a home in Highland County for 14 years," Wenstrup said. "This has given me a good opportunity to get out and to get to know a lot more people in the area, and what is really my second neighborhood. You can bet I'll be involved in Highland County. I appreciate everything the people have done to help make this happen, and will try to make them proud each and every day."
Wenstrup contacted The Highland County Press Tuesday night with 99 percent of the precincts reporting, saying that he is grateful for the trust he has received and that he will work to gain the support of the remaining Highland County voters.
According to the Wenstrup campaign, he received 50.17 percent of the vote in Clermont County.
"I am very grateful for the people in the district being open-minded to the new face - and in Highland County, two new faces - and accepting me and listening to my message," Wenstrup said. "I am grateful for the response, that they respected my background and see what I can offer the American people representing the 2nd District in Washington."
Wenstrup thanked the voters, and his advisers, and said he was proud of the campaign he was able to run.
"I stayed true to who I am, and my beliefs, and my beliefs in America and what America can and should be," Wenstrup said. "I think the people listened to that."
A medical doctor, Lt. Col. Wenstrup, according to his website, enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1998, after witnessing what he described as signs of America's freedom being threatened. He accepted an officer’s commission and served in the Medical Service Corps. In 2005, he was deployed for a year of active duty in Iraq, where he served as a combat surgeon with the 344th Combat Support Hospital. For his service and actions in Iraq, Wenstrup was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge. He served in the Army for 14 years and has been a physician for 25 years.
"I'm seeing patients (Wednesday) afternoon," Wenstrup told The Highland County Press. "I still have bills to pay, and I will continue to work and will regroup."
Wenstrup has a second home in the Rocky Fork Lake area, and he said that this campaign has given him a chance to get to know his Highland County neighbors.
"I have had a home in Highland County for 14 years," Wenstrup said. "This has given me a good opportunity to get out and to get to know a lot more people in the area, and what is really my second neighborhood. You can bet I'll be involved in Highland County. I appreciate everything the people have done to help make this happen and will try to make them proud each and every day."
Wenstrup released the following statement upon winning the Republican Primary for Congress in Ohio's Second District:
"I'm honored that the voters heard our message of change," Wenstrup said. "Change that includes strong, ethical leadership. Change that also includes reforming government, cutting spending and unleashing small business owners so they can create jobs.
"This November, we have a unique opportunity to help defeat Barack Obama and bring real and needed change to Washington. I look forward to working with people across Southwestern Ohio on this important endeavor," Wenstrup said.