Reineke, Ackison hold dueling fundraisers for GOP Ohio Senate primary race

TIFFIN, OH (TiffinOhio.net News) — As State Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) hosts a high-dollar golfing fundraiser for his Ohio Senate bid today at Mohawk County Club, his challenger, a Marysville businesswoman and conservative activist, also flexed her fundraising power with a community fundraiser event.

On Saturday, Melissa Ackison (R-Marysville), the outspoken conservative activist challenging Reineke for the 26th District Ohio Senate seat, held a “Family Day Fundraiser” complete with food & soft drinks, kid activities, live entertainment, and more.

Ackison’s event was designed to be community & family friendly, a spokesperson for the campaign said.

On Monday, State Rep. Reineke hosted a “Friends of Bill Reineke Golf Outing” at Mohawk Country Club, where top tickets went for $2,500.

Reineke has been criticized for focusing on fundraising and campaigning, while the Ohio legislature has yet to pass a full state budget, among other issues.

According to a flyer from Reineke’s campaign website, the top sponsorship level for attendees at golf outing fundraiser is $2,500. Prices then fluctuate to $1,500, $750, $500, $250, and $150, among other options you can “add-on.”

Ackison, who is running in the Republican primary for the District 26 seat in the Ohio Senate, says she is running on a “conservative Republican” platform and criticizes her only primary opponent thus far, State Rep. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), for “not being conservative enough.”

“He’s a moderate at best, and that’s me being kind,” Ackison said of Reineke.

The district 26 seat is currently held by State Sen. Dave Burke (R-Marysville), who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.