DARKE COUNTY — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose outlined priorities to combat public corruption, improve government efficiency, and protect taxpayer dollars during remarks at the recent Darke County Republican Hog Roast.
LaRose, the Republican candidate for Ohio auditor of state, told attendees he wants to bring the same emphasis on transparency and accountability he promoted as secretary of state to the office responsible for examining public spending.
“Now I’ve accepted a new call to duty, and that is to run to serve as your next state auditor,” LaRose said.
LaRose, who has led the secretary of state’s office since 2019, identified three reasons voters should pay attention to the auditor’s race: investigating fraud, helping government operate efficiently, and serving on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.
He praised current Auditor Keith Faber, who also addressed the gathering, before describing his vision for the office.
“It is your watchdog for any form of public corruption,” LaRose said.
He said identifying misuse of public money and holding those responsible accountable would be central to his administration.
“Anybody who would betray the public trust and steal your tax dollars deserves to be in a jail cell,” LaRose said.
LaRose linked government efficiency to household finances, arguing that wasteful spending increases the burden on Ohio families.
“This is not just numbers on a page; it is a cost of living concern for real Ohio families,” he said.
He pointed specifically to property taxes, saying taxpayers feel the consequences when government fails to control its spending. He described the auditor’s office as a tool for finding ways to help public agencies operate within their resources.
“That’s exactly how I plan to use it to make sure government lives within its means, so it doesn’t have to take more money out of your pocket,” LaRose said.
The candidate also emphasized the auditor’s role on the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which helps determine legislative district boundaries.
LaRose said the way those boundaries are drawn affects voters’ ability to elect representatives who share their priorities. He pledged to support maps that meet constitutional requirements.
“With me as your state auditor serving on the Ohio Redistricting Commission, we will make sure that we draw constitutionally fair lines in the state of Ohio,” he said.
LaRose also focused much of his address on his record overseeing elections and his support for voter identification requirements.
He defended efforts to maintain voter registration records, including removing deceased voters and checking citizenship eligibility. He said his office has identified noncitizens attempting to register and referred some cases for prosecution.
LaRose characterized those efforts as safeguards intended to protect eligible voters and public confidence in election results.
“We’ve made it both easy to vote and hard to cheat,” he said. “You don’t have to pick one or the other.”
He rejected accusations that his policies suppress participation, pointing to what he described as strong turnout in recent election cycles. He encouraged another large turnout this year.
LaRose also urged support for State Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot addressing voter identification.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose discusses his candidacy for state auditor with a guest at the recent Darke County Republican Hog Roast. (Gaylen Blosser photo)
Ohio already requires photo identification for in-person voting. Issue 3 would place identification requirements in the Ohio Constitution, limiting how those requirements could be changed in the future.
LaRose argued that constitutional protection would help prevent a future legislature from reversing the requirement.
“We want to make sure that it’s permanent in Ohio,” he said.
His campaign biography describes a commitment to service that began with farm work and Scouting and continued through military service and elected office.
After graduating from Copley High School, LaRose enlisted in the Army. His military background includes service as a Green Beret and a Bronze Star earned for service in Iraq.
He later served in the Ohio Senate before winning election as secretary of state in 2018.
LaRose closed his remarks by asking Republicans to turn their support into action before Election Day.
Comparing the audience to a church choir, he said those already committed to voting have a responsibility to encourage others to participate.
“The fact that you’re here means that you’re already planning on voting,” LaRose said.
He encouraged attendees to contact friends and neighbors, send text messages, and provide transportation to the polls.
LaRose warned against assuming Republican victories were assured and said turnout would depend on individual efforts statewide.
“If we pray, if we work, and if we vote, there will be no blue wave in Ohio,” he said.
“Make sure to get out and vote, everybody.”
