MEGAN SHANAHAN “FORMER PROSECUTOR” AD
View the ad:
https://www.shanahanforohio.com/media
Ad Text: The narrator says,“Want a former tough on crime prosecutor protecting your family on the Ohio Supreme Court? That’s Megan Shanahan. Over fifty jury trials, she put hundreds of criminals in prison. Want an experienced judge making decisions on the Ohio Supreme Court? That’s Judge Megan Shanahan. Over a decade as a judge, hearing the toughest cases, standing by the Constitution, and standing up for victims of crime. Shanahan, Judge Megan Shanahan for Supreme Court.”
Who's responsible for this ad?
This is a traditional candidate ad paid for by the Shanahan for Ohio committee. From Jan. 2023 to September 2024, Megan Shanahan’s campaign committee has received over three quarters of a million dollars ($750,013.65) including monetary and in-kind donations). In the September 2024 report, her campaign reported having $547,780.90 available to spend in the race. To see contributions to candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. Examine top donations here.
Discussion and Analysis
Context provided by Jessica Dickinson, Outreach and Engagement Manager, Ohio Fair Courts Alliance
“Tough on crime” political ad tactics are widely used. However, the ad’s attempt at making a connection between Shanahan’s lower court duties and those of the Ohio Supreme Court is exaggerated. The Ohio Supreme Court does not conduct jury trials nor do they put criminals in prison. Having criminal justice experience is not a one-to-one correlation to success at the state’s highest court.