JUSTICE MICHAEL DONNELLY “PROTECT OUR RIGHTS” AD
View the ad:
My opponent may dismiss abortion as a major issue, but Ohioans know better. Your rights are on the line this election. The future of the Reproductive Freedom Amendment is in the hands of the Ohio Supreme Court. I’m committed to fairly and impartially interpreting it. pic.twitter.com/rl4mvVHq0y
— Justice Michael P. Donnelly (@Donnelly4Ohio) October 15, 2024
Ad Text: Dr. Lauren Beene says, “Last year we won the battle for reproductive freedom, but all we won could be lost if justices loyal to anti-choice extremists control the Ohio Supreme Court. To protect our rights, I’m voting for independent Justice Michael P. Donnelly.”
On-screen text: [0:06] “Megan Shanahan backed by anti-choice extremist group” with a heading “Megan Shanahan bragged about endorsements from extremists groups” and a picture of her 2016 X post reading, “Proud to be endorsed by Greater Cincinnati Right to Life PAC and CCV.” [0:13] shows he’s endorsed by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio and Abortion Forward.
The accompanying X post reads: “My opponent may dismiss abortion as a major issue, but Ohioans know better. Your rights are on the line this election. The future of the Reproductive Freedom Amendment is in the hands of the Ohio Supreme Court. I’m committed to fairly and impartially interpreting it.”
Who's responsible for this ad?
This is a traditional candidate ad paid for by the Donnelly for Supreme Court committee.
From Jan. 2023 to September 2024, Michael Donnelly’s campaign committee has received over half a million dollars ($752,918.98 including monetary and in-kind donations). In the September 2024 report, his campaign reported having $690,764.10 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
Justice Michael Donnelly, a Democratic incumbent, is facing off against Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Republican Judge Megan Shanahan.
The reproductive law referenced in the ad is The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety, enshrined in Ohio’s Constitution under Article I, Section 22, as a constitutional ballot-initiative passed in 2023. Donnelly writes, “the future of the Reproductive Freedom Amendment is in the hands of the Ohio Supreme Court,” because the Court could rule on abortion access decisions, as the passage of the amendment did not undo the many anti-abortion laws that are on the books in Ohio.
Additionally, candidate ads sometimes include endorsements from individuals that are seen as trustworthy, here a doctor. Dr. Lauren Beene’s credibility on reproductive rights in particular is bolstered as she is a co-founder and Executive Director of Ohio Physicians for Reproductive Rights and was part of an organization that advocated for Ohio’s 2023 Reproductive Rights amendment.
Articles Referenced in Ad:
Ohio Voters Enshrine Abortion Access in Constitution in Latest Statewide Win for Reproductive Rights, U.S. News & World Report/Associated Press, November 7, 2023
Result of Ohio Supreme Court races will affect state’s abortion laws, Ohio Capital Journal, September 19, 2024