J.D. Vance goes to Washington a newcomer to governance and elective office.
More valuably, he goes to Washington with broad knowledge of finance, media, the law, and life in dysfunctional settings.
In his acceptance speech, he said, “Whether you voted for me or not, the thing that I promise you is to go to the United States Senate and fight every single day for the people of Ohio.”
Mr. Vance did fight for his election, as did his opponent, Democrat Tim Ryan. Despite the pointed attacks, both displayed sportsmanship. Anyone who’s read Mr. Vance’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, or seen the movie, knows that he was not raised in a cocoon. He was lampooned by Mr. Ryan for the way in which he let former President Donald Trump “take your dignity,” but Mr. Vance let the gibes pass with a smile.
Mr. Vance, 38, served in the Marines in the Iraq War and then graduated summa cum laude from Ohio State University. He worked for a Republican state senator while at Ohio State. He went on to earn a law degree from Yale Law School. He worked for tech-venture capitalist Peter Thiel in California, then returned to Cincinnati where he founded a new investment firm. He is married and the father of three children.
As a candidate, Mr. Vance proved he can grab coattails — from his predecessor, Rob Portman (R., Ohio), who did not seek re-election, Mr. Trump, and his former employer, Mr. Thiel, who contributed heavily to his election.
Mr. Vance should devote time before he takes the oath of office in studying the careers of his predecessors. The best ones made time to visit their state regularly.
Senators Sherrod Brown and Mr. Portman find opportunities to travel to Toledo to advocate for policies in Washington, visit a local factory or the Air National Guard Fighter Wing at Toledo Express Airport or campaign for candidates who share their political persuasion.
Mr. Vance should form working relationships with Ohio’s other elected officials, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo). He should make the senators and congressmen from America’s Midwest the caucus with which he votes 100 percent of the time, rather than the one headed by GOP Leader Mitch McConnell.
After a couple of generations of losing ground to other states in population and economically, Ohio is poised for a comeback. Strategically located by transportation and blessed with productive farmland, skilled work forces, a mild climate, proximity to the world’s greatest supply of freshwater, and a rich history and culture, Ohio should be a competitor of any state in new economic development.
Its rough edges need rounded out, and Mr. Vance can help make that happen.
While this editorial board endorsed Mr. Vance’s opponent in the election, we see that Mr. Vance brings persistence and an incisive intellect. Ohio needs a fighter in Congress, and we count on Mr. Vance doing as he promised.
First Published November 13, 2022, 5:00 a.m.
