Fight at Ohio GOP Senate debate elevates military issue

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A near-physical altercation in Ohio’s nasty Republican primary for U.S. Senate led some military veterans to demand that one candidate apologize. The heated argument came during a debate Friday among five candidates seeking the GOP nomination to replace retiring Republican Sen. Rob Portman. Ex-Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel shouted an attack at investment banker Mike Gibbons. Gibbons told Mandel he didn’t know “squat” because he’d never worked in the private sector. Mandel painted the remark as an affront on his military service. Gibbons, whose son is an active-duty naval pilot, said he honors Mandel’s service but stands by his statement.