A candidate vying for an Ohio Senate seat is struggling to win the approval of his in-laws.
Republican candidate Josh Mandel spent his campaign reinforcing his values against gay marriage and gay military members. He is currently running against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.
While trying to convince Ohio constitutes to support him in the polls, he is having trouble getting support on the home front.
The family of Mandel’s wife issued a public letter expressing their disappointment in their son-in-law’s stance against gay marriage.
“Four years ago you came into our family. We still remember the excitement surrounding your wedding, and how happy our family members were as they described it afterwards,” the family expressed. “So we were deeply saddened when you announced during your Oct. 18 debate with Sen. Sherrod Brown that you believe only some people should share this right to marry the person they love, while others should not.”
Members of his wife’s family include notable figures in business such as Bruce Ratner, a real estate mogul, Michael Ratner, part-owner of the NBA Brooklyn Nets, and Fox News contributor and president of the Center for Constitutional Rights, Ellen Ratner.
In the letter, the family emphasized Ellen Ratner’s marriage to Cholene Espinoza as an example of the type of relationship Mandel’s policies would inhibit.
“Your cousins, Ellen Ratner and Cholene Espinoza, are among the many wonderful couples who rights you do not recognize,” the family pointed out. “Their wedding, like yours, was a beautiful and happy occasion for all of us in our family. It hurts us that you would embrace discrimination against them and countless other loving couples in Ohio and around the country.”
The Ratners also mentioned they have strong connections in the Cleveland area and throughout the state. They also said Mandel’s political views “violates these core values of our family.”
They hope Mandel’s views will change over time.
“Nevertheless, we hope that over time, as you advance in years and wisdom, you will come to embrace the values of inclusiveness and equality as well,” they said.
