Candidate Interviews: Ohio's 7th Congressional District
Fellow Angry Patriots,
This post includes links to all of the interviews I’ve conducted with candidates running in Ohio’s 7th Congressional District.
The format varied. Some candidates chose to do these in person, others did not, and a couple I wanted to do remotely mainly due to audio issues. Every candidate was asked variations of the same questions, which are included in the linked document below. Each candidate also has a dedicated page with short video clips, and under each one I’ve added a brief, unbiased commentary on my experience with them.
Candidate Questions
Two candidates are not included: Ed FitzGerald and Brian Poindexter.
Ed FitzGerald initially reached out to set something up. We tried to connect over a couple of weeks, but he never found the time.
Brian Poindexter and his campaign told me directly they did not have time.
My door is still open to both of them so they can complete the same process as everyone else before the primary.
I’ll be direct. It should concern you when a candidate cannot find an hour to talk policy while asking for your vote.
There are a few possible explanations.
One, they do not want to be on record discussing these issues. I was told the same thing by consultants during my first campaign. Avoid firm positions, avoid being pinned down on camera.
Two, they may not be confident in their positions or comfortable in a long-form setting. It is easier to stick to stump speeches and controlled forums that do not allow for deeper discussion.
Three, and this is fair to acknowledge, they may not see value in coming on The Angry Democrat or do not want to associate with the platform. That is a political decision.
But the outcome is the same. There are gaps.
I still welcome both campaigns to reach out and complete the interview before the primary.
John Butchko presents as thoughtful and deliberate, with a clear sense of his positions and values. Our conversation was focused and direct, and he communicated his views with consistency. He does not currently have a campaign website or FEC registration for fundraising, though he maintains a presence on Facebook, which is how we connected. Coordination took some time, as his responses were slower, but it did not appear intentional. Overall, I found the conversation productive and appreciated the opportunity to speak with him.
Laura Rodriguez Carbone was easy to coordinate with and consistently responsive throughout the scheduling process. She is registered with the FEC and maintains a campaign website. During our conversation, her responses were direct, well-considered, and clearly articulated. It was evident she has spent significant time thinking through policy and key issues, and she did not appear to struggle with her answers. She expressed her positions with confidence and was transparent about her alignment with a progressive policy agenda.
Anne Marie Donegan was easy to coordinate with and very approachable throughout the process. She arrived early, was patient while I worked through some technical issues, and made the overall experience smooth. Her prior time in office provides a clear foundation for her perspectives, and she spoke openly about both her experience and how it informs her decision-making. It was evident that she approaches the role with a policy-focused and pragmatic mindset regarding the responsibilities of representing Ohio’s 7th District.
Michael Eisner and his campaign were instrumental in initiating these conversations and helping set the process in motion. His campaign manager was highly organized and consistently on top of logistics, which made coordination straightforward. During our discussion, Michael’s background as a lawyer was evident in his careful, deliberate approach to answering questions, choosing his words thoughtfully and methodically. His campaign has also been notably communicative, regularly sharing updates on events, conducting outreach, and maintaining an open line of communication throughout the process.
Keith Mundy presents as an old-school progressive, aligned with a Bernie Sanders–style, Democratic socialist approach to policy. Scheduling took some time due to a few reschedules related to personal commitments, but the process was handled in good faith. He brings a long history in Ohio politics, with extensive experience and connections that inform his perspective on the role and responsibilities of representing Ohio’s 7th District.
Scott Schulz was the first to suggest an in-person interview, which helped set the tone for others who later chose that format. He was prompt and clear in communication, making coordination straightforward. I have some prior familiarity with Scott from his involvement with the Bay Village Democrats and his time as an elected official in my former community. In our conversation, his background as a professor was evident, as he approached questions with nuance and a thoughtful, measured style.