MEDINA, Ohio — Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno delivered a message to a room full of supporters Thursday evening in Medina: “I need you all to do everything you can over the next five days to get us across the finish line.”

He and outgoing Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown have crisscrossed the state in recent days to make their final arguments to Ohio voters.

Brown, who is seeking a fourth term in the Senate, says he wants to put that seniority to work for Ohio, as he did.

“I don’t see politics as left or right; I see it as which side are you on and we secured the pensions of 100,000 Ohio workers. We capped the price of insulin at 35 $ per month and capped personal expenses, medicine for the elderly costs $2,000 per year,” he said. “I will continue to fight for the dignity of work.

Brown was first elected to the State House in 1974.

Moreno’s message? After half a century in office, the time has come for change.

“That’s the final argument. Look at this guy’s 50 years in office,” Moreno said. “Eighteen campaigns, never had a job in the private sector. It’s time for these career politicians to go. Put some new blood in there. People who have a fresh perspective. They know how to create opportunities for people.

Both men tell News 5 they are encouraged by what they see in the early voting numbers and the enthusiasm for their campaigns.

Brown won 18 counties in his 2018 victory, and Donald Trump won nine in 2020.

To succeed, Brown needs Trump voters to split their ticket.

“My message is no different to them than it is to anyone else,” Brown said. “It’s about knowing whose side you’re on and I’ve been on the side of working people, there’s no question about it in terms of wages and pensions and fighting bad trade deals by standing up to presidents of both parties: It’s Biden, it’s Trump, it’s Obama, it’s Clinton, it’s Bush When I think they’re wrong for Ohio and I will continue to do so.”

Moreno says the energy Trump brings to the top of the ticket in Ohio will trickle down to voters who understand the importance of giving him a Republican Senate.

He also thinks Brown’s support for some of Trump’s policies could backfire.

“If you look at the Democratic base when they see their candidate trying to cuddle with Donald Trump and absorb Donald Trump’s policies, they see that and I think that’s going to suppress that vote as well.”

Where there is agreement between the two, whichever one you support, get out and vote.

“Vote like your country depends on it,” Moreno said. “Actually, I would say this. Even if you vote against me, go vote. This is the only nation in the world where, if you’re a billionaire or someone down on their luck, you have a vote. »