Seth Morgan’s desire to soar carried over to politics. The May 4 primary brought Morgan down to earth, at least temporarily.
He lost the Republican nomination for auditor to Dave Yost, the Delaware County prosecutor, 65-35 percent.
Morgan of Huber Heights returned to the Ohio House this week, disappointed but looking ahead to whatever life has in store for him, his wife Debra and their three children.
“I don’t believe there’s any dishonor in losing. I believe there’s dishonor in losing without giving your all, and I think we gave our all to this race for auditor,” Morgan said on Tuesday, May 18.
At 32, Morgan is in his first term in the Ohio House. He jumped into the auditor’s race quickly in January when incumbent Republican Auditor Mary Taylor announced that she was joining GOP gubernatorial candidate John Kasich as his lieutenant governor running mate.
Like Taylor, Morgan is a certified public accountant, and Republicans in 2006 had touted that credential as a reason to vote for Taylor.
It became clear quickly, however, that Ohio Republican Chairman Kevin DeWine of Fairborn had other plans; the state party endorsed Yost and supported his campaign. The backing Morgan received from the Tea Party movement was no match.
“That’s what a party does,” said Morgan, more philosophical than on election night when he cited the state GOP’s “bludgeon force.” Morgan quickly endorsed Yost.
The loss is not likely to change Morgan’s approach.
“If there’s something that holds the American political system back, it’s fear,” said Morgan. “Fear of not being elected. Fear of what the lobbyists will say. Fear of what the party will say.”
At 23, he was the youngest city council member ever in Huber Heights.
He ran for Montgomery County auditor and lost in 2006, a very bad year for Republicans, but rebounded to easily win the House seat in 2008.
House Minority Leader William Batchelder, R-Medina, wants Morgan to stay involved. Morgan was among the candidates in the 2008 election who backed Batchelder for Republican leader.
“Those are the kinds of things you don’t forget,” said Batchelder.
He said Morgan has been a major force in developing Republican policy alternatives in the Democratic-controlled House.
Montgomery County Republican Chairman Greg Gantt said he hopes Morgan continues in politics.
“I certainly would support him when the time is right,” said Gantt.
If state Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering, wins the secretary of state race, Husted’s Senate seat would open up and be filled by an appointment from the Senate GOP caucus. Morgan answered “sure” when asked if he’d be interested, but said he’s not focusing on that. There would be other candidates, including state Rep. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering.
“This is not the end,” Morgan said. “It would be irresponsible of me to take my ball and go home. We’re not going to do that.”
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