WHBC's Ponder Hangs-Up On Senate Candidate

Ponder

The Republican nominee for Ohio's U.S. Senate seat, state Treasurer Josh Mandel, was cut off by Rob Ponder on WHBC 1480 Canton  after he and Ponder ended up debating the questions Mandel was being asked.

According to John Celock at The Huffington Post, Mandel challenged Ponder Thursday morning on Talk 1480 WHBC after Ponder started asking Mandel about a series of reports on hiring practices in the treasurer's office that said Mandel gave state jobs to college friends and political associates. Mandel accused Ponder of working for his Democratic opponent, Sen. Sherrod Brown.

"Well, first of all, Ron, I thought I was going on the Ron Ponder show, not the Sherrod Brown campaign show," Mandel said.  Ponder refuted Mandel's allegation that Brown's camp had planted the questions.

"I’m asking you questions that people have asked you, and I’m just trying to get answers," Ponder said. "I’ll do the same thing with Sen. Sherrod Brown, so don’t accuse me of being a lackey for Sherrod Brown. I’m just asking you questions that my listeners want to know."

Mandel and Ponder continued to debate, while Mandel tried to focus on his record in the treasurer's office. He defended his staff as "financial professionals" and dismissed allegations about his hiring practices as a "bunch of hogwash."

Ponder eventually tried to end the interview, saying that he did not want Mandel debating him and using the show "as a foil to get out your campaign material."

"Hang up on this dude, man," he said, presumably to a producer in his studio.

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