Russia's Ukraine invasion makes waves in Ohio Senate race

Ohio GOP Senate candidates Mike Gibbons, Jane Timken and J.D. Vance traded barbs this week over how to respond to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

[T]he Russia-Ukraine border dispute has nothing to do with our national security, no American interest is served by intervention. J.D. Vance speaks during a campaign event in Huber Heights, Ohio, Feb. 17, 2022. (Gaelen Morse/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Jane Timken signs a "Stop Critical Race Theory" pledge, at her campaign office in Columbus, Ohio on July 12, 2021. (Jane Timken Senate campaign) Mike Gibbons speaks to supporters during a campaign rally in Maineville, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

The exchange, in statements and on social media, underscored the differences between some Republicans who say the U.S. should make domestic issues its main focus and those who advocate a robust foreign policy against competitors like Russia.

Vance accused the other two candidates of "jumping on the America last bandwagon." Timken, meanwhile, said Americans want leaders to "stand up to our enemies" and Gibbons' campaign said Vance is "choosing to sling false accusations."