In the closely watched battleground state of Ohio, a Trump-endorsed candidate vying for a critical Senate seat finds himself amidst an unexpected controversy just ahead of the primary elections. Bernie Moreno, who rose through the Republican ranks with staunch opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, is now deflecting questions regarding an Adult Friend Finder profile that sought “Men for 1-on-1 sex,” created using his work email in 2008.
The profile in question, which bore the username “nardo19672” – seemingly a nod to Moreno’s full first name and birthdate – came to light after an Associated Press review of records made public through a large data breach. However, in a dramatic twist, the profile has been claimed to be the result of an ill-conceived joke by Moreno’s former intern, Dan Ricci. Ricci issued a statement relayed by Moreno’s lawyer, saying, “I am thoroughly embarrassed by an aborted prank I pulled on my friend, and former boss, Bernie Moreno, nearly two decades ago.”
This incident has prompted a whirlwind of scrutiny within GOP circles, with some party officials so troubled that they instigated a review of data to determine Moreno’s potential involvement. The internal review and AP’s independent examination both confirmed that the profile was indeed linked to Moreno’s work email address.
Charles Harder, Moreno’s lawyer, strenuously denies his client’s involvement, insisting, “Bernie Moreno had nothing to do with the AFF account.” Adding another layer of complexity to the story, Ricci, who claimed responsibility for the prank, has been a donor to Moreno’s campaign, and his statement could not be independently verified.
Moreno’s history with LGBTQ+ issues is notably textured. He once exhibited progressive views, supporting the 2014 Gay Games in Akron and Cleveland and denouncing hateful messaging at Cleveland State University. Furthermore, during a 2016 event, Moreno acknowledged his gay son and appreciated the role of media in changing perceptions of same-sex relationships. Yet, Moreno’s recent campaign messaging has taken a hard turn to the right, condemning LGBTQ+ rights advocacy as a “radical” agenda of “indoctrination.”
The disclosure of the Adult Friend Finder profile has sent ripples through the political landscape, exacerbating GOP worries that Moreno’s candidacy could be imperiled. The stakes are high, as Ohio is crucial for Republicans aiming to recapture the Senate, currently held by a slim Democratic margin of 51-49.
These developments come as former President Donald Trump is set to appear with Moreno at a rally in Dayton. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, informed the AP that the media was“obsessed with anyone who supports the America First movement”.
Relevant articles:
– Trump-Backed Candidate Says Gay Hookup Profile Was Ex-Intern’s ‘Prank’: Report
– Trump-backed Senate candidate faces GOP worries that he could be linked to adult website profile, The Associated Press, Fri, 15 Mar 2024 02:30:00 GMT
– Trump-Backed MAGA Senate Candidate Linked to Gay Hookup Site, The New Republic, Fri, 15 Mar 2024 15:35:49 GMT
– Ohio Republican candidate’s ex-intern says adult site post was a ‘prank’, The Guardian US, Fri, 15 Mar 2024 14:58:00 GMT