Ahead of debate, some candidates make pitch at Ohio Democratic State Dinner

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — Four candidates looking forward to a big test on the debate stage made their first stops in Central Ohio on Sunday night, appearing for brief speeches at the annual Ohio Democratic State Dinner at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Tom Steyer, and Andrew Yang all spoke at the dinner before beginning final preps for a nationally-televised Tuesday night debate at Westerville’s Otterbein University.

Youngstown-area congressman Tim Ryan also had a speaking slot Sunday evening, though he has failed to qualify for the upcoming debate. “I think the debates have quite frankly been overrated,” Ryan told reporters. “This election’s going to be won on the ground in the early states.”

Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro was scheduled to speak but tweeted out an apology late Sunday evening saying he couldn't get to Columbus due to flight delays.

The other candidates had a final tune-up for energizing Central Ohio’s Democratic bade voters and donors. Buttigieg, by far the leading polled candidate among this group, took the stage first to a standing ovation and said his Midwestern roots and experience have taught him that any electorate is within reach. “There is no permanently red state or county or district,” he told the dinner crowd. “There is only a future where we can make sure that we get out the vote.”

Senator Amy Klobuchar, who has struggled to crack the 1% polling threshold for much of her campaign, said her primary appeal is being more of a centrist candidate. “You have to make that case with your own ideas, and I just happen to disagree with some of my colleagues”, Klobuchar said, alluding to her lack of support for so-called “college for all” federal higher education subsidy proposals.

Not appearing in Columbus Sunday night were front-runners like former Vice President Joe Biden, and senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders.

“I assure you that every single candidate understands the importance of Ohio,” said national Democratic chairman Tom Perez, who attended the event before a slate of appearances this week across Columbus and Westerville.

Another candidate not appearing was Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who has flirted with a boycott of the Otterbein debate in recent days due to what she’s calling a “rigged” primary race.