CADIZ — A call to support GOP candidates in the upcoming Nov. 8 midterm election was the theme of the Harrison County Republican Party’s annual ox roast Thursday.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Sharon Kennedy, candidate for chief justice of the High Court, was keynote speaker. She emphasized the power wielded by judges in interpreting the law and the importance of interpreting the words of the Constitution as written.

“We believe judges say what the law says, not what the law should be. … Judges should make a decision based on the language of the Constitution at the time that it was written and understood, in the words that were used at that time,” she said. “To the left of that judicial philosophy of restraint on the right is activism, where it’s their public policy choices.”

Kennedy said there have been instances where laws passed by the General Assembly were struck down for being unconstitutional. She said a majority of four of the seven judges could wield considerable power.

She brought up State Issue 1, which appears on the ballot and would override the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision in the case of DuBose v. McGuffey, requiring judges to consider public safety when setting bail. A decision on which she dissented along with Justices Pat Fischer and Pat DeWine.

“Across Ohio, dangerous offenders have been getting out on low bonds,” she said.

“Who can stop a runaway court?” she continued. “Can you stop a runway court? We’re about to find out. … You and every other Ohioans will have a voice on State Issue 1.”

She commended Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo and others for placing it on the ballot. Kennedy also spoke in favor of Ohio State Issue 2, which would prohibit non-U.S citizens from voting in local elections. Ohio is a home rule state where local governments can make such legislation if they feel it is in the best intent of their communities.

She said justices’ decisions can impact many aspects of life and urged all present to reach out to other voters to promote constitutional conservatives to the bench.

State Rep. Don Jones, R-Freeport, also spoke. He faulted the other four members of the court — Kennedy’s opponent Justice Jennifer Brunner, current Chief Justice Maureen O’Conner and Justices Michael Donnelly and Melody Stewart — for disagreements about redistricting that led to a split primary this election season.

He also voiced concerns that Brunner’s proposed task force for environmental justice would obstruct businesses such as mining.

“It’s an abuse of power. It’s an abuse of what their roles are,” he said. “We can pass all the laws we want, but if the court’s not in our favor, we’re wasting our time and your money.”

Harrison County GOP Chairman John Jones said voters are receptive to Republicans’ message.

“The economy, the (southern) border is going to be very important,” executive committee member Chuck Harrah said. “We want to instill sanity back into our country. … What our platform stands for is going to be much more successful than what the Democrats’ platform is.”

Other guests included local officials such as Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction; representatives of U.S. Rep Bill Johnson, R-Ohio; as well as Mark Hanni, candidate for 7th District Court of Appeals.