COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio residents are expressing frustration over difficulties in reaching their newly-elected U.S. senators, Bernie Moreno and John Husted, amid significant political changes at the federal level.
Concerns have mounted as constituents report being unable to contact the senators through their listed phone numbers, with calls often going to voicemail.
During a protest outside Sen. Bernie Moreno’s Columbus office Wednesday, demonstrators demanded better access to his staff.
“We couldn’t get a hold of anyone pretty much,” protester Meryl Neiman said. “You couldn’t get through.”
Neiman recalled having better access to former Sen. Rob Portman’s office despite policy disagreements, noting that “the access is still not at all where it needs to be.”
ABC6 contacted Moreno’s offices in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Washington, D.C. All were routed to voicemail, as Cleveland’s voice mailbox was full.
A call to Husted’s sole Washington office went to voicemail.
Moreno and Husted’s lack of communication frustrated Neiman.
“It is statewide,” she said. “The population is concerned. Farmers are worried. Healthcare professionals are concerned.”
Many residents are eager to learn their senators’ positions on President Trump and Elon Musk’s recent actions.
Sen. Moreno’s staff, however, objected to the notion that Moreno is inaccessible. One staff member noted that the senator receives 1,600 calls per day.
“Assisting Ohioans in need is Senator Moreno’s top priority. While the Senate has been dealing with an exceptionally high volume of calls, our office is committed to responding to each and every Ohioan in need of assistance and working through all requests as quickly as possible,” said Reagan McCarthy, communications director for Moreno. “It’s a shame Democrat dark money groups have decided their petty political projects are more important than the needs of our constituents.”
Neiman stated that she and the protesters outside the federal building are not receiving any money and are simply expressing their concerns.
Moreno’s staff also points out that they met with a group of about 30 people in Cleveland last week. Moreno was not in attendance.
Neiman says the group that met with Moreno staffers in Cleveland last week is not affiliated with those protesting in Columbus Wednesday.
