Sunday Briefing: Ohio midterms take shape; behavioral health concerns

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – This week on the Sunday Briefing:

• Ohio party leaders on both sides of the aisle are sharpening their messages ahead of next year’s midterm elections

"Democrats barely have any organization in this state. They really don't have strong candidates on their side,” Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou said.

“We are working hard to recruit candidates for all of the positions, up and down the ballot,” Ohio Democratic Party Chairwoman Kathleen Clyde said.

What influence could their strategies have on the state’s top races?

• The president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland is out meeting with business leaders and talking to families across the state.

“What I see right now is a two-speed economy at the top end of the wealth spectrum,” Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland President Beth Hammack said.

Hear how she is working to keep the Central Bank’s policy decisions independent from government pressure.

• Behavioral health is a growing concern in Ohio and there aren’t enough professionals to help.

“One in five Ohioans struggles with some kind of mental illness, and nearly 2 million Ohioans are struggling with a substance use disorder,” Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Director LeeAnne Cornyn said.

Learn what the state is doing to try to alleviate the workforce shortage.

• Democratic strategist Morgan Harper and Republican strategist Ryan Stubenrauch join the roundtable to weigh in on the government shutdown. Will either side come to the bargaining table any time soon? Plus, do Ohio Democrats need a new strategi to connect with voters?