Candidates vying for a spot on the Nov. 6 ballot to represent Democrats in the 21st District of the Ohio House of Representatives took current office holder Republican Mike Duffey to task at a recent candidates night.

Blue Dublin — a group that supports progressive, liberal, Democratic issues and candidates — gave candidates a chance to showcase their beliefs and campaigns at a Jan. 31 event at the Dublin Community Recreation Center.

Dublin native David Donofrio, Dublin City Schools’ special education teacher Donna O’Connor and Worthington resident David Robinson will face off in the primary March 6.

According to Donofrio, he’s running to serve the community and restore a constitutional funding system to schools.

O’Connor said she wants to represent the 21st District as an educator, union member and middle-class worker.

Robinson said he doesn’t like the road Gov. John Kasich and Duffey are taking the state down and is running to restore equal opportunities for state residents.

Candidates were allowed to ask each other questions, and Donofrio asked O’Connor and Robinson what Ohio House members do from day to day.

O’Connor said much of her normal day as a teacher includes listening, leading, collaborating, giving instruction and learning. Time as a representative would be very similar, she said.

According to Robinson, representatives spend a lot of time in committee hearings and running for office.

“I’d like to not do that so much,” he said. “I’d like very much to have a legacy to look back on and know I was a strong champion for a few pieces of legislation that changed lives.”

O’Connor questioned Donofrio on the Ohio House’s current makeup, which does not include many women or young people.

As a Dublin Scioto High School graduate, Donofrio said he knows Dublin well and could represent the 21st District as young person familiar with the area.

“We need someone who grew up here and understands,” he said.

O’Connor asked Robinson about his 0-2 record on the ballot. In 2010, Robinson lost to Duffey in a race to represent the 21st District. He was defeated in 2008 by Pat Tiberi in a quest for the Ohio 12th District seat in Congress.

Robinson said he lost by fewer than 400 votes to Duffey, and was “hamstrung” by Democratic committee campaigns and negative ads run by the Democratic committee.

“I’m not going to be the candidate shot by my own party,” he said, noting that he has veto power this time over any paid media. “We can win this race. It’ll be tough, but it’s a better year and a better campaign.”

Donofrio was questioned by Robinson on the new election laws instituted by a Republican-led state house, including new districts.

The new district may be considered conservative-leaning, Donofrio said, but it includes Dublin. Donofrio said he also has only one registered Democrat on his campaign committee.

“I’m a free agent,” he said.

Robinson asked O’Connor how she would characterize Duffey on his record thus far.

The announcement of layoffs for teachers in Dublin City Schools is coming later this month, O’Connor said, and school levies are expected to be on the ballot in both Dublin and Worthington.

“I’ll remind him of the state budget and his voting record that has hurt our schools,” she said.

The evening also featured appearances by other Democratic candidates in districts that touch areas of Dublin.

David Hogan will face a yet-to-be determined Republican for the 67th Ohio House District that includes a north portion of Dublin.

Cheryl Johncox of Richwood also was on hand and is running to represent the 86th Ohio House district that includes part of Dublin in Union County.

Democratic candidates for the 12th Congressional District, which includes a large portion of Dublin, also answered questions. Doug Litt of Mansfield and James Reese of Powell will face off in the March 6 primary for the right to face Tiberi.