Election Integrity, Ohio News, and Super Bowl Culture: Highlights from the Latest Common Sense Ohio

On the latest episode of Common Sense Ohio, Steve and Norm look into timely topics shaping both the Buckeye state and the nation. From voter ID debate to Super Bowl halftime controversy, and even local law enforcement updates, there’s plenty for thought leaders and Ohio enthusiasts to chew on.

Here are three key takeaways from the discussion:

The SAVE Act & Election Integrity:

The push for a federal voter ID law is heating up. While Ohio already requires ID at the polls, the proposed SAVE Act would apply voter ID nationally, sparking constitutional debates about the balance of federal vs. state authority in running elections.

Both Republican and Democrat voters reportedly support voter ID in high numbers—pointing to bipartisan concerns about election security.

Economic & Regulatory Impact:

From new EPA rulemakings impacting auto and trucking prices, to the boom in Ohio data centers driving up local taxes and impacting rural life, legislation and regulatory action continue to have big ripple effects. The debate around balancing economic growth, environmental policy, and protecting local communities is front and center.

Culture & Division in Public Spaces:

Whether it’s reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show or stories of political confrontation in everyday settings, Steve and Norm explore how identity politics and culture wars are spilling into spaces meant for shared celebration. Their call? Let’s bring back more unity—and healthy debate—into these communal moments.

They also touch on school choice battles, the importance of government fraud enforcement, and personal stories from Ohio history, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in policy, culture, or just a dose of common sense.

Catch the episode for more insights, and if you’re passionate about these issues, chime in with your perspective—let’s keep the conversation going!

Moments

00:00 "Eerie Parallels to Reagan Era"

05:16 Georgia's Role in American Revolution

12:47 "State vs. Federal Voting Control"

17:33 "Election Integrity and Population Shifts"

25:15 EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule Challenge

26:33 "Critique of Government Overreach"

33:47 Cartels, Missiles, and Border Tensions

39:44 Ohio School Choice Legal Challenge

44:10 Miranda Rights and Custody Explained

49:36 Pulled Over in New Mexico

57:06 "Breezy's Comeback Triumph"

01:02:51 Super Bowl Halftime Backlash

01:05:05 "Weekly Common Sense Updates"

Recorded at the 511 Studios, in the Brewery District in downtown Columbus, OH.

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Stephen Palmer is the Managing Partner for the law firm, Palmer Legal Defense. He has specialized almost exclusively in criminal defense for over 26 years. Steve is also a partner in Criminal Defense Consultants, a firm focused wholly on helping criminal defense attorneys design winning strategies for their clients.

Norm Murdock is an automobile racing driver and owner of a high-performance and restoration car parts company. He earned undergraduate degrees in literature and journalism and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 1985. He worked in the IT industry for two years before launching a career in government relations in Columbus, Ohio. Norm has assisted clients in the Transportation, Education, Healthcare, and Public Infrastructure sectors.

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