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Ohio Lawmakers Sing For Bipartisanship

From left to right: Ed Leonard, Franklin County treasurer; Michael Stinziano, Columbus City Council; Sen. Charleta Tavares (D-Columbus); Magistrate Kathleen Graham, Franklin County Municipal Court (Photo: Groove U)

As the Republican National Convention approaches, an educational institute decided to bring politicians from both sides of the aisle together, using the power of music. Statehouse reporter Andy Chow has more.

State Republican and Democratic leaders gathered in a Columbus music studio to sing “God Bless America.”

The recording, which included Republican State Auditor Dave Yost and Democratic Senator Charleta Tavares, was part of Groove U’s “Purple State” project.

Dwight Heckelman with Groove U, a music industry education program, says music can inspire people to put their differences aside.

Heckelman: “If you can come together, not being a great singer and be brave enough to sort of put your voice out there because you just want to be a part of something great -- everything else is kind of easy.”

Groove U hopes to bring politicians together for the “Purple State” project every year.