Michael Soclin 1986 U.S. Senate campaign

The Michael Soclin U.S. Senate Campaign began on September 20, 1983 when Michael Ale Soclin, the owner and CEO of Soclin Incorporated, announced that he would be running for the Republican nomination to compete in the 1986 U.S. Senate Election in Ohio. However, during an event on November 15th, a man named Devon Rilen shot Soclin dead, ending the campaign. Tom Kindness would eventually win the Republican nomination.

Announcement
Soclin had previously considered running in the 1980 Senate election, but decided not to. In 1982, he decided to run for the 1986 election. Soclin wanted to get a head start in the race and decided on announcing in late 1983.

On September 20, 1983, Soclin went to his company's branch in Ashland, Ohio. There branch manager Oliver Reur, as well as the employees, and tourists gathered outside to see Soclin's speech. There, Soclin made his speech, announcing his canidacy. "I have tremendous respect for John Glenn. I think he's a good man, and hold no ill will to him. However, I do not believe his policies benefit our state of Ohio. I believe I have better ideas. Therefore, I will be running to be our U.S. Senator in the 1986 election."

Policy Positions
Soclin's platform empahsized support for President Ronald Reagan and his policies. He supported lower taxes, and less government involvement. He also supported anti-abortion policies and more religious freedom. He also was opposed to gun control.

Assassination
Main Article: Assassination of Michael Soclin

On November 15, 1983, in Columbus, Ohio, at around 6:48 P.M. Soclin started making his speech. There he praised Ronald Reagan while proposing new policies for the state of Ohio. While talking about his position on abortion, a mentally unstable man named Devon Rilen approached the stage and pointed a 5.6 mm caliber revolver at Soclin's forehead. Rilen then fired but missed, instead hitting Soclin's jaw.

Rilen then quickly shot Soclin in the chest before Soclin collapsed to the floor. Rilen then shot two security guards who approached him. Rilen then shot Soclin in the ear, dropped his gun, and ran off.

Soclin was rushed to the Ohio State East Hospital. However Soclin passed away on November 16th at 1:21 AM. Soclin was then layed to rest at Green-Wood Cemetary in Brooklyn, New York on November 29, 1983.