COLUMBUS — The FBI’s decision not to indict Hillary Clinton on charges related to her use of a private email server is unlikely to have much impact on the contest in Ohio, some observers said Tuesday.

“For people who support Mrs. Clinton, this isn’t going to detract from their opinion of her,” said Mark Caleb Smith, director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. 

“For those who were opposed to her already, this is not going to change their view of her,” Mr. Smith said.

“There’s not a lot of mystery or uncertainty [around Mrs. Clinton or presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump],” he said. “This will not define how people look at her.”

The issue, however, isn’t likely to go away for Mr. Trump as he visits the Cincinnati area for a rally and fund-raiser today.

While determining that a criminal case could not be made, the FBI was highly critical of the former secretary of state’s decision to use a private email server in her home, saying she may have jeopardized the security of sensitive information.

“Hillary’s use of a private email and unsecured email server was sloppy, irresponsible, and dangerous to our nation,” Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges wrote in a fund-raising email.

“The FBI verified today that her use of unclassified email was known by many people, and it’s possible hostile actors gained access to classified intelligence,” he wrote. “Hillary Clinton simply cannot be trusted to be the Commander-In-Chief and leader of the free world!”

The issue of trustworthiness has dogged Mrs. Clinton’s campaign for a year, dragging down poll numbers that were higher than President Obama’s when she stepped down as secretary of state in early 2013.

“Secretary Clinton has acknowledged for some time that the way she handled her emails was a mistake,” Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper said. “The investigation is now over, and it’s time to focus on who is best qualified to serve as our next president.

“I am confident that when Ohioans compare Hillary Clinton’s plan to build an economy that works for everyone, with Donald Trump’s record of outsourcing American jobs and belief that American wages are too high, the choice will be clear,” he said.

Lucas County Democratic Chairman Joshua Hughes said the FBI’s announcement should make for a cleaner message to local voters.

“As some folks have reached out …, they have found that some said they would not support her because she might be indicted,” he said. “They said they would not support a criminal. This removes that cloud.”

Mr. Hughes said he doesn’t believe Tuesday’s announcement makes any difference with Democrats.

“But it will help with independents and undecideds, the fodder with which Trump has been attacking her since he wrapped up the nomination on the Republican side,” he said.

Lucas County Republican Party Chairman Jon Stainbrook said Mrs. Clinton was “reckless and acted with careless disregard,” and voters can draw conclusions about her from those actions.

“This gives you a view of what it would be like if Hillary Clinton were president today,” Mr. Stainbrook said. 

“Would you trust her with sensitive secrets as president of the United States? No. She’s already failed the job as president to which she hopes to be elected.”

Contact Jim Provance at: jprovance@theblade.com or 614-221-0496.

First Published July 6, 2016, 4:00 a.m.