By James Oliphant CORTLAND, Ohio (Reuters) – Josh Mandel, a leading contender to win the nomination in the U.S. Senate Republican primary battle in Ohio, expressed confidence this week that victory was within his grasp as he campaigned with General Michael Flynn, an ally of Donald Trump. But for Mandel, Flynn was a consolation prize. In a contest that has been defined by which candidate could prove the most fealty to the former president, Mandel has lost the golden ticket: Trump’s endorsement. Trump’s announcement last week that he was endorsing Mandel’s rival, “Hillbilly Elegy” author J.D. Va…
