Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is facing questions regarding a $1 million donation from Akron-based FirstEnergy in 2017 to a political group supporting his gubernatorial bid. Husted’s office reiterates that the group was not affiliated with his campaign. The donation was part of a larger scheme in which FirstEnergy paid over $60 million in bribes for a $1.3 billion ratepayer bailout signed by Gov. Mike DeWine. Emails indicate that Husted lobbied DeWine for the bailout shortly after joining his ticket in 2017.
The scandal has led to the indictment and conviction of several individuals, including former House Speaker Larry Householder and Ohio GOP Chair Matt Borges. FirstEnergy admitted to paying bribes to elect a friendly Republican majority and to former chair of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Sam Randazzo, who died by suicide. DeWine, Husted, and senior administration officials deny wrongdoing.
The documents revealed a spreadsheet listing dark-money contributions made by FirstEnergy in 2017, raising questions about the influence of special interests in Ohio politics. Husted, eyeing a 2026 gubernatorial run, has not disclosed whether he was aware of the contribution or of FirstEnergy’s efforts to pass and protect the bailout. His office declined to comment on these questions. The scandal underscores the influence of corporate donations on government officials and the lack of transparency in political financing.
Source
Photo credit ohiocapitaljournal.com