Political donors go wild in Ohio

January 31, 2004
Associated Press

GOP has $3.6 million to spend on elections; Democrats far behind

COLUMBUS - The Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee raised an off-year record $3.6 million in 2003 for this year's elections, led by a $510,000 donation from Rep. Jon Husted's campaign, reports filed Friday with the secretary of state's office showed.

Just six campaign committees were responsible for $1.4 million -- more than one-third of the total. Husted, who is expected to succeed Larry Householder next year as speaker, was followed by Householder with $250,000; and Reps. Kevin DeWine, $230,000; Tom Raga, $215,000; Jim Hoops, $100,000; and Charles Blasdell, $97,000.

The previous record for a nonelection year was $3.4 million in 2001. Householder, who must leave next year because of term limits, raised $1 million for his own campaign account, said Dwight Crum, Householder's spokesman.

Householder has said he will seek statewide office in 2006, possibly auditor or treasurer. All 99 House seats are up for election this year.

Click on the "Read More..." link below.

By contrast, the House Democratic caucus raised $482,000. Minority Leader Chris Redfern was responsible for $41,800 of the total, followed by former Rep. Dean DePiero, now the mayor of Parma, whose committee contributed $35,000. Assistant Minority Leader Dale Miller raised $33,900 for the caucus. The committee's largest contributor was the Ohio Democratic Party, which gave $68,500.

In the Senate, where 16 of 33 seats are up for election, Republicans raised $2.3 million for their caucus, led by Sen. Jeff Jacobson's $261,500. Jacobson, who is expected to become the Senate's president next year, was followed by the current president, Doug White, who also is leaving because of term limits. White's campaign donated $215,000; followed by the campaigns of Sens. Steve Stivers, $180,000; Bill Harris, $176,500, Randy Gardner, $160,000; and Robert Spada, $100,000.

Senate Democrats were as overwhelmed as their House colleagues, reporting $250,646 in contributions. The Ohio Democratic Party led the way again, donating $26,500. Sen. Marc Dann's committee gave $12,000 to the caucus, followed by Sens. Theresa Fedor, $11,000; C.J. Prentiss, $10,500, Greg DiDonato, $7,500; and Robert Hagan, $6,000.

DiDonato, the current minority leader, also must leave because of term limits.

Among statewide Republican officeholders with an eye on the 2006 governor's race, Attorney General Jim Petro raised $1.3 million. Auditor Betty Montgomery raised $236,656 but had $563,491 including money from previous campaigns. Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell raised $293,596.

Reminder: As the 2004 election season swings into gear, the focus of the OFCC political action committee (PAC) will diverge greatly from OFCC. For ongoing political stories, commentary and endorsements regarding the 2004 Ohio elections, and to sign up for OFCC PAC email Alerts, please visit www.buckeyefirearms.org daily.