Campaign cash plays a significant role in Ohio elections.  Money has a corrupting influence on politics because it allows the wealthiest among us to exert undue influence.  Political reforms, including campaign finance reform, easier access to information, and improvements in governmental ethics laws, are essential. We deserve accountable government that is responsive to our needs.

The Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund, the research affiliate of Ohio Citizen has been producing money in politics studies since 1994.  The Money in Politics Project researches contributions to Ohio statewide and legislative candidates.  The Money in Politics Project is committed to “following the money” by exposing the source of candidates’ campaign funds.
Recent News


Apr 9: Editorial: An appropriate fine

COLUMBUS -- "With a record $5.2 million in fines against an unregistered political action committee, the Ohio Election Commission has - finally - begun to put some real teeth in state election law. Hitherto prone to handing out comparative slap-on-the-wrist penalties, the commission last week put the big bite on a Michigan-based group called All Children Matter, which promotes charter schools and political candidates who favor them. To its credit, the panel acted on a unanimous 5-0 vote, putting a bipartisan exclamation point on its decision and snuffing any claim of partisan motives. That didn't stop the attorney for All Children Matter, William Todd, from insisting the contribution in question amounted to merely a 'technical violation' of the law and muttering darkly about 'a level of antipathy behind this that is hard to understand.' As Catherine Turcer, of the Ohio Citizen Action advocates, put it, 'This firmly says our campaign finance laws matter. Our limits are there for a reason and you can't just go to another state to circumvent the law,' " Toledo Blade.


Apr 7: Editorial: Transparency matters

The Ohio Elections Commission appropriately lowers the boom

COLUMBUS -- "The Ohio Elections Commission presented a welcome surprise last week — in a unanimous, bipartisan package. The five-member body issued record fines of more than $5 million against two closely affiliated, pro-charter school political action committees. The committees, backed by Akron industrialist and charter-school operator David Brennan, were justifiably hammered for illegally funneling $870,000 to Ohio candidates in 2006. The essential point the elections commission correctly underscored with its record fines is the need for transparency in the political system. In order to make an informed judgment at the polls, Ohio voters must have access to information about the source and amounts of campaign contributions. All Children Matter left those principles behind when it arranged for a torrent of political cash to flow from Virginia to Ohio," Akron Beacon Journal.


Apr 7: Wine shipping-ban fix won't change much

COLUMBUS -- "Ohio wine drinkers who are still fuming over a ban on out-of-state shipments from large producers will be disappointed by a Geauga County lawmaker's latest attempt to get them some relief. State lawmakers cut a behind-the-scenes deal and enacted the ban without public discussion as part of the state budget passed last June. The ban, the result of a lobbying effort by the powerful Wholesale Beer and Wine Association as well as Ohio wineries, prohibits wineries producing more than 150,000 gallons a year from shipping directly to Ohio consumers. Dolan worked to have a provision slipped into a Senate bill that would raise the cap to 250,000 gallons. 'I've been getting a lot of pushback, and it's the best that I could do,' he said," Aaron Marshall, Cleveland Plain Dealer.


Apr 4: PAC is fined 5.2 million

Ohio ethics panel says charter school group tied to Brennan illegally transferred funds

COLUMBUS -- "The Ohio Elections Commission slammed a pro-charter school political action committee with a record $5.2 million in fines for illegally funneling money to Republican candidates in 2006. The commission on Thursday fined the All Children Matter Ohio political action committee and the All Children Matter Virginia PAC $2.6 million each, said Philip Richter, the commission's executive director. The commission ruled that the Virginia PAC, which was not registered in Ohio, illegally transferred money to the Ohio PAC. Catherine Turcer, director of the Money and Politics Project for Ohio Citizen Action, was pleased and surprised by the commission's decision. She said the commission normally is 'toothless,' giving only slaps on the wrist for election law violations. 'This firmly says: "Our campaign finance laws matter. Our limits are there for a reason and you can't just go to another state to circumvent the law," ' Turcer said," John Higgins and Stephanie Warsmith, Akron Beacon Journal.

COLUMBUS -- Elections panel sets record $5.2 million fine, Jim Siegel, Columbus Dispatch.


Apr 3: Justice Maureen O'Connor says campaign money doesn't affect her

CLEVELAND -- "In 2006, the Ohio Supreme Court found itself sweating beneath the national spotlight. The New York Times had run a damning article detailing how the court routinely favors those providing hefty campaign contributions. According to the paper's research, justices ruled on behalf of donors 70 percent of the time. Some, like Terrence O'Donnell of Rocky River, sided with the money 91 percent of the time. The court, obviously, was none too happy to be called out in the national press. It's an issue that still stings today. Ask Justice Maureen O'Connor about it, and be prepared for a full frontal attack. Her tone grows sharp and defensive, flooded with annoyance. The Times numbers were inflated, she claims, and she resents the implication that she's selling her vote. 'Do you know what you're even talking about?' she demands. But there's a reason behind her hostility. O'Connor will go before voters this fall, and she has much to be defensive about," Denise Grollmus, Cleveland Scene.