But some remain vague on sources

By Laura A. Bischoff
Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS | Ohio politicos are doing a better job of telling voters who gives them campaign money, but there is still room for improvement, Ohio Citizen Action said in a report released Monday.

The public watchdog group gives state candidates annual report cards grading them on whether they follow Ohio’s campaign donor disclosure laws.

For individual contributions of more than $100, candidates for state office must list a donor’s employer, or if they are self-employed, their occupation. Ninety-seven percent of the candidates reported that information in 2001, up from 92 percent in 1997, according to the group.

Still, more than a third of the candidates used vague descriptions, such as consultant, CEO or business owner, which makes it difficult for voters to follow the money, said Catherine Turcer, campaign reform director for Ohio Citizen Action.

Some candidates failed to identify the employer of well-known, wealthy contributors such as Leslie Wexner, the Limited Inc. chairman and chief executive, or Tamala Longaberger of the Longaberger Co.

State Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-Fairborn, and Sen. Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, received ‘‘D’’ grades.

DeWine failed to disclose employer or occupation information for about one-third of the money given to his campaign from individuals, Ohio Citizen Action reported. Jordan disclosed the information 69.6 percent of the time, the group said.

DeWine said, "We were filling out as much as we knew. I got an ‘A’ the last time."

The other Miami Valley lawmakers received ‘‘A’’ grades.

In 2001, statewide and legislative candidates received $15.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions. Candidates received $6.47 million from individuals who gave more than $100 and disclosed employment information for $6.3 million of that.

Contributors who give to state and county political parties are not required to list their employer or occupation. The group urged lawmakers to pass legislation requiring disclosure.

Parties also may receive anonymous, limitless contributions to their operating funds.

Meanwhile, state Treasurer Joe Deters, whose fund-raising activities have received a lot of scrutiny this year, is listing campaign donations on his Web site within two business days of receipt. Five Columbus area stockbrokers contributed $125,000 to the Hamilton County GOP, which Deters used to head. Deters acknowledged later that the contributions were probably made to help his re-election campaign.

Also, Cleveland area stockbroker Frank Gruttadauria, who is in jail suspected of bilking investors of $277 million, gave the Hamilton County GOP operating fund $50,000. Deters and the county party share the same professional fund-raiser.

[From the Dayton Daily News: 06.18.2002]

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