Jim Renacci has officially requested an investigation into Mike DeWine’s involvement in FirstEnergy’s pay for play scandal to determine how much money was funneled to help DeWine politically. Renacci addressed and delivered his letter to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Secretary of State Frank LaRose because these specific state agencies are responsible for the overview of non-profit organizations and political finance violations.
In his letter, Renacci stated: “I am formally requesting the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State investigate all sources of donations directly or indirectly to Governor DeWine and fully report all proceeds received to the benefit of his campaign. Taxpayers deserve accountability and it begins with following the money trail and returning that money to those who have been negatively affected by the outcome of this pay-for-play scandal.”
“Governor DeWine has agreed to pay this money back. This money should go directly back to the utility customers who were affected by the rate increases and additional charges. The problem is this money was paid through multiple organizations either directly or indirectly to the benefit of the Governor and has not been 100% accounted for.”
Text of the Letter:
To Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose:
FirstEnergy Corp, an Ohio-based company, recently agreed to a $230 million prosecution settlement stemming from an investigation into bribery and corruption charges against some of Governor Mike DeWine’s closest allies. Although Governor DeWine has not been named in the investigation, he has certainly received funds from FirstEnergy and signed HB6 which has become the center of attention in this investigation. One individual who was indicted wrote a book before committing suicide alleging that Governor DeWine took $5 million from FirstEnergy. Ohio’s Attorney General has called the money tainted and has
also filed charges against FirstEnergy making this the largest pay-for-play scandal in Ohio’s history.
Governor DeWine has agreed to pay this money back. This money should go directly back to the utility customers who were affected by the rate increases and additional charges. The problem is this money was paid through multiple organizations either directly or indirectly to the benefit of the Governor and has not been 100% accounted for.
I am formally requesting the Attorney General’s Office and the Secretary of State investigate all sources of donations directly or indirectly to Governor DeWine and fully report all proceeds received to the benefit of his campaign. Taxpayers deserve
accountability and it begins with following the money trail and returning that money to those who have been negatively affected by the outcome of this pay-for-play scandal.
We know the money trail also involves the Ohio Republican Party who has received money from FirstEnergy and has, in turn, provided Governor DeWine with donations and financial support. The Republican Governors Association, one of Governor DeWine’s biggest financial backers, were also the recipients of FirstEnergy money. Even his daughter received funds from FirstEnergy in her failed campaign in a country prosecutor election.
There is a culture of corruption within our politics and we need to shine a spotlight on how shady money has corrupted our system. The public has a right to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent and if those funds are being used in a proper manner.
They have a right to know how far and how deep this corruption goes.
With the recent media reports on allegations made by an Ohio lobbyist in his book and FirstEnergy agreeing to a prosecution settlement, an investigation will provide more clarity into Governor DeWine and his associates’ roles.
Best,
Jim Renacci
Former Congressman from Ohio’s 16th District
