Ohio GOP politicos to raise campaign cash in Florida

Ohio Republican lawmakers will host lobbyists and supporters at back-to-back political fundraisers in Florida next month, just before debate begins on the massive state budget bill.

Invitations to the events, obtained by the Dayton Daily News, show that new Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, R-Medina, and Senate President Pro Tem Bob Peterson, R-Sabina, are hosting a fundraiser at Bagatelle, an upscale restaurant in Key West on Feb. 2.

Contributions, which start at $250, are to either Obhof’s campaign committee or the Republican Senate Campaign Committee.

Two days later, House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, will be at The Bay Club in Bonita Springs for cocktails, reception and dinner with donors willing to pony up at least $1,000. The weekend includes optional brunch and golf outings, according to the invitation.

House Republicans’ fundraising director Kenny Street said the timing of the fundraiser is not linked to Gov. John Kasich’s budget proposal that is expected to be debated for months and adopted in late June.

The House Republicans’ fundraiser, dubbed the “Winter Warmer,” is made possible by Ginni Ragan, who is member of Bay Club, a private, luxury golf club on Estero Bay, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico. Campaign finance records show Ragan has given $1.5 million to mostly House campaigns since 2011.

Information from the Associated Press is included in this report.

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About the Author

Laura A. Bischoff

Laura Bischoff is our Columbus bureau reporter and covers politics and state government. She keeps a close eye on elected leaders, public employees and taxpayer money. Bischoff tries to write stories that inform voters, hold leaders accountable and strengthen democracy.