COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A state watchdog says that members of the Ohio governor's staff were involved in a takeover of the state GOP party this spring, but not on state time.
Ohio Inspector General Randall Meyer found no wrongdoing by three regional liaisons working for Gov. John Kasich who circulated, delivered or filed declarations of candidacy and nominating forms for individuals seeking seats on the GOP's State Central Committee.
Meyer says in a report issued Tuesday that the three used leaves, lunch hours or comp time for the committee work.
Kasich allies gained a committee majority in March, and voted out then-Chairman Kevin DeWine in April.
DeWine's public references to actions by Kasich employees Sherri Carbo, Nicholas Gatz and Nicole Kostura prompted the investigation.
