For the second straight week, our top story is the fallout from the massive corruption scandal unfolding in Ohio's Statehouse that ensnared one of the most powerful political leaders in the state.
Yesterday, lawmakers voted unanimously to remove Larry Householder as the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Householder, however, retains his seat in the Ohio House and remains on the ballot for November.
In a separate vote, Republican Bob Cupp landed the speaker's job. Cupp, a former Ohio Supreme Court Justice from Lima, is the third Ohio House Speaker elected in just two years. Cliff Rosenberger resigned his position as speaker in April 2018.
Prior to the vote, a grand jury indicted Householder on a federal racketeering charge in connection with a the investigation into a $60 million bribery investigation connected to the passage of House Bill 6—also known as the nuclear bailout bill. Four others, including former Ohio GOP Chairman Matt Borges, also were charged. Investigators say Householder and the others took in tens of millions of dollars from Company A -- First Energy -- which were used to solidify the Householder power base, push through the nuclear bailout and enrich Householder and his co-conspirators. The bailout bill would provide more than a billion dollars in taxpayer subsidies to rescue nuclear facilities in Ohio, as well as coal power plants.
Governor Mike DeWine wants Ohio's bars and restaurants to make an early last call in an effort to quell the spread of COVID-19. The governor floated early bar closings at his news conference yesterday, when new cases hit a record high of 1,733. DeWine requested that the Ohio Liquor Control Commission call a meeting to discuss enacting an emergency ban on alcohol sales after 10 pm at the state's bars and restaurants, which would mean doors close at 11. Update: The Ohio Liquor Control Commission met Friday morning and approved the measure.
Ideastream host and producer Glenn Forbes, and Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief for Ohio Public Radio and Television join Ideastream Executive Editor Mike McIntyre to discuss these topics and others.
Later, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose joins the roundtable discussion. The presidential election is now less than 100 days away. Secretary LaRoses discusses a number of election related topics, including his take on President Trump's Twitter suggestion that the November election be delayed -- and whether Householder should relinquish his House seat.
Mike McIntyre, Executive Editor, Ideastream
Glenn Forbes, Host, Producer, Ideastream
Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief/Ohio Public Radio/TV
Frank LaRose, Ohio Secretary of State
