Reporter at News 5 Cleveland
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted allegedly led the charge with now-indicted FirstEnergy executives to pass legislation that was the result of the largest corruption scheme in state history, according to newly released text messages. Husted denies knowing House Bill 6 was a bribe.
Gov. DeWine deflects questions about texts between him and indicted FirstEnergy executives RELATED: Gov. DeWine deflects questions about texts between him and indicted FirstEnergy executivesOn Tuesday, I discovered and reported on more texts alleging that he helped push forward H.B. 6 and got a playbook from FirstEnergy on how to convince others, according to FirstEnergy executives.
On Thursday, we reported that an indicted FirstEnergy executive plans to call Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to testify as witnesses in his criminal trial.After four days focused on the governor, I am shifting the spotlight to the second-in-command. Both DeWine and Husted have continuously denied any involvement, and law enforcement has not accused either of wrongdoing.But a public records request reveals Husted’s ties to former FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and VP Michael Dowling — the ones who helped fund his campaign.The pair held lavish fundraisers before DeWine and Husted were elected, with Jones giving speeches about how the team would be great for"his company and shareholders," a speech I received said.
Three days later, Dowling texts Jones and said,"Chuck — go ahead and call Mike DeWine on the $500k. It’s going to RGA’s C called state solutions. All set."Both Jones and Dowling were hit with state bribery charges. They pleaded not guilty during their joint arraignment in mid-February. They are accused of masterminding the corruption scheme.
Dowling said not to do it that day because they would be getting bad news from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission about one of their plants."Good luck today," Jones said."We will be pulling for and praying for you.""Chuck, we are very grateful for all your help!" DeWine chimed in.PUCO appointment
Dowling emailed Jones before H.B. 6 passed in 2019, saying the governor “left the details of H.B. 6 to others — John Husted and Danny." Dan McCarthy was DeWine's legislative director after having been a lobbyist for FirstEnergy. Then came the Senate tax debacle. In short, FirstEnergy wanted subsidies for 10 years for their nuclear plants, while the Senate leaned towards six.
I tried to get more in-depth comments, but Carducci said she had already given her statement and would not be adding more.
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