With Biden's ballot access handled, lawmakers shift focus on foreign funding
The Ohio House is expected to consider two bills on Thursday after the Senate earlier this week passed a bill that would both allow Biden to appear on their general election ballot in November, but also bar foreign contributions to ballot issue campaigns.
Now, much of the session is focused on the second bill: GOP-led legislation that would bar foreign contributions in statewide ballot initiatives -- something Democrats argue jeopardizes Ohioans' right to organize and participate in political activity through issue campaigns. During a House Oversight Committee meeting on Wednesday, Democratic members and citizens raised concerns that Ohio's attorney general would get "unprecedented power to enforce election laws" and might threaten upcoming ballot campaigns this fall.
"While I understand the Democratic National Committee has ... proposed a work-around to help get President Biden on the Ohio ballot, it is prudent legislation be passed to get this done," Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, said in a statement after the special session gaveled out on Tuesday."It is important that a bill or multiple bills that accomplish these common-sense measures come to my desk right away this week. It's the right thing to do," DeWine added.
On Friday, when the Senate is set to reconvene, they could take up those two bills likely to pass through the House this afternoon. If they do not, the special session would end without anything pushing through both chambers.Democrats have also expressed uneasiness with a portion of the foreign money legislation that would give the attorney general's office power to investigate potential foreign contributions if the Ohio Elections Commission sounds the alarm on a case.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DNC to nominate Biden and Harris to bypass Ohio ballot issuesThe move came before the Ohio Senate addressed Biden appearing on the ballot.
Read more »
DNC moves to nominate Biden virtually as Ohio ballot deadline battle drags onThe DNC is working to usher President Joe Biden in as the party’s official nominee through a virtual roll call ahead of Ohio’s Aug. 7 ballot certification deadline.
Read more »
DNC to virtually nominate Biden and Harris to bypass Ohio ballot issuesThe DNC will move to conduct virtual party proceedings to certify President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominees.
Read more »
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost takes aim at Joe Biden’s transgender policy: Today in OhioEditor Chris Quinn hosts our daily half-hour news podcast, with editorial board member Lisa Garvin, impact editor Leila Atassi and content director Laura Johnston.
Read more »
White House denies Biden visit to Hallie Biden pertained to Hunter Biden gun trialPresident Joe Biden did not speak to daughter-in-law Hallie about the upcoming federal trial of his son Hunter, according to the White House.
Read more »
1 person dies after falling from Ohio Stadium stands during Ohio State graduationDigital Content Producer at News 5 Cleveland
Read more »