Ohio GOP fined $100K for improperly funding voter database
The Ohio Republican Party is paying a $100,000 civil penalty to the Federal Election Commission for improperly funding a 2014 voter turnout database through a company tied to an ally of then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Ohio Republican Party is paying a $100,000 civil penalty to the Federal Election Commission for improperly funding a 2014 voter turnout database through a company tied to an ally of then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Cleveland.com reports an agreement announced last week cites the party for using almost $490,000 in non-federal funds for a project intended for federal elections.
Money for the $600,000 database, dubbed "Project Ruby," went to FactGem, led by JobsOhio founder Mark Kvamme (KWAH'-mee) and his wife.
Republican Party Executive Director Rob Secaur said the violation occurred under former Republican Chairman Matt Borges (BOHR'-jihs). Secaur said the party is pleased to be back on the right side of regulators.
The deal requires Republicans to move the $490,000 from their federal accounts back to their state accounts.
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