Ohio legislators plan IRS hearing in Cincy

CINCINNATI (AP) — A state House committee meeting in Cincinnati will hear from Ohioans who believe they were targeted by the Internal Revenue Service because of their political leanings.

The five confirmed witnesses for the afternoon hearing today at the University of Cincinnati are tea party or conservative activists who have said they were singled out by the IRS.

The Ohio House Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee also invited Cincinnati-based IRS agents to appear.

Committee chairman Mike Dovilla says he is “deeply disappointed” none of the Cincinnati employees responded. He is a Berea Republican.

An IRS office in Cincinnati played a key role in what agency officials have said was improper scrutiny of tea party and other groups when they sought tax-exempt status. IRS employees have denied any partisan motives.