Kasich to donate $22K he got from indicted man
Associated Press
COLUMBUS
Ohio Gov. John Kasich will donate to charity more than $22,000 he received in campaign contributions from a businessman being accused of skirting campaign-finance laws while funneling thousands of dollars to two congressional campaigns.
Kasich’s spokesman Rob Nichols says the governor will donate the money to the National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio.
The governor’s campaign got the money at issue from direct-marketing magnate Benjamin Suarez, who was indicted in federal court Wednesday. The 72-year-old Canton man has pleaded not guilty to various charges including violating campaign-finance laws and obstructing justice.
Kasich’s Thursday move follows a call from Democratic gubernatorial challenger Ed FitzGerald to give the money to charity.
Suarez contributed to Kasich’s campaign in 2009 and 2010.
The indictment does not mention Kasich.