Former candidate files complaint against Kasich campaign

COLUMBUS (AP) — A would-be libertarian candidate in Ohio’s gubernatorial election last year has filed a complaint alleging Gov. John Kasich’s re-election team broke election law and owes a hefty fine.

The Northeast Ohio Media Group reports a complaint submitted to the Ohio Elections Commission by former libertarian gubernatorial candidate Charlie Earl on Wednesday alleges that Kasich conspired with Republican consultant Terry Casey to disqualify Earl from last year’s election.

Secretary of State John Husted disqualified Earl from the primary after his nominating petitions were challenged. Earl then filed a lawsuit arguing that Casey underwrote the legal challenge blocking him from the ballot. Kasich’s campaign and Casey have denied the accusations.

Earl’s complaint calls for Kasich’s campaign to be fined $720,000 because Casey’s resulting legal bills constitute an unreported in-kind contribution.