GOP legislative caucuses in Ohio spent more than Democrats

COLUMBUS (AP) — Republicans in each of Ohio’s legislative chambers spent more in direct donations to candidates and other causes in 2014 than the state Democratic party spent on all its candidates combined, according to a new analysis by the Center for Public Integrity.

The Washington, D.C.-based campaign finance group’s report released today finds direct donations of $3.17 million by the Ohio House GOP’s campaign committee, $3.12 million for the Ohio Senate’s GOP campaign committee and $3.1 million for the Ohio Democratic Party. The figures include money given to candidates, parties and outside groups.

The figures came in a race that Democrats lost badly across the board, allowing incumbent Republicans to retain full control of statewide offices and the Statehouse. Republicans held onto strong majorities in both the state Senate and the state House, where the GOP gained five seats, including one held by the state Democratic chairman.

The Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee ranked as the 50th largest direct donor nationally, according to the analysis. It gave more direct donations than almost any other legislative caucus’ campaign committee.