Ohio treasurer alleges governor killed online spending bill

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s treasurer is accusing the governor of killing a signature bill in 2014 that would have assured the future of his online database of government spending.

The clash over Republican Treasurer Josh Mandel’s online checkbook initiative marks the latest turn in the tense relationship between Mandel and Republican Gov. John Kasich, the former presidential candidate.

Over the years, Mandel has spoken out against Kasich’s proposal to tax big oil and gas drillers and the governor’s decision to expand the Medicaid health insurance program for the poor. The latter option was made available under the federal health care law unpopular with so many Republicans.

Mandel, a former and likely future U.S. Senate candidate, also backed a different White House contender this year. He supported and cast a vote for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio while all Ohio’s other GOP statewide officials supported Kasich.

The plot between the two men thickens with the saga of online checkbook legislation.