Democrats balk as GOP’s Mandel skips hearing

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel failed to show at a hearing discussing his handling of nearly $2 million earmarked for taxpayer-funded public service announcements.

A deputy represented the Republican before an Ohio Senate committee Tuesday.

Mandel’s office used its budget for promoting STABLE, a new investment program for families with special-needs children, in increments just under $50,000. Mandel, a U.S. Senate candidate, was featured in the ads alongside Ohio State’s football coach and a STABLE account holder.