Ohio’s Republican House speaker has blocked legislation that aimed to restrict the use of foreign money in ballot measure campaigns, providing a gift to Democrats. The Ohio Senate, controlled by Republicans, passed an amended version of HB 114 to ensure President Biden’s appearance on the state’s 2024 general election ballot. This move was in response to concerns raised by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose regarding the Democratic National Convention’s schedule. However, the Senate also included provisions in HB 114 to prohibit foreign nationals from funding Ohio ballot measure campaigns, a move that was met with opposition from Senate Democrats.
The provisions, taken from SB 215 which passed the Senate in February, were not well-received by Democrats and led to a party-line vote in the Senate. Despite the Senate passing HB 114 before the deadline, the bill was not allowed to be debated in the House by GOP Speaker Jason Stephens. Stephens, who was elected with the support of House Democrats, did not provide a reason for blocking the bill. A separate bill passed by a House committee did not include the provisions regarding foreign money in campaign funding.
The debate over foreign interference in Ohio’s elections, particularly in supporting leftist-backed ballot measures, has been ongoing. Swiss national Hansjörg Wyss has been a prominent figure in influencing U.S. elections through donations to various organizations. Efforts to restrict foreign funding in ballot measure campaigns have faced opposition from Democrats in the Ohio General Assembly.
The situation regarding President Biden’s appearance on the 2024 ballot in Ohio remains uncertain, with Governor Mike DeWine expressing confidence that Biden will eventually appear on the ballot. Calls have been made for Speaker Stephens to advance legislation banning foreign money in elections in Ohio. The debate over foreign influence in Ohio’s elections continues, with stakeholders on both sides of the issue expressing their views.
