Report: no wrongdoing in Ohio gov’s GOP takeover

COLUMBUS  (AP) — A state watchdog says that members of the Ohio governor’s staff were involved in a takeover of the state GOP this spring, but not on state time.

Ohio Inspector General Randall Meyer found no wrongdoing by three regional liaisons working for Gov. John Kasich (KAY’-sik) who circulated, delivered or filed declarations of candidacy and nominating forms for individuals seeking seats on the Ohio Republican State Central Committee.

Meyer says in a report issued Tuesday that the three used leaves, lunch hours or comp time for the committee work.

Kasich allies gained a committee majority in March, and ousted then-Chairman Kevin DeWine in April.

DeWine’s public references to actions by Kasich employees Sherri Carbo, Nicholas Gatz and Nicole Kostura prompted the investigation.