What Ohio officials are saying about the conviction of Larry Householder Matt Borges

Gov. Mike DeWine remained silent Thursday, as did former House Speaker Larry Householder and former Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges. Convicted In the biggest public corruption case in the state.

A federal jury convicted Householder and Borges of racketeering conspiracy, a charge that could have sent them to prison for up to 20 years. Prosecutors said the two were players in a scheme with FirstEnergy to pass the nuclear bailout law, known as House Bill 6, in exchange for $61 million that would put Householder in power in 2019.

More:Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, Former Ohio GOP Leader Matt Borges Convicted

DeWine declined to comment on the ruling through a spokeswoman. When Lt. Gov. John Husted was asked about it during a news conference in Independence, he said he first heard about the decision from a reporter.

“The justice system usually gets it right,” Husted said.

Other Ohio politicians were quick to jump in with their own responses.

More:On the witness stand, the householder sparred with the federal prosecutor

Attorney General Dave Yost

Yost’s name often came up during his trial Close association with Borges. He was subpoenaed to testify as a potential witness for the prosecution, but ultimately never took the stand.

“Today, the public interest has triumphed over self-interest, the system has worked and justice has been served,” Yost said. “I commend the jury for its time and verdict and congratulate the DOJ team.”

Ohio Democratic Party

Ohio Democratic Party Chair Liz Walters said Thursday’s ruling was just the first step in a long process to hold Republicans accountable.

“For too long, Republican politicians and their rich, well-connected friends have fleeced working Ohioans, and then the GOP has billed those same working Ohioans for misdemeanors,” he said. : No one is above the law. But the scandal doesn’t stop with Larry Householder or Matt Borges. This scandal runs deep within the Ohio Republican Party, and every GOP politician who enabled it to happen or stood by those involved must be held accountable. And that’s what we plan to do.”

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Ohio Republican Party

“Public corruption by any party should never be tolerated in Ohio,” Ohio Republican Party spokesman Dan Luschek said. “Hopefully, this ruling serves as a warning to other bad actors who might consider violating the public trust.”

Former state representative Dave Greenspan

Greenspan, a Westlake Republican, called the FBI in 2019 to say he felt pressured by Householder and lobbyist Neil Clark to vote for House Bill 6. Former Member of Parliament testified During the seven-week trial.

“It is my hope that today’s decision will begin the process of reclaiming the true nature of public service — recognizing that as an elected official you have the trust and confidence of the public and that one should serve with honor and humility,” Greenspan said Thursday.

Former state representative Kyle Koehler

Kohler, who also testified during the trial, said justice had prevailed and revealed who the homeowner really was.

“I don’t wish what Housekeeper is going to do on anyone, but through his actions, this man has selfishly destroyed or terminated the careers of several good public servants,” Kohler said. “He’s prevented a number of good candidates from getting properly elected. He’s changed the political climate in Columbus. It’s going to take years to heal and fix.”

House Minority Leader Alison Russo

Russo, a senior Arlington Democrat, said his caucus plans to reintroduce anti-corruption legislation aimed at shining a light on dark money donations.

“Justice was served today, and it now closes this chapter in Ohio’s largest corruption scandal in history,” Russo said. “However, the issue of unfettered dark money and pay-to-play bribery through our political system undoubtedly remains. We owe it to all Ohioans to permanently uproot these roots, so that taxpayers are never on the hook again, and so government regains public trust. can get.”

State Representative Brian Stewart

Stewart spearheaded a resolution in 2021 Expulsion of householder From the Ohio House. The Asheville Republican said Thursday that the homeowner’s conviction would ensure he pays for his crimes against Ohioans.

“The sordid details behind the passage of House Bill 6 should deeply outrage every Ohioan, and especially those of us serving today in the Ohio House of Representatives who strive to serve the people with honor and integrity,” Stewart said.

Stewart also tweeted a Columbus Dispatch photo of House members watching as Stewart spoke about the resolution in the House chamber.

“Memories,” he said.

David de Villers

DeVillers previously served as U.S. Attorney for Ohio and the Southern District Complained Against Householder and Borges in 2021. President Joe Biden replaced US Attorney Kenneth Parker when he took office.

Devillers tweeted on Thursday. “Congratulations to the entire trial team.”

Common Cause Ohio

“This ruling has powerful implications for the rest of the country,” said Kathryn Turser, executive director of Common Cause. “Citizens United may have opened the floodgates of corporate cash, but that doesn’t mean pay-to-play is legal or right. The trial revealed how essential basic disclosure is and the importance of being able to follow the money. Providing transparency. The guardrail so Ohioans take advantage Don’t go.”

Ohio Environmental Council

Nolan Rutschilling, managing director of energy policy at the Ohio Environmental Council, said the state must now focus on repealing House Bill 6 in its entirety. Lawmakers have eliminated nuclear subsidies That was included in the original bill, but most of it remains.

“This decision is an important step toward justice and righting the wrongs that FirstEnergy and other utility companies have inflicted on Ohioans,” Rutschilling said. Their monthly electric bills, and as long as Ohioans can trust that their lawmakers and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio are looking out for them, special interests are not corrupt.”

USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau Reporter Laura Bischoff contributed.

Haley Biemiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer: House Bill 6 trial: Ohio politicians react to guilty verdict