Judge blocks Ohio Speaker's access to campaign money

View a previous report on the lawsuit within the Ohio Republican Party in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) -- A Franklin County judge blocked Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens' (R-Kitts Hill) access to campaign money raised in the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) fund.

Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), and Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) brought the lawsuit forward against the Republican speaker. 

The complaint cites the Ohio Revised Code, which states, “Each legislative campaign fund shall be administered and controlled in a manner designated by the caucus.”

The plaintiffs argue that Stephens was never elected to have control of the fund, though control of OHRA has historically been with the elected speaker. But a faction was created because the speaker was not elected by a majority of republican members.

On April 10, lawmakers held a meeting to vote on OHRA fund control and designate Plummer as chair.

In the decision, the judge writes that the April 10 meeting was scheduled for a date most members would be in Columbus, as it was the governor’s State of the State address, and the invitation was sent five days in advance.

“Speaker Stephens testified he did not receive the meeting invitation but confirmed it was sent to his correct email address five days prior to the meeting. Nonetheless, Speaker Stephens admitted he was aware of the meeting prior to it occurring and chose not to attend.”

This is the latest development in ongoing Republican infighting.