COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose – a key figure behind the looming State Issue 1 election to make it harder for citizens to propose and pass constitutional amendments – wants his political rivals to chip in for the cause.
In a press release and on social media, LaRose asked his Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race, state Sen. Matt Dolan and car salesman Bernie Moreno, to contribute $1 million apiece to help fund the State Issue 1 campaign in its closing days. Election Day is Aug. 8.
LaRose asked both men to “stand united” and make a “significant financial investment” to pay for television ads and voter turnout efforts. Both Dolan and Moreno, unlike LaRose, are extremely wealthy.
“My opponents have the personal financial ability to help us win this, and I hope they’ll step up,” LaRose said.
Moreno has “quietly donated six figures of his own money” to the effort, according to a statement from his campaign manager, David DiStefano.
“As of right now, we are unaware of any similar personal contribution from LaRose, but we are excited to announce that Bernie has agreed to match dollar-for-dollar any personal donation that Frank decides to give,” DiStefano said.
Campaign-finance records from Protect Our Constitution, the primary campaign backing Issue 1, don’t reflect any contribution from Moreno, LaRose or Dolan.
Moreno’s campaign provided a screenshot showing Moreno contributed $100,000 to Protect Women Ohio Fund LLC. Protect Women Ohio is the campaign to thwart a looming November abortion-rights referendum, and it has also been advocating for the passage of State Issue 1.
A spokeswoman for Dolan said he’s not joining any intra-GOP “gimmicks” or drama.
“Matt Dolan’s focus in the closing days of this special election will not deviate from making sure Ohio voters understand that a yes vote on Issue 1 is about protecting Ohio’s Constitution,” said campaign manager Kathi Paroska.
One Person, One Vote, the campaign seeking to defeat State Issue 1, declined to comment.
If passed, State Issue 1 would require citizens to gather signatures from all 88 counties instead of the 44 currently required to place a proposed constitutional change on the ballot. The amendment would also eliminate a 10-day period when organizers can go back for more signatures if a state board deems enough invalid. It would also raise from 50% to 60% the vote threshold required to pass a given proposal.
Backers call the measure a means to “protect” the Ohio Constitution from outside influence and special interests. Opponents say it’s a thinly veiled power grab designed to stymie citizens’ rights to circumvent lawmakers and directly affect state constitutional guarantees.
A proposal to guarantee Ohio women the right to receive abortions is slated to appear on the November ballot. The vote threshold needed to pass that referendum depends on what happens Aug. 8.
Separately, one current and one former state lawmaker filed a lawsuit seeking to block the November referendum on Friday. The Supreme Court will consider arguments in the coming weeks.
Both Dolan and Moreno harbor extraordinary wealth, according to a review of their most recent financial statements filed as Senate candidates.
Dolan earns about $164,000 per year as income. However, he disclosed ownership of more than 300 assets worth more than $1,000 each. Some of those are more modest (worth $1,000-$15,000). Many are larger. A handful are much larger ($500,000 to $1 million).
Moreno earns a salary of about $64,000, plus ownership of about 85 assets including $150,000-$250,000 in bitcoin purchased through eToro, and a personal home in the Bahamas worth somewhere between $5 million and $25 million.
LaRose’s financial disclosure statement reflects more modest earnings. His income comes from his state salary and his U.S. Army service. His holdings are mostly limited to mutual funds, college savings accounts and similar accounts.
A LaRose spokesman confirmed LaRose has not personally contributed to the yes on Issue 1 campaign. However, he pointed to LaRose’s “sweat equity” behind the issue, appearing at televised debates and other public appearances to press the case.
The Ohio Democratic Party weighed in on the spat as well.
“LaRose is scrambling after making himself the face of State Issue 1, but the writing is on the wall: LaRose’s missteps have hurt himself and State Issue 1 while suffocating his Senate campaign launch,” said ODP spokesperson Reeves Oyster. “If State Issue 1 fails, LaRose will be crowned Ohio’s biggest loser.”
Election Day is Aug. 8. Early voting continues this week. Mailed absentee ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 7.
Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy from Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.