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Democrats accuse GOP candidate of taking shady donations

Treasurer hopeful has received $25,300 from 3 men with ‘criminal financial histories.’

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By Laura A. Bischoff, Columbus Bureau 12:05 AM Friday, April 16, 2010

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Democratic Party charged that Rep. Josh Mandel, the Republican candidate for state treasurer, took campaign contributions from three men with “criminal financial histories.”

State Rep. Mandel, R-Lyndhurst, received $13,000 from Elliot Broidy who pleaded guilty to bribing the New York state controller; $1,000 from Brian Chisick, whose company settled a lawsuit over deceptive loans for $60 million; and $11,300 from Roger Hertog, whose company paid a $250 million fine to the Securities and Exchange Commission and settled a lawsuit with the state of New York for $600 million.

Thursday, April 15, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern said, “Josh’s donors committed bribery, ravaged pension funds and engaged in deceptive practices that forced people out of their homes.”

Kevin Boyce, a Democrat appointed state treasurer by Gov. Ted Strickland, is running against Mandel this fall.

Mandel has no plans to return the contributions, his campaign political director Joe Aquilino said.

“Most of the three donors’ contributions Boyce cited were made before Mandel was even a candidate for state treasurer and the money has already been spent,” Aquilino said. “Josh Mandel is a Marine Corps veteran who sets high standards for himself, his campaign, and his work on behalf of taxpayers.”

Campaign finance reports covering the first three months of 2010 must be filed by April 22. Financial disclosure statements for statewide candidates were filed Thursday, April 15.

Mandel listed $21,679 in travel paid for by others, gifts from 65 different sources, and free meals from 14 sources.

His tab includes $3,919 in travel paid for by Forest City Enterprises, a Cleveland company that employs Mandel’s father-in-law and $2,392 in travel paid for by RPM International, a sealant and chemical company.

Legislators are required to disclose gifts worth more than $75 and meals worth more than $100.

Boyce did not report any gifts or free meals but he did disclose $3,933 worth of travel, including a $3,330 trip paid for by the American Swiss Foundation.

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