COLUMBUS — Campaign finance papers filed by state Rep. Nino Vitale, R-Urbana, prompted the Ohio secretary of state to file a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission accusing the lawmaker and his campaign committee of violations.
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Secretary of State Frank LaRose said the referral follows a comprehensive review of the campaign finance materials Vitale submitted that began June 6 after Vitale submitted a blank campaign finance report a day after the June 5 campaign finance deadline.
He’s also accused of using campaign money and resources for his personal business teaching carry conceal weapons classes.
The complaint also alleges the legislator’s campaign committee, Friends to Elect Nino Vitale, paid for Facebook ads without reporting the expenditures on the committee’s 2019 annual campaign finance statement as required.
Vitale has not filed a formal response.
Violations often are met with a reprimand, an order to file an amended report or a fine. Complaints, in extreme cases, can be forwarded to the county prosecutor.
Vitale is among the state lawmakers who want to impeach Gov. Mike DeWine.
The Secretary of State’s Office routinely examines campaign finance reports filed with the state, and commonly works with candidates and campaign committees to ensure transparency and compliance is achieved.
Cox Media Group
