Elections Commission Dismisses Earl's Complaint Against Kasich Campaign

The Ohio Elections Commission has dismissed a complaint by a would-be Libertarian gubernatorial candidate alleging Governor John Kasich's re-election campaign played a role in getting him bumped from the ballot. Charlie Earl alleges Kasich/Taylor for Ohio and Republican consultant Terry Casey conspired on a successful protest of Earl's nominating petitions that Casey initiated and the Ohio Republican Party later paid for. He wanted Kasich's campaign fined 720 thousand dollars. Casey says he brought the petition protest to spotlight Democrats' involvement in initially recruiting Earl, whose candidacy had the potential to draw votes from Republicans dissatisfied with Kasich. The commission says it lacks sufficient evidence to support a fine or further review.