Lawmakers fail to report gifts (R, of course)

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http://www.onnnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=3570653&nav=LQlCbuxw

 

Ohio's legislative inspector general says four state lawmakers failed to report receiving free dinners and tickets to a Cincinnati Bengals' game from a California biotech company.

Tony Bledsoe says the luxury seats to a Monday night football game last October cost $300 and the total tab for the evening, which included dinner at an Italian restaurant, topped $5,000 dollars.

Bledsoe says the lawmakers should have reported the entertainment package as a gift. And because of a lobbyist's involvement, the event falls under a state law that prohibits lawmakers from accepting gifts valued at more than 75 dollars.

The lawmakers, all Republicans, are Representatives Jim Raussen of Cincinnati, Diana Fessler of New Carlisle and Michelle Schneider of Cincinnati and former Representative Jean Schmidt of Loveland.