Typically, a reporter might contact a citizen’s activist group, like Ohio Citizen Action, for insight on the influence of lobbyists. But in this case Marshall simply cited the public rebuke issued by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, also a Republican. GOP lawmakers angered Kasich when they rejected his call for a major hike in oil and gas taxes. The governor accused lawmakers of being influenced by “special interests,” a charge they denied.
This long story ended with a show-you-the-money list of total contributions from Chesapeake to members of the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
It all added up to a strong look at a story that will continue to gain momentum and attention. Marshall’s piece points to the need for reporters to continue to pay close attention to the possibility of pay-for-play at the Statehouse—and it’s a useful example to reporters covering the money-in-politics story at every level of government.
