Columbus, Ohio - As Ohio’s newest Senator Jon Husted settles into office, lobbyists around Capitol Hill are waiting for the chance to gain his support on any number of bills. Ohioans already know that Husted can be easily bought- so we’re sharing a tried and true guide on how to buy his influence. 

Do:

Bribes: In 2017, FirstEnergy contributed $1 million to a dark money group supporting Husted’s primary campaign for governor. In the memo, they even wrote “Husted campaign.” While Senator Husted still refuses to tell Ohioans if he knew about the money, he’s been called a “good friend of FirstEnergy” and spearheaded HB6 through the legislative process. Bribery has always been the most obvious answer, but if you want to match FirstEnergy, it’s at least $1 million to buy your senator.

Cushy Board Appointments: If you’re looking to get on Husted’s good side more permanently, consider offering him a position on your corporation’s board… with a salary. It’s ok if your organization has business before the state of Ohio or any of Husted’s committees. In 2022, he joined the board of Heartland Bank, which does business with the state of Ohio, while still serving in office. He’s even paid a salary of $21,600 per year. 

Don’t

Call his office phone: Senator Husted’s voicemail box is already full due to the high volume of calls from constituents begging him to stand up and actually represent Ohioans. Unfortunately, they haven’t been able to get an answer even though he’s been in office for weeks now. If you’re a lobbyist looking to buy his vote, you’ll have to call his personal cell.

Subpoena him in a civil corruption suit: If you’re looking to buy Senator Husted and you get caught, it’s not a good idea to subpoena him for documents related to the case and then depose him about his role in the same case. It’s clear that Husted was deeply involved in the passage of House Bill 6, despite his denying it at every turn.