Snollygoster is the new Ohio politics podcast from WOSU Public Media. Every week, hosts Mike Thompson and Steve Brown dive into the week’s biggest stories in Columbus and around the state.
This week, Ohio Auditor and Republican Attorney General candidate Dave Yost faces criticism for his handling of whistleblower fraud allegations against the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, or ECOT. Plus, Gov. John Kasich looks to improve background checks and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor takes another step away from Kasich.
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In this week's episode:
Blowing The Whistle On ECOT
Once Ohio's largest online charter school, ECOT shuttered its virtual doors in January after the state ordered a nearly $80 million repayment for overinflated attendance records. AP reporter Julie Carr Smith joins Mike and Steve to discuss how she broke the story of a whistleblower's claims of data manipulation and the political fallout.
Kasich And Gun Background Checks
With his gun reform proposal seeing little action at the Statehouse, Kasich signed an executive order this week to ensure that law enforcement and the courts are properly reporting data to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Gun rights advocates are less than pleased with Kasich's decision.
Mary Taylor Promises To End Medicaid Expansion
In her latest campaign ad, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor continues to attack her primary opponent Mike DeWine, distance herself from Kasich, and align herself with President Trump. She says she'll end Medicaid expansion in the state, a major hallmark of Kasich's tenure, and claims she's "the only conservative in this race."
John Kasich GPS
The governor didn't leave home this week but he did still manage to make national news. Kasich allies are reportedly reaching out to wealthy donors to gauge their support for a primary challenge against President Trump in 2020.
