Ohio Dems seek IRS audit, say Kasich improperly used nonprofit to pay political staff

Ohio Dems seek IRS audit of group tied to Kasich

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Democrats have asked the Internal Revenue Service to audit a nonprofit group tied to Republican governor hopeful John Kasich.

The Democrats allege the New Century Project Issues Forum was improperly used for political purposes. They claim the nonprofit spent much of its money on salaries for three key Kasich campaign aides, in violation of the group’s tax-exempt status.

Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said Wednesday the complaint was nothing more than a “smear campaign.”

An IRS spokeswoman would not comment.

Kasich, the former congressman and presidential candidate, is hoping to unseat Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland in the Nov. 2 election.