Rep. Stoltzfus on Householder verdict: 'Larry and his minions are still alive and well.'
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State Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus didn't mince words after a federal jury convicted two fellow Republicans of corruption Thursday.
"I think the verdict was the right verdict. I think justice was served in some degree today," the Paris Township lawmaker said.
A jury found former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and ex-Ohio Republican Party Chairman Matt Borges guilty of racketeering conspiracy. They face up to 20 years in prison. The case stems from a $61 million bribery case involving FirstEnergy Corp. and House Bill 6.
Stoltzfus, a Republican, has frequently spoken out against Householder and his political influence. He voted against House Bill 6.
Stoltzfus didn't relish in Thursday's outcome because, "I think Larry's still holding some cards in his hands that he'll try to play."
While he hopes the conviction helps restore some trust, Stoltzfus also warned voters to pay more attention to their elected officials because he said lobbyists have a lot of influence at the Ohio Statehouse.
"These lobbyists, these powers-to-be, regular Bob and Betty Buckeye don't see, are running the show. They really are. Larry, on his own whole path to power, was backed by these folks, these lobbyists, FirstEnergy," Stoltzfus said.
He said Householder bullied and intimidated others to support him, a view State Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Jackson Township shared. Schuring also has served in the Ohio House.
"I've known Larry Householder for a long time. His style has always been about using power and intimidation to achieve the goals of his political agenda. His conviction does not surprise me," Schuring said.
Longtime state Rep. Scott Oelslager, R-North Canton, could not be reached for comment.
Stoltzfus said Householder still remains influential even if he's not there.
"Larry and his minions are still alive and well at the Ohio Statehouse. They're still running the Statehouse. They're just not Larry," he said. "But he's influencing their moves."
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com.
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This article originally appeared on The Repository: Larry Householder House Bill 6 trial conviction right, Stoltzfus says
