House to vote on speaker removal

COLUMBUS » The Ohio House plans to vote Thursday on the removal of the House speaker arrested last week in connection with a $60 million federal bribery probe, after Republicans took a secret vote on the matter Tuesday that was prompted by Larry Householder’s refusal to resign.

It wasn’t immediately clear under what authority the remaining members of Householder’s leadership team called the session. Under House rules, only the speaker can call or schedule a session. The power falls to his No. 2, Speaker Pro Tempore Rep. Jim Butler, if the speaker is absent.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost briefed the gathering ahead of the vote, declining to comment to reporters because his advice was privileged.

“The decision by House Republicans today to proceed with removing Larry Householder as Speaker reflects the reality that while he is entitled to his day in court and a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, it has become abundantly clear that he has lost the trust of his colleagues and the public, and is unable to effectively lead this chamber,” House leaders minus Householder said in a statement.

Tuesday’s closed-door meeting at a downtown hotel followed the release of a July 21 federal affidavit identifying Householder and four associates as part of an alleged pay-toplay scheme involving millions of dollars of corporate money secretly funneled to them for personal and political use in exchange for passing legislation to bail out two FirstEnergy nuclear plants.

The Republican speaker has not returned messages seeking comment and his attorney declined comment Tuesday.

A new message left with Householder’s team following the vote didn’t receive an immediate response.

Representatives, many masked, rotated in and out of a conference room because of social distancing requirements.

Also during their meeting, Ohio Republican Party Chair Jane Timken let representatives know that the party will take over overseeing their fall campaigns. Spokesman Evan Machan said mechanics of transfer are still being worked out.

The calls for Householder’s resignation have crescendoed in recent days, with even fellow Republican Gov. Mike DeWine calling for him to step down, saying it would be impossible for Householder to be an effective legislative leader given the charges against him.

Majority Floor Leader Bill Seitz said he spoke to Householder on Friday and shared with him the names of House members who have called for his resignation plus those who have declared candidacies to replace him.

Seitz and the caucus’ other leaders said at least 50 votes will be needed Thursday to remove Householder.

If he is removed, a decision on when to schedule a vote on his successor will be made by Assistant Majority Floor Leader Anthony DeVitis, of Green. Potential candidates for the job include Reps. Rick Carfagna, Bob Cupp, Tim Ginter and Speaker Pro Tem Butler.