In Ohio, the race for attorney general has taken on a new focus on state economic development oversight. Democratic nominee John Kulewitz filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Inspector General, seeking an investigation into JobsOhio board president Josh Rubin.
Allegations of conflict of interest
Kulewitz, a retired lawyer, alleges that Rubin used his position on the JobsOhio board to benefit his own lobbying firm, the CJR Group, which represents American Electric Power (AEP). The complaint points to a $100 million fund recently announced by JobsOhio for small modular nuclear reactors. Kulewitz notes that AEP is the only Ohio utility that has expressed interest in building such reactors, raising questions about whether Rubin helped create the fund to aid his client.
In addition, the complaint cites Rubin’s recent lobbying on behalf of Intel. Kulewitz says Rubin was actively lobbying the governor for Intel as recently as April 2026, while JobsOhio had awarded more than $2 million to the chip maker. The overlap, Kulewitz argues, suggests a possible breach of JobsOhio’s conflict‑of‑interest policy.
JobsOhio’s response
JobsOhio press secretary Matt Englehart responded that the organization follows a strict conflict‑of‑interest policy that requires disclosure and, when appropriate, recusal from decisions. Englehart did not comment on the specific allegations but reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency.
Background on JobsOhio and recent controversy
JobsOhio is a nonprofit agency created by the state to manage the profits from the state liquor tax. The agency’s lease with the state was extended in February 2025 by a 4‑2 vote of the Ohio Controlling Board, pushing the expiration from 2038 to 2053. Former Ohio State University President Ted Carter resigned after an “inappropriate relationship” with a podcaster linked to JobsOhio, further drawing public scrutiny.
During the extension debate, former Attorney General Dave Yost urged the board to delay the vote and to require JobsOhio to contribute additional funds to the state. Yost had previously supported the extension but wanted a portion of the $840 million to be directed to early‑childhood care, return‑to‑work incentives, and job‑skills training.
Political context
Kulewitz, the Democratic nominee, will face Republican state auditor Keith Faber in the November election. Faber dismissed the complaint as “innuendo” and emphasized his record of fighting waste, fraud, and abuse, noting that any wrongdoing should be proven before action is taken.
The investigation request adds a new dimension to the campaign, highlighting concerns about transparency and the proper use of public‑private partnerships in Ohio’s economic development strategy.
What’s at stake
If an investigation finds that Rubin violated conflict‑of‑interest rules, it could lead to reforms in how JobsOhio conducts its lobbying activities and allocates funds. It also raises broader questions about the oversight of quasi‑governmental entities that manage significant public resources.
Ohio voters will see these issues reflected on the ballot this November, as the attorney‑general race becomes a focal point for discussions about accountability, economic development, and the balance between public oversight and private enterprise.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
