NE Ohio Times

After being accused of mishandling cash donations to his campaign, local conservatives are urging Joseph K. Blystone to drop out of the Ohio governor's race.

In the GOP primary on May 3, Blystone and Jim Renacci have lined up as challengers to Gov. Mike DeWine.

"The mission is to remove Mike DeWine,” Mario Innocenzi, president of the NE Ohio Conservative Club, said. “Joe says the right things but is no different than anyone else. He does not have a plan or the resources financially to beat DeWine. Now the FBI has serious questions about his business and campaign practices. Blystone needs to get out of the race so Ohioans can win. He cannot win, and a vote for Joe is a vote for DeWine."

Blystone is a “constitutional conservative” farmer from central Ohio who is campaigning for office.

A farm, restaurant, and butcher shop are all part of Blystone's Canal Winchester operation. He has been a strong opponent of DeWine's lockdown measures.

The Ohio Star reported on Jan. 5 that Blystone is being investigated by the FBI.

According to a former campaign manager, the FBI inquiry is extensive and includes records on his personal business and nonprofit organization.

Sarah Chambers, Blystone's former campaign co-manager, filed a 51-page complaint detailing Blystone's efforts to underreport cash donations received at live events.

According to Chambers, the FBI informed her that they had already begun an inquiry into Blystone's finances.

"I knew there were a lot of things that were questionable going on with the campaign. I never thought that it would be to the point where the FBI would be involved,” Chambers told the Ohio Star.

Blystone is accused of concealing the amount of financial donations to commit larceny.

DeWine has come under fire from conservatives for his harsh handling of COVID protocols, sparking the candidacies of Blystone and Renacci.

DeWine is behind mandates forcing students to wear masks in school. He's been dubbed the “most egregious” of the lockdown governors.