Records Show Close Relationship Between DeWine, Kasich And Right To Life Lobbyist

Records show Republican Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine is in close contact with Ohio Right to Life, and group president Mike Gonidakis sent a text message to his communications chief when investigative findings were released against Planned Parenthood complimenting the press coverage. The relationship between DeWine and Gonidakis emerges from emails and text messages obtained by The Associated Press through a public-records request. Gonidakis says DeWine's office did not give him advance notice of any findings. The watchdog group Common Cause says close relationships with issue lobbyists like Gonidakis can jeopardize a public official's objectivity. An earlier AP review found Gonidakis communicates regularly with top advisers to Republican Governor and presidential candidate John Kasich.