Columbus, Ohio- Despite John Husted’s quarter of a century political career, Ohioans stand to learn far more about Husted’s long-standing history of corruption and involvement in the biggest scandal in Ohio history.

Just hours before Husted was officially announced as Ohio’s newest senator, two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted on federal charges for their role in the HB6 scandal that left Ohioans on the hook for the bill. They have both previously been indicted on state charges, where they sought both DeWine and Husted as witnesses.

Husted has a long history with both Dowling and Jones. In text messages discussing House Bill 6, Jones said that Husted “has always been accessible and great to work with” and that “without question, he is a good friend of FirstEnergy.” Husted also has a long friendship with Dowling. When Husted dropped out of the 2017 gubernatorial primary, he texted Dowling, saying “I admire you and value your friendship.”

“John Husted starting his campaign for election to the U.S. Senate as two of his close friends got indicted on federal charges probably wasn’t the start he was hoping for,” said Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman Katie Seewer. “As the face of corruption in Ohio, Husted will be dogged by this scandal for the entirety of the next two years, and Ohio Democrats are going to make sure voters know about the corruption that he has directly participated in & allowed to flourish as he hits the campaign trail.”

READ MORE about the latest indictments that Husted is hoping won’t haunt him on the campaign trail: Former FirstEnergy executives face federal charges in massive bribery scheme

• “Two former FirstEnergy executives were indicted in connection with a massive statewide bribery scandal that put one of Ohio’s most powerful politicians in federal prison…”

• “The Akron-based company previously pleaded guilty to bribing former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and former Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo − two public officials in powerful positions to help the company…”

• “The indictment paints a picture of how FirstEnergy executives used money and influence to their own advantage at the Ohio Statehouse. After House Bill 6 passed, Jones sent a photoshopped version of Mount Rushmore, featuring Randazzo’s and others’ faces on it. The caption read: “HB 6 F*** ANYBODY WHO AINT US…”

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