Columbus Dispatch senior editor Darrel Rowland speaks about campaign contributions in Ohio. During this episode of the Buckeye Forum politics podcast Rowland provides a snapshot of the top 16 donors in the state and give details on each of them.

Top 16 donors:

#1
$2.31 million 
Virginia “Ginni” Ragan, Columbus 

#2
$2.24 million
Frances, John and David Pepper, Cincinnati

#3
$1.90 million
Boich family, Columbus, Miami Beach

#4
$1.34 million
Ratner family, Cleveland area

#5
$913,000
Leslie and Abigail Wexner, New Albany

#6
$904,000
Karen Wright and Thomas Rastin, Mount Vernon

#7
$869,000
Bill Lager, Columbus

#8
$838,000
Geraldine and David Warner, Cincinnati

#9
$820,000
Ronald Wilheim, Cincinnati

#10
$704,000
Lindner family, Cincinnati

#11
$681,000
Donald and Gayle Oeters, Cincinnati

#12
$607,000
Richard W. Pogue, Cleveland

#13
$529,000
Lee and Patti Schear, Dayton

#14
$522,000
Anthony and Becky Alexander, Akron

#15
$495,000
David Maltz, Cleveland

#16
$441,000
Richard and Katherine Rosenthal, Cincinnati

Columbus Dispatch senior editor Darrel Rowland speaks about campaign contributions in Ohio. During this episode of the Buckeye Forum politics podcast Rowland provides a snapshot of the top 16 donors in the state and give details on each of them. Top 16 donors:
#1 $2.31 million&nbsp; Virginia &ldquo;Ginni&rdquo; Ragan, Columbus&nbsp;
#2 $2.24 million Frances, John and David Pepper, Cincinnati #3 $1.90 million Boich family, Columbus, Miami Beach #4 $1.34 million Ratner family, Cleveland area #5 $913,000 Leslie and Abigail Wexner, New Albany #6 $904,000 Karen Wright and Thomas Rastin, Mount Vernon #7 $869,000 Bill Lager, Columbus #8 $838,000 Geraldine and David Warner, Cincinnati #9 $820,000 Ronald Wilheim, Cincinnati #10 $704,000 Lindner family, Cincinnati #11 $681,000 Donald and Gayle Oeters, Cincinnati #12 $607,000 Richard W. Pogue, Cleveland #13 $529,000 Lee and Patti Schear, Dayton #14 $522,000 Anthony and Becky Alexander, Akron #15 $495,000 David Maltz, Cleveland #16 $441,000 Richard and Katherine Rosenthal, Cincinnati

Campaign contributions: A Snapshot of the top 16 donors in the past decade

Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan and Randy Ludlow recap the opening night of the online Democratic National Convention on the latest episode of the Buckeye Forum. During this episode we discuss what speakers John Kasich, Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders all had to say during Monday night’s digital DNC.

Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan and Randy Ludlow recap the opening night of the online Democratic National Convention on the latest episode of the Buckeye Forum. During this episode we discuss what speakers John Kasich, Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders all had to say during Monday night&rsquo;s digital DNC.

DNC 2020: John Kasich, Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders

Democratic National Convention 2020: John Kasich, Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders

Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan and Anna Staver discuss how things are going to be very different at this year’s Democratic National Convention. During this episode we talk about how this digital DNC will impact Ohio’s Biden delegates as they watch this convention from their homes. Finally, we mention how this virtual convention is now a series of nationally broadcast speeches, Zoom lunches, and conference calls.

Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan and Anna Staver discuss how things are going to be very different at this year&rsquo;s Democratic National Convention. During this episode we talk about how this digital DNC will impact Ohio&rsquo;s Biden delegates as they watch this convention from their homes. Finally, we mention how this virtual convention is now a series of nationally broadcast speeches, Zoom lunches, and conference calls.

What we're missing from a digital DNC

Columbus Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan, Randy Ludlow, and Anna Staver discuss the latest in Ohio politics on the newest episode of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we talk about how Dr. Amy Acton has resigned as the state’s health director, what precautions the state has been taken amid the coronavirus pandemic, and where we might see things go from here. Finally, we discuss what the Ohio General Assembly has done so far this year, and mention what we can expect to see when they return from summer recess.

Columbus Dispatch political reporters Rick Rouan, Randy Ludlow, and Anna Staver discuss the latest in Ohio politics on the newest episode of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we talk about how Dr. Amy Acton has resigned as the state&rsquo;s health director, what precautions the state has been taken amid the coronavirus pandemic, and where we might see things go from here. Finally, we discuss what the Ohio General Assembly has done so far this year, and mention what we can expect to see when they return from summer recess.

Dr. Amy Acton resigns, and the legislature breaks for the summer

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and politics reporter Rick Rouan discuss election security and what this means for voters in Ohio. Next we talk about what election officials are doing regarding the upcoming 2020 election. Finally, we discuss what the terms sockpuppets and catfishing mean, and what’s being done with social media to control the flow of disinformation.

Read more:
Voters again to face tsunami of online disinformation, experts warn
What you need to know about the language of disinformation
8 Ohio counties fail to meet election security deadline
Elections board member LaRose forced to resign over security concerns fires back

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and politics reporter Rick Rouan discuss election security and what this means for voters in Ohio. Next we talk about what election officials are doing regarding the upcoming 2020 election. Finally, we discuss what the terms sockpuppets and catfishing mean, and what&rsquo;s being done with social media to control the flow of disinformation.
Read more:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200209/voters-again-to-face-tsunami-of-online-disinformation-experts-warn">Voters again to face tsunami of online disinformation, experts warn</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200209/what-you-need-to-know-about-language-of-disinformation">What you need to know about the language of disinformation</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200205/8-ohio-counties-fail-to-meet-election-security-deadline">8 Ohio counties fail to meet election security deadline</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200214/elections-board-member-larose-forced-to-resign-over-security-concerns-fires-back">Elections board member LaRose forced to resign over security concerns fires back</a></li>
</ul>

Keeping your voting machines safe in the 2020 election

Sockpuppets, catfishing, and keeping your voting machines safe in the 2020 election

Ohio purged more than 460,000 voter registrations in 2019. Reporters from The Columbus Dispatch and USA TODAY Network dug into those registrations that were wrongly targeted for cancellation.

Ohio purged more than 460,000 voter registrations in 2019. Reporters from The Columbus Dispatch and USA TODAY Network dug into those registrations that were wrongly targeted for cancellation.

How reporters uncovered problems with Ohio's voter purges

Columbus Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporters Rick Rouan and Anna Staver to recap Lara Trump’s recent visit to Columbus, discusses Donald Trump’s first 2020 campaign visit to Toledo, Ohio last night, and talks about what Ohio’s suburbs might look like for this upcoming presidential election.

Read more:
Killing of Iranian terrorist leader touted by Donald Trump in Ohio rally, first of 2020
Lara Trump stumps for father-in-law in Columbus
Fact-checking Trump’s claims about tanks, cars and Ohio’s ‘best’ economic year

Columbus Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporters Rick Rouan and Anna Staver to recap Lara Trump&rsquo;s recent visit to Columbus, discusses Donald Trump&rsquo;s first 2020 campaign visit to Toledo, Ohio last night, and talks about what Ohio&rsquo;s suburbs might look like for this upcoming presidential election.
Read more:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200109/killing-of-iranian-terrorist-leader-touted-by-donald-trump-in-ohio-rally-first-of-2020">Killing of Iranian terrorist leader touted by Donald Trump in Ohio rally, first of 2020</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200108/lara-trump-stumps-for-father-in-law-in-columbus">Lara Trump stumps for father-in-law in Columbus</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dispatch.com/news/20200110/fact-checking-trumps-claims-about-tanks-cars-and-ohios-best-economic-year">Fact-checking Trump&rsquo;s claims about tanks, cars and Ohio&rsquo;s &lsquo;best&rsquo; economic year</a></li>
</ul>

Trump launches 2020 campaign in Ohio

Columbus Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and politics reporter Cathy Candisky explain the latest findings in the ongoing Side Effects series. During this episode we talk about why you are paying so much for your prescription drugs, explain what “AWP” means, and talk what are three things currently wrong with the average wholesale pricing model.

Columbus Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and politics reporter Cathy Candisky explain the latest findings in the ongoing Side Effects series. During this episode we talk about why you are paying so much for your prescription drugs, explain what &ldquo;AWP&rdquo; means, and talk what are three things currently wrong with the average wholesale pricing model.

AWP: Three little letters that could affect your health and wallet

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporter Anna Staver on the latest edition of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we discuss Ohio’s school voucher system, explain how school are able to obtain a voucher, and talk about what could potentially be changed with these rules. Finally, we discuss how these new voucher rules could impact Ohio’s schools in the future.

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporter Anna Staver on the latest edition of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we discuss Ohio&rsquo;s school voucher system, explain how school are able to obtain a voucher, and talk about what could potentially be changed with these rules. Finally, we discuss how these new voucher rules could impact Ohio&rsquo;s schools in the future.

How Ohio’s vexing voucher system blew up

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporters Randy Ludlow and Anna Staver on the latest episode of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we discuss what Governor Mike DeWine has been up to since he took office, talk about how sports betting in Ohio might be legal soon, and mention whether to put the Ohio Casino Commission or the Ohio Lottery Commission in charge of sports betting. Finally, we talk about DeWine’s gun control plan and what this could mean for the state of Ohio.

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland speaks with politics reporters Randy Ludlow and Anna Staver on the latest episode of the Buckeye Forum podcast. During this episode we discuss what Governor Mike DeWine has been up to since he took office, talk about how sports betting in Ohio might be legal soon, and mention whether to put the Ohio Casino Commission or the Ohio Lottery Commission in charge of sports betting. Finally, we talk about DeWine&rsquo;s gun control plan and what this could mean for the state of Ohio.

Guns, Gambling and the Governor's schedule

Guns, Gambling and the Governor's schedule: What's going on in state government?

Political news and insight from the public affairs staff of The Columbus Dispatch.

Buckeye Forum

Dispatch reporters Marty Schladen and Cathy Candisky discuss the latest findings in the Columbus Dispatch’s Side Effects series. During this we discuss how the efforts in Ohio to reform pharmacy benefit managers have helped this issue to gain national attention. We also talk about a new bill signed by the Arkansas governor which bans spread pricing, other reform laws around the country, and how pharmacy benefit managers are profiting off spread pricing in Michigan.

Dispatch reporters Marty Schladen and Cathy Candisky discuss the latest findings in the Columbus Dispatch&rsquo;s Side Effects series. During this we discuss how the efforts in Ohio to reform pharmacy benefit managers have helped this issue to gain national attention. We also talk about a new bill signed by the Arkansas governor which bans spread pricing, other reform laws around the country, and how pharmacy benefit managers are profiting off spread pricing in Michigan.

PBM reform goes national

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland talks with reporter Marty Schladen on the latest special Side Effects investigative Buckeye Forum podcast series. During this we discuss the news of how Attorney General Dave Yost announced that he is seeking repayment of nearly $16 million paid to pharmacy-benefit manager OptumRx by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. We further address the question of if any corruption is involved regarding this ongoing investigation of Ohio’s pharmacy-benefit managers.

Dispatch public affairs editor Darrel Rowland talks with reporter Marty Schladen on the latest special Side Effects investigative Buckeye Forum podcast series. During this we discuss the news of how Attorney General Dave Yost announced that he is seeking repayment of nearly $16 million paid to pharmacy-benefit manager OptumRx by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. We further address the question of if any corruption is involved regarding this ongoing investigation of Ohio&rsquo;s pharmacy-benefit managers.

Side Effects: The first shoe drops

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and political reporter Marty Schladen discusses the recent news in the ongoing Side Effects series produced by the Columbus Dispatch. During this episode we address how Walmart has blasted CVS Caremark and would stop doing most business with them. We further explain what pharmacy benefit managers are, what this means if you get your prescription drugs from Walmart, and unpack the current issues that Walmart has with CVS.

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and political reporter Marty Schladen discusses the recent news in the ongoing Side Effects series produced by the Columbus Dispatch. During this episode we address how Walmart has blasted CVS Caremark and would stop doing most business with them. We further explain what pharmacy benefit managers are, what this means if you get your prescription drugs from Walmart, and unpack the current issues that Walmart has with CVS.

Walmart whacks CVS

Dispatch reporters Cathy Candisky and Lucas Sullivan talk about the newest installment in the on-going Side Effects series. During this we talk about what pharmacy benefit managers are doing in Ohio that increases drug prices here, across the country. We further discuss the current rebate process, what this entails, and ask the question of if these rebates are actually kickbacks. Finally, we talk about how these rebates relate to Ohio and how this can raise the price of your drug costs.

Dispatch reporters Cathy Candisky and Lucas Sullivan talk about the newest installment in the on-going Side Effects series. During this we talk about what pharmacy benefit managers are doing in Ohio that increases drug prices here, across the country. We further discuss the current rebate process, what this entails, and ask the question of if these rebates are actually kickbacks. Finally, we talk about how these rebates relate to Ohio and how this can raise the price of your drug costs.

All eyes on Ohio’s crackdown of PBMs

Dispatch projects reporter Lucas Sullivan discusses the latest findings in our Side Effects series. During this we talk about how the Dispatch asked Medicaid about CVS slashing reimbursements and how Medicaid has ordered CVS to reinstate the prices. Finally, talk about the potential move for a carve out of PBMs altogether in the state of Ohio.

Dispatch projects reporter Lucas Sullivan discusses the latest findings in our Side Effects series. During this we talk about how the Dispatch asked Medicaid about CVS slashing reimbursements and how Medicaid has ordered CVS to reinstate the prices. Finally, talk about the potential move for a carve out of PBMs altogether in the state of Ohio.

CVS Caremark price slash

Dispatch reporters Lucas Sullivan and Marty Schladen talk about the details behind how taxpayers may be paying twice for the same Medicaid drug services. 

Dispatch reporters Lucas Sullivan and Marty Schladen talk about the details behind how taxpayers may be paying twice for the same Medicaid drug services.&nbsp;

Listen: Medicaid might pay twice for drug work

Columbus Dispatch reporters Cathy Candisky, Lucas Sullivan, and Marty Schladen discuss the breaking news regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Medicaid. We further talk about how the Ohio Department of Medicaid is ordering the termination of contracts with pharmacy middleman that use "spread pricing," putting an end to a practice that has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions.  Finally, we talk about how Medicaid officials directed the state's five managed care plans to move to a more transparent pass-through pricing model effective Jan. 1.

Columbus Dispatch reporters Cathy Candisky, Lucas Sullivan, and Marty Schladen discuss the breaking news regarding Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Medicaid. We further talk about how the Ohio Department of Medicaid is ordering the termination of contracts with pharmacy middleman that use "spread pricing," putting an end to a practice that has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions.&nbsp; Finally, we talk about how Medicaid officials directed the state's five managed care plans to move to a more transparent pass-through pricing model effective Jan. 1.

Ohio Medicaid ditches PBMs

Columbus Dispatch reporters Lucas Sullivan and Cathy Candisky recap what the definition of spread pricing is and how it plays a role in Pharmacy Benefit Mangers. Next we discuss how rebates demanded by pharmacy middleman from drug manufacturers are driving up the cost Americans pay for prescription drugs by billions of dollars. Finally, we provide some of the numbers regarding rebates that we found out during our investigative reporting.

Columbus Dispatch reporters Lucas Sullivan and Cathy Candisky recap what the definition of spread pricing is and how it plays a role in Pharmacy Benefit Mangers. Next we discuss how rebates demanded by pharmacy middleman from drug manufacturers are driving up the cost Americans pay for prescription drugs by billions of dollars. Finally, we provide some of the numbers regarding rebates that we found out during our investigative reporting.

How rebates raise your drug costs

Dispatch political reporters Marty Schladen and Cathy Candisky discuss local pharmacists and the impact that pharmacy benefit managers have had on them. We further talk about Clinton County resident Robert Kratzer's pharmacy business and the struggles that he has faced over the past couple of years. 

Dispatch political reporters Marty Schladen and Cathy Candisky discuss local pharmacists and the impact that pharmacy benefit managers have had on them. We further talk about Clinton County resident Robert Kratzer's pharmacy business and the struggles that he has faced over the past couple of years.&nbsp;

What you lose when you lose your neighborhood pharmacy

Podcast episodes from the Dispatch Side Effects investigation.

Side Effects

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and Randy Ludlow speak with gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine regarding his run to become Ohio’s next governor. We discuss his current campaign and what DeWine thinks his chances of winning are. Next we talk about his campaign attack ads with Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, and talk about the nation’s drug epidemic. Finally we talk about DeWine’s thoughts on medicaid, education in the state of Ohio, and employment opportunities.

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and Randy Ludlow speak with gubernatorial candidate Mike DeWine regarding his run to become Ohio&rsquo;s next governor. We discuss his current campaign and what DeWine thinks his chances of winning are. Next we talk about his campaign attack ads with Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, and talk about the nation&rsquo;s drug epidemic. Finally we talk about DeWine&rsquo;s thoughts on medicaid, education in the state of Ohio, and employment opportunities.

DeWine: ‘We’re going to win’

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen talk with gubernatorial candidate Joe Schiavoni on what makes him a great candidate to potentially become Ohio’s governor. We further discuss gun safety, what could be done to change gun laws, and his proposed ban on assault style weapons. Next we talk about where Schiavoni would get funding for his potential revitalization projects, discuss the opioid crisis, and the medical, recreational use of marijuana.

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen talk with gubernatorial candidate Joe Schiavoni on what makes him a great candidate to potentially become Ohio&rsquo;s governor. We further discuss gun safety, what could be done to change gun laws, and his proposed ban on assault style weapons. Next we talk about where Schiavoni would get funding for his potential revitalization projects, discuss the opioid crisis, and the medical, recreational use of marijuana.

Interview | Joe Schiavoni is running for governor

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen speak with gubernatorial candidate Bill O’Neill on his explanation of his recent controversial Facebook post, his thoughts on the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, and his stance on football players taking a knee during the national anthem. Next we talk about how O’Neill stands out from the other democrats running for governor, explain why he didn’t drop out of the race after Cordray entered, and discuss his policy on education and charter schools. 

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen speak with gubernatorial candidate Bill O&rsquo;Neill on his explanation of his recent controversial Facebook post, his thoughts on the legalization of marijuana in Ohio, and his stance on football players taking a knee during the national anthem. Next we talk about how O&rsquo;Neill stands out from the other democrats running for governor, explain why he didn&rsquo;t drop out of the race after Cordray entered, and discuss his policy on education and charter schools.&nbsp;

A discussion with gubernatorial candidate William O’Neill

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen speak with gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray on what makes him the most qualified candidate to become Ohio’s Governor. During this interview we talk about what makes the Cordray-Sutton ticket stand out to the voters in Ohio, and get his stance on the legalization of marijuana, the opioid crisis, and education specifically regarding charter schools.

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and reporter Marty Schladen speak with gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray on what makes him the most qualified candidate to become Ohio&rsquo;s Governor. During this interview we talk about what makes the Cordray-Sutton ticket stand out to the voters in Ohio, and get his stance on the legalization of marijuana, the opioid crisis, and education specifically regarding charter schools.

Interview | Richard Cordray is running for governor

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland talks with Democrat Dennis Kucinich and his running mate Tara Samples. Dennis and Tara both explain their past career in politics so far and what qualifies them to be Governor and Lt. Governor. Also discussed is why this ticket is appealing to the people and what the first issue for his campaign is and how it deals with the environment. 

 

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland talks with Democrat Dennis Kucinich and his running mate Tara Samples. Dennis and Tara both explain their past career in politics so far and what qualifies them to be Governor and Lt. Governor. Also discussed is why this ticket is appealing to the people and what the first issue for his campaign is and how it deals with the environment.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

A discussion with Dennis Kucinich and running mate Tara Samples

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and senior Dispatch reporter Randy Ludlow speak with Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor regarding her race for governor with running mate Nathan Estruth. Next we discuss how she is sticking firm in the governor’s race and isn’t considering a run for U.S. senate. Finally we talk about Mike DeWine and Jon Husted, the candidates that Taylor will face in the governor’s race. 

Public affairs editor Darrel Rowland and senior Dispatch reporter Randy Ludlow speak with Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor regarding her race for governor with running mate Nathan Estruth. Next we discuss how she is sticking firm in the governor&rsquo;s race and isn&rsquo;t considering a run for U.S. senate. Finally we talk about Mike DeWine and Jon Husted, the candidates that Taylor will face in the governor&rsquo;s race.&nbsp;

An interview with Lt. Governor Mary Taylor

Listen to gubernatorial candidates on Buckeye Forum podcast.

Buckeye Forum

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