Mandel ran state-funded ads in months before launching Senate run

Questions raised about whether ads have a political motive.

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has led the charge for publicizing a new investment program for families with special needs programs, and launched a $1.84 million TV ad campaign featuring himself and Ohio State University football coach Urban Meyer to promote the program.

But a watchdog group says the ads, which have run statewide, may have a hidden motive: promoting Mandel’s political ambitions. He launched the ad campaign months before announcing his second run against U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

About the Author