Amid FBI questions, Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger hires attorney

COLUMBUS - Ohio Speaker Cliff Rosenberger has hired a defense attorney after learning the Federal Bureau of Investigation was making inquiries about him.

Rosenberger, R-Clinton County, told the Dayton Daily News that he hired Columbus attorney David Axelrod as a precaution. Axelrod specializes in white-collar crime, but Rosenberger did not say what the FBI was investigating.

"I had been made aware and understand that the bureau is asking questions about things I may have been involved in," Rosenberger told the Dayton Daily News. A House spokesman confirmed the information in that story to The Enquirer but declined further comment.

Rosenberger, of Clarksville, has not been subpoenaed or told he was under investigation.

“Quite frankly, I’ll be upfront: I think politics is a pretty dirty place right now,” Rosenberger told the newspaper.

An FBI spokesman declined to confirm or deny any investigation.

As speaker, Rosenberger's penchant for travel – paid for outside groups, his campaign funds and the House GOP caucus – has raised eyebrows.

Excess travel can raise eyebrows at any time, but it can become ethically questionable when lawmakers spend time in expensive or exclusive locations with people paid to push or delay legislation.

In 2016, the House GOP caucus' political arm paid $1,834 for Rosenberger’s travel, according to his ethics disclosure form. Another $5,360 came from the State Legislative Leaders Foundation, which puts on conferences for Statehouse leaders around the country, and $1,190 from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. Rosenberger’s campaign paid for $1,674 in travel, according to financial disclosure forms.

Rosenberger also has faced criticism for renting a luxury condo in downtown Columbus from a longtime GOP donor Ginni Ragan. The speaker did not say how much he paid in rent, and state law doesn't require he disclose it.

Rosenberger has handled several other controversies in the GOP caucus. Butler County Rep. Wes Retherford was found passed out last year in a McDonald's drive-thru after drinking. Rep. Wes Goodman, R-Cardington, resigned last year after it came to light that he had sex with another man in his office. Rosenberger is currently handling accusations from the primary opponent of Rep. Rick Perales, R-Beavercreek, that Perales sexually assaulted her.

The House speaker also was present at a roast where Rep. Bill Seitz and Sen. Matt Huffman made inappropriate comments. The lawmakers later apologized.

Rosenberger represents Clinton, Highland and Pike counties and parts of Ross County. He is in his final year as leader of the Ohio House of Representatives.

Rep. Ryan Smith, R-Bidwell, and Rep. Larry Householder, R-Glenford, are campaigning to replace him. Smith is a close friend and ally of Rosenberger.

James Pilcher contributed to this report.