Ohio GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno is under scrutiny following revelations that he plans to open a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Delaware County, Ohio.
As reported by NBC News, Moreno’s recent financial disclosure indicates his involvement in two companies developing the dealership. Moreno has stated that while he remains an investor, his son will manage the dealership, which is expected to begin construction around November.
This news comes despite Moreno’s claims on the campaign trail that he had divested from all of his businesses to focus solely on his political campaign.
“I got rid of all my operating businesses, anything that would have given me a conflict,” Moreno said in an interview in May with Kitco News, which covers the precious metals market and cryptocurrency, another business in which Moreno has invested. “I knew defeating Sherrod Brown was going to be very difficult. What did I do? I sold every one of my businesses, made sure I had no conflicts of interest, so that I could focus my complete attention to do this,” he said.
During his campaign, Moreno has faced criticism for his past business practices as a car dealer. Groups have highlighted lawsuits against him over workplace discrimination and unpaid wages, using these issues to attack his credibility. Sen. Sherrod Brown, his Democratic opponent, has also criticized Moreno, accusing him of being disconnected from the needs of Ohio workers.
According to NBC News, in his recent personal financial disclosure statement, a form that Senate candidates are required to file, Moreno listed more than 20 “business entities” as assets, including M20 Realty LLC, as well as other limited liability companies and limited partnerships.
The Ohio Senate race is expected to be fiercely contested, with significant advertising spending already reported by both sides.
