COLUMBUS (AP) - Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has kicked off the general election season with an attack against his Republican rival, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, over the congressman's period as a registered lobbyist.
The 30-second spot, airing on Ohio broadcast outlets, suggests Renacci is currently a lobbyist, which he isn't.
The Associated Press reported in March that Renacci, a businessman and former Wadsworth mayor, failed to disclose nearly $50,000 in political contributions while registered as a lobbyist. The AP reported Renacci didn't terminate his lobbyist registration until four months after entering Congress.
Renacci's campaign says he never actively lobbied anyone and registered only as a precautionary measure. He amended his termination paperwork after the AP report.
Brown is among Senate Democrats who Republicans hope to oust in the Nov. 6 elections.