This is not just about coins. It's about a pay-to-play system that has been going on in Ohio for years. Since I got here in 1999, it's been an open secret that if you contribute money, you get the state jobs you want and the state contracts you want.

The Christian right is very powerful in Ohio, powerful in its hypocrisy and its rhetoric and, sadly, controlling public opinion.

Initially, we've always strongly objected to any retailer having the coins before it's been put through the monetary system. As one of my favorite bankers said, these U.S. coins aren't Beanie Babies. It's the U.S. monetary system. There are rules and procedures that have to be followed.

How many millions of dollars worth of contracts are going to be bought and sold to the highest campaign contributor at the Statehouse before this Legislature takes action?

Instead of focusing on the real challenges facing real Ohioans, House Republicans are instead catering to the right wing on divisive social issues.

It is an embarrassing and sad time for all Ohioans.