Columbus City Council President Andrew Ginther accused the media of grossly misrepresenting the facts of a federal bribery case that links contributions from a red light camera company to the campaigns of elected city officials.

“That’s completely false as it relates to me,” Ginther said. “I have served this community for over 15 years and I have never asked for anything in return for my public service.”

Ginther acknowledged soliciting Redflex for a contribution in 2011 but says the request was not honored.

However, federal court documents suggest Redflex did honor the request but in a roundabout way. According to the documents former Redflex CEO Karen Finley authorized a $20,000 payment to a city hall lobbyist, identified by sources as John Raphael. Raphael then made a $20,000 donation to the Ohio Democratic Party. Ten days later the ODP made a $21,000 contribution to Ginther’s campaign.

“I have no role in deciding who the Ohio Democratic Party contributes to,” Ginther said. “That is solely at the discretion of the Ohio Democratic Party and I have no role in that process.”

Ginther said he will fight to clear his name and the reputation of the city.

“As the truth unfolds, it will be very clear that I was not and never have been the focus of this investigation, period.”

Ginther, a candidate for mayor, says he has no plans to withdraw from the race. He said he is asking the city attorney and the mayor’s office to also look into the contract with Redflex.