View a previous report on the lawsuit within the Ohio Republican Party in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) — A Franklin County judge blocked Speaker of the Ohio House Jason Stephens’ (R-Kitts Hill) access to campaign money raised in the Ohio House Republican Alliance (OHRA) fund.

Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Derek Merrin (R-Monclova), and Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) brought the lawsuit forward against the Republican speaker. The complaint cites the Ohio Revised Code, which states, “Each legislative campaign fund shall be administered and controlled in a manner designated by the caucus.”

The plaintiffs argue that Stephens was never elected to have control of the fund, though control of OHRA has historically been with the elected speaker. But a faction was created because the speaker was not elected by a majority of republican members.

On April 10, lawmakers held a meeting to vote on OHRA fund control and designate Plummer as chair.

In the decision, the judge writes that the April 10 meeting was scheduled for a date most members would be in Columbus, as it was the governor’s State of the State address, and the invitation was sent five days in advance.

“Speaker Stephens testified he did not receive the meeting invitation but confirmed it was sent to his correct email address five days prior to the meeting. Nonetheless, Speaker Stephens admitted he was aware of the meeting prior to it occurring and chose not to attend.”

This is the latest development in ongoing Republican infighting. In a statement to NBC4, Stephens said an appeal must be filed, noting the speaker “has always led the campaign committee of the majority party,” and that he will “continue to support Republicans to be elected to the Ohio House.”

“It is imperative for the integrity of the institution of the Ohio House of Representatives that control of the campaign committee not be able to be leveraged against the highest elected official in the House on a whim,” said Stephens. “This decision potentially sets a concerning precedent that any member at any time can call a vote that undermines the control of campaign funds.”

Stephens argued that it is cause for concern for all Ohioans because, if the decision stands, “any time an alleged majority of the majority isn’t getting their way on a piece of legislation, the threat of being able to call a meeting and take away campaign spending authority occurs.” That precedent could lead to confusion, corruption and undermine the integrity of the institution, he said.