Governors' companies among recipients of virus relief loans

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Governors who ordered shutdowns as their states responded to the coronavirus pandemic were among millions of beneficiaries of the loan program created to help small businesses weather COVID-19's effect on the economy, data released Monday show.

The governors of at least eight states have ties to companies that received loans through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. Both Republicans and Democrats, their associated companies' loans ranged from $150,000 to more than $11 million. It is legal for businesses owned by elected officials to apply for and receive the loans, which are forgivable if used to preserve jobs.

A minor league baseball team part-owned by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine received a loan, as did an investment company led by New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu’s family. A communications company in which New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has a stake, and a winery and hospitality company founded by California Gov. Gavin Newsom also were beneficiaries. At least six of billionaire West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's family businesses qualified for loans. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s former medical practice, in which he’s still invested, a commercial real estate brokerage firm started by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and an air conditioning and supply company partially owned by Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also received loans.

Governors have played a leading role in the U.S. response to the deadly coronavirus pandemic, issuing orders that shut down businesses and schools, establishing guidelines on masks and social distancing, and shuttering residents in their homes.

Their businesses were able to successfully navigate a system that many Main Street businesses had trouble accessing before the application the deadline was extended to early next month. The aid package is the...