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Feb 15, 2006 Pickerington Times-Sun - Ballot issue vote expected The Pickerington Local School District Board of Education is expected Monday to approve a resolution to proceed with a $36 million, 2.3-mill, 28-year bond issue on the May 2 ballot. The vote is expected during Monday's board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. in Heritage Elementary and Middle School,... Pickerington Times-Sun more
Feb 15, 2006 ThisWeek Canal Winchester - Bond issue planned after fall levy Voters in the Canal Winchester City School District can expect to see an operating levy on the ballot this year and a bond issue soon after as the district deals with significant growth. "The tail that wags the dog here in Canal Winchester is growth," board President David Brobst said. "We... ThisWeek Canal Winchester more
Feb 14, 2006 Blade - Noe indicted on 53 felony counts in BWC coin case Within hours of gaining control of $25 million from the state of Ohio in 1998, Republican power-player Tom Noe began stealing it, according to a 53-count indictment unsealed yesterday. Toledo Blade more...
Feb 14, 2006 Daily News - Feds launch inquiry into allegations against Petro Federal authorities are looking into allegations made by two Akron-area lawyers who said they lost state contracts after they did not to contribute to Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro's campaign. Dayton Daily News more...
Feb 13, 2006 Beacon Journal - Strickland advocates education Ted Strickland spoke at the University of Akron and advocated a stronger education system for the state of Ohio. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Feb 13, 2006 Dispatch - Noe indicted in coin scandal Top GOP donor Tom Noe was indicted today on 53 felonies. Failed oversight from Jim Petro and Betty Mongtomery allowed Noe to steal millions of dollars in payroll fees from Ohio's injured workers. The Columbus Dispatch more
Feb 9, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Shaver pulls out of judicial race Mayor David Shaver will not run for Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Domestic Relations Judge. Shaver made the announcement at Pickerington's City Council meeting Tuesday. Shaver first announced his candidacy in November at a Fairfield County Northwest Republican Club meeting. He said there... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Feb 9, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - opinion: Churches interfering with politics Political candidates have for decades appeared at churches to try to convince the faithful - both partisan and religious - to vote for them. However, what a couple of central Ohio churches are doing is different. They have unabashedly endorsed one Republican gubernatorial candidate, Secretary of... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Feb 8, 2006 Vindicator - Dems to help Letson's campaign Joyce Beatty, the new House Democratic leader, said on Tuesday that winning the 64th House District seat is a top priority for House Democrats. The Youngstown Vindicator more...
Feb 8, 2006 Dispatch - Bush's cuts hurt cities, Coleman says Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman blasted the Bush administration yesterday for spending billions in Iraq while proposing cuts to development grants for U.S. cities. Columbus Dispatch more...
Feb 7, 2006 Chicago Tribune - For a change, incumbents feel the heat Scandal after scandal has stirred waves of anxiety across the country for politicians whose names appear on the November ballot, but perhaps no place in America is the power of incumbency as wobbly as in Ohio. The Chicago Tribune more...
Feb 6, 2006 AP - Republican lawmaker says he was wrong about increase in donation limit A Republican state senator who helped shepherd a bill that quadrupled the amount Ohio candidates could accept from donors says he was wrong about the change. Ohio Democratic Party more...
Feb 6, 2006 Vindicator - Attorney seeks seat in state legislature Thomas Letson will declare his candidacy for the 64th Ohio House District, currently held by Republican Randy Law. The Youngstown Vindicator more...
Feb 2, 2006 ThisWeek Pickerington - May bond issue will be for $36-million Pickerington Local School District officials have made their final calculations for a bond issue they intend to put up for vote in May. School officials are proposing a 28-year, $36-million bond issue that would generate funds for the construction of two new elementary schools, as well as for... This Week - Pickerington more
Feb 1, 2006 Dispatch - Candidate rake in donations Ted Strickland set a gubernatorial fundraising record for a Democrat, as his campaign raised more money in 2005 than either of his Republican opponents. Columbus Dispatch more...
Jan 30, 2006 Plain Dealer - Saying no to Petro cost us, lawyers say In a brand new 'Pay-to-Play' allegation, two prominent Republican lawyers said their law firms lost virtually all of their state legal business after they refused to donate to Attorney General Jim Petro's 2002 campaign. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jan 29, 2006 Toledo Blade - Montgomery explains lack of review on 1st Noe contract Ohio Auditor Betty Montgomery, who last week announced she was running for her old job as the state's attorney general, blamed a lack of state lawyers for why she didn't review the contract that gave GOP contributor Tom Noe the first $25 million in state money to invest in rare coins. Toledo Blade more
Jan 29, 2006 Pickerington Times-Sun - Sheriff Phalen says he needs $700,000 more in budget Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen has announced his department is facing the need for an additional $700,000 in funding to get through this next year. Phalen is asking the Fairfield County Board of Commissioners to approve the additional $700,000 to the department's $7 million budget. Pickerington Times-Sun more
Jan 29, 2006 ThisWeek Pickerington - Council selects new law director Pickerington City Council ended a year-long debate last week with the selection of Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co. LPA as the city's law director. In executive session Jan. 17, council authorized City Manager Judy Gilleland to offer a two-year contract to the firm. This Week - Pickerington more
Jan 29, 2006 ThisWeek Pickerington - Board to put bond issue on ballot The Pickerington Local School District will again try to pass a school-construction initiative that has failed in the previous three election cycles. This Week - Pickerington more
Jan 28, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Gov. Taft could use a few more classes, too GOV. Bob Taft proposes new requirements for high school students. Now he needs to come up with the money to pay for these reforms. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 28, 2006 Toledo Blade - Task force claims former Taft aide funneled Noe cash H. Douglas Talbott, a lobbyist and former high-ranking aide to Republican Governors George Voinovich and Bob Taft, took $1,960 from Tom Noe and illegally funneled the money to three GOP Supreme Court candidates in 2004, state investigators alleged yesterday in a complaint filed with the Ohio... Toledo Blade more
Jan 27, 2006 AP - Strickland makes Lt. Gov. announcement official Ohio's Democratic establishment rallied Thursday around U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland's selection of Cleveland Democrat Lee Fisher as his running mate in the governor's race. The Associated Press more...
Jan 27, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette -Court upholds development plans LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - A controversial planned residential development in Liberty Township is back on track. The Fifth District Court of Appeals overturned a decision by the Fairfield Common Pleas Court that put a stop to the proposed single-family development. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 27, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - School levy literature not the total LANCASTER - Frank Middaugh wants information concerning Lancaster City Schools' replacement levy to be more clear to taxpayers. He wants district residents to see the total amount they're going to pay if the 10-mill replacement levy passes Feb. 7. The issue would replace the 1977 levy. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 26, 2006 Enquirer - National Democrats helping Cranley run A key battle in this year's war between the Democrats and Republicans for control of Congress will be played out in Hamilton and Butler Counties - as John Cranley takes on Steve Chabot. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jan 26, 2006 News - Hackett shares views on his run for Senate Fiscal responsibility, limited government, a strong national defense and fair trade. Sticking tough on these is what will bring to the Democratic Party in statewide elections, said Paul Hackett. Mount Vernon News more
Jan 25, 2006 Daily Sentinel - Minority Leader expects much attention in House race House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty told Meigs County Democrats Thursday the 92nd House District race will be one of the most important to their party this election year. Pomeroy Daily Sentinel more...
Jan 25, 2006 Plain Dealer - Ted Strickland taps Lee Fisher as running mate An official announcement is expected in Cleveland and Columbus on Thursday. Fisher is a former Ohio Attorney General. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jan 23, 2006 Plain Dealer - TEL Amendment could block funds for OSU football Ken Blackwell's gimmicky TEL Amendment could kill a host of revenue-generating college sports because the amendment is so poorly worded. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jan 23, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Ney says he�s got backing of his district A defiant Rep. Bob Ney, assailing Republican Party "bosses in Columbus," vowed to run for re-election even though he is under a federal investigation for his association with former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 22, 2006 Toledo Blade - Politics and the vote An election reform bill the General Assembly has been agonizing over for a year is hung up on political considerations that have little or nothing to do with the proper administration of elections in Ohio. Toledo Blade more
Jan 22, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Ohio slices seniors� jobless benefits At 77, Donald A. Hyatt Sr. is still working because he likes to keep busy and needs the money to supplement his Social Security check. Last year, when his company announced it would lay off workers, Hyatt was stunned to learn he was not eligible for unemployment benefits. It turns out that... Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 20, 2006 Pickerington Times-Sun - Officials mum about CEDA meetings they are holding behind closed doors Violet Township, Canal Winchester and Pickerington officials will meet for the first time in 2006 Thursday to continue discussions on what is known as the Cooperative Economic Development Agreement, or CEDA. Pickerington Times-Sun more
Jan 20, 2006 Pickerington Times-Sun - Trustees plan to re-examine zoning code amendments The Violet Township Board of Trustees tabled a zoning resolution after a local businessman voiced concerns about a green space requirement during the trustees' first meeting of the new year Jan. 5. Pickerington Times-Sun more
Jan 19, 2006 AP - Cafaro to make another run for Congress Shopping mall heiress Capri Cafaro has picked a new district in her second run for Congress - the 13th. The Associated Press more...
Jan 19, 2006 Enquirer - Howard Dean calls Ohio the center of corruption DNC Chairman Howard Dean called Ohio the national center of corruption scandals during a visit to the Statehouse Wednesday to unveil an eight-point congressional ethics petition. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jan 19, 2006 Blade- Hackett brings campaign to Univ. of Toledo Mr. Hackett is an attorney and an Iraq war veteran. He talked for more than a half-hour to the young Democrats about why Democrats lose in Ohio and how the party has lost footing nationally. The Toledo Blade more
Jan 19, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - David Broder: Congress should step in to assess abuse-of-power charges against Bush Former Vice President Al Gore has turned himself into a one-man grand jury, ready to indict the Bush administration for any number of crimes against the Constitution. Whether you agree with Gore�s conclusions or not, the speech that the 2000 Democratic nominee for president gave earlier this week... Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 18, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Residents consider fiscal threat before Feb. vote Glenn Willis has heard the remarks about state declarations of fiscal caution, fiscal watch and fiscal emergency in the Lancaster City School District. "But I see that as mainly a threat," the Lancaster resident said. "But nobody wants that to happen. I'm planning to vote for the levy because... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 18, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Democrats outline ethics reform plan in Ohio National Democrats promoted their ethics reform package today in battleground Ohio, which party Chairman Howard Dean called the center of Republican corruption scandals. Dean outlined a package of measures to bar members of Congress from accepting gifts from lobbyists, pointing to a federal... Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 18, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell tells pastors to ignore complaint, Group doesn't invote other gubernatorial candidates to meeting Republican gubernatorial candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell told conservative religious leaders yesterday not to be deterred from political participation by a federal complaint filed by 31 Columbus-area pastors. "You tell those 31 bullies that you aren�t about to be whupped," said Blackwell, the... Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 17, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Responsibility lies with Ney THERE�S a foul smell floating up from Washington, D.C., these days. When lobbyist Jack Abramoff took a plea deal for bribing members of Congress and agreed to work with prosecutors, one of the biggest names associated with Abramoff�s was that of Rep. Bob Ney. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 17, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Fairfield Christian's Russell Johnson responds to complaint 31 central Ohio clergy think church should lose tax-exempt status Pastor Russell Johnson of Fairfield Christian Church says he's confident his church's actions will withstand scrutiny by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. More than 30 church leaders from nine denominations have signed a complaint to the IRS saying recent moves by leaders of Fairfield Christian... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 16, 2006 Daily News - Redfern to Democrats: Winning is everything "The best antidote for our problem is winning," Redfern said the other day, referring to Ohio Democrats in general. "Nothing beats criticism like winning. " Dayton Daily News more...
Jan 16, 2006 AP - Under pressure, Ney steps down from post Rep. Bob Ney (R-Scotland), gave in to increasing pressure from his Republican counterparts and agreed to step down from his powerful House Administration Committee post. The Associated Press more...
Jan 16, 2006 New York Times - Group Seeks I.R.S. Inquiry of Two Ohio Churches A group of religious leaders has sent a complaint to the Internal Revenue Service requesting an investigation of two large churches in Ohio that they say are improperly campaigning on behalf of a conservative Republican running for governor. New York Times more
Jan 14, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Rep. Ney pressured to step down from chairmanship Rep. Bob Ney who has been implicated in a growing lobbyist scandal, is considering giving up his position as chairman of the House Administration Committee, his spokesman said Friday. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 14, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - 2 Republicans to run in May primary in Fairfield County Two Republicans are scheduled to announce their candidacies today as the Fairfield County political landscape continues to take shape for the May 2 primary. County Commissioner Mike Kiger, a Greenfield Township resident, plans to seek a second term, and Carroll resident Lori Anderson plans to... Columbus Dispatch more...
Jan 13, 2006 Beacon Journal - Step aside, Bob Ney Now that Tom DeLay has abandoned his effort to regain the position of House majority leader, Bob Ney should take his cue. The Ohio Republican should step aside as the chairman of the House Administration Committee. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Jan 13, 2006 Beacon Journal - Fingerhut ready to say he'll run State Sen. Eric Fingerhut will make his plan to run for Ohio governor official with an announcement Wednesday in Columbus. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Jan 13, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Kiger seeking a second term as commissioner Fairfield County Commissioner Mike Kiger plans to announce he will seek a second term on the three-member board. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 13, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Bush hasn't delivered his pledge on national parks SOME 300 million Americans visit national parks each year, reporting high satisfaction with the experience. Ask them what could be improved, and No. 1 by far is fixing up shabby facilities. Thus George W. Bush's campaign promise, back in 2000, to give the parks enough money to erase their... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 12, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Ohio House Democrats select Beatty to replace Redfern as minority leader Rep. Joyce Beatty, who represents the 27 th District north of Downtown, will lead the Democrats in the Ohio House. Columbus state Rep. Joyce Beatty made history last night when she was elected as the first black woman to lead the House Democratic Caucus. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 11, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Lancaster schools issue revised schedule for levy meetings Lancaster City Schools has released a revised schedule for six more town hall meetings to talk about the tax proposed on February�s ballot. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more...
Jan 11, 2006 Toledo Blade - Zeroing in on the 'conduits' With the timely appointment of a special prosecutor to start the new year, the investigation of Tom Noe's alleged money-laundering operation for the benefit of President Bush's re-election campaign is targeting four prominent local Republicans who allegedly helped pass the cash. Toledo Blade more
Jan 10, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Fairfield Union takes another stab at tax levy Fairfield Union Local School District officials have been talking about putting a 1 percent income tax back on the ballot after voters defeated it in November, but Monday they took the first official step in the process. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 10, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Panel OKs $2 million for outside lawyers Over the objections of one state senator, a panel of lawmakers yesterday authorized Attorney General Jim Petro to spend $2 million on outside lawyers to represent state agencies on cases involving Medicare reimbursements, voting machines and complex litigation over conservatorship rights at the... Columbus Dispatch more...
Jan 9, 2006 The Vindicator - Boccieri reaches decision on next campaign State Rep. John Boccieri announced he would seek the 33rd State Senate District seat, soon-to-be-vacated because of term limits by Sen. Robert Hagan. The Youngstown Vindicator more...
Jan 9, 2006 The Blade - Abramoff's clients made contributions that reached Ohio The Blade details how Jack Abramoff's reach extended far beyond Bob Ney and Ohio's 18th Congressional District. The Toledo Blade more...
Jan 9, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Ney should own up to bad judgment It's time for Ney to admit he showed bad judgment. How about a pledge to never accept another free perk? A promise to keep his nose out of others' business? It's not enough to say you're innocent and still representing your district. We need to hear more. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 8, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - School district asks for community input RESIDENTS of the Lancaster School District can attend town hall meetings to learn about the district's request for a 10-mill replacement levy. The first of nine planned meetings took place Thursday, drawing about 40 parents, students and community members Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 8, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Intelligent-design war evolves "I think the ruling is a wake-up call to our board that we are out of compliance, at least in that judge�s opinion," said Robin C. Hovis, a board member from Millersburg. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 7, 2006 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Rep. Ney's indictment probable Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, is likely to be indicted in an ongoing public corruption scandal, according to a fellow Republican congressman, Jim McCrery of Louisiana. Ney has been linked by prosecutors to Jack Abramoff, a former lobbyist who pleaded guilty to charges this week that include mail fraud,... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jan 6, 2006 Times Reporter - Opponents criticize Ney for involvement with lobbyist Two Democratic 18th Congressional District candidates are turning up the heat against scandal-plagued and ethically-challenged Republican Rep. Bob Ney. The Times Reporter more
Jan 5, 2006 AP - Fingerhut edges towards entering governor's race State Sen. Eric Fingerhut moved closer to officially entering the Democratic primary for governor by filing a notice of a campaign and sending out invitations to a fundraiser in his Cleveland-area base. The Associated Press more...
Jan 5, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - ABRAMOFF�S PLEA DEAL, Lobbyist case may shake up the Hill The testimony of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff not only imperils Ohio Rep. Bob Ney, it also hints at revelations that could shake the Capitol Hill power structure in a far-reaching congressional scandal. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 4, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Lobbyist Admits He Gave Ney Bribes Lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges including efforts to bribe Rep. Bob Ney. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 4, 2006 Toledo Blade - Redfern seeks ban on appointments for political donors Rep. Chris Redfern proposed yesterday to ban the governor from appointing political contributors to seats on public university or college boards of trustees. Toledo Blade more
Jan 4, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - In Canal Winchester, 2 former candidates challenge condo plans Two Canal Winchester Village Council candidates who lost in November have collected signatures for a petition that they hope will allow voters to overturn a condominium development that the council approved. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 4, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Ohio wrapping up mission to upgrade voting machines After a series of twists and turns, lawsuits and other controversy, Ohio finally has reached the end of a five-year odyssey to upgrade its outdated voting machines. Columbus Dispatch more
Jan 3, 2006 Dayton Daily News - Top races portend busy political year Attention is turning toward what is likely to be a busy, crowded and chaotic political year ahead in the Miami Valley. Dayton Daily News more...
Jan 3, 2006 Columbus Dispatch - Abramoff plea deal ties Rep. Ney to corruption Lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to federal charges today that included efforts to bribe Rep. Bob Ney with a lucrative golfing trip to Scotland, free tickets to sporting events and campaign contributions in return for Ney's help for Abramoff's clients. Columbus Dispatch more
Dec 31, 2005 Longtime Defiance County Democratic Party Volunteer Dies Defiance County Democratic Party Treasurer Roger "Sparky" Paul Schomburg, 61, died at 9:55 p.m. Thursday, Dec 29, at his home. In 1967 he married Dorothy Minic, who survives. His wife was a 1962 graduate of Ayersville HS and a '93 graduate of Defiance College with a bachelor's of science... more...
Dec 30, 2005 Toledo Blade - College trustees shell out millions in contributions Trustees appointed by the governor�s office to sit on the boards of Ohio�s public colleges have contributed more than $500,000 to fund the political ambitions of Gov. Bob Taft, a Blade investigation shows. Toledo Blade more
Dec 29, 2005 AP - Senate Democrats target seven states in 2006 Seven states, including Ohio, are being targeted by the DSCC in 2006. The Associated Press more...
Dec 28, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Stoutsville man vows to rebuild vandalized crosses protesting war Michael Astley said he expected an angry response to the anti-war display on his property at 9800 U.S. 22. But he never imagined one would take so long - or what the reaction would be. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Dec 27, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ohio Dems #1 Ohio Democrats have elected state Rep. Chris Redfern, of Ottawa County, as their new state chairman and, true to form, the choice did not come without a requisite amount of internal strife. Toledo Blade more...
Dec 27, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe, wife maintain low profile in Florida Instead of hob-nobbing with politicians or closing coin deals, Mr. Noe spends his days in a big white house on Stinger Road in the Florida Keys. The $2 million home has breathtaking view of the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It also has a pool with its own artificial waterfall. Toledo Blade more
Dec 25, 2005 New York Times - California Demands Repairs to Software for Voting Machines California election officials have told one of the country's largest makers of voting machines to repair its software after problems with vote counts and verification surfaced in the state's special election in November. New York Times more
Dec 20, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Redfern to lead Ohio Democrats The Ohio Democratic Party elected House Minority Leader Chris Redfern as its chairman Monday night. Both Redfern and Dennis Lieberman pledged to work hard to unify the party. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Dec 20, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Lawyer says fundraiser touted jobs from Petro A Columbus attorney detailed a conversation in an affidavit filed Monday in a Democrat-financed lawsuit that accuses Petro, Gov. Bob Taft and other top-ranking Republicans of selling state business for campaign cash. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Dec 18, 2005 Toledo Blade - Youth likely to carry torch for Democrats In Ohio's northwestern-most counties, the Democratic Party is expected to field two students to vie for seats in the Ohio House of Representatives. Toledo Blade more...
Dec 16, 2005 Youngstown Vindicator - Democrats support Marc Dann Twenty-two Democrats in the state Legislature endorsed state Sen. Marc Dann on Wednesday for attorney general as the best choice for the office. Youngstown Vindicator more...
Dec 16, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Mobile sign targets Schmidt The DNC and Ohio Democratic Party launched a "billboard on wheels'' that will cover all seven counties of the 2nd Congressional district. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Dec 15, 2005 Akron Beacon-Journal - Brakes applied to voter identification bill HB 3, the voter suppression bill the GOP is pushing, appears to have stalled - because of limits on the amount of money county elected officials could receive from employees per election cycle. Akron Beacon-Journal more...
Dec 15, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Ex-Notre Dame stars team up in politics Bryan Flannery made it official today - he's running for Governor. Flannery also introduced his Lt. Gov. candidate, former Notre Dame teammate Frank Stams. Columbus Dispatch more...
Dec 14, 2005 Associated Press - Republican protester slams election changes passed by Senate Andrew Stephenson stood out from the dozen protesters who braved the cold to stand in front the Statehouse. He's a theology student � and a Republican. Associated Press more...
Dec 13, 2005 Lisbon Morning Journal - Democrats court Bolon to run for Statehouse Columbiana County Treasurer Linda Bolon confirmed rumors that she is considering running for state representative. Lisbon Morning Journal more...
Dec 13, 2005 Slashdot - Diebold CEO Resigns Under Cloud After numerous ethical lapses and much controversy, Diebold CEO, Wally O'Dell resigned to the applause of the markets. Diebold's price improved more than 5% today, as the story broke. Business Week is reporting that O'Dell is leaving for "personal reasons", although the news blog Raw Story cites... Slashdot - News for Nerds. Stuff that matters. more
Dec 10, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Eight candidates, so far, enter race to lead Ohio Democrats With Ohio Republicans injured by scandal and the 2004 presidential vote in Ohio so closely split, more people than anyone can recall are fighting for the blue party's helm. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Dec 9, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Ney cites national security in withholding trip details Rep. Bob Ney (R-Heath) won't come clean about a 2002 trip to England paid for by a foreign aviation group that included dinner with a convicted felon at a posh London casino - at which he later won $34,000. Columbus Dispatch more...
Dec 9, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - City Finances not as good as reported "I would say to the citizens of Lancaster that the financial condition of Lancaster depends on who you speak with. Unfortunately, as auditor of the city of Lancaster, I was not asked." Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Dec 9, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe's attorneys to meet with prosecutor For the first time since the Lucas County prosecutor�s office joined the investigation into Tom Noe�s activities, Mr. Noe�s attorneys will meet next week with representatives from Julia Bates� office. Ms. Bates, the prosecutor, said Mr. Noe�s attorney, Jon Richardson, requested the meeting.... Toledo Blade more...
Dec 8, 2005 AP - Anti-Schmidt ads to go on truck, in newspapers Thwarted by an advertising company that refused to put up billboards criticizing a Republican congresswoman in her own district, the DNC has decided to put the message on a billboard towed by a truck and in newspapers. The Associated Press more...
Dec 8, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Malcolm Mann, Geauga Party chairman It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of former Geauga County Democratic Party Chair Malcolm Mann. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Dec 8, 2005 This Week-Pickerington - County reviewing proposed annexation Refuting concerns of Violet and Bloom townships, Lithopolis officials say there is plenty of sewer capacity available for the development of land in a pending annexation. This Week - Pickerington more
Dec 7, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Jacobson among 2,500 suspended Ohio attorneys State Sen. Jeff Jacobson (R) is among 2,500 attorneys whose law licenses have been suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court for failing to pay a $300 registration fee. Dayton Daily News more...
Dec 7, 2005 AP - Democrat sets up legal defense fund in lawsuit against GOP State Sen. Marc Dann has created a legal defense fund on behalf of a fellow Democrat's lawsuit accusing state Republican officeholders of trading non-bid contracts in return for campaign contributions. Associated Press more...
Dec 7, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Senator Eric Kearney gets standing ovation Nearly 200 friends and other supporters of Eric Kearney jammed the state Senate chamber Tuesday to witness the swearing-in of Cincinnati's new state senator. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Dec 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - The $2M question A disagreement among city officials to the tune of $2 million could lead to a first-quarter interim budget in Lancaster. Mayor David Smith has crafted a 2006 budget of $25.5 million but will support an interim budget as a compromise with City Auditor Mary Green. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Dec 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Resnick mum on re-election plans Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick is staying mum on whether or not she intends to seek re-election in 2006. more...
Dec 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Voters may have to show ID in Ohio Voters may have to show ID in Ohio Proposals also aim at petitioners By JIM PROVANCE BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU COLUMBUS - Voters would be forced to provide proof of identification before casting ballots and non-Ohioans could not circulate petitions to change state law under proposals... Toledo Blade more
Dec 4, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Cranley to run for Congress Hours after being sworn in for a new term on Cincinnati City Council, John Cranley told a gathering of Hamilton County Democrats that he plans to run again next year against Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Cincinnati. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Dec 3, 2005 New York Times - Democrats sense chances in Ohio for 2006 vote The New York Times gives us insight into the Pryce vs. Kilroy race in Ohio's 15th Congressional District. New York Times more
Dec 3, 2005 Toledo Blade - Sherrod Brown makes candidacy for Senate official U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown, announcing his U.S. Senate bid yesterday, lashed out at GOP incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine, saying he shares responsibility for the "ineptness" and "incompetence" in leadership in Washington and Columbus. Toledo Blade more
Dec 2, 2005 AP - Mallory vows to reform city government, reduce crime A new administration intent on dealing with violent crime and an eroding tax base got off to a feel-good start Thursday with the swearing-in of Mayor Mark Mallory. The Associated Press more...
Dec 2, 2005 AP - Fingerhut exploring run for Governor State Sen. Eric Fingerhut of Cleveland has formed a committee to gauge his chances for the Democratic nomination for governor next year. The Associated Press more...
Dec 1, 2005 Dayton Daily News - McLin makes history again today Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin will make history today when she takes over as interim chair of the Ohio Democratic Party. Dayton Daily News more...
Nov 30, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft's approval ratings sink into single digits Gov. Bob Taft's approval ratings have hit single digits, a new statewide Zogby poll reports. Toledo Blade more
Nov 30, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Democrats will huddle Dec. 19 to pick new leader The Ohio Democratic Party is calling a meeting of its executive committee next month with the intention of selecting a new chairman, a party leader said yesterday. Columbus Dispatch more...
Nov 29, 2005 Toledo Blade - Coleman drops out of race for Ohio Governor Democratic Mayor Michael Coleman announced today that he's quitting the race for governor because of family and job obligations. Toledo Blade more
Nov 29, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Coleman To Quit Race For Governor Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman Tuesday will quit the race for governor after his miscue-plagued campaign failed to get traction. Columbus Dispatch more...
Nov 28, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Three races to receive official recounts Three Fairfield County political races will receive official recounts because candidates in the Nov. 8 general election earned votes within one-half of one percent of each other. more...
Nov 27, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - 4 Democrats may join race for Brown's 13th District seat The race to succeed U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown has quietly begun, with the potential stable of candidates including a former congressman and a shopping center heiress. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Nov 26, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Walnut Township levy to be on ballot in May Walnut Township Local School District officials are going to try again. Voters defeated a $250,000 emergency levy for the district in May and in November, but officials hope taxpayers change their mind come May 2006. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 26, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Minimum wage not a right We urge the state legislature to raise Ohio's minimum wage to match the federal standard. But we oppose making it a constitutional requirement. We also oppose making it higher than the national standard at this point. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Stock in firm linked to Noe declines 25% A publicly traded collectibles auctioneer saw its stock price plummet yesterday after reports about its business connections with Tom Noe and the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's $50 million rare-coin investment. Toledo Blade more
Nov 23, 2005 AP - Group pushing for '06 ballot issue to raise minimum wage A labor-led coalition said Tuesday it would ask voters next year to give Ohioans their first minimum-wage increase in 16 years, framing the issue as a moral obligation. more...
Nov 23, 2005 Plain Dealer - Ethics ruling sought on law firms' donations Columbus attorney Rick Brunner has asked the Ohio Elections Commission to give an advisory opinion on the amount of money statwide officeholders like Jim Petro and Betty Montgomery can take from attorneys they then give no-bid contracts. more...
Nov 22, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Why Pick Kearney? Last week, the Ohio Senate Democrats said farewell to an esteemed and well-respected leader in the Ohio General Assembly - Cincinnati Mayor-elect Mark Mallory - and welcomed aboard his replacement, Eric Kearney. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Nov 22, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Income tax may be placed on May ballot, Fairfield Union's Board of Education votes to keep discussing the levy No official decision was made Monday night, but the Fairfield Union Local School District Board of Education members were unanimous on one thing: No changes would be made regarding what issue to put on the ballot. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 22, 2005 Ohio News Network - Ohio Congresswoman Answers Critics Schmidt would not comment on Colonel Danny Bubp's remarks that she misquoted him. Ohio News Network more
Nov 22, 2005 Ohio News Network - C8 and the Ohio EPA The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's mission is to "Protect human health and the environment through responsible regulation." Yet, for three years, the Ohio EPA has hesitated to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) contamination in the drinking water of thousands of Ohioans. Ohio News Network more
Nov 21, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Columbus mayor tells Akron group top task is to foster job creation The No. 1 job of a governor, said Columbus Mayor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Coleman, is to create jobs. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Nov 19, 2005 Toledo Blade - Chairman, 2 others to leave Republican Party posts; fatigue from Noe scandal is blamed The Lucas County Republican Party, already struggling with campaign-finance investigations and fund-raising woes in the wake of scandals surrounding former Chairman Tom Noe, revealed yesterday that three of its leaders have resigned or plan to do so soon. Toledo Blade more
Nov 19, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Replacement levy to be placed on Feb. 7 ballot The Lancaster City Schools Board of Education unanimously voted Thursday to approve a second resolution concerning placing a 10-mill replacement levy on the Feb. 7 ballot. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more...
Nov 17, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Statehouse bids Mallory adieu Mark Mallory's fellow senators gushed Wednesday about the departing state legislator's diplomacy, praised his negotiating skills - and teased him about his ability to eat whatever he wants without gaining weight. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Nov 17, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft aide asked Noe about job candidate A high-ranking aide to Gov. Bob Taft asked Tom Noe for his advice on the administration's decision to hire a new deputy director for the Ohio Department of Transportation district in Bowling Green, e-mails released by the governor's office this week show. Toledo Blade more
Nov 17, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Political parties rally to fill House seat Leaders of the Republican and Democrat parties say they plan to offer candidates for state House and Senate seats in 2006. State Rep. Tim Schaffer announced his candidacy for the Ohio Senate on Wednesday, making official what he hinted at doing 18 months ago Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 17, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Teacher intends to run for House seat Fairfield Career Center social studies teacher and Baltimore resident Kyle Farmer on Thursday expressed his intention to run for the 5th District seat on the Ohio House of Representatives. The seat currently is held by Rep. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, who has announced a run for state Sentate. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 16, 2005 AP - Democratic leaders endorse Strickland for Governor Ohio's Democratic legislative leaders C.J. Prentiss and Chris Redfern endorsed Rep. Ted Strickland for the Democratic Party's gubernatorial nominee. The Associated Press more...
Nov 16, 2005 Toledo Blade - GOP chief won't ask 2 officials to resign Republicans and Democrats traded shots yesterday over calls that two Toledo-area public officials should resign because of their roles in the Tom Noe money-laundering case. Toledo Blade more...
Nov 16, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Independent auditor finds city's account discrepancies "We haven't been able to balance our books since Jack has been in office," Green said. "And I have not been able to get a reconciliation balance or treasurer's report yet." Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 15, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Rep. Barbara Sykes won't seek a fourth term Barbara Sykes said Monday she will not seek a fourth term as state representative in 2006. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Nov 15, 2005 Toledo Blade - Dann visits UT campus in campaign for attorney general State Sen. Marc Dann yesterday announced he would seek the Democratic Party nomination for attorney general next year. Toledo Blade more...
Nov 14, 2005 Taft makes list: Time's worst U.S. governors Time Magazine has given Ohio Gov. Bob Taft a new title: One of the worst governors in America. Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Nov 14, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - GOP critic to run for attorney general State Sen. Marc Dann, a vocal critic of the investment scandal at Ohio�s insurance fund for injured workers, plans to run for attorney general next year. Columbus Dispatch more...
Nov 13, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Voters deserve the truth IT'S hard to pick up the paper these days and not hear about Rep. Bob Ney's connection to the investigation surrounding indicted Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Last week, Ney was subpoenaed by the Justice Department to hand over documents related to the probe. He also said he would... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 12, 2005 Toledo Blade - Moyer says $1,000 may be a donation laundered by Noe, Chief justice puts cash in escrow Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer said yesterday that Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett told him Tom Noe may have illegally funneled contributions into his re-election campaign last year. Toledo Blade more
Nov 12, 2005 Toledo Blade - Federal investigators identify local figures as �conduits' Federal investigators pored through Tom Noe�s garbage and his bank records before identifying three public officials and 10 others as the people who Mr. Noe used to funnel money into President Bush�s re-election campaign, according to a record obtained by The Blade yesterday. Toledo Blade more
Nov 12, 2005 Toledo Blade - Petro jump-starts race for governor with early TV ad Attorney General Jim Petro yesterday became the first of the three Republican candidates for governor to air a campaign ad. In an unusual move for an ad airing six months before the May 2 primary election, it names one of his opponents, Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. Toledo Blade more
Nov 11, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Mallory's old job coveted At least four Cincinnati Democrats are in the running to fill Mayor-elect Mark Mallory's Senate seat and represent his roughly 330,000 constituents, according to party officials and legislative leaders. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Nov 11, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Complaint filed against 2 justices A Democratic judge filed a complaint Thursday claiming two Republican justices should have stepped down from a public records case Wednesday that involved a consultant who was paid more than $230,000 from their 2004 election campaigns. Dayton Daily News more...
Nov 11, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Two taxes will be on '06 ballot, Lancaster Board of Education will ask voters to approve an income tax and property levy The school board approved a resolution Thursday to place a 10-mill replacement levy on the ballot in February, which would be a special election. The levy would replace the district's 1977 levy. The 10-mill replacement levy will be packaged with an income tax, which board members most likely... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 11, 2005 Toledo Blade - Letter claims Noe had link to bank in Caribbean Federal and state prosecutors are looking into the possibility that Tom Noe established a bank account on a Caribbean island that is known for its secretive and lucrative banking industry. Toledo Blade more
Nov 10, 2005 Pickerington Times-Sun - County issues, City Charter changes OK'd Voters said "yes" to two countywide property tax issues and two Pickerington City Charter amendments Tuesday according to unofficial results from the Fairfield County Board of Elections with 100 percent of the precincts reporting at 12:07 a.m. today. Pickerington Times-Sun more
Nov 9, 2005 AP - Democrats win elections in NJ, VA., California Democrats cleaned up big in off-year elections from New Jersey to California, sinking the candidate who embraced President Bush in the final days of the Virginia governor's campaign. The Associated Press more...
Nov 9, 2005 Miami Student - Dems criticize corruption Miami University marked stop No. 6 on the GOP Bad Apple Tour, a campaign to bolster the Democrats chances in upcoming Ohio elections. more
Nov 9, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Fairfield County Election Results Results of the November 2005 Elections in Fairfield County more
Nov 9, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Democrats take over City Council Democrats will make up a majority of the Lancaster City Council for the first time since the 1970s thanks to votes cast in council races Tuesday. Democratic newcomers were elected to at-large seats and to the council's 1st Ward seat, giving Democrats the voting majority. The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Villagers have little time for politics, Town councils have trouble fielding candidates Nine villages in Fairfield County have just enough, or too few candidates running for village council on Tuesday. Board of Elections member Allan Reid said it's not unusual for nine of the 12 councils to not have enough candidates running for positions. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 7, 2005 Pickerington Times-Sun - Pickerington City Charter changes on Tuesday's ballot City of Pickerington voters will notice two proposed amendments to the city's charter, Issue 8 and Issue 9, when they go to the polls Tuesday. more
Nov 6, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Democrats aim for majority If Democrats win five of nine seats on the Lancaster City Council, it will be the first time in nearly three decades the party holds a majority. Party campaigns are focusing on the three at-large seats and the 1st Ward seat now held by Republican Wayne Roller. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Election-reform admendments draw definite battle lines in state Four far-reaching proposed constitutional amendments on Tuesday's ballot are portrayed by supporters at every opportunity as a referendum on Gov. Bob Taft and what they characterize as a pay-to-play atmosphere in the Republican-controlled Statehouse. more
Nov 6, 2005 Ohio News Network - Touch-Screen Ballots, Poll Workers Predict Problems Poll workers and technicians have been trained on the machines. Blackwell has posted instructions on using the new machines online. But some poll workers say they worry voters will encounter snarls on election day... Ohio News Network more
Nov 5, 2005 AP - Ney subpoenaed in investigation of lobbyist Rep. Bob Ney (R-Heath) has been subpoenaed to provide documents and testimony in regards to the government's investigation of indicted GOP power-player and super lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The Associated Press more...
Nov 4, 2005 BG News - Democrats blast 'bad apples' Republican scandals, no jobs, high tuition, and a culture of corruption. In the eyes of the Ohio Democratic Party, these issues are like threads woven into a giant web of problems in Ohio�s government. The BG News more
Nov 4, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Kenyon students revisit long poll lines Kenyon students recently had an opportunity to talk with Secretary of State candidate Jennifer Brunner about the long lines they had to wait in to vote in 2004. Mount Vernon News more
Nov 4, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Kenyon students revisit long poll lines Kenyon students recently had an opportunity to talk with Secretary of State candidate Jennifer Brunner about the long lines they had to wait in to vote in 2004. Mount Vernon News more
Nov 4, 2005 The Other Paper - COURTHOUSE BLUES, One race at a time, Democrats have dismantled the GOP monopoly in county offices Seeing less red: Republicans held 11 of 12 county offices in 2000. After Tuesday, it could be 6-6. more...
Nov 3, 2005 Toledo Blade - Konop seeks recovery of loans from Noe Toledo-area attorney and former Democratic congressional candidate Ben Konop sued the Lucas County Republican Party yesterday to recover $58,000 it received in loans from GOP fund-raiser Tom Noe that were not repaid. Toledo Blade more...
Nov 3, 2005 Toledo Blade - Another ex-Taft aide faces scrutiny, $5,000 loan from Noe not reported A second former high-ranking aide to Gov. Bob Taft may face criminal charges for accepting a loan and free meals from GOP fund-raiser Tom Noe. The state Ethics Commission has referred its investigation of Douglas Moormann, who served as the governor�s executive assistant for business and... Toledo Blade more
Nov 3, 2005 ThisWeek Pickerington - Local ballot loaded despite generally slow election year Area voters will determine the fate of seats, schools and Sunday sales in next week's election. In addition to five statewide initiatives, the Nov. 8 ballot includes nine issues and races for positions on Pickerington City Council, the Pickerington Local School District Board of Education and... ThisWeek Pickerington more
Nov 2, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Democratic women hear about issues Mike Jones, vice president of Ohio Citizen Action and member of Republicans for Reform spoke to the Knox County Democratic Women's Club about Issues 2,3,4 and 5 on Tuesday night Mount Vernon News more
Nov 2, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Proposed income tax levy would generate $1.7 million per year George Holsinger voted no last November, and he plans to vote no this November to the Fairfield Union Local School District's 1 percent income tax. "There are too many questions that keep going unanswered," the 60-year-old district resident said. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 1, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Pickerington School District wants to fix overcrowding It's difficult to tell how crowded Tussing Elementary School is by walking through the halls. But then Principal Tom Wilkinson points to a trophy case now used for storage and a storage-closet-turned-tutoring-room. The school has eight lunch periods, starting at 11 a.m. Dismissals are staggered... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 1, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - A summary of Pickerington's Issue 23 Q: What is Issue 23?
A: It is a 2.5-mill, $37 million bond issue for the construction of two elementary schools. It will be repaid over 28 years.
Q:Where will the two schools be built? Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Nov 1, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe pleads not guilty, Relatives� homes cover coin dealer�s $350,000 bond During a brief hearing in U.S. District Court in Toledo yesterday, Tom Noe pleaded not guilty to felony charges that he laundered money into President Bush�s re-election campaign. Toledo Blade more
Nov 1, 2005 Toledo Blade - Oxley likely to announce retirement, sources say Longtime Congressman Michael Oxley, who has represented the Findlay area since 1981, is expected to announce his retirement from Congress as early as today, sources close to the Republican have reported. Toledo Blade more
Oct 30, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Here is a summary of the issues facing Bloom-Carroll School District: Question: What are the taxpayers in the Bloom-Carroll Local School District voting on? Answer: Issue 21. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 30, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Canal Winchester residents will vote on two charter amendments Voters in Canal Winchester will have the opportunity Nov. 8 to change the way their village operates. There are two charter amendments before the voters. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 30, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Levy could give Bloom-Carroll students more opportunities "We'd like to restore the programs we've lost," said Bloom-Carroll Board of Education member Arnold Gabriel. "But right now, we need to operate the buildings on an everyday basis. We've lost ground, and we hope we can start gaining again." Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 30, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ohio Bush donors richly rewarded The Ohio business leaders and lobbyists who steered at least $4.1 million to President Bush's re-election campaign last year collected more than $1.2 billion in taxpayer dollars for their companies and clients, a Blade investigation shows. Toledo Blade more
Oct 29, 2005 Toledo Blade - O�Neill launches bid for high court A Democrat appeals judge yesterday launched his campaign for Ohio Supreme Court by calling on Republican justices with campaign ties to Gov. Bob Taft and consultant Brian Hicks to remove themselves from an upcoming public records case. Judge William O�Neill, in his second term on the... Toledo Blade more
Oct 29, 2005 ThisWeek Pickerington - (Issue 3) Campaigning restricted to regulated money Issue 3 is one of four proposed constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by initiative petition. It would prohibit any "entity," for 60 days prior to an election, from making any communication to the public that refers to any candidate for the General Assembly or statewide executive office... ThisWeek Pickerington more
Oct 29, 2005 ThisWeek Pickerington - Issue proponents pitch to business leaders Public agencies are making their final push for support of funding initiatives to be decided in the upcoming election. ThisWeek Pickerington more
Oct 29, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Board wants to help more clients The Fairfield County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities wants to help more clients. MRDD is trying to get voters' support for its 2-mill replacement levy, Issue 7, that is on the county's Nov. 8 ballot. It's expected to cost $3.10 a month on a $100,000 home. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Origins of $190,000 puzzle local party The Lucas County Republican Party cannot say who gave it nearly $190,000 from 2003 through early 2005, when Bernadette Noe was its chairman, party officials said yesterday. Toledo Blade more
Oct 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe posts $1 million bond, is released Tom Noe, wearing shackles and handcuffs, appeared before a federal magistrate this afternoon, where he posted bond and was released. The 51-year-old former Ohio GOP fund-raiser posted a $1 million bond that was secured with his wife's property in Florida... Toledo Blade more
Oct 27, 2005 Toledo Blade - Szollosi sets goals, eyes state position Toledo City Councilman Frankl Szollosi, currently running for re-election, said he is considering a run for State Auditor in 2006. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 27, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe indicted in Bush money-laundering case The U.S. Attorney�s office has indicted Tom Noe, the former Maumee coin dealer suspected of laundering money into President Bush�s reelection campaign. The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio called it a "major public corrpution indictment." Toledo Blade more...
Oct 25, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Hackett to challenge DeWine for Senate seat Paul Hackett, an Iraq war veteran who opposes the war, announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate yesterday, potentially setting up a Democratic primary against U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown of Lorain. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Oct 25, 2005 Toledo Blade - Redistricting plan touted as mandate for competition Ohio's last truly competitive congressional election came in 1996, when U.S. Reps. Ted Strickland, Dennis Kucinich, and Bob Ney all eked out wins by 5 percentage points or less. In the decade since, only three of the state's 74 U.S. House races have come down to single digits. Voters could try... Toledo Blade more
Oct 24, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Gubernatorial campaign explores 'statehouse circus' Taking a page from Barnum & Bailey and another from political cartoonists, the Mike Coleman gubernatorial campaign last week unveiled a colorful campaign poster � being distributed electronically and on paper � that lampoons big-name Ohio Republicans, from Gov. Bob Taft to state Chairman Bob... more...
Oct 24, 2005 Working For Change - Christian evangelicals launch the Ohio Restoration Project Large turnout of Christian evangelical voters in November 2004 sets the stage for the Rev. Russell Johnson and televangelist Rod Parsley to launch the Ohio Restoration Project Working for Change more
Oct 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Increasingly unpopular governors cast shadows over redistricting fight How to draw congressional boundaries is one of the most complicated debates in American politics. Voters will apparently settle it this fall with popularity contests. Ballot measures in Ohio and California, if passed, would shift the drawing of legislative and congressional districts from... Toledo Blade more
Oct 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - (Ohio Republican) Party officially opposes proposed amendments The Ohio Republican Party leadership last night unanimously adopted a resolution opposing four proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 8 ballot that would dramatically overhaul the state's election system. In a conference call that lasted less than 30 minutes, members of the party's... Toledo Blade more
Oct 24, 2005 New York TImes - Ohio War Veteran Running for Senate Paul Hackett, the Democratic veteran of the Iraq war who narrowly lost a special election in a heavily Republican congressional district in August, made his official entry into a U.S. Senate race Monday. He faces a tough Democratic primary with Rep. Sherrod Brown in the race for the nomination... more
Oct 23, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ohio, California take divisive redistricting wars to ballot box; States' voters hold keys to change nation's political balance Voters in California and Ohio - two states with rich histories of gerrymandering - could bulldoze the national political balance this fall if they decide to write politicians out of the redistricting business. Toledo Blade more
Oct 23, 2005 Ohio News Network - Kroger Union Talks Kroger says that it's encouraged by talks with a union that represents 10,000 central Ohio workers. The United Food and Commercial Workers contract expires November Fifth. Union officials say they want the Cincinnati-based grocer to cover more of workers' health-care costs. Ohio News Network more
Oct 23, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Walnut Township bond issue will help district repair schools Walnut Township School District, which has slightly more than 700 students, is one of several on the ballot seeking voter support. School district officials do not have plans for new buildings but want to repair existing ones. To do that, they need the 3.3-mill bond issue passed, Superintendent... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 23, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Issue 4 is not a partisan issue CONSIDERABLE confusion has erupted recently over Ohio Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5, the proposed amendments to the Ohio Constitution that will appear on the ballot on Nov. 8. In particular, one subject of confusion has been the allegedly partisan nature of these reform measures. Whether voters oppose or... more
Oct 22, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Dems, GOP trade barbs on 'bad apples' The Ohio Democratic Party plans to expose Ohio's Republican "bad apples" on a tour that begins in Springfield and ends in Bob Taft's backyard - Cincinnati. Dayton Daily News more...
Oct 22, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft may return $10,000 Noe inauguration gift One month after Gov. Bob Taft won re-election in 2002, Tom Noe used $10,000 from his personal business to contribute to the governor's inaugural committee - money the governor is considering whether to return. Toledo Blade more
Oct 21, 2005 Toledo Blade - Petro won't sue Lucas County GOP, Dispute centers on whether funds from Noe were loans or contributions Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro has declined to sue the Lucas County Republican Party in order to recover $63,000 in loans made by Tom Noe, according to a letter from his office. Toledo Blade more
Oct 20, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Ney urged to give up comittee control Ohio Democrats yesterday called on Rep. Bob Ney to yield his post as chairman of a major House committee because he used campaign cash to pay $135,881 in legal fees in connection with a federal investigation into Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Columbus Dispatch more...
Oct 20, 2005 Toledo Blade - Groups back direction of Bureau of Workers' Compensation The business community, labor unions, and attorneys representing injured workers yesterday came to the defense of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, offering no support for the idea of privatizing the embattled agency. Toledo Blade more
Oct 20, 2005 The Other Paper - Mike picks a fight with the right; Behind Coleman's combative response to Rod Parsley "For too long, faith and values have been manipulated to push political agendas by dividing our citizens," Coleman said in the prepared text released last Thursday. "My Bible teaches us to love thy neighbor, not to place judgment on others, and that we are all God's children." The Other Paper more...
Oct 19, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Kilroy to take on Pryce for House Saying central Ohio voters are ready to send a message of change to President Bush and congressional Republicans, Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy yesterday said she will run next year against GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce. Columbus Dispatch more...
Oct 19, 2005 Toledo Blade - Redfern urges GOP not to push funding ban bill The Ohio House Democratic leader yesterday urged Republicans not to push a controversial bill prohibiting the spending of state research funds on projects involving embryonic stem cells and human cloning. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 18, 2005 Washington Post - Ney's Abramoff Ties Investigated As federal officials pursue a wide-ranging investigation into the activities of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff, his arrest on fraud charges in the purchase of a Florida casino boat company has increasingly focused attention on Congressman Bob Ney (R-Heath). The Washington Post more...
Oct 17, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ohio Democrat Sets Sights on Party's Nod for Governor Congressman Ted Strickland recently visited northwest Ohio in a stop in Putnam County at the Glandorf Rod and Gun Club. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 17, 2005 Warren Tribune-Chronicle - Dann Offers Bill to Soften Bankrupcy Days before a new national bankruptcy law goes into effect, a state senator said Friday that he wants to soften the blow to Ohio consumers hit hard by a weak Ohio economy. Warren Tribune-Chronicle more...
Oct 16, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Coleman Speaks at Jefferson-Jackson Dinner The Knox County Democratic Party held its annual JJ Dinner at Mazza's Restaurant with keynote speaker Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. Coleman went into great detail about the corruption in the state and the need for change. Mount Vernon News more
Oct 13, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Wagner to seek seat on Ohio's top court Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge A.J. Wagner on Wednesday declared his candidacy for the Ohio Supreme Court in 2006. Dayton Daily News more...
Oct 13, 2005 Lorain Morning Journal - Who will take over for Brown? Prospective candidates are lining up to at least express an interest in running for the 13th Congressional District seat that U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown, will give up to run against Sen. Mike DeWine in the 2006 election. Lorain Morning Journal more...
Oct 13, 2005 Toledo Blade - OSU student senate votes to oust Hicks Ohio State University's student government officially put Trustee Brian Hicks on notice yesterday that they believe he must step down, labeling him an "embarrassment" to the school in light of his criminal conviction on an ethics violation in July. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 13, 2005 Toledo Blade - E-mails hint at bureau's anxieties over reports E-mails released yesterday show that the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation had concerns by mid-2004 about getting financial reviews of the state's $50 million rare-coin investment on a timely basis from Tom Noe. "This is going to cause us problems with our auditors," bureau Controller Tracy... Toledo Blade more
Oct 10, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe Transferred Coin Cash Before Giving To Politicians Tom Noe often transferred tens of thousands of dollars from the Ohio rare-coin funds he managed to his personal business before bankrolling Republican candidates and causes with contributions and loans. Toledo Blade more
Oct 9, 2005 Ohio News Network - Blackwell, Strickland Leaders In Primary Republican Kenneth Blackwell and Democrat Ted Strickland are the early leaders among candidates in the 2006 primary races for governor. Ohio News Network more
Oct 9, 2005 Ohio News Network - Senate Race Already Getting Attention The prospect of a high-profile Democratic primary for a once-safe Republican U.S. Senate seat is sharpening the national focus on Ohio for the 2006 election. Two candidates announced plans this week to run against Senator Mike DeWine: U.S. Representative Sherrod Brown and political upstart Paul... Ohio News Network more
Oct 8, 2005 Toledo Blade - BWC tried to hide hedge fund losses, ousted exec alleges Executives at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation deleted correspondence, misled auditors, and undermined the state agency's investment division to cover up a $215 million loss in a Bermuda hedge fund, said Jim McLean, the bureau's recently fired chief investment officer Toledo Blade more
Oct 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - School budget 'a serious situation' "This is a real situation," said board president Patti Moore. "This is not about mismanaged money, but about the state taking the position that they're no longer responsible for education, but the local level is responsible. The state has washed their hands of education." Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Taft sets new low in Ohio politics WE suspect no one in Ohio is shocked to learn Gov. Bob Taft is one of the most unpopular politicians in the national history of political polls. Frankly, we're surprised a new statewide poll found even 15 percent of Ohio residents who admit to approving of Taft's work as governor. Let's face... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Brown Plans To Challenge DeWine For Senate Seat Congressman Sherrod Brown plans to end months of flirtation and run for the U.S. Senate against incumbent Mike DeWine next year, sources said. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats Pursue Ohio Reforms Now Flanked by 25 colleagues, House Minority Leader Chris Redfern unveiled the Democrats� legislative agenda, saying that �restoring honesty and integrity� to Ohio was their main priority. Toledo Blade more...
Oct 5, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Board candidates meet the parents, Berne Union PTO holds question and answer session SUGAR GROVE - School finance was a popular term Tuesday night. It was on the mind of Berne Union Local Schools parents and those running for two spots on the district's school board. "Finances are the big thing (for this election)," said Jodi Zaar, a Berne Union parent. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Oct 4, 2005 AP - Hackett to challenge DeWine A Democrat who nearly pulled a stunning upset this summer in a heavily Republican House district has decided to challenge Ohio's senior U.S. senator next year. The Associated Press more...
Oct 3, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Strickland rips GOP in bid for election Rep. Ted Strickland on Sunday slammed what he called the "Gang of Four" Republican statewide officeholders, saying their failed leadership is causing Ohio to slip into second-rate status. Dayton Daily News more...
Oct 2, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft's Popularity In Free Fall Even the most-unpopular presidents in the history of American public-opinion polling never had an approval rating as low as Ohioans are giving Gov. Bob Taft in a new Dispatch Poll. Columbus Dispatch more...
Oct 1, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Hagan suit to stand Tim Hagan lost the 2002 governor's race but won the right Friday to begin forcing top-ranking Republicans to open their calendars and campaign coffers to unprecedented scrutiny. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Sep 28, 2005 Washington Post - 3 charged in killing of Fla. businessman 2 of 3 men charged in the 2001 killing of a Florida tycoon who Rep. Bob Ney (R-Heath) criticized in the Congressional record have ties to Ney campaign contributor Adam Kidan and lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Washington Post more...
Sep 28, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - BWC saga just gets worse by the week AFTER months of findings and investigations, you would think we would know all there is to know about the huge problems with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. But the story just keeps getting worse. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Sep 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats seek to limit contractors' campaign donations Democratic state legislators will propose today knotting the loopholes in the 20-year-old law designed to restrict campaign donations from Ohio's contractors. Toledo Blade more
Sep 27, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Union workers protest outsourcing of Ohio jobs Sharing a stage before union workers who are key to their hopes of winning the 2006 race for governor, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman and U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland drew cheers for their sharp criticism of Ohio jobs heading overseas. Columbus Dispatch more...
Sep 27, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Officials revolt, twelve to boycott budget retreat All elected county officials, except for the Fairfield County Commissioners, stood side-by-side Monday to say they were going to boycott the annual budget retreat planned for Thursday. "We are here today to express our concern and frustration over the lack of planning and the lack of action by... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Sep 26, 2005 Miami Herald - Federal Inquiry Looks At Ship Deal Another controversial business deal among gambling tycoons brings yet another investigation into Congressman Bob Ney's (R-Heath) activities on behalf of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Miami Herald more...
Sep 26, 2005 Los Angeles Times - Group Names 13 'Most Corrupt' in Congress A watchdog group released a list of 'the 13 most corrupt members of Congress', and to absolutely no one's suprise, Congressman Bob Ney (R-Heath) made the list. Los Angeles Times more...
Sep 26, 2005 Toledo Blade - Recent scadals put movement in spotlight 'Coingate' and the BWC 'pay-to-play' scandals have increased awareness of a series of proposed amendments to the Ohio Constitution that reformers and good government activists are promoting. Toledo Blade more...
Sep 26, 2005 Newsweek - A Washington Sand Trap The hot water Congressman Bob Ney (R-Heath) has gotten in is only getting hotter, as Newsweek reports a close Whitehouse associate and partner of Jack Abramoff has been arrested by the FBI. Newsweek more...
Sep 25, 2005 Toledo Blade - Pay-to-play law never enforced, critics say, Loopholes let donors avoid serious scrutiny Ohio's pay-to-play law is "crafted in such a way that it creates more loopholes than it creates limitations," said Catherine Turcer, legislative director for Ohio Citizen Action, a statewide advocacy group that is pushing for campaign-finance reform. Toledo Blade more
Sep 25, 2005 Ohio News Network - Fight Over Amendments Get ready to be bombarded with lots of commercials about how to end fraud and corruption in Ohio and take back your government. Both sides in the fight over four proposed constitutional amendments on the November ballot are gearing up for multi-million dollar ad campaigns. Ohio News Network more
Sep 25, 2005 Ohio News Network - Case Reserve To Cut $17 million In Budget Case Western Reserve has to cut 17 million dollars from its operating budget by October First because of a 37 million dollar deficit that the school blames mostly on a drop in federal funding and charitable donations. Deans at the private research university in Cleveland have been asked to... Ohio News Network more
Sep 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Batch of Noe coins sells for $128,000 profit, Collection of oddities goes to unnamed former business partner of GOP fund-raiser Development Specialists Inc., which now controls the remaining assets of the state's $50 million rare-coin funds, has sold a collection of coin oddities to one of Tom Noe's former partners for a profit of $128,000, William Brandt, the company's president, said yesterday. Toledo Blade more
Sep 22, 2005 Toledo Blade - Reforms sought on political donations; Ohio lawmakers plan to fight 'pay-to-play' Democratic lawmakers plan to introduce legislation to combat what they call "pay-to-play" in state government. State Sen. Marc Dann of suburban Youngstown said he is working with fellow Democrats on a "government reform package" that would ban employees of firms with state contracts from... Toledo Blade more
Sep 20, 2005 AP - Ethics Commission frustrated with latest Taft gift disclosures The state's ethics board was frustrated when Gov. Bob Taft revealed still more gifts he failed to report, the agency's leader said on Monday. The Associated Press more...
Sep 19, 2005 Ohio News Network - Commission recommends paper trail on electronic machines, regional primaries A commission on election reform recommends that states develop registration systems that allow easy checks of voters from one state to another. It also says electronic voting machines should leave a paper trail of ballots cast. And it favors four regional primaries after the Iowa caucus and New... Ohio News Network more
Sep 18, 2005 Ohio News Network - Long Lines At The Polls Elections officials say they are worried voters may encounter long lines at the polls on November Eighth. Voters will have to read lengthy explanations of five statewide issues before casting their ballots. Ohio News Network more
Sep 16, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Democrats assail Blackwell's use of Springer attack as scare tactic Top Democrats don't believe Jerry Springer will run for Governor next year. But Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who hopes to be next year's Republican nominee, is trying to raise money by convincing voters that Springer will get his party's nod. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Sep 14, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - It's Pepper vs. Mallory Cincinnati voters will choose between City Councilman David Pepper and Sen. Mark Mallory, both Democrats, this November to determine Cincinnati's next Mayor. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Sep 14, 2005 Toledo Blade - More polls, publications call on Taft to resign Nearly a month has passed since Gov. Bob Taft took his punishment for breaking Ohio ethics laws, but the calls for him to leave office still linger. Toledo Blade more...
Sep 13, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats demand coin inquiry Ohio House Democrats yesterday ratcheted up the pressure on Republicans to launch a full-blown bipartisan investigative committee to get to the bottom of the investment scandals that have gripped state government for months. Toledo Blade more...
Sep 12, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Hackett Urged To Take On DeWine As Congressman Tim Ryan (D-Niles) announced his intent to run for re-election in 2006, Democrats across Ohio are turning their attention to Paul Hackett. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Sep 8, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Law Firms Kept Despite BWC Scandal Attorney General Jim Petro is still using an Ohio law firm that he said screwed up when it kept him in the dark about a $215 million loss at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Dayton Daily News more...
Sep 8, 2005 Toledo Blade - Another top official loses job at Bureau of Workers' Comp; bureau fires chief investment officer The chief investment officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation yesterday became the latest top official to be forced out of the agency because of a scandal that has spurred multiple civil and criminal investigations and shaken public confidence in the bureau and in state government. Toledo Blade more
Sep 7, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Flannery Plans To Run For Governor in '06 Former State Rep. Bryan Flannery has set his sights on the governor's office in 2006. Flannery has not made an official announcement yet, but says he will make the focus of his campaign education and jobs. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Sep 7, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Election Reform Proposals Make '05 Ballot Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell made it official Tuesday: Reform Ohio Now submitted enough valid signatures from registered voters to get four proposals to overhaul Ohio's election system on the Nov. 8 ballot. Dayton Daily News more...
Sep 6, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Ohio's Economy Is Losing Ground Economists blame loss of manufacturing jobs, higher education's low priority, political moves. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Sep 6, 2005 Toledo Blade - Many families discover minimum wage can�t cover minimum needs Nationwide last year, 2 million workers made no more than $5.15 an hour, which is the federal minimum wage. That includes 125,000 people in Ohio, or 3.8 percent of the hourly work force, and 90,000 people in Michigan, or 3.1 percent of the work force, government figures show. Toledo Blade more
Sep 6, 2005 Noe's relationship with auction house raises questions Tom Noe bragged in a 2005 newspaper advertisement that profits from Ohio�s $50 million rare-coin investment crushed the stock market�s flabby returns. But in reality, more than 20 percent of the coin funds� assets were supplied to Greg Manning Auctions Inc., a publicly traded auctioneer of... Toledo Blade more
Sep 5, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Government's slow response to tragedy shameful ONE thing about the federal government, you can't say it reacted too swiftly to Hurricane Katrina. It's been nearly a week since the storm made landfall in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, and still there are people without food and shelter, much less clean drinking water. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Sep 4, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Ohio trails nation in wages, job creation The state continues to lag much of the nation in wage increases and job creation even though many Ohioans are working longer hours and being more productive, according to the report being released today by Policy Matters Ohio. The group has ties to organized labor. Columbus Dispatch more...
Sep 2, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Brunner Gives Up Seat, Will Run For Secretary of State Hours after resigning at midnight Wednesday as a Franklin County Common Pleas judge, Jennifer L. Brunner became a Democratic candidate for secretary of state in 2006. Columbus Dispatch more...
Sep 2, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Time Sheet Fraud Alleged At Court Clerk's Office In what may be a perfect example of the Republican culture of corruption spreading to all levels of government, a Columbus police detective searched the office of Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk Michael Pirik this week after a close associate of Pirik's was accused of tampering with time... Columbus Dispatch more...
Sep 2, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Taft Tries To Fill Divots In His Story A war of words escalated between Gov. Taft and Tom Noe last weekend, and documents Noe's lawyer says refute accusations that Noe concealed his investment role were released-- documents such as newspaper advertisements, disclosure statements and bureau public records. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Sep 1, 2005 The Plain Dealer - Petro Re-Examines Workers' Comp Warnings By SEC Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro said Wednesday he will revisit federal regulators' warnings of excessive broker commissions to see whether he was "deceived" by high-ranking Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation officials. The Plain Dealer more...
Aug 31, 2005 Toledo Blade - Special Counsel Contracts Bring Criticism of Petro Democratic officials brought pay-to-play charges to the state controlling board yesterday and aimed them squarely at Republican Attorney General Jim Petro. Toledo Blade more...
Aug 30, 2005 New York Times - Income Stagnated and Poverty Rose in 2004, Census Figures Show Even as the economy was growing, income stagnated last year and the poverty rate rose, the Census Bureau reported today. This is the first time on record that household income has failed to increase for five straight years. New York Times more
Aug 28, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Noe Says New Details Prove Taft Knew About Coin-Fund Investment Tom Noe, through an attorney, released new details about a Mother's Day golf outing that he claims prove Bob Taft knew about Noe's rare coin investments with the BWC back in 2001. Taft continues he did not know about the investment until earlier this year. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 26, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Conservatives, Liberals United Against Bob Taft Two citizen advocacy groups � one conservative and the other liberal � on Thursday launched a joint Internet, e-mail and phone campaign to try to force Gov. Bob Taft to resign in the wake of his conviction last week on four misdemeanor ethics law violations. Dayton Daily News more...
Aug 26, 2005 AP - Hackett Continues to Draw National Attention Like Rocky in the movies, Paul Hackett has gotten a big boost from almost beating a heavily favored opponent. Despite his loss, Hackett is as busy as ever, with invitations for speaking engagements flowing in daily. The Associated Press more...
Aug 26, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Cordray Sets Sights on Statewide Office For more than a year, Franklin County Treasurer Richard Cordray has been campaigning as a Democratic candidate for state treasurer. This morning Cordray officially will enter the race for the office now held by Republican Jennette Bradley, of Columbus. Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 26, 2005 Toledo Blade - Feds warned Ohio Bureau of Workers� Compensation about excessive fees The SEC first wrote to bureau chief investment officer Bob Cowman on Nov. 8, 2002, about the excessive fees of 6 cents per trade. On Feb. 7, 2003, the bureau�s new chief investment officer, Terry Gasper, wrote back to federal regulators that the fee level was appropriate. Unsatisfied, an SEC... Toledo Blade more
Aug 25, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft Failed To Disclose Additional Gifts Above $75 Amid increasing calls for his resignation, it was revealed Gov. Bob Taft apparently failed to report at least two gifts that exceeded the $75 threshold. These gifts were no included in the investigation that ultimately led to his conviction last week. Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 24, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Democrats Not Seeking To Impeach Democrats stopped short of calling for the impeachment of Gov. Bob Taft on Tuesday, but they drafted articles of impeachment - just in case. Taft was convicted last week of 4 seperate ethics violations in Franklin County Municipal Court Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Aug 23, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Strickland Says No Need For Taft To Resign Unlike his primary opponent, Congressman Ted Strickland said yesterday that at this point he will not call for Gov. Bob Taft's resignation. New information, he added, could cause him to change his mind. Dayton Daily News more...
Aug 22, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Ohio GOP Woes Fuel Rivals' Optimism 250 Democrats packed an Ashville ballroom to hear top Democratic leaders pitch their plans for a successful, scandal-free Ohio. Optimism - for turning the state around and winning in 2006 was on everyone's mind. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 22, 2005 Toledo Blade - Golf Gave Partners Access To Taft Gov. Bob Taft and the Ohio Republican Party claim Taft innocently failed to disclose a number of golf outings with old friends, but it's clear that he is guilty of allowing the lobbyists and businessmen who hosted him at Ohio's most exclusive courses to bend his ear and influence his decisions. Toledo Blade more...
Aug 20, 2005 AP - Ohio GOP Reeling With Gov's Conviction, Rare Coin Scandal Eight months after President Bush emerged victorious in Ohio, the state's Republican Party is reeling: its leader convicted of ethics violations; a narrow win in a gimmie congressional district; an investment scandal that won't go away. The Associated Press more...
Aug 20, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe Lawyer Claims Taft Knew of Coins in 2001 Despite Gov. Taft's denials, Tom Noe's attorney insists the recently convicted governor did indeed know about the $50 million dollar BWC investment in rare coins. Noe's attorney said yesterday that Noe told Taft during a Mother's Day conversation and during a 2004 "roast". Toledo Blade more
Aug 19, 2005 AP - Noe's Lawyer Says Taft Knew About Coin Fund in 2001 Tom Noe discussed his BWC rare coin deal with Gov. Bob Taft in May 2001, contradicting the governor's assertion that he didn't learn of it until this year, Noe's lawyer revealed yesterday. The Associated Press more...
Aug 19, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Area Residents Think Taft Should Resign Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's political career probably ended Thursday in the Franklin County courthouse. At least that was the sentiment of several people hours after news broke that Taft plead no contest to failing to report 52 gifts worth nearly $6,000 he received over four years. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more...
Aug 19, 2005 Newark Advocate - Local Officials Say Taft Should Have Known Better Local Democratic and Republican leaders from the Licking County area chime in on Gov. Bob Taft's conviction on 4 counts of ethics violations. Newark Advocate more...
Aug 19, 2005 New York Times - What They Did Last Fall By running for the U.S. Senate, Katherine Harris, Florida's former secretary of state, has stirred up some ugly memories. And that's a good thing, because those memories remain relevant. There was at least as much electoral malfeasance in 2004 as there was in 2000, even if it didn't change the... New York Times more
Aug 18, 2005 Washington Post - Gov. Taft faces 4 misdemeanor charges over gifts Gov. Bob Taft was indicted yesterday on four misdemeanor counts for failing to report golf outings, dinners, and entertainment events. He pleaded no contest today in front of Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Mark Froehlich. Washington Post more...
Aug 18, 2005 ONN - Governor Taft enters plea, fined $4,000 Gov. Bob Taft stood before Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Mark Froehlich and pleaded no contest to four criminal misdemeanor ethics violations. Taft is the first governor in Ohio history to be charged with a crime. Ohio News Network more...
Aug 17, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft failed to follow his own advice Prosecutors will assess the ethics case against Gov. Bob Taft today, reviewing the 50+ golf outings that Taft allegedly failed to list in his ethics statements. Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 17, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft is first Ohio governor to be charged with crimes in office Gov. Bob Taft today became the first Ohio Governor charged with a crime. The four misdemeanor counts stem from failing to report 52 gifts including golf games, meals, and professional sports tickets. The governor will appear in Franklin County Municipal Court on Thursday at 11 a.m. to hear the... Toledo Blade more
Aug 16, 2005 Canton Repository - Ethics law shouldn't excuse ignorance Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking the law. But it appears Gov. Bob Taft will use the "knowlingly" defense if he is charged with violations of the ethics law involving the 50+ golf outings he failed to report. Canton Repository more...
Aug 15, 2005 AP - Ethics panel says current Taft investigation moves to prosecutors The focus of an investigation into Gov. Bob Taft's failure to report several golf outings has apparently shifted to decisions to be made by prosecutors. Taft is being investigated for apparently failing to report 60+ golf outings. The Associated Press more...
Aug 15, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft says he'll take the blame for golf 'errors' On the eve of what could be the pivotal week of his political career, Gov. Bob Taft said yesterday he's the one responsible for the "errors and omissions" of his ethics statements that have landed him on a collision course with prosecutors. Toledo Blade more...
Aug 15, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - LaTourette's pro-CAFTA vote adding to GOP's woes Rep. Steven C. LaTourette�s vote in favor of the Central American Free Trade Agreement last month could be one that haunts him right up to Election Day 2006. LaTourette flip-flopped his stance on CAFTA at the last minute, virtually securing its passage. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 11, 2005 Toledo Blade - Governor's golf outings subject of review State ethics officials will meet today to discuss whether Gov. Bob Taft violated ethics laws during his tenure in office. The meeting will focus on Taft's many unreported golf outings, including a 2001 trip to Inverness C.C. with Tom Noe...and apparently, $80 dollar off coupons. more
Aug 10, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - LaTourette's attributes CAFTA flip-flop to tariff no one pays Congressman Steve LaTourette claims he switched his vote on CAFTA at the last minute to save jobs in his region because CAFTA would eliminate high tariffs on plywood. Trouble is, plywood is already exempt from those tariffs. Either LaTourette was duped, or he is lying about why he switched his... Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Aug 10, 2005 New York Times - Ohio Critics of G.O.P. Start Battle to Change Election Process Critics of the Republican grip on Ohio politics filed petitions on Tuesday that seek a statewide vote on three constitutional amendments that would overturn the way elections are run and strip elected officials of their power to draw legislative districts. New York Times more
Aug 10, 2005 LaTourette Attributes Flip-Flop on CAFTA to Tariff No One Pays "He's either been duped or is not being honest," Lori Wallach, a Washington trade lawyer, said of LaTou rette. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Aug 10, 2005 U.S. Bishops Mark Anniversary Of Atomic Bombings, Reaffirm Condemnation Of �Total War� WASHINGTON (August 3, 2005) � The 60th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki provides an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the Second World War and to recommit to efforts for a lasting peace built on justice, according to the president of the United States Conference of... United States Conference of Catholic Bishops more...
Aug 10, 2005 Discontent with Bush is deep and getting deeper President Bush has survived summers of discontent before. But this season�s doldrums, reflected in dismal poll numbers and a surprisingly weak Republican showing in a special Ohio congressional election, will be harder to surmount. They are the culmination of doubts about Bush that have... The Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 9, 2005 Cincinnati Post - Dems: DeWine in trouble The biggest loser in the 2nd Congressional District race might not be Jean Schmidt, according to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. In a news release the morning after the election, the DSCC suggested Mike DeWine is the most vulnerable Republican Senator. Cincinnati Post more...
Aug 9, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe charged $10,000 gift to Schwarzenegger Tom Noe used his American Express credit card to contribute $10,000 to California�s governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in early 2004. It is still unclear if Gov. Schwarzenegger has returned the money, which is suspected to be stolen. Toledo Blade more
Aug 8, 2005 Chicago Tribune - Tears, determination in grieving Ohio city After a series of deadly attacks, Columbus-based Lima Company has become one of the nation's most discussed and most tragic military units for its large losses in combat. Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman's son, J.D., is currently serving in that unit. Chicago Tribune more...
Aug 8, 2005 New York Times - Of the Many Deaths in Iraq, One Mother's Loss Becomes a Problem for the President President Bush draws antiwar protesters just about wherever he goes, but few generate the kind of attention that Cindy Sheehan has since she drove down the winding road toward his ranch here this weekend and sought to tell him face to face that he must pull all Americans troops out of Iraq now. New York Times more
Aug 7, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft tried to steer BWC investment Recently released records show that Gov. Bob Taft lobbied aggressively to invest Workers' Comp money in a Cleveland-area biotechnology firm in 2002. The same firm's top officials donated over $10,000 to Taft's 2002 re-election campaign. Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Coingate scandal likely to swallow more workers Bob Taft's legacy is taking a beating. Last Friday, a former top aide and his assistant became the first officials convicted in the state's investment scandal. Whether they're the last remains to be seen. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Aug 7, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Twenty-seven school boards seats in county need filled Candidates have to meet certain criteria, such as residency in the district or county they want to serve, and file to run for the position before 4 p.m. on Aug. 25 - 75 days before the Nov. 8 election. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Aug 5, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - GOP reeling over Noe, Pryce says Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, in an interview with The Dispatch editorial board, called the state�s political environment the most "dire" she�s ever seen for the party. "The political situation for Republicans both in Washington and especially Ohio is just dreadful," she said. Columbus Dispatch more...
Aug 5, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft records don't list who paid for golf Gov. Taft released a partial list of his golfing partners on Friday, partners that include a number of people doing business with the state. As expected, Republican Tom Noe was on the list. Toledo Blade more
Aug 5, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe lavished gifts on political bigwigs, Reports show ex-Taft aide benefited Tom Noe showered Columbus decision-makers with lavish meals, golf outings, and vacations, extending his largess from Ohio's capital to Washington, and to the Florida Keys, records released yesterday by the Columbus city prosecutor's office show. Dozens of pages of investigative records shed... Toledo Blade more
Aug 5, 2005 Lacaster Eagle-Gazette editorial - America must find alternative sources of energy AMERICA'S new energy legislation is nicely tailored for the last century. It is heavy with tax breaks for oil and gas drilling, and not very ambitious about developing bottomless sources of energy. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Aug 4, 2005 AP - Iraq attacks hit Ohio military families hard 21 Marines from the Ohio-based 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines have lost their lives in Iraq in the past week. Especially hard hit is the Columbus-based Lima Company, which lost eleven brave soldiers this week. The same unit lost four soldiers on a single day in May. The Associated Press more...
Aug 4, 2005 AP - Democrats see Hackett race as good bellweather Democrats in Ohio and nationally see momentum for 2006 in the tight special congressional election, even though the Republicans held onto the seat. Democrat Paul Hackett carried 4 of the 7 counties in the 2nd Congressional District and finished with 48 percent of the vote. The Associated Press more...
Aug 4, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - GOP squeaker energizes Dems Democrats lost Ohio's 2nd District congressional election Tuesday night, but it was hard to tell, given their excitement and their warning that the surprising closeness of the race could mean big changes ahead in Republican-run Washington and Columbus. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Aug 3, 2005 AP - Columbus judge to run for Secretary of State Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Jennifer Brunner has announced her resignation, effective Sept. 1, as she prepares to run for Ohio secretary of state next year. The Associated Press more...
Aug 3, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Big Brother may be hiding in Patriot Act WE'RE heading in the wrong direction regarding individual rights and the Patriot Act. It appears Congress is endorsing unchecked government snooping (reminiscent of Big Brother) in several areas, all in the name of keeping us safe. Federal agents will be allowed to look at your medical records,... Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Aug 3, 2005 Toledo Blade - Third grand jury to probe Ohio investment scandal A third grand jury will be convened to investigate the burgeoning scandal swirling around Tom Noe, the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, and top state officials, prosecutors announced today. A federal grand jury will be impaneled in Cleveland to look into the broader investment practices of... more
Aug 3, 2005 Records track flow of state cash to Noe companies From the first days of Ohio�s $50 million rare-coin investment, money flowed to coin dealers across the country and into the personal business accounts of Tom Noe. With the first $25 million, Mr. Noe quickly invested money into real estate and his associates� coin businesses, and he brokered... more
Aug 2, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Closeness of the race a suprise The apparent win by Republican Jean Schmidt in Tuesday's 2nd Congressional District election was in no way shocking, but the fact that Democrat Paul Hackett made it a very close election is nothing short of astounding. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jul 30, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - LaTourette switches allegiance, votes for CAFTA Rep. Steve LaTourette found himself in an uncomfortable position Thursday after casting a crucial vote for a controversial Central American trade pact that he previously said he would oppose. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jul 30, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ex-Taft aides charged in ethics case Living the high life off coin dealer Tom Noe brought state ethics violation charges yesterday against Gov. Bob Taft�s former top aides � Brian Hicks and Cherie Carroll. Toledo Blade more...
Jul 30, 2005 Toledo Blade - Supreme Court puts Petro on notice The Ohio Supreme Court gave Attorney General Jim Petro until Monday to explain why he should not be held in contempt of court for not releasing records to The Blade. Toledo Blade more...
Jul 29, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Strickland, Coleman put $1 million in campaign war chest Since entering the gubernatorial contest a few months ago, Democratic candidates Mayor Michael Coleman and Congressman Ted Strickland have both raised over $1 million dollars. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jul 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Petro accused of holding out on coin records In the two weeks since the Ohio Supreme Court ordered the state to make public the records of rare-coin funds managed by Tom Noe for the Ohio Bureau of Workers� Compensation, only three of an estimated 120 boxes of documents have been released. Because of the slow pace of handing over the... Toledo Blade more
Jul 27, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Dayton Daily News Endorses Hackett Dayton Daily News jumps on the Hackett bandwagon, endorsing the Iraqi war veteran over challenger Jean Schmidt. The newspaper says Hackett "is a welcome alternative" who "is likely to show some independence" from the partisan ferver that grips Washington. Dayton Daily News more...
Jul 26, 2005 Cincinnati Post - Cincinnati Post endorses Paul Hackett for Congress The Cincinnati Post weighed in on the 2nd Congressional District race by endorsing Paul Hackett over challenger Jean Schmidt. The Post cited Hackett as a man "who says what he thinks, and doesn't have much use for the othodoxy, or the partisanship, or either party." Cincinnati Post more
Jul 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats protest outside GOP cadidates seminar A group of Democrats gathered outside a Republican-sponsored seminar for prospective GOP candidates on Saturday, identifying for Republicans the "bad apples" in their party. Toledo Blade more...
Jul 23, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe transferred $3.18M to own firm, review finds COLUMBUS � A seemingly endless stream of cash flowed into Tom Noe�s personal business, Vintage Coins and Collectibles, from Ohio�s $50 million rare-coin ventures that the former Toledo-area coin dealer managed, documents show. During the last 18 months of the failed venture, Mr. Noe authorized... Toledo Blade more
Jul 21, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - All the state's a stage for Democrats A pageant of the nation's top Democrats -- some with an eye on winning the White House in 2008 -- will make Ohio its stage during the three-day DLC National Conversation this weekend. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jul 21, 2005 Rove's Most Telling Words 'He's a Democrat' -- with those three words now revealed, Karl Rove's partisanship is a matter of fact. Other Republicans should be ashamed of him -- and themselves. AlterNet more
Jul 20, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft filing lists up to 60 missed outings, sources say Gov. Taft has filed documents with the Ohio Ethics Commission listing 50 to 60 golf outings and other events he previously failed to disclose, sources told The Columbus Dispatch. Calls to Taft's criminal attorney, William Meeks, were not returned. Columbus Dispatch more...
Jul 18, 2005 Toledo Blade - Political passions run deep for Sen. Dann Ohio's leading critic of 15 years of Republican 'pay-to-play' politics, Sen. Marc Dann began his path to elected office at an early age, campaigning for Lee Fisher during Fisher's run for state representative. Toledo Blade more
Jul 16, 2005 White House needs to address Rove All of a sudden, the White House isn�t talking about Karl Rove and the leak that outed CIA agent Valerie Plame. The �no comments� are not improving Rove�s image or the president�s. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jul 16, 2005 Probe focuses on donation to GOP Columbus - A member of the Franklin County election board said Friday that prosecutors are investigating whether a GOP political consultant tried to bribe the board's director to buy voting equipment made by his client, Diebold Inc. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jul 14, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft Refuses To Attend Depositions For Coingate Lawsuit Setting up a likely State Supreme Court showdown, Gov. Bob Taft and five cohorts have said they won't show up for a deposition that Sen. Marc Dann has scheduled for tomorrow. Dann fired right back, saying that if Taft doesn't show tomorrow, he plans to file a motion with the State Supreme Court... Toledo Blade more...
Jul 13, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Redfern demands larger role for Democrats House Democratic Leader Rep. Chris Redfern pitched a plan that would create a bi-partisan joint legislative committee to investigate Ohio's 'pay-to-play' political atmosphere and state's burgeoning investment scandals. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jul 13, 2005 AP - Dann seeks sworn statement from Taft, aides, BWC officials Sen. Marc Dann is seeking to take sworn statements from Gov. Taft, his top aides, and the former chief of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation. The case is on an accelerated schedule and Dann wants depositions to take place on Friday. Associated Press more...
Jul 12, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Lawsuit Against Taft Unresolved After 11 Months Ohio Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer appears to be taking plenty of time to determine whether the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court should retain jurisdiction over a potentially explosive lawsuit against the Ohio Republican Party, Gov. Bob Taft and other statewide GOP officeholders. Columbus Dispatch more...
Jul 11, 2005 AP - Fund managers donated almost $80,000 to Taft Three of the four fund managers blamed for losing $300 million in investments by the state's injured workers insurance fund produced almost $80,000 for Gov. Bob Taft's political campaigns, an Associated Press report shows. Associated Press more...
Jul 11, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ex-State Aides Use Old Ties To Make, Raise Cash From the governor's office to the Ohio Republican Party, high-ranking staff members have traded their official titles for personal riches and the influence that comes with working with Ohio's Republican elected officials. Toledo Blade more
Jul 8, 2005 AP - Dann says explanation of losses 'defies credibility' Someone in state government had to know that its insurance fund for injured workers was making bad investments, with losses now at $300 million from four accounts says state Senator Marc Dann (D-Liberty Twp.) Associated Press more...
Jul 8, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Republican lawmakers fail to report dinner, Bengals tickets Four Republican state lawmakers, including current Congressional candidate Jean Schmidt, are being investigated for failing to report dinner and tickets to a Cincinnati Bengals' game that they received from a California biotech company. Associated Press more...
Jul 7, 2005 Toledo Blade - Fundraiser gives testimony in federal campaign finance probe Jessica May, a chief fundraiser for George W. Bush's reelection campaign appeared before a federal grand jury yesterday to testify in the Tom Noe case. May is the wife of Larry Householder's former chief of staff, Brett Buerck. Buerck is under a seperate federal investigation regarding alleged... Toledo Blade more...
Jul 7, 2005 AP - Senator Dann takes Taft to court Sen. Marc Dann (D-Liberty Twp.) has asked the Ohio Supreme Court to release records of weekly reports Taft received from former BWC chief Jim Conrad. Taft has refused to release the memos. Associated Press more...
Jul 7, 2005 Toledo Blade - Noe used influence to get White House meeting with Mehlman It was supposed to be the Ohio State University football team's big day, honoring the group for their gridiron heroics. But then Tom Noe decided he'd use his access to Bob Taft to get a seat at the White House ceremony and a meeting with Ken Mehlman, now the new RNC Chair. Toledo Blade more
Jul 6, 2005 NBC Nightly News - "The Fleecing of America" Coingate hits the national nightly news. Click the link to view NBC's "The Fleecing of America" special on the latest scandal to hit the Ohio Republican Party. NBC Nightly News more
Jul 5, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Candidates run hard for voters' attention Campaigning across the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Paul Hackett raced from one July 4th event to another as he seeks a seat in Congress. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jul 5, 2005 Dayton Daily News Editorial - Husted has a sincerity problem Jon Husted is acting like a victim. The fact is, he's lucky. He got exposed, checked, humiliated, embarrassed � whatever you want to call it � before he got too used to letting people kiss his ring and treat him to the high life because of where he sits. Dayton Daily News more
Jul 4, 2005 Task force faces big job in Noe inquiry Prosecutors to dig through hundreds of boxes In the month since its creation, the task force to investigate Tom Noe has been relatively quiet, slowly putting together a process while gathering information. What the four prosecutors face is daunting: Unraveling the complex world of Mr. Noe's coin business and political activity. The... The Toledo Blade more
Jul 3, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Joe Hallett Commentary on Kevin Coughlin Joe Hallett details Rep. Kevin Coughlin's efforts to strike back at the authors of the RON Amendment, including former Ohio Democratic Party Chair Paul Tipps. Columbus Dispatch more...
Jul 2, 2005 Ohio to Launch Largest Voucher Program Ohio is more than tripling the size of its school voucher program, making it the nation's largest since the practice of using public money for private school tuition was found constitutional three years ago. Associated Press - San Francisco Chronicle more
Jul 2, 2005 Ohio Democrats victims of break-in COLUMBUS � Thieves targeted the Ohio Democratic Party Headquarters this week, stealing a computer and a high-tech communications gadget belonging to party chairman Denny White. Police said yesterday one or more burglars appeared to have climbed a wall Monday and crawled through an unlocked... Toledo Blade more
Jul 1, 2005 AP - Edwards says nominee must fight to win state 2004 Presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards, in Cleveland and Columbus yesterday to push a minimum wage amendement, said that the 2008 winner will be the candidate who sticks to his convictions and fights for them. The Associated Press more...
Jul 1, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Hackett promotes river's potential On a hot and hazy summer morning, Democrat Paul Hackett was willing to work up a sweat Thursday to make his point that the Ohio River should be exploited as a tourist destination and an economic catalyst for the 2nd Congressional District. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jul 1, 2005 The Nontaxpaying Affluent Grew by 15% in One Year The number of affluent individuals and married couples who paid no federal income taxes jumped more than 15 percent in 2002, to 5,650, new government data showed yesterday. The chances of having a large income but not paying taxes on any of it are growing, according to the data, issued in the... New York Times more...
Jun 29, 2005 Toledo Blade - Taft dodges questions on golf outings A week after Gov. Bob Taft acknowledged that �errors and omissions� marred his financial disclosure forms, the embattled governor refused yesterday to reveal any information about the undisclosed golf outings that have prompted an Ohio Ethics Commission investigation. Toledo Blade more...
Jun 29, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Blackwell's TABOR Amendment could mean millions less for Cuyahoga Ken Blackwell's TABOR ballot initiative would deprive Cuyahoga County residents of millions of dollars' worth of services, from health care for the poor to road improvements according to a new study released Tuesday. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jun 29, 2005 Senate Panel Narrowly Endorses CAFTA WASHINGTON (AP) - A Senate committee on Wednesday approved a trade agreement with Latin American nations, moving Congress a step closer to a decision on an accord that may have minimal effects on the U.S. economy but is of considerable political import to the Bush administration. Guardian UK more...
Jun 29, 2005 Captives: Terrorists hoped for Bush re-election LONDON Two French journalists who were held hostage in Iraq told a British documentary program that their captors believed George W. Bush's re-election as US president would help radicalize Iraqis. Jerusalem Post - The Associated Press more...
Jun 28, 2005 AP - Taft's own reputation ror ethics now on the line PERSPECTIVE: Taft's own reputation for ethics now on line ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio - Like a moralizing sea captain with a less than stellar crew, Gov. Bob Taft has rarely seen his own standards questioned in six years in office even as subordinates have... The Associated Press more...
Jun 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Dann calls for ending 'pay-to-play' Sen. Marc Dann asked a Senate committee to hear his proposal that would block state officials from awarding investment contracts to campaign contributors. Democrats are seeking to end Ohio's 'pay-to-play' system of government. Toledo Blade more...
Jun 26, 2005 AP - BWC investment managers gave millions to GOP Companies hired to manage investments for the scandal-plagued state insurance fund for injured workers have donated millions of dollars to the campaigns of top Ohio Republicans while contributing little to Democrats, a newspaper's analysis shows. The Associated Press more...
Jun 25, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Noe asset sale raises concerns In the years he ran a $50 million investment in rare coins, Tom Noe bought houses, cars, luxury boats and motor scooters. Now, as Noe tries to sell some of those assets, Democrats are objecting, fearing that Noe might have used state coin fund money to buy them. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Jun 25, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Congress should ban drilling in Great Lakes OHIO and some other Great Lakes states have not banned oil and gas drilling in and under the lakes, so it's proper that Congress step in to get the job done. Last week, a bipartisan group of federal lawmakers stepped up and proposed a federal ban on drilling in ensure that spills or... The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jun 22, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft didn't tell of golf outings Already under fire for his administration�s role in an investment scandal, Gov. Bob Taft admitted yesterday that he failed to disclose a number of golf outings as required by state law. One of Taft's golfing buddies, on at least one occasion, was Tom Noe. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Jun 22, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Hobson worth up to $17.7M Congressman accepted trips to Cancun, Florida, Hungary WASHINGTON - Rep. Dave Hobson and his wife accepted paid trips to Cancun, Florida and Hungary in 2004, according to financial disclosure forms released last week. The trips were for conferences to discuss legislative issues, said Sara Perkins, the Ohio Republican's spokeswoman. The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jun 21, 2005 $550M more held in other hedge funds; agency spokesman says investment to be removed Two weeks after revealing a $215 million loss in a risky hedge fund, the Ohio Bureau of Workers� Compensation yesterday confirmed it has another half billion dollars invested in two other hedge funds. The $550 million investment, in two funds offered by Minneapolis-based American Express Asset... The Toledo Blade more
Jun 20, 2005 AP - GOP group YourOhio never got off the ground Larry Householder and aides tried to start a pro-business think tank to prepare for next year's elections but gave up because of investigations involving some of the principals, according to a published report. Tom Noe was recruited by the group to donate money to their cause. Associated Press more...
Jun 18, 2005 E-mails Suggest BWC Damage Control Was there a cover-up in the Governor's Office? In an e-mail obtained by 10 Investigates , a decision is made not to mention in the weekly cabinet report to Governor Bob Taft the Bureau of Workers Compensation's $225 million MDL investment loss. Senate Minority Leader CJ Prentiss says, "I think... WBNS 10 TV more
Jun 17, 2005 New York Times - What's The Matter With Ohio? The message from Ohio is that long-term dominance by a political machine leads to corruption, regardless of the policies that machine follows or the ideology it claims to represent. The New York Times more...
Jun 17, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Ohio taxpayers deserve better accountability from officials WE want to know exactly what happened and what Taft and others are doing to safeguard future investments. Ohio residents need a full accounting of two recent scandals involving state funds and investments. We hope Gov. Bob Taft holds to his promise of full disclosure. The Coingate mess,... The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more
Jun 16, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ohio paid hundreds of thousands a year to lose $215 million Just as it takes money to make money, it took more than $700,000 in management fees for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation to lose $215 million in a Bermuda hedge fund, according to bureau records. Toledo Blade more
Jun 16, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Fisher decides against running for Governor Former Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher has decided not to run for Governor in 2006. Fisher made the announcement during his address to the Ohio Democratic County Chairs Association meeting last night in Cincinnati. more...
Jun 15, 2005 Toledo Blade - Wine Linked To Ohio Coin Scandal Stolen The suburban Denver home of a former employee of Tom Noe was burglarized over the weekend, with thieves making off with artwork, guns, jewelry, cars, and $300,000 in wine � possibly purchased with money from the state of Ohio. Toledo Blade more...
Jun 15, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Hackett Wins in a Landslide Paul Hackett easily defeated four opponents in Tuesday's primary election to gain a shot at representing the people of Ohio in Congress. Hackett, the Indian Hill attorney and Iraqi war veteran, won in a landslide. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jun 14, 2005 AP - Top Labor Official To Stay And Fight For Injured Workers Saying workers at the BWC still need someone to look out for them, Ohio's top labor official said Monday that he's staying on the board that oversees the state's insurance fund for injured workers. The Associated Press more...
Jun 13, 2005 Toledo Blade - Coin Scandal Concerns Resonate To D.C. What began as questions about Ohio's $50 million venture with a Toledo-area rare-coin dealer has mushroomed in just 10 weeks into a scandal that's echoing through the halls of Congress. more
Jun 12, 2005 Petro Files Suit Against MDL Reported by Roger McCoy An investment scandal is rocking the statehouse, and now, Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro has filed a lawsuit against MDL, a fund management company that lost more than $200 million of the Bureau of Workers Compensation's cash. Attorney General Jim Petro filed... more
Jun 10, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft at a loss on losses Bob Taft - sounding nervous and hoarse during a late afternoon press conference - repeatedly placed the blame on his staff, who he claims received a memo in October detailing a $215 million dollar investment loss, but failed to pass along the information. Democrats claim Taft is engaging in an... The Columbus Dispatch more...
Jun 8, 2005 Toledo Blade - Workers' comp bureau concealed $215M loss; Taft, Petro knew about fund's woes many months ago In a stunning, sickening admission, state officials acknowledged that the Bureau of Workers' Comp lost $215 million in a high risk hedge fund. The Bureau and Governor Bob Taft have known about the losses since September, but apparently chose to cover-up this damning information. The Toledo Blade more
Jun 8, 2005 After Lowering Goal, Army Falls Short on May Recruits WASHINGTON, June 7 - Even after reducing its recruiting target for May, the Army missed it by about 25 percent, Army officials said on Tuesday. The shortfall would have been even bigger had the Army stuck to its original goal for the month. The New York Times more...
Jun 8, 2005 Uninsured add $900 to health premiums-study WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Health insurance premiums will cost families and employers an extra $922 on average this year to cover the costs of caring for the uninsured, according to a report released on Wednesday. Reuters more...
Jun 7, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - 3,500 Bottles of Wine, Cuban Cigars Seized in Noe Case Colorado authorities have seized Cuban cigars and 3,500 bottles of wine worth an estimated $500,000 that they suspect were bought with Ohio money as part of a controversial rare-coin investment. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Jun 7, 2005 Business-Journal - Reardon Announces Candidacy For Ohio Auditor Flanked by friends and members of his family, Mahoning County Treasurer John Reardon announced today he is a candidate for Ohio auditor. He is the first Democrat to formally enter the race. Business-Journal more...
Jun 6, 2005 Financial Aid Rules for College Change, and Families Pay More Taken together, these changes, some based on overly optimistic predictions of inflation, have required families to count a greater share of their incomes and assets toward college expenses before becoming eligible for financial aid. As a consequence, tens of thousands of low-income students will... The New York Times more...
Jun 5, 2005 Washington Post - GOP Worries 'DeLay Effect' Will Cost Seats Rep. Bob Ney ethics troubles (gambling in London, golfing in Scotland) are coming to light in Ohio's small-town weekly newspapers, who now give weekly coverage to his connections with Tom DeLay and lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The Washington Post more...
Jun 4, 2005 Toledo Blade - Schwarzenegger Won't Return Noe's Money A spokesperson for Gov. Schwarzenegger confirmed that the California Governor would not return Tom Noe's $10,000 campaign contribution. State Sen. Marc Dann (D-Liberty) said he would be willing to go out to California and arm-wrestle the governor for the $10,000 because the "money belongs to the... Toledo Blade more
Jun 4, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Householder Probe Seizes Computers The raid came as the IRS and FBI continued their investigation into allegations that Perry County Auditor Householder, his former chief of staff Brett Buerck, and his fund-raiser, Kyle Sisk, essentially sold legislation in Columbus for campaign contributions. more...
Jun 3, 2005 Bush to give back $4,000 in Noe cash; Dems want GOP to return over $100,000 COLUMBUS � President Bush will return $4,000 in campaign contributions donated by Toledo area coin dealer Tom Noe and his wife, officials said yesterday. A spokesman said the Republican National Committee will also return $2,000 contributed by Mr. Noe, who is facing multiple investigations for... Toledo Blade more...
Jun 2, 2005 Ohio Senate approves budget, tax plan amid heated debate COLUMBUS - The Ohio Senate early this morning voted 19-13 for a massive overhaul of state tax law, despite often acrimonious debate resulting at one point with a threat to forcibly remove a Democrat from the chamber. Toldeo Blade more...
Jun 1, 2005 Plain Dealer - Bad Deals Detailed In Coin Probe Records Tom Noe's coin dealings, which included the sale of a $123,000 coin for 1 cent and another one sold to two different dealers -- were called "suspected criminal violations" in a request for a search warrant obtained last week by state investigators. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Jun 1, 2005 Does Your State Own Beanie Babies and Baseball Cards? Since Thursday, state officials have removed thousands of collectible items from Tom Noe�s Vintage Coins & Collectibles in Monclova Township. Many of them were purchased with money from the Ohio Bureau of Workers� Compensation, but officials can�t say which ones. Here is a partial list of what�s... more
Jun 1, 2005 Toledo Blade: Federal Grand Jury Begins Hearing Case Against Coin Dealer Noe Betty Shultz, a member of Toledo city council, was one of four people to testify today before a federal grand jury in Toledo investigating possible violations of federal campaign laws by local coin dealer Tom Noe. more
May 31, 2005 AP - Report: Republicans Received At Least $200,000 From Brokers Statewide Republican candidates and the state GOP Party have received at least $200,000 in contributions from about 50 brokers who invest money for the state Bureau of Workers' Compensation, The Columbus Dispatch reported on Monday. The Associated Press more...
May 30, 2005 Bridge demolition questioned CLEVELAND - A privately owned bridge over the Ohio River owned by a campaign contributor to Rep. Bob Ney would be demolished under a provision that Ney has inserted in a transportation bill making its way through Congress. Akron Beacon Journal more...
May 30, 2005 Bridge demolition questioned CLEVELAND - A privately owned bridge over the Ohio River owned by a campaign contributor to Rep. Bob Ney would be demolished under a provision that Ney has inserted in a transportation bill making its way through Congress. Akron Beacon Journal more...
May 28, 2005 Clark urges expanding reservist health care (AP) -- Retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark used the Democrats' radio broadcast Saturday to insist that Reserve and National Guard members and their families should receive the same health insurance as the active force does. CNN more...
May 27, 2005 Democratic Party Chair Dennis L. White Comments on Coin-Gate In an interview with the Toledo Blade Ohio Democratic Party Chair asked, "Where are the morals?" in regards to the $50 million dollar Bureau of Workers Compensation rare coin investment. Toledo Blade more...
May 26, 2005 AP - Coin Investigation Reaches Deep Into Governor's Office An investigation into possible wrongdoing by a coin collector investing millions in state money has reached deep into Gov. Bob Taft's office as his own inspector general requests hundreds of records The Associated Press more...
May 26, 2005 Up To $12 Million Missing; Noe To Face Criminal Charges After a third day of not allowing Bureau of Workers Compensation fraud invesitgators into his coin shop, the attorney for GOP super-donor and former Lucas County Chair Tom Noe informed that state of Ohio that up to $12 million dollars in rare coins are "missing". Toledo Blade more
May 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Inspectors Not Allowed At Noe Sites State fraud investigators, ordered by Gov. Bob Taft to �execute a complete inventory� of all rare coins owned by the state, were barred yesterday by Maumee coin dealer and GOP super-donor Tom Noe from beginning the inspections. Toledo Blade more...
May 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats Target Tax Breaks For Coin Deals Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D-Toledo) introduced a bill last week that would end the 16-year old sales-tax exemption for investment coins. The exemption has deprived the state of $16 million dollars since 1992, money Ujvagi would like to see go to higher education. Toledo Blade more...
May 23, 2005 AP - Boccieri, Stivers Try To Stay In Touch From Afar While deployed overseas with the military Rep. John Boccieri (D-New Middletown) relies on his wife, Stacey Kennedy-Boccieri, to handle constituents calls, run his legislative office, and make speeches. Boccieri has served four tours of duty since February 2004, piloting a cargo plane in... The Associated Press more...
May 23, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial - Noe Inquiry Grows Like A Weed It's the amazing little story that refuses to go away. Fallout from the state's invest ment in a $50 million rare-coin collection controlled by political operative and Toledo businessman Tom Noe now casts a shadow over every branch of Ohio's government. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
May 23, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Rendell Adresses Ohio Democratic Party Dinner Pennslyvania Governor Edward Rendell told a crowd of over 1,100 supporters at the Ohio Democratic Party State Dinner that Democrats need forcefully fight for issues they they care about and shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes. The Columbus Dispatch more...
May 21, 2005 AP - Strickland Debuts Ohio Campaign For Governor Speaking to a school employees union, Congressman Ted Strickland told the group that he cannot remain in Congress while Ohio's economy and public school systems are failing. The Associated Press more...
May 20, 2005 Cincinnati Post - Brinkman, Mallory: Save Library Funding Two Ohio legislators at opposite ends of the political spectrum came together at a public forum held by State Sen. Mark Mallory (D-Cincinnati) to agree on the need to save library funding from Bob Taft's proposed 5% cut. Cincinnati Post more...
May 20, 2005 Chillicothe Gazette - Dems Speak Out On State Budget Figuring out the budget is about priorities, said House Majority Leader Chris Redfern (D-Catawba Island). Should the state invest in Medicaid or should corporations get tax cuts and incentives? Should the legislature fund education or give a tax cut to the wealthy? Chillicothe Gazette more...
May 19, 2005 Toledo Blade - Democrats Tried To End Sales Tax Exemption For Coins Ohio Democrats have twice tried to undo legislation that granted a tax break to coin dealers such as Tom Noe and have failed each time. State Rep. Peter Ujvagi (D-Toledo) wants to eliminate the sales tax exemption for investment coins and bullion, which he says has saved coin dealers up to $40... Toledo Blade more...
May 18, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Democrats Eye Council Majority For the first time in decades, Democrats have a shot at taking contol of the Lancaster City Council - thanks to a crop of strong challengers and a group of popular Democratic incumbents. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more...
May 16, 2005 AP - Coin Dealer Noe Fighting To Keep Records Private Tom Noe, the Republican super-donor and central figure in Ohio's rare coin investment scandal is fighting a newspaper's attempt to obtain records of his taxpayer-funded coin investment deal. The Associated Press more...
May 13, 2005 Toledo Blade - Municipal Leader Slams Taft's Budget Calling Gov. Taft's budget 'the worst of both worlds,' the city of Lima's finance director told the Senate Finance Committee that the 51.3 billion dollar budget didn't provide cities, counties, and townships with the necessary funds. Toledo Blade more
May 13, 2005 AP - Resignation Suprises GOP, Invigorates Democrats The unexpected resignation of a veteran congressman has left Republicans with no clear-cut successor in the 2nd District and has given Democrats hope of their best chance for a victory in several elections. The Associated Press more...
May 13, 2005 NBC Nightly News - Ney's Trip Raises Ethical Questions It appears Rep. Bob Ney (R-Scotland) has taken another ethically-suspect trip, this time to London to gamble with a three-time convicted felon tax-cheat who wanted Ney's help selling planes in the Middle East. While on the trip, Ney gambled with Fouad al-Zayat, a Syrian-born businessman and one... NBC Nightly News more...
May 12, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Taft Fares Worst In Rating Of Governors Gov. Bob Taft has the lowest approval rating of any governor in the nation, a new national poll shows. Taft's 19% approval rating is far-and-away the lowest, outpacing Republicans Frank Murkowski of Alaska and Matt Blunt of Missouri. The Columbus Dispatch more...
May 11, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Ballot Long For Vacant House Seat If Republican and Democratic voters in the June 14 special congressional primary election can't find a candidate they like, it won't be for a lack of choices. No fewer than 19 candidates filed nominating petitions by Tuesday's 4PM deadline. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
May 10, 2005 AP - State To Get Out Of Coin Business Amid increasing criticism from Ohio Democrats, state officials have decided to phase out a taxpayer-funded investment in rare coins as $400,000 worth of coins remain missing and legal and ethical questions about the funds' management persist. The Associated Press more...
May 9, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Strickland Formally Announces Run U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland today made the formal announcement that he is running for governor, saying he believes Ohio needs the kind of leadership he can provide. The Columbus Dispatch more...
May 8, 2005 Columbus Dispatch Editorial - Disappearing Coin Trick The Bureau of Workers� Compensation should get out of the coin business. The Columbus Dispatch more...
May 5, 2005 Ohio News Network - Strickland To Run For Governor Congressman Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon) is expected to announce as soon as next week his desire to run for governor of Ohio in 2006. The run would put Strickland in a primary battle with the other announced candidate Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman. Ohio News Network more...
May 1, 2005 Toledo Blade - "Coin-gate" Continues: 121 Coins Missing 121 state-owned coins totaling at least $393,000 are missing, according to 2004 audit of the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation's coin investment program run by GOP super-donor Tom Noe and ex-con Mark Chrans. Toledo Blade more...
Apr 29, 2005 Toledo Blade - FBI Raids GOP Donor Noe's Condo The federal probe into whether Republican fund-raiser Tom Noe was illegally funneling money to the Bush campaign reached a turning point Wednesday night as federal agents swept into Noe's condo and seized property. Toledo Blade more...
Apr 29, 2005 ODP - Bill To Ban Abortions In Ohio Introduced In Ohio House Eighteen House Republicans introduced a bill in the Ohio House of Representatives that would make it illegal to perform an abortion in Ohio. The aim of the Republican legislators is to directly challenge Roe v. Wade. The Ohio Democratic Party more...
Apr 28, 2005 AP - Feds Confirm Investigation of Rare Coin Ringleader The head of the Bush-Cheney campaign in northwest Ohio and lead investor in the recent rare coin scandal is under a federal investigation in regards to campaign contributions he made. Tom Noe made a $3.3 million dollar profit after Ohio tax dollars were invested in rare coins through his company. Associate Press more...
Apr 27, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Ohio Legislature 'Logic' The Republican controlled General Assembly, with Gov. Bob Taft's approval, is poised to choke library funding under the current budget proposal. Libraries haven't received their alloted amount of state funding since 2001, and the new budget will cut even more state aid. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Apr 25, 2005 Newark Advocate - Columbus Mayor Campaigns In Newark A record crowd attended the Licking County Spring Dinner to hear from Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Michael Coleman. Coleman stressed Ohio's need for well-paying, quality jobs. Newark Advocate more...
Apr 22, 2005 Toledo Blade - Ex-Coin Fund Associate Has Felony Record One of the managers hired by Republican Tom Noe to buy and sell rare coins for the State of Ohio was once convicted of faking a coin transaction to cover up drug money. As if that wasn't damaging enough, the story gets worse... Toledo Blade more...
Apr 22, 2005 University of Cincinnati - Taft's Approval Rating Hits 22 Year Low The first Ohio Poll of 2005 finds Gov. Bob Taft has a 34% approval rating - the poll's lowest gubernatorial rating since 1983. His 55% disapproval rating is the highest in the poll's history. University of Cincinnati more
Apr 20, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Tax Increase Riles Beermakers The Taft Tax Machine is rolling onward, threatening to leave a path of lost jobs in its wake, claims Ohio's beer industry. Gov. Taft is seeking to double Ohio's beer tax to 41 cents per case, more than the tax Indiana, Pennsylvania and Kentucky collect on beer, combined. Columbus Dispatch more...
Apr 20, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Spending Cap Called Block To Progress Concerned citizens gathered at the Statehouse Tuesday to speak out against J. Kenneth Blackwell's proposed Revenue Restriction Amendment. The ballot measure would slash funding for Ohio's schools, libraries and local government funding, drastically impacting the lives of Ohio's individuals and... Dayton Daily News more...
Apr 19, 2005 AP - House Republicans Spread Pain of Funding Cuts To More Colleges House Republicans continue their mission to make college less affordable to Ohio's individuals and families by spreading cuts in higher education funding to more colleges and universities under the House version of the state budget. Associated Press more...
Apr 12, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Thousands Protest State Budget Cuts Thousands of sign-waving protesters from around Ohio held a rally this afternoon at the Statehouse to object to state budget cuts that they say would hurt the neediest citizens. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Apr 11, 2005 Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Federal Cuts Will Hurt Local War on Meth Despite a shocking increase in methamphetamine labs in Ohio, President Bush is cutting funding designed to help state and local police battle the growing number of meth labs popping up in rural Ohio. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette more...
Apr 11, 2005 AP - Republicans Reject Democratic Proposals To State Budget The Republican controlled House Budget Committee rejected several Democratic proposals aimed restoring money for poor families and children and sick adults with few resources. The Associated Press more...
Apr 7, 2005 Toledo Blade - Sheriff Says Taft Budget Hurts Wood County Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn said yesterday that Gov. Bob Taft's proposed budget would leave his department without enough money to execute important tasks. Toledo Blade more...
Apr 7, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Drug Prices Inconsistent on Petro's Website Republican Gubernatorial candidate Jim Petro launched a website this week designed to provide prices for common prescription drugs. Just one problem - the prices and dosages Petro provided were incorrect and confusing. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Apr 4, 2005 Greenville Daily Advocate - Locals Drill Republican Lawmakers Over 100 Darke County residents were united in their opposition to Gov. Taft's proposed budget at a meeting with three Republican lawmakers last Wednesday night. Greenville Daily Advocate more...
Apr 1, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Democrats' Road Tour Theme: Fighting For Ohio's Families Democrats have hit the road to with their "Fighting For Ohio's Families" Tour, bringing their message to own's small towns and cities in an attempt to illustrate to voters the economic havoc Bob Taft and 13 years of one-party rule have brought to Ohio. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Apr 1, 2005 Mansfield News Journal - Governor Takes Heat Over Cost of College Rep. Chris Redfern and Rep. Bill Hartnett visited OSU-Mansfield to talk with students about the increasing cost of public education as part of Democrats' "Fighting For Ohio's Families" Tour. Mansfield News Journal more...
Mar 29, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Knox County Democratic Women's Group Organized The enthusiasm of the 2004 elections in Knox County has lead to the formation of the Knox County Democratic Women, a group of Knox County Democrats that will meet to encourage political participation. Mount Vernon News more...
Mar 28, 2005 Toledo Blade - Social Security Not In Crisis, Kaptur Says Congressman Marcy Kaptur told a town hall meeting in Sylvania last night that "Social Security is not in crisis" and that Washington should go slow to make changes that could affect the national retirement program for decades to come. Toledo Blade more...
Mar 22, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Redfern Knocks Taft's Budget Plan Speaking to supporters on the first stop of his 10-city campaign to tell voters what's wrong with Gov. Taft's proposed state budget, House Minority Leader Rep. Chris Redfern spoke of how Taft's cuts in state aid would hurt local communities. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Mar 21, 2005 Coleman 'fed up' with state leadership Ohio's dismal job market, brain drain and poorly-funded education system are a result of poor leadership, 2006 gubernatorial candidate Michael Coleman told local Democrats Sunday -- a situation he intends to change. Findlay Courier more
Mar 21, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Coleman Hits The Road Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman began his three-day bus trip through northwest Ohio by stopping at bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants and listening to the concerns of ordinary Ohioans. Rather than tell voters his plans for the Governor's office, Coleman sought advice. "I want to be... Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Mar 19, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Plusquellic's Initiative To Battle Taft's Cuts Standing in front of a picture that would represent the 56 Akron city workers - police, firefighters and service employees - that would be lost of layoffs if Gov. Taft's budget is approved, Mayor Plusquellic annouced his plan to fight the budget that drastically cuts funds for cities and counties. Akron Beacon Journal more...
Mar 18, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - U.S. House Panel To Hold Hearing In Columbus The House Administration Committee has scheduled a hearing on election reform for 10AM, Monday at the Statehouse in Columbus. Ohio's Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell is set to testify in front of the committee, led by Rep. Bob Ney (R-Scotland). The Columbus Dispatch more...
Mar 17, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Coleman, Plusquellic Converge On Statehouse Ohio's elected officials took part in a rally on Statehouse grounds designed to convince legislators not to cut aid to cities and counties by up to 20 percent, a move that Gov. Taft said is necessary to balance the budget. Coleman said the state wants to "pass the buck and cut our funding.... Columbus Dispatch more...
Mar 16, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Fedor Pushes Bi-Partisan Physical Fitness Bill Calling it "our road map to getting children moving in the right direction for good health," Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) is pushing legislation to require the State Board of Education to adopt physcial education standards for kindergartners through high schoolers. Ohio is one of five states in... Dayton Daily News more...
Mar 15, 2005 Mount Vernon News - Proposal Would Create Panel For Redistricting A proposal for an amendment to the Ohio constitution has been introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives by Democratic Whip Steve Driehaus. The proposal would create a five-member panel responsible for redrawing state and congressional districts every 10 years, based on census data. Mount Vernon News more...
Mar 14, 2005 The Consequences of One-Party Rule: Part 2 Budget proposals from Pres. Bush and Gov. Taft would wipe out nearly $40 million in funds Franklin County receives to pay for extra deputy sheriffs, buy bulletproof vests to protect them, bolster collection of child-support payments, assure legal aid for the poor and moderize sidewalks and storm... Columbus Dispatch more...
Mar 14, 2005 The Consequences of One-Party Rule: Part 1 Nearly half of Ohio's sheriffs have either laid off deputies or left positions unfilled during the past year to keep keep their shrinking budgets in balance. Tight county budgets � and the anticipation that there�s worse to come if legislators adopt Gov. Bob Taft�s proposed state-aid cuts to... The Columbus Dispatch more...
Mar 11, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Retailers Rip Taft's Tax Plan Ohio retailers continued to beat up on Gov. Bob Taft's tax plan, claiming Thursday it would eat up what little profit they have and potentially result in higher prices for the state's consumers. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Mar 10, 2005 AP - Who Paid For Bob Ney's Trip To Scotland? According to Rep. Bob Ney (R-St. Clairsville) a conservative public policy group paid for two golfing trips to Scotland. However, according to the policy group, they didn't pay for Ney's excursions with a lobbyist who is accused of bilking $66 million from six Indian tribes. Partying is... Associated Press more...
Mar 9, 2005 AP - Privatization Tanks In Polling, GOP Says The heart of President Bush's plan for Social Security, allowing younger workers to create personal accounts in exchange for a lower guaranteed government benefit, is among the least popular elements with the public, Republican pollsters told House GOP leaders Tuesday. Associated Press more...
Mar 9, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell's Request Illegal, White Says J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio's Secretary of State and candidate for Governor, broke Ohio law last year when he asked state legislative candidates to pledge to oppose renewal of a one-penny increase in the state sales tax, says Ohio Democratic Party Chair Dennis L. White. The Columbus Dispatch more...
Mar 6, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Poor: Taft's Dental Plan Scares Us Gov. Bob Taft's new budget is full of deep cuts that will endanger the welfare of millions of Ohioans - including the 800,000 less fortunate who rely on Medicaid for dental and vision coverage. Dayton Daily News more...
Mar 3, 2005 Plain Dealer - State Wants Judge To Rule On Its Role In Election The request that a federal judge analyze the state's role in the 2004 election has grown out of a case originally brought by the Ohio Democratic Party against Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Mar 2, 2005 Toledo Blade - Fedor, Ujvagi Introduce Package of Election Reforms Two Toledo area legislators introduced a package of legislation today to overhaul how state elections are run. The aim is to create "an election system that is effective, efficient, and modern.'' Toledo Blade more...
Mar 1, 2005 Marion Star - OSU Students Say "No Thanks" To Mumper's Bill Calling the bill an insult to their intelligence and an attempt to stiffle free speech, students from Ohio State University at Marion gathered in an open forum and agreed to oppose Larry Mumper's (R-Marion) Senate Bill 24. The Marion Star more...
Feb 26, 2005 Plain Dealer - AARP President Vows To Fight Bush's Privatization Plan Speaking to the Cleveland City Club on Friday, Marie Smith, President of the AARP, told listeners the AARP intends to expand its $5 million ad campaign against President Bush's disasterous plans to privatize Social Security. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Feb 25, 2005 AP - Grand Jury Seeks Records From Householder, Buerck Payroll records, expense accounts and computer hard drives from the Ohio House of Representatives have been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury as part of a campaign-spending investigation of former Speaker Larry Householder and his top political aides. Associated Press more...
Feb 24, 2005 Toledo Blade - Federal Panel Analyzes Ohio's Handling of Vote The 2004 presidential election in Ohio should not be considered a model for other states on how to issue provisional ballots, the director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections told a federal commission yesterday. Toledo Blade more...
Feb 22, 2005 Akron Beacon Journal - Sherrod Brown Attacks Bush's Privatization Plans Talking to over 100 concerned citizens at Akron-Summit County Public Library, Rep. Sherrod Brown called President Bush's plan to privatize Social Security a plan that "violates moral values that we hold dear." Akron Beacon Journal more...
Feb 22, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer Editorial - Mumper's Bill is Un-American The trouble with state Sen. Larry Mumper's "academic bill of rights" is that in seeking to guarantee freedoms for college students, he infringes on constitutional ones. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Feb 15, 2005 Plain Dealer - Democrats Criticize Taft's Tax Plan At Hearing If the governor's tax-cut plan is adopted, a person earning $10,000 to $15,000 a year could use his income tax cut to see the Indians play - from the bleachers. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Feb 15, 2005 Dayton Daily News - Commerical Pursuits A Greater Threat To Our Universities Fighting Larry Mumper's notion that university professors are "card-carrying Communists," Rudy Fenwick and John Zipp of Akron University argue that commercialization poses today's greatest threat to our universities and colleges. Dayton Daily News more...
Feb 15, 2005 Chronicle Telegram - State Legislators Alleged To Have Hid Nearly $900,000 in In-Kind Contributions The Ohio Elections Commission refused to dismiss charges by Democrats against state representatives Earl Martin and Kathleen Walcher alleging they hid nearly $900,000 of in-kind contributions their campaigns received from the state Republican Party. Lorain County Chronicle Telegram more...
Feb 8, 2005 Cleveland Plain Dealer - Taft Wants Consumers To Dig Deep - Again Gov. Bob Taft is poised to unveil a tax reform package in today's State of the State address that asks consumers to bear a larger burden for getting Ohio's economy back on its feet. Cleveland Plain Dealer more...
Feb 7, 2005 Toledo Blade - GOP Pay Grab $20,000 in taxpayer money will be used to soothe a few bruised GOP ego's damaged during an intra-party fight last fall. The payoff violates the Ohio Constitution's stricture against in-term pay increases. The Toledo Blade more...
Feb 4, 2005 A Halfhearted And Sloppy Assult Against Academia More on Sen. Larry Mumper's S.B. 24 - his so-called "Academic Bill of Rights" comes from this article in Columbus' Other Paper The Other Paper more...
Feb 1, 2005 Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman Announces Gubernatorial Bid Remarking that "our state is in crisis and we are duty bound to make it great again," Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman threw his hat into the ring for the 2006 Gubernatorial election. more...
Jan 31, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Senate Bill Would Stiffle Debate In Ohio's Colleges and Universities Marion Sen. Larry Mumper (R) has introduced legislation that would restrict what professors could say in their very own classrooms. Calling Ohio's professors "card-carrying Communists," Mumper's bill seeks to ban all "controversial" discussion. more...
Jan 23, 2005 Cincinnati Enquirer - Under Taft's Plan Cinci Hotels Would Have Highest Tax in Nation If Ohio Gov. Bob Taft follows through on a proposal to add a 1 percent tax on hotel bills, Cincinnati could gain a No. 1 ranking it really doesn't want - the highest hotel tax rate in the nation. Cincinnati Enquirer more...
Jan 18, 2005 AP - Gov. Taft Proposes More New Taxes Gov. Bob Taft is proposing a 1 percent statewide bed tax as a way to promote travel and tourism in the Buckeye state. Critics, however, say Ohio would be known more for its high taxes than for its tourism. A one night stay in a $100 a night Columbus hotel would bring an additional $17.75 in... more...
Jan 16, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Franklin County Shifts Democratic The county surrounding Ohio's capital city has made a remarkable turnaround in the past few years. Once a Republican-leaning area, Franklin County is now becoming solidly Democratic. John Kerry's nine percentage point win, along with the county-wide victories of Paula Brooks, Mary Jo Kilroy,... more...
Jan 12, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - GOP Has Trouble Finding Candidates in Franklin County GOP leaders in Franklin County haven't been able to find anyone to challenge City Atty. Richard Pfeiffer Jr., and a Republican steering committee might recommend only two candidates to run for three Columbus City Council seats. Two years ago, Republicans couldn't find anyone to oppose Mayor... more...
Jan 12, 2005 Plain Dealer - Not Again! Blackwell's Letter Could Break Second Law Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who already violated Ohio state law with a plea for corporate donations in a fundraising letter, could have violated a second law by using a phony seal disguised to look like the Great Seal of the United States. Using the official seal - or its likeness -... more
Jan 11, 2005 Taft Tells Nursing Homes to Prepare for $90 Million Dollar Medicaid Cut AP - Ohio Gov. Bob Taft warned nursing homes to prepare for a 3% cut in Medicaid funding over the next two years, industry leaders said Monday. The cut would reduce funding by $90 million dollars in the budget year beginning July 1. Pete Van Runkle, president of the Ohio Health Care Association... more...
Jan 8, 2005 Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell Asks For Illegal Money In Fundraising Letter In a fundraising letter sent to contributors, Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell asked for illegal corporate contributions to his 2006 gubernatorial campaign. The letter states, "corporate & personal checks are welcome." Regarding the gaffe, Carlo LoParo, Blackwell's spokesperson... more...
Dec 22, 2004 Plain Dealer - Ohio "Tort Reform" A Scam Before crawling back under Ohio's rocks -- i.e., adjourning -- the 125th General Assembly approved a "tort reform" that did nobody any good, except supine state legislators and grasping Statehouse lobbyists. Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Dec 21, 2004 Associated Press - Hocking County Computer Fix Did Not Impact Votes LOGAN, Ohio (AP) � Prosecutors and local police found no evidence of tampering when they watched yesterday as a technician repeated a repair to a vote-tallying computer that led a congressman to request an FBI investigation. Associated Press more
Dec 21, 2004 Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Suburbs Getting More Democratic The patches of John Kerry signs throughout Worthington were the first indication that the suburb was leaning left. As in Upper Arlington � where "UA for Kerry" signs dotted neighborhoods but the challenger still lost by more than 2,700 votes � few expected traditionally conservative... Columbus Dispatch more
Dec 15, 2004 Several Factors Contributed to 'Lost' Voters in Ohio COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Tanya Thivener's is a tale of two voting precincts in Franklin County. In her city neighborhood, which is vastly Democratic and majority black, the 38-year-old mortgage broker found a line snaking out of the precinct door. Wasington Post more
Dec 15, 2004 Toledo Blade - House debating changes to campaign bill - The debate over how to revise Ohio's campaign finance law heated up yesterday, as groups ranging from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce to the Sierra Club criticized different sections of the bill. Toledo Blade more
Dec 15, 2004 Montgomery County's Recount Complete: Votes tallied, result the same The Montgomery County Board of Elections conducted a recount of the Nov. 2 presidential vote, with teams of workers scanning through punch-card ballots and quietly discussing whether paper hanging from some ballots � so-called chads � constituted votes. Dayton Daily News more
Dec 9, 2004 Taft�s unprecedented special session a boon for special interests (Columbus)- Ohio Senate Democrats today expressed outrage over Ohio Governor Bob Taft�s plan to call an unprecedented special legislative session to allow Statehouse Republicans to raise limits on special interest contributions by 400 percent�or more. more...
Dec 8, 2004 Akron Beacon Journal - Recount Complete: Democrat Brian Williams defeats Marilyn Slaby in House. Former Akron school Superintendent Brian Williams is still headed to the Ohio House. And city officials in Stow will still have to follow competitive bidding procedures. more
Dec 8, 2004 Plain Dealer Editorial - Repbulican Should Stop Stealth Attempts to Sneak Measures Into Law Given a choice between conducting the public's business the right way or the wrong way, far too often the Ohio General Assembly opts for the latter. more
Dec 7, 2004 Akron Beacon Journal - Democrats promise investigation Party officials vow to correct Ohio problems with election process, regardless of expense No expense will be spared in conducting an exhaustive and thorough investigation of the 2004 vote in Ohio, the head of the Democratic National Committee promised Monday. ``A record number of Americans... more
Dec 3, 2004 Plain Dealer - Final count in Ohio gives Kerry 18,000 more votes George Bush's nail-biting win in Ohio - the one that forced America to wait overnight to learn who its new president would be - was even closer than Election Day results indicated. John Kerry will pick up about 18,000 votes when Secretary of State Ken Blackwell certifies final results on... Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Nov 29, 2004 Middletown Journal - Butler County Democrats Gaining Momentum HAMILTON � Even though John Kerry lost the presidential election, his campaign galvanized the Butler County Democratic party and spurred it into action. Middletown Journal more
Nov 19, 2004 Dayton Daily News - Dayton Area Democratic Precincts Have Many Uncounted Ballots DAYTON | Two Montgomery County precincts had extraordinarily high numbers of ballots cast Nov. 2 with no presidential vote counted, and the county's overall rates of such undercounts were highest where Democratic hopeful John Kerry did best. Dayton Daily News more
Nov 19, 2004 Plain Dealer - Republican Rep. Ney at Center of Scandal Washington- Ohio Republican Rep. Bob Ney has emerged as a central figure in a Capitol Hill influence peddling scandal in which a lobbyist tried to get him to write legislation after steering thousands of political dollars his way. Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Nov 17, 2004 Plain Dealer - Summit County Rejects 1,200 Provisional Ballts About 1,200 provisional ballots were rejected Tuesday by the Summit County Board of Elections, where much of a morning meeting was devoted to a separate debate about dimples and piercings. Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Nov 17, 2004 Dayton Daily News Supports Recount Think of it as preventive maintenance, sort of like an off-season check of your air conditioner. That check and a possible tune-up would be the only practical effects of a statewide recount of votes in the presidential race. A recount can't alter the election outcome for the two third-party... Dayton Daily News more
Nov 16, 2004 Enquirer - Final Results- No Vote Change in Warren Count LEBANON - Warren County finished its vote count Monday without any results changing. An additional 2,200 votes were added to the 93,321 that were tallied on Election Day, putting voter turnout at 76.3 percent. Most of the new votes were from provisional ballots, but about 600 of them were... Cincinnati Enquirer more
Nov 15, 2004 Cincinnati Post - Checking All Ballots Takes Time Election officials in Hamilton and Butler counties are working long hours to determine the validity of thousands of provisional ballots cast in the Nov. 2 election. "Our staff has been working 12 hours a day, six days a week," said Tim Burke, chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Elections. Cincinnati Post more
Nov 10, 2004 Plain Dealer - Cuyahoga board deflates vote suspicions Wednesday, November 10, 2004 Scott Hiaasen Plain Dealer Reporter A confusing counting method employed by Cuyahoga County elections officials appears to inflate the vote totals in some suburbs, further fueling suspicion on the Internet about the integrity of Ohio's unofficial election... Cleveland Plain Dealer more
Nov 4, 2004 Democrat Garrison Defeats Hollister for House Seat An era came to an end Tuesday as political neophyte Jennifer Garrison of Marietta defeated incumbent Nancy Hollister, also of Marietta, for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives Marietta Times more
Nov 4, 2004 Democrats in control in Frankin County looks at options Democrats won more on Election Day than two seats on the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. They also won control of 13 county departments, 1,500 county jobs and the power to shape boards and commissions that oversee everything from children�s foster-care programs to the Columbus Clippers. Columbus Dispatch more
Oct 18, 2004 N.Y. Times - Blackwell Acting Like The Katherine Harris of 2004 COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 15 - As the secretary of state of Ohio, J. Kenneth Blackwell, a Republican who is unabashed about his ambition to be governor, has issued a series of rulings on obscure issues like provisional ballots, voting notices to parolees and the weight of registration forms. To... New York Times more
Oct 5, 2004 Cuyahoga County Ignores Blackwell - Will Stand Up For Voting Rights Cuyahoga County officials to defy Blackwell's provisional-ballot order Cuyahoga County election officials said Monday they will give provisional ballots to every voter who asks for one on Election Day, defying a controversial order from Secretary of State Ken Blackwell. "We err on the... Plain Dealer more
Oct 1, 2004 Let the Confusion Begin! Thank You Mr. Blackwell CINCINNATI (AP) � Thousands of ballots sent to absentee voters in Hamilton County must be reissued because they would give votes intended for an unopposed county engineer to an Ohio Supreme Court candidate. Associated Press more
Aug 2, 2004 Jacobson regrets secret campaign tactics DAYTON | State Sen. Jeff Jacobson said he told donors to give money to a state legislator he supported or to help her by donating to a nonprofit group that ran negative ads about her opponent's voting record. ADVERTISEMENT Top 5 stories Kerry team visits... Dayton Daily News more
Jul 12, 2004 ODP Web Log and Ohio Democrats Featured in USA Today WASHINGTON � Political newcomer Jeff Seemann didn't have a campaign phone number, office or staff when he started his House race three months ago against longtime Republican incumbent Ralph Regula. USA Today more
Jul 2, 2004 Dayton Daily News - Money, secrecy bring fall for Jacobson State Sen. Jeff Jacobson's bid to become president of the Ohio Senate next year has been ruined by revelations of his secret financial connections to two highly controversial political operators. Until this week, Sen. Jacobson, R-Butler Twp., seemed to have a lock on the top job, with his former... Dayton Daily News more
Dec 29, 2003 State Party Ramps Up for Busy 2004 The year ahead promises to be truly an exciting year in Ohio politics as many predict this to be the battleground state in the presidential race. more...
Dec 9, 2003 Conservative Politicians Prey on Pensioners It was a great night for politicians. It was a horrible night for 1.5 million Ohioans who rely on the state's public pension systems. more...
Nov 12, 2003 Devotion to community remembered By Dan Clutter Telegraph-Forum staff Wagner According to some of the people who knew him best, John Wagner left a long, heartfelt legacy by dedicating his life to children. As a current member of the Bucyrus Board of Education, or going back to his days as a coach in the... more...
Oct 16, 2003 Democrats Can Nominate President at National Convention Ohio Democrats can be part of the official selection of the 2004 presidential candidate at the Democratic Party's National Convention by becoming a presidential candidate delegate. more...
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