Jan 29, 2011Reclaim the Media: Cantwell, Franken introduce legislation to protect net neutrality
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Internet Freedom, Broadband Promotion, and Consumer Protection Act of 2011 to ensure the broadband Internet continues to serve as a source of innovation, free speech, and job growth.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Jan 29, 2011John Kasich’s Reverse Robin Hood on Ohio’s Natural Resources
Good old Robin Hood and his merry band of men lived in the forest and kept themselves busy stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. In John Kasich’s world, he and his merry band of poultry mega farmers and foreign oil and gas interests intend to to take natural resources from all Ohioans...
Clips and Commentmore
Jan 29, 2011Max Sutton to run for Newark mayor
NEWARK -- Max Sutton, a Newark attorney and business owner, announced today he plans to run for mayor of Newark.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Jan 8, 2011Kasich going after Medicaid
Gov.-elect John Kasich and 32 other Republican governors and governors-elect are urging the Obama administration to let states cut enrollment in the tax-funded Medicaid program without losing federal aid.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jan 8, 2011Outgoing governor gives 290 pardons
In exercising his ultimate authority as governor, granting executive clemency, Gov. Ted Strickland will go down in history as more liberal than his predecessors.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jan 2, 2011Public Workers Facing Outrage as Budget Crises Grow
FLEMINGTON, N.J. — Ever since Marie Corfield’s confrontation with Gov. Chris Christie this fall over the state’s education cuts became a YouTube classic, she has received a stream of vituperative e-mails and Facebook postings.
New York Timesmore
Jan 1, 2011Killing train kills private projects
When the 3C passenger rail line pushed by Gov. Ted Strickland was derailed, supporters say the estimated 16,700 jobs and $3 billion in potential investments went off track as well. Developers said they are not likely to build projects in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati now that the...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Nov 30, 2010Kasich names head of ODOT
At an age when most people are leaving their job for a long-awaited retirement, Jerry Wray will return to a position he left more than a decade ago.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Nov 28, 2010Comeback for Ohio Dems would not be easy
Swings of the pendulum in politics are nothing new, but the one that swung through Ohio -- and most of the rest of the nation -- on Nov. 2, was a body blow to the Ohio Democratic Party.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Nov 28, 2010Other states clamoring for Ohio's 3C rail funds
Gov.-elect John Kasich's vow to scrap a proposed passenger rail line linking Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland is becoming increasingly popular - in New York, California and other states that hope to snatch the $400 million in federal dollars that Ohio might give up.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Nov 7, 2010City council discusses budget cut options
LANCASTER -- Amid the city administration making final adjustments to next year's budget, some city council leaders already are working on ways to avoid further financial shortfalls, now and in the future.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 30, 2010Focus on change in 31st District contest
Two local residents are running for the Ohio Senate seat because they want to see more changes in Columbus. Democrat Dennis Lupher is challenging incumbent Republican Tim Schaffer, who has served as senator since 2006.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 30, 2010Capitol Idea: Seeking New Unity In A Place Of Historical Disunity
GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Watching charming, autumn-tinted scenery roll by driving the rural highways of this corner of Adams County, you could think yourself anywhere in rural America.
The Democratic Dailymore
Oct 29, 2010Former employee files suit against Fairfield County
Ten months after being fired and one week before the election, a former county employee has filed a civil suit against the Fairfield County commissioners, maintaining he had been terminated after he had filed an ethics complaint against Fairfield County Commissioner Mike Kiger.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 29, 2010Big-name Democrats make final Ohio campaign push
Democrats are rolling out the big names -- President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and former President Bill Clinton -- in a desperate effort to save Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and maintain their grip on a state critical for the 2012 presidential election.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 28, 2010Strickland, Kasich and others rally support in Summit County
With the days winding down till the 2010 general election, the campaign rhetoric is heating up.
Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and his Republican challenger, John Kasich, each visited Summit County on Wednesday and brought a message to their ardent supporters: I am the right man for the job.
Akron Beacon Journalmore
Oct 24, 2010Strickland whittles Kasich lead to 2 points
The race for governor has narrowed to a 2-point gap as Democrats are showing more interest as the election nears, according to a poll commissioned by the Ohio Newspaper Organization.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 23, 2010Clinton visit scheduled
Former President Bill Clinton is expected to campaign in Columbus next Saturday for Gov. Ted Strickland and Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, according to Democratic sources.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 23, 2010Ohio unemployment falls for 6th straight month
The final snapshot of Ohio's job market before Election Day was issued Friday and showed the state's unemployment rate slipped to 10 percent in September, continuing a steady retreat from March's 26-year high of 11 percent.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 22, 2010Poll: Candidates for Ohio governor about even
A new poll in the Ohio governor's race shows Democratic incumbent Ted Strickland and GOP challenger John Kasich are about even two weeks before Election Day. The CNN/Time poll released Wednesday shows Strickland with 48 percent support among registered voters and Kasich with 46 percent.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 22, 2010Power to appoint a big tool for governors
Whoever Ohioans pick in the Nov. 2 gubernatorial election won't just be governor. He'll name dozens of judges and thousands of other Ohioans to 300 state boards, commissions and task forces -- everything from public university trustees to the Third Frontier Commission to the state dental board.
Cincinnati Enquirermore
Oct 19, 2010Kasich team in crosshairs over ’Plumber’ statement
Republican John Kasich’s running mate in the Ohio governor’s race is drawing Democratic criticism for an erroneous claim that a federal law was found broken in the Joe the Plumber records-peeping case.
Toledo Blademore
Oct 18, 2010President's rally attracts 35,000
Seeking to fire up the Democratic base and the young voters who helped put him into office in 2008, President Barack Obama urged an overflow crowd on the Ohio State University Oval last night to reject a Republican agenda "that nearly destroyed the economy."
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 15, 2010Celebrities Produce Video To Push Back Against Chamber, Rightwing Attacks
A progressive coalition enlisted two well-known Hollywood comedians to produce a humorous video aimed at rebutting the onslaught of election-season business and conservative attacks on the healthcare reform law enacted earlier this year.
The Democratic Dailymore
Oct 14, 2010Allegations Prove Foreigners Buying Elections Just As Obama Warned, Expert Says
Revelations that one of the most powerful lobbying groups is using foreign funds to influence U.S. elections proves President Obama was right in January when he warned of just such consequences to the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, according to an analyst at a Washington watchdog...
The Democratic Dailymore
Oct 11, 2010Ohio Attorney General Fights Against Wall Street
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Back East, at the corner of Broad and Wall Streets, the view is swell. The Dow is soaring, and bankers look pleased.
But here on East Broad Street, the mood is gloomier. At least 90,000 residential and commercial foreclosure notices will be filed in Ohio this year. Pension...
New York Timesmore
Oct 7, 2010Kasich shouldn't block high-speed rail tracks
WHEN the high-speed or medium-speed train pulls out of the station, Ohio won't be on it if Republican John Kasich wins the gubernatorial election. He is adamant that expansion of passenger rail service in the state will go nowhere if he's governor.
Toledo Blademore
Oct 4, 2010How to fight Tea Party's faux populism
Progressives are an impatient bunch. We fight for people who have waited too long already — for health care, for educational opportunity, for jobs to keep them in the middle class.
USA TODAYmore
Oct 3, 2010Joe Hallett commentary: Campaign attack ads reach scummy lows
Amid the inanity coming from your television set in 30-second bursts, there is one politician's ad that sticks out as the scummiest so far.
It is an attack ad by Josh Mandel, ironically a likable and easygoing state representative from Lyndhurst who is running against Democratic state...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Sep 17, 2010Lehman Collapse 2 year Anniversary
Yesterday marked the two-year anniversary of the collapse of the financial giant Lehman Brothers, a collapse that led to the global recession and caused Ohioans to lose their homes, their jobs and their pensions. Congressman John Kasich served as a Managing Director of Lehman Brothers from 2001...
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore...
Dec 3, 2007Dispatch - Strickland revisits campaign promises
"I own this issue," [Strickland] said yesterday. "I am not going to run away from it or walk away from it. I am not crawling away from it either. I think about it every day. It is my strong commitment to get this done."
Columbus Dispatchmore
Nov 27, 2007Dispatch - Legislature hasn't been a house afire this year
Ohio lawmakers are on pace to hold fewer sessions and pass fewer bills in 2007 than in any corresponding year for at least a decade. While legislators frequently gather in Columbus for committee hearings and handle a variety of business in their districts, the House will have convened just 37...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Sep 22, 2007Dispatch - Dann seeks to close third charter school
Attorney General Marc Dann yesterday sought to shut down a third tax-funded, privately operated charter school where student performance has been dismal. In a lawsuit filed in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, Dann alleged that the Moraine Community School of Dayton has failed in its mission...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Sep 22, 2007Dispatch - Ex-BWC official pleads guilty
Prosecutors agreed to the deal with McLean in part because of his "extensive" cooperation in a sweeping investigation of scandals at the bureau, said Lara N. Baker, chief prosecutor in the Columbus city attorney's office.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 24, 2007Eagle-Gazette - Education elections open
The Ohio School Board's Association is working to get people involved in public education in November. It's a school board election year, and OSBA wants as many people to get involved as possible. That's why the organization is getting its school board candidate campaign under way. Local boards...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jun 12, 2007Dispatch - Governor vows to veto video wagering games
Hours after Gov. Ted Strickland threatened to veto legislation that would allow Ohioans to wager on archived horse races via a video console, the speaker of the House declared the bill dead. At the same time, Strickland and Attorney General Marc Dann said devices that function like a slot...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 1, 2007Dispatch - Brunner asks auditor to help recoup Blackwell gifts
On his way out of office as secretary of state, J. Kenneth Blackwell gave parting payments totaling $80,186 to 19 top staffers in December. Jennifer Brunner, his Democratic successor, wants the money paid back. Brunner is seeking to recover the payments on grounds they were illegal, after...
Columbus Dispatchmore
May 12, 2007Dispatch - Ohio Democratic Party ready for role in 2008
In Columbus tonight, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will find an Ohio Democratic Party that actually appears capable of helping her win the presidency next year. Such a proposition was dubious for the party's last two presidential nominees. And in 1996, Clinton's husband, Bill, won Ohio almost in...
Columbus Dispatchmore
May 6, 2007Dispatch - Ex-official repays state after being confronted
After she was defeated in last year's GOP primary, former state Treasurer Jennette Bradley spent $1,200 in taxpayer money to update her personal resume. Bradley also signed off on spending $5,150 for 23 treasurer's employees to attend a career consulting seminar. The topics included...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 28, 2007Blade - Reports show how BWC workers were tied to scandal
Hundreds of pages of investigative reports released yesterday by prosecutors reveal how three investment department employees with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation were swept up in the scandal that has gripped the state agency for more than two years.
Toledo Blademore
Apr 28, 2007Pickerington Times-Sun - City Council gives City Manager Gilleland a contract renewal
In a meeting April 17, Pickerington City Council unanimously approved the renewal of City Manager Judy Gilleland's contract and authorized her to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Child Advocacy Center of Fairfield County.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Apr 5, 2007Dispatch - Strickland extends freeze on state's food spending
Gov. Ted Strickland today extended his temporary freeze on certain state meal-related expenditures until May 4. It was to have expired today. After learning that the state spent nearly $8.2 million on food and related purchases since July 2003, Strickland last month issued an order temporarily...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 1, 2007Eagle-Gazette - Sewer fees may triple by 2020
Lancaster residents will pay higher sewer fees starting next year. The question for city officials is how much and from what source the money will come. The fee hike comes from the Ohio EPA officials telling Lancaster officials they must complete seven projects to meet the agency's requirement...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Apr 1, 2007AP - Governor signs transportation budget
Governor Strickland this morning signed the state's 7.8 billion-dollar transportation budget for the next two years.
The Democrat used his line-item veto on a provision that would have allowed charter schools to create their own transportation districts.
Ohio News Networkmore
Mar 27, 2007Third member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections resigns
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner received notice Tuesday from Cuyahoga County Board of Elections member Sally Florkiewicz that she has resigned from the board. The resignation by Florkiewicz, a Republican, leaves fellow Republican Robert T. Bennett as the sole member of the Cuyahoga...
Ohio Secretary of Statemore
Feb 6, 2007Dispatch - Audit of Blackwell office requested
The shredding of documents before J. Kenneth Blackwell left office as secretary of state is one reason his successor wants a complete audit of the office. The new secretary of state, Jennifer L. Brunner, hand-delivered a letter yesterday to Auditor Mary Taylor seeking a top-tobottom review of...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jan 30, 2007Dispatch - Cordray says state owns thousands of pieces of unused property
Cordray, who has been in office since Jan. 8, has already done a preliminary inventory of state property in 20 counties. He found 7,364 parcels of state property. He estimated 446 of those could be sold for private development or use for community projects. The McKinley Avenue plot, 12 acres...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jan 16, 2007Blade - Blackwell handed out $80,000 in bonuses as he left office
On his way out the door, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell handed 19 of his key employees more than $80,000 in bonuses, even as his replacement, Democrat Jennifer Brunner, said he left her some $1 million short to meet her office’s obligations for this fiscal year.
Toledo Blademore
Jan 12, 2007Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - McCain Defends Bush's Iraq Strategy
Despite pointed questions from Levin and other Democrats, the testimony of the two top officials drew considerably less consternation than Thursday's testimony from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., told Rice that he feared Bush's plan would be the worst foreign...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Dec 29, 2006New York Times - Ohio Ruling Denying Pay in Job Injury Draws Debate
The Ohio Supreme Court has upheld a KFC franchise’s petition to deny workers’ compensation payments to a teenage boy who was severely burned while cleaning a pressure cooker, raising questions from lawyers and the dissenting judges about the basic no-fault tenet of the state’s workers’ compensation.
New York Timesmore...
Dec 24, 2006Dispatch - Issue 2 Backers Want Veto
The coalition that backed Issue 2, the minimum-wage constitutional amendment on the November ballot, is now asking Governor Bob Taft to veto the law that would put the amendment into action.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Dec 24, 2006Associated Press - Strickland Names Two New Cabinet Officers
Governor elect Ted Strickland named two new cabinet officers Thursday, including the state's first openly gay agency director. The appointment of Columbus city councilwoman Mary Jo Hudson as insurance director follows a 2004 election in which religious conservatives in the state successfully...
Ohio News Networkmore
Dec 18, 2006Associated Press - Lawmakers grapple with will of the people
After voters convincingly approved a minimum-wage increase on the November ballot, lawmakers wrote a bill containing rules that cut a long list of worker categories out of the raise - drawing ire from the ballot issue's backers. "By attempting to insert certain exemptions, this bill is...
Ohio News Networkmore
Dec 17, 2006Dispatch - Analysis of election
Thanks to the state’s new no-excuse absentee voting law, Ohioans cast a record number of absentee ballots in last month’s general election, a Dispatch analysis of official returns shows. The analysis also shows that the percentage of provisional ballots cast in the Nov. 7 election increased only...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Dec 15, 2006Dispatch - Noe trail leads to Voinovich associate
Quarterly payments of $2,500 from convicted coin dealer Thomas W. Noe to a company run by the wife of U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich’s former campaign treasurer are part of an ongoing investigation. The payments were made to an obscure company incorporated in Florida that names as the only...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Dec 15, 2006Dispatch - When it comes to bill stuffing, legislators are fruitful
During their lame-duck session, lawmakers stuffed 64 provisions into Goodman’s bill, honoring children’s author Robert McCloskey, homeless people, Germans, black people, veterans, farmers, police killed in the line of duty, nurses and, in a compromise, two fruits.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Dec 11, 2006Dispatch - Strickland says he won’t cozy up to coal interests
When Strickland takes office next month, he might have to deal with a threatened federal takeover of Ohio’s coal programs. But the governor-elect says that if Ohio needs to raise more money to clean up bankrupt mines, he will present coal companies with the bill.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Dec 7, 2006ThisWeek Pickerington - Diebold taking blame for invalid election results
The Fairfield County Board of Elections recertified official election results last week after an error attributed to the voting machines' manufacturer produced inaccurate final vote counts. According to elections board director Deborah Henderly, Diebold Election Systems failed to notify the...
This Week - Pickeringtonmore
Nov 30, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Councilman plans to resign in December
One of the councilmen whose election was key to Democrats taking control of Lancaster City Council in 2005 is resigning. John Smith, D-1st Ward, said he was moving to a new home in Perry County after the first of the year. He plans to resign his council seat sometime in December.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Nov 16, 2006The Other Paper - Did we need so many provisional ballots?
“The overuse of provisional ballots is an under-the-radar-screen issue right now,” said Sean Greene, research director of Electionline.org, an election-issues think tank. “But any election decided by less than 5 percent of the vote may well ride on how provisional ballots are handled.”
The Other Papermore...
Nov 13, 2006Bush says he's ready to listen on Iraq
Monday, November 13,
2006.
From the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Responding to a humbling election, White House aides said
Sunday that President Bush welcomes new ideas about the war
in Iraq.
Bush will meet today with the 10-member bipartisan Iraq
Study Group, led...
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
Nov 13, 2006Noe found guilty of theft, forgery, money laundering
By Mark Niquette
The Columbus Dispatch
Monday, November 13, 2006 3:32 PM
AP
Noe, right, with his lawyer Bill Wilkinson, listens to the jury instructions in court last week.
TOLEDO - Coin...
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
Nov 3, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Rep. Ney resigns seat
Ney pleaded guilty Oct. 13 to conspiracy and making false statements, acknowledging taking trips, tickets, meals and campaign donations from disgraced lobbyist Abramoff in return for official actions on behalf of Abramoff clients.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 31, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Endorsement of candidacy: Ted Strickland
We need a governor who judges issues on their merits, not his political agenda. We need a leader who can work with both parties and all political perspectives. There's only one man who meets those tests. That man gets our endorsement and should get your vote: Ted Strickland.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Oct 27, 2006Associated Press - Candidate’s property transfer attracts federal attention
A federal bankruptcy trustee is investigating whether a congressional candidate gave property to her family last year to keep it from her creditors. Court files show that state Sen. Joy Padgett transferred her one-third share of her family farm less than a month before she and her husband sought...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 17, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Polls: Brown widens lead over DeWine in Senate race
Two polls released today show GOP Sen. Mike DeWine trailing his Democratic rival in a Senate race once considered among the closest in the country. U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown was favored by 53 percent of likely Ohio voters surveyed by The Quinnipiac University Poll, compared to 41 percent who...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Oct 7, 2006Toledo Blade - Judge blocks statements by Noe lawyers; coin audit OK
Judge Osowik also denied requests by Noe’s attorneys to bar a handwriting analysis at trial, and evidence of other crimes, including illegal contributions to President Bush’s re-election campaign and a bribe to the former chief financial officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Toledo Blademore
Oct 4, 2006Toledo Blade - Noe's upcoming trial to hear from ex-BWC officials
Prosecutors yesterday disclosed the potential witnesses they could call to testify in the trial of former Toledo-area coin dealer Tom Noe, and the list is a virtual "who's who" of past officials of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Oct 1, 2006Blade - New state law expands absentee balloting
Starting Tuesday, voters may cast absentee ballots either by mail or in person to avoid lines on Nov. 7 potentially caused by new identification requirements and new voting machines in some counties.
Toledo Blademore
Sep 30, 2006Blade - 40 excused of 175 in Noe jury pool
With the trial less than 10 days away, Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Thomas Osowik yesterday released 40 potential jurors from the high profile case during a hearing with defense attorneys and prosecutors on pretrial issues.
Toledo Blademore
Sep 30, 2006New York Times - Campaign Cash Mirrors a High Court’s Rulings
An examination of the Ohio Supreme Court by The New York Times found that its justices routinely sat on cases after receiving campaign contributions from the parties involved or from groups that filed supporting briefs. On average, they voted in favor of contributors 70 percent of the time....
New York Timesmore...
Sep 24, 2006Dispatch - Strickland Strong
Ted Strickland leads Ken Blackwell by 19 points, Sherrod Brown leads by a healthy margin and other statewide Democrats are poised for big victories, according to the latest polling from the Columbus Dispatch.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Sep 22, 2006Dispatch - Ney's about-face leaves bad taste with voters
Republicans in the 18th Congressional District are feeling hurt, angry and betrayed after Bob Ney's guilty plea to corruption charges. They're also gravitating toward Zack Space, the Democrat running for the seat.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Sep 22, 2006Beacon-Journal - Sutton campaigns on 3 E's
The road back to economic health for Northern Ohio is simple: education, ethics and entrepreneurial innovation, according to Betty Sutton, the Democratic nominee for the 13th Congressional District.
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
Sep 17, 2006Dispatch - Clinton takes aim at Blackwell
Former President Clinton visited Cleveland Saturday to lend his name to a fundraiser that pumped up the campaign coffers for gubernatorial nominee Ted Strickland.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Sep 15, 2006AP - Strickland calls for changes at BWC
U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland would clean up the scandal-scarred state insurance fund for injured workers by replacing its oversight commission with an independent board of directors, he told The Columbus Dispatch for a story Thursday.
The Associated Pressmore...
Sep 14, 2006Beacon Journal - Quiet, intense races down the ticket
Ohio Democrats have a chance to seize control of the Ohio Apportionment Board, the apparatus that controls the drawing of legislative districts, thanks to a strong ticket, from top to bottom.
The Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Sep 8, 2006Plain Dealer - Ohio Democratic Party sues Blackwell to unmask attack-ad donors
On Thursday, the Ohio Democratic Party sued Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, seeking to unmask donors to a nonprofit group that spent more than $1.5 million last month on anonymously financed TV ads that hammer Rep. Ted Strickland.
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
Sep 7, 2006Plain Dealer - Ohio minimum-wage amendment qualifies for Nov. ballot
The effort to amend Ohio's Constitution to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.85 an hour, and provide inflationary increases, easily qualified for the ballot with more than 363,000 valid signatures spread across 69 counties.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Sep 5, 2006Plain Dealer - Cleveland parade showcases Democrats
The annual Cleveland Labor Day parade organized by Democratic Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, showcased the party's candidates for statewide office, from gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland to Ben Espy, a candidate for the Ohio Supreme Court.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Sep 5, 2006Enquirer - Democrats hit well-traveled campaign paths
Democrats were out in force over the Labor Day weekend, visiting the Coney Island AFL-CIO picnic to mingle with thousands of union families and loyal supporters.
Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Sep 3, 2006Beacon Journal - Brown takes on role of challenger
Sherrod Brown has served Ohio in many capacities: State Rep, Secretary of State and now, U.S. Congressman. He hopes to play one more role - Senator.
The Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Sep 3, 2006Plain Dealer - Unions plan big push for Democrats
The AFL-CIO hopes to shift government control to Democrats this fall by spending $40 million on union get-out-the-vote efforts in key states, including Ohio.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Sep 2, 2006Blade - Strickland touts views during Toledo visit
U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland was in Toledo to tout a plan for a high-tech toll collection program for the Ohio Turnpike and to spread his positive message of change.
The Toledo Blademore
Sep 1, 2006Toledo Blade - Penalty rises for 4 GOP campaign 'conduits'
Turns out, there really isn’t such a thing as a free lunch. Or even a deeply discounted one. The four Republican women who accepted Tom Noe’s money in order to attend a $2,000-a-plate luncheon fund-raiser for President Bush in 2003 will have to pay far more to pick up the final tab.
Toledo Blademore
Sep 1, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Tiberi latest Republican to break step with Bush
While Tiberi and Shamansky share some of the criticism about how the war has been handled, Shamansky yesterday repeated his contention that it’s time for the United States to end its involvement in Iraq. It's a mistake "to stay the course when you don't know what the course is," he said.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Sep 1, 2006Associated Press - Judge to hear challenge to voter registration rules
In the lawsuit, filed in July, the Democrats and voter advocacy groups argue that criminal penalties for violating voter registration rules could deter people from canvassing. The law requires each person who registers voters to return the forms either in person or by mail to the local board of...
Ohio News Networkmore
Sep 1, 2006Associated Press - Spokesman: Blackwell wants to reopen Lima prison
Renovating the prison would cost between $30 and $50 million, with an added $40 million a year to operate the facility, Taft spokesman Mark Rickel said. The added cost would make it difficult for the state to "maintain fiscal discipline" while operating under its tightest budget in 40 years,...
Ohio News Networkmore
Aug 31, 2006New York Times - Ohio to Delay Destruction of Presidential Ballots
With paper ballots from the 2004 presidential election in Ohio scheduled to be destroyed next week, the secretary of state in Columbus, under pressure from critics, said yesterday that he would move to delay the destruction at least for several months. Since the election, questions have been...
New York Timesmore...
Aug 21, 2006Plain Dealer - Bye bye Larry!
Larry Householder, who is in a league of his own when it comes to corruption, has decided to drop out of the race for Perry County Auditor. Householder, according to GOP sources, knew he was going to get beat so he decided to quit. Bye bye Larry.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Aug 20, 2006AP - Strickland, Brown press for change
GOP voters are flocking to the TurnAround Ohio Tour, featuring Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown, which ends a three day, multi-city swing today with events in Columbus and Marion.
The Associated Pressmore...
Aug 20, 2006Blade - State Democrats catch early bus as campaign speeds up
The TurnAround Ohio bus tour continued through SW Ohio, with stops in Butler, Warren and Clermont counties. Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown and statewide Democrats presented a message of change to voters.
The Toledo Blademore...
Aug 20, 2006Dispatch - Some in GOP look to their left
Democrats invaded Ohio’s GOP stronghold yesterday, meeting with about 50 Republicans in Warren County after a day of bold talk about how support is flowing their way across party lines.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Aug 16, 2006Tribune Chronicle - Corruption Charges Hang Over 2006 Elections
Barbara Sykes, Marc Dann, Jennifer Brunner and Richard Cordray make up an impressive group of statewide Democrats who are campaigning hard, raising money, and reaching out to voters in a climate of Republican corruption and scandal.
The Warren Tribune Chroniclemore...
Aug 16, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Voting machines risky, study concludes
A new study raises serious questions about whether Diebold touch-screen voting devices used in more than half of Ohio’s counties produce accurate results, but Diebold insists the machines can be trusted and that the study is flawed.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Aug 14, 2006Dispatch - Liberal, moderate faith groups team to counter religious right
Liberals and moderates who feel their faith has been co-opted are organizing to counter what they say is the religious right's overemphasis on hot-button topics at the expense of other social justice matters.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Aug 6, 2006New York Times - New Registration Rules Stir Voter Debate in Ohio
For Tony Minor, the pastor of the Community of Faith Assembly in a run-down section of East Cleveland, Ohio’s new voter registration rules have meant spending two extra hours a day collecting half as many registration cards from new voters as he did in past years.
New York Timesmore...
Aug 3, 2006Free Times - All 88 Are Key - Ohio Dems to leave no county behind
Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern talks about the ODP's 88 County strategy, a plan that mimicks the DNC's 50 State strategy. Ohio Dems are committed to organizing, spending money and being involved in all of Ohio's 88 counties.
Cleveland Free Timesmore...
Aug 2, 2006AP - Strickland releases tax returns, Blackwell declines
Gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland released his tax returns yesterday, a move that Republican Ken Blackwell has refused to make. What is Ken Blackwell hiding from Ohioans?
The Associated Pressmore...
Aug 2, 2006Daily News - Brown urges changes to Medicare plan's gap
Senate candidate Rep. Sherrod Brown called for changes to Medicare Part D's gap in prescription coverage that could hit millions of Americans this year. Brown called the gap 'a cruel hoax'.
Dayton Daily Newsmore...
Aug 2, 2006Times - Garrison proposes all-day kingergarten
Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, introduced legislation that would give funding for each school district to begin all-day kindergarten and financially benefit the districts that already have it.
Marietta Timesmore...
Jul 31, 2006Repository - Strickland looking better to defeat Blackwell
Commentary from the Canton Repository says Ted Strickland is on track for a big victory in November. The Repository highlights numerous errors in judgement by the Blackwell campaign.
The Canton Repositorymore...
Jul 30, 2006Dispatch - Democrats happy in unfamiliar territory
Over 140 volunteers gathered at ODP HQ on Saturday, July 29th to hear from Sherrod Brown, Bob Shamansky and a trio of local candidates. The volunteer then hit the streets, canvassing for their candidates as part of the DNC's National Democratic Reunion.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Jul 26, 2006Beacon Journal - Strickland lays out plan
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland has unveiled the next component of his Turnaround Ohio campaign -- a plan that calls for accountability and results-based government.
Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Jul 26, 2006Enquirer - Downtown demonstration targets Chabot
A group of 30 people from the AFL-CIO staged a protest Tuesday at U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot's Cincinnati office because of his opposition to an increase in the federal minimum wage. Chabot faces Democrat John Cranley in November.
The Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Jul 23, 2006Dispatch - Strickland far ahead, early poll indicates
Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown have increased their commanding leads over their Republican challengers in new polling results released today. Strickland leads Blackwell by 20%, Brown leads DeWine by 8%.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Jul 21, 2006AP - Strickland a candidate apart from usual Dems
This year, Ted Strickland carries the party's banner. The congressman from rural Ohio has credentials that are substantially different: United Methodist minister, psychologist and college professor.
The Associated Pressmore...
Jul 18, 2006Daily News - Labor's Focus is on Democrats
The Ohio AFL-CIO opens its 25th biennial convention today in Cincinnati, with the emphasis on electing Democrats on Nov. 7.
The Dayton Daily Newsmore...
Jul 18, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Man working on getting insurance for all Ohioans
The United States is the only industrialized nation that doesn't have universal health insurance, but it doesn't have to be that way, according to organizers of the Single-Payer Action Network, also known as SPAN Ohio. The Cleveland-based organization is on a mission to collect 97,000 signatures...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jul 16, 2006Advocate - Strickland visits Heath
Ted Strickland and other statewide candidates visited Heath as part of a three-day, multi-city tour throughout central and northeast Ohio to share their vision for a new Ohio.
The Newark Advocatemore
Jul 12, 2006Dispatch - With release of poll, Ney's camp admits troubles
Zack Space leads incumbent Republican Bob Ney in new polling released by the Space campaign. Ney's campaign released polling that shows the two in a virtual tie. Clearly, Ney is in trouble.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Jul 11, 2006Enquirer - Hackett embraces Brown
Paul Hackett, who months ago left the U.S. Senate race, pledged his support and gave Rep. Sherrod Brown his endorsement in Brown's race against Republican Senator Mike DeWine.
The Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Jul 11, 2006Dispatch - Brown criticizes DeWine for vote against drug imports
Democrat Sherrod Brown says Sen. Mike DeWine showed he was on the side of drug companies, not the side of consumers, yesterday by voting against a Senate proposal to ease the ban on importing prescription medicine.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Jul 10, 2006Daily News - Strickland ties education to the economy
Democrat Ted Strickland lumps Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell right in with the rest of the Republicans running state government when it comes to assigning blame for Ohio's economic decline.
Dayton Daily Newsmore...
Jul 9, 2006Beacon Journal - Bigger push urged on voter ID law
Ohio's chief elections officer -- Ken Blackwell -- apparently has no plans to educate Ohioans about a new voter identification requirement beyond county fair booth flyers.
Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Jul 9, 2006Blade - Szollosi hitching political future to rolling help center
Toledo City Council Frank Szollosi, no stranger to controversy, is getting back to the basics: an Airstream trailer that he'll take to Toledo neighborhoods as part of his "Szollosi Listens" campaign.
The Toledo Blademore
Jul 5, 2006Plain Dealer - NE Ohio key to Senate contest
Thomas Suddes writes that a jobs-and-progress camapign will likely favor Sherrod Brown over incumbent Republican Mike DeWine.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Jul 2, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Opinion: Leave the Internet alone
TO a large degree, the Internet has been a great equalizer for society, and its operations should not be altered by the U.S. Senate. Telecommunication companies want to change the way they provide service to those who tap into this vast network of information. The goal, they claim, is to provide...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jun 27, 2006Associated Press - County removes court documents from Web site
Hamilton County has blocked access to court documents on the Internet amid concerns about identity theft and the security of online records. Some 25 million pages of documents won't be available until officials determine a more reliable method of keeping Social Security numbers and other...
Associated Pressmore
Jun 26, 2006Enquirer - Strickland: GOP support ebbing
Democrat Ted Strickland, candidate for Ohio governor, said Saturday that Republicans keep coming to him and pledging their support because they have grown disenchanted with Republican-dominated government, nationally and locally.
The Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Jun 21, 2006Plain Dealer - Blackwell site stirs ire over voter signup
It is much easier to register to vote on Ken Blackwell's gubernatorial website opposed to his official Secretary of State website, a move that fits Blackwell's pattern of making it more difficult for those that don't support him to vote.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Jun 18, 2006Beacon Journal - Regula under fire for favorites
GOP Congressman Ralph Regula is under fire for his use of earmarks, which increase the run-away spending Republicans in Washington are seemingly addicted to.
Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Jun 18, 2006Plain Dealer - Democats have "New Direction" for America
When the Democratic Party retakes control of Congress, Democrats will act quickly to increase the minimum wage, lower prescription drug costs and slash interest rates on student loans, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said Saturday.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Jun 14, 2006Blade - Supreme Court orders Taft to hand over documents
The Ohio Supreme Court yesterday ordered Gov. Bob Taft to hand over documents to the high court that he wants to keep secret. State Sen. Marc Dann hailed the order as a victory for Ohio's taxpayers.
The Toledo Blademore
Jun 13, 2006Post - Democrats closing fundraising gap with Republicans
A surge in small, individual contributions is lifting Democratic campaigns this year and is helping close a Republican fundraising advantage that has existed for years in national politics.
The Washington Postmore...
Jun 12, 2006AP - Strickland has double Blackwell's total on hand
Democrat Ted Strickland, with no major challenge in last month's primary for governor, had twice the campaign cash on hand as Republican Kenneth Blackwell.
The Associated Pressmore...
Jun 12, 2006Plain Dealer - Issue could alter Ohio's political picture
If labor and anti-poverty groups can get the Minimum Wage increase issue on the November ballot, some political experts contend, Democratic voters will be much more likely to go to the polls.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Jun 8, 2006Vindicator - Boccieri blasts Blackwell on voter registration
State Rep. John Boccieri blasted Republican gubernatorial candidate Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell on Wednesday at the Mahoning County Board of Elections regarding recent changes to election law governing voter registration procedures.
The Youngstown Vindicatormore...
Jun 7, 2006NY Times - Block the Vote, Ohio Remix
As Ohio gears up for a very competitive election season this fall, its secretary of state, J. Kenneth Blackwell, has put in place "emergency" regulations that could hit voter registration workers with criminal penalties for perfectly legitimate registration practices.
New York Timesmore...
Jun 7, 2006Columbus DIspatch - Officials deflect blame for BWC hire
As the former chief financial officer at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation heads to court today to plead guilty to state and federal corruption charges, an important question remains: How did Terrence W. Gasper get such a powerful job in the first place?
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 6, 2006Columbus Dispatch - The Coin Scandal
his year's statewide elections are set against a backdrop of ethics and investment scandals that have rocked state government since the spring of 2005 and have led to criminal charges against seven current or former public officials - so far - including Gov. Bob Taft.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 2, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Republicans elect county party leaders
"When the party did not endorse Mike Kiger as the incumbent Republican running for re-election, it left a bad taste in my mouth," Peterman said. He was referring to the Republican County Commissioner, Kiger, who won his party's primary despite the party's endorsement of a challenger.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jun 1, 2006Toledo Blade - GOP adopts wait-and-see approach to tainted funds
Tom Noe's admission in federal court yesterday that he funneled thousands of dollars into the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign wasn't enough to prompt President Bush to immediately return the illegal money. Instead, Mr. Bush and his political advisers are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Toledo Blademore
May 30, 2006Globe - Contenders of '08 look to Ohio
With Ohio emerging as a pivotal battleground for the 2008
election, presidential hopefuls are visiting the Buckeye State and
campaigning for local Democratic candidates.
The Boston Globemore...
May 28, 2006Dispatch - Minimum-wage drive rolling
With two months to go before the filing deadline, the drive to increase Ohio's minimum wage is picking up steam.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
May 25, 2006Dispatch - Coleman in DC as mayors help set Democratic vision
Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman says the Democratic Party’s message for the 2006 midterm elections is a simple one that promotes a feeling of security -that must be presented coherently at national and local levels.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
May 24, 2006Daily News - Democrats unveil TV ad against Blackwell
The Ohio Democratic Party has launched a TV ad attacking Republican J. Kenneth Blackwell right where Blackwell is supposed to be strongest — as a man of strongly held beliefs who sticks to them.
Dayton Daily Newsmore...
May 23, 2006Blade - Kaptur seeks out energy investments
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) continued to beat the drum yesterday for alternative energy sources at the Toledo Rotary Club luncheon at the Zenobia Shrine Hall.
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
May 23, 2006AP - Glenn goes to bat for Democrats
John Glenn, the former astronaut and four-term senator, who retired in 1999, says he's taking a more active role in campaigning this year after getting back on the stump for Senator Kerry in 2004.
The Associated Pressmore...
May 19, 2006Plain Dealer - Democrats return to their old stomping grounds, Ohio
It's never too early to visit Ohio if you're a 2008 Democratic presidential wannabe. More than two years before Election Day, Oval Office aspirants are already trekking through the political battlegrounds that decided the 2004 election.
The Plain Dealermore...
May 18, 2006The Other Paper - Voter challenges: All over the map
"Challenge forms slow the process," said Matt Damschroder, director of the Franklin County Board of Elections. "We've discouraged poll workers from using them at all." Until Heather Jernigan and her husband went to their Lancaster polling place for last week's primary election, they were not...
The Other Papermore...
May 17, 2006Plain Dealer - Public employees used on private job
Former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and his business partners are using public employees to gut a closed steakhouse that they plan to convert into a bar and game room.
Ohio Democratic Partymore
May 14, 2006Blade - Strickland critical of 'shameful' GOP
For Ted Strickland, Republican leaders have squandered Ohio's natural resources, its universities, and the talents of its 11 million residents, "just about everything a state would want to be successful."
The Toledo Blademore...
May 13, 2006Toledo Blade - May 31 date set for Noe to change not-guilty plea
A federal judge in Toledo has set a date for Tom Noe to change his not-guilty plea in his campaign finance criminal case. U.S. District Judge David Katz yesterday morning scheduled a hearing at 3 p.m. May 31. On Wednesday, Mr. Noe indicated that he wanted to change his not-guilty plea on...
Toledo Blademore
May 13, 2006Toledo Blade - Rival targets DeWine for taking funds from oil firms
Mike DeWine has friends in low-popularity places. His U.S. Senate re-election could depend in part on whether voters hold it against him. He has raised money with President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, whose approval ratings have nose-dived in Ohio, and with two leading figures in a...
Toledo Blademore
May 13, 2006GOP hopes to ditch TEL to benefit Blackwell
Republican lawmakers are exploring ways to make a measure limiting government spending disappear from the November ballot while allowing J. Kenneth Blackwell to save face on the signature proposal of his gubernatorial campaign.
Columbus Dispatchmore
May 12, 2006Blade - Noe asks Dann to assist with plea bargain
In an attempt to reduce his potential prison time, Tom Noe has sought the help from perhaps the most unlikely place: State Sen. Marc Dann, the firebrand Democrat who has been the most vocal critic of Mr. Noe and the Taft administration
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
May 11, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Noe asks to change his pleas in U.S. case
Thomas W. Noe wants to change his plea to charges that he illegally funneled cash to President Bush’s campaign. Indicted coin dealer Thomas W. Noe wants to change his not-guilty pleas to federal campaign-finance charges to resolve the case, according to a court filing yesterday.
Columbus Dispatchmore
May 11, 2006Columbus Dispatch - GOP legislators take page from rivals
Republican Rep. Ross McGregor’s bill to help war widows was identical to one his party refused to pass a year ago. A Republican bill extending free tuition to the spouses of fallen soldiers passed the Ohio House yesterday — after the same Democrat-sponsored proposal was defeated nine times in...
Columbus Dispatchmore
May 9, 2006Plain Dealer - Confession brings investigation closer to Ney
A federal corruption investigation moved closer to Ohio GOP Rep. Bob Ney Monday when Ney's former chief of staff admitted brokering deals between the lawmaker and rogue lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
May 8, 2006News - Dann stops in Lima to talk about gas prices
Sen. Marc Dann, candidate for Attorney General, recently introduced new legislation that would give the Attorney General the power to go after oil companies for price gouging.
The Lima Newsmore...
May 6, 2006NY Times - Early intensity underscores role of races in Ohio
For the Democratic Party, the road back to power in Washington begins here in Ohio. Republicans have been stung by corruption scandal, economic distress and rising voter unease. Democrats are ready to take back the state.
The New York Timesmore...
May 5, 2006Spotlight on Ohio...Again
Job losses, a stubborn economy, and widespread corruption are just a few of the reasons an increasing number of conservatives will be supporting Democratic candidates in Ohio in 2006.
Knight-Ridder Newspapersmore...
May 5, 2006Associated Press - State's largest county still counting ballots two days later
The state's largest county continued counting - and searching for - votes two days after the primary election, Ohio's first without punch-card ballots. Vote-holding memory cards from 20 polling locations were still missing Thursday in Cleveland's Cuyahoga County. Board of election workers...
Ohio News Networkmore
May 3, 2006Plain Dealer - Write-in campaign works for Democrat Wilson
State Sen. Charlie Wilson last night won an arduous write-in campaign to appear on the congressional ballot in a district along the West Virginia border currently represented by Ted Strickland.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
May 3, 2006AP - National Party leaders jump into fray in Ohio Governor's race
National party leaders waded into the fray as soon as Ohioans picked their nominees for governor, signaling the intense interest in who will run the nation's bellwether political state during the 2008 presidential election.
The Associated Pressmore...
May 3, 2006It'll be Ted Strickland vs. Ken Taftwell
Congressman Ted Strickland cruised to a easy victory in the Democratic primary, setting the stage for general election matchup with extremist Ken Taftwell.
Ohio Democratic Partymore
May 3, 2006Dispatch - It's Blackwell vs. Strickland
Congressman Ted Strickland rolled to an easy primary victory, setting the stage for what will be an expensive, highly contested general election battle against Ken Blackwell.
The Columbus Dispatchmore
May 1, 2006Blade - Dems push for takeover in U.S. House
The push to take back the U.S. House begins in Ohio, as Democrats are targeting up to five Congressional seats for victory.
The Toledo Blademore
Apr 28, 2006Plain Dealer - Rivals put aside politics - for politics
Senators Marc Dann and Tim Grendell, a political odd couple running for attorney general in next week's primary on opposite tickets, got together Wednesday for a bit of legislative sport that crosses party lines -- bashing Gov. Bob Taft.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Apr 28, 2006News - Phillips taking in more money than Republican incumbent
Athens City Council member Debbie Phillips, who is running for state representative in Ohio's 92nd District, is so far leading incumbent Jimmy Stewart in fundraising, according to campaign finance reports filed last week
The Athens Newsmore...
Apr 25, 2006Blade - GOP seem fine without Taft
Bob Taft is keeping public appearances to a minimum in an attempt to avoid voters linking GOP scandals to Petro and Blackwell. Too bad they're both up to their ears in scandal already.
The Toledo Blademore
Apr 25, 2006Dispatch - Kilroy blasts Pryce for pay increases
Mary Jo Kilroy, a Franklin County commissioner and Democratic candidate for Congress, said yesterday that she would refuse all congressional pay increases until the federal budget is balanced.
Columbus Dispatchmore...
Apr 25, 2006Columbus Dispatch - New ads dismay state GOP chief
As Blackwell and Petro intensified the TV ad war, U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, the presumptive Democratic nominee, stayed above the fray by unveiling a college savings plan, the latest plank in his so-called "Turnaround Ohio" platform.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 24, 2006AP- GOP missteps give hope to Democrats
In Ohio, where President Bush’s ratings are low and support for scandal-scarred Gov. Bob Taft even lower, Republicans are in trouble.
The Associated Pressmore...
Apr 24, 2006Chicago Tribune - Voter anger sends tremors through Ohio
For those who pay attention to what makes America tick--and what makes it dyspeptic--it's worth keeping an eye on Ohio, a state that reflects most of the major demographic components of the nation and the state that delivered a second term to Bush in 2004. While the poll numbers suggest buyer's...
Chicago Tribunemore
Apr 20, 2006Beacon Journal - 13th House hopefuls take issue
Seven Democrats seeking the Democratic nomination for the 13th Congressional district seat participated in a forum in Brunswick on Wednesday night.
Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Apr 16, 2006Blade - Blackwell defends campaign donations
The 'pay-to-play' allegations continue to surround Ken Blackwell, as new analysis shows that Blackwell has received over $1 million in contributions from companies contracted do to work for his state office.
The Toledo Blademore...
Apr 16, 2006New York Times - In New Jersey, Spending Cap Pinches Schools
As residents of New Jersey prepare to vote on their school budgets on Tuesday, educators and parents say that they are struggling with a major crisis forcing districts to cut programs, shed staff and charge fees for things that were once free. The chief culprit, they say, is not a public opposed...
New York Timesmore
Apr 12, 2006Globe - Missteps threaten House GOP rule
The Iraq war, gas prices, scandals, and now simple ineffectiveness -- most recently the failure to reach an immigration deal and budget accord -- have put the Republican Party in serious danger of losing its majority status in the House of Representatives this year.
The Boston Globemore...
Apr 12, 2006AP - Quill leaves state treasurer's race
Democrat Hugh Quill dropped out of the race for Ohio treasurer on Tuesday, leaving Franklin County Treasurer Richard Cordray to run unopposed in the May 2 primary.
The Associated Pressmore...
Apr 12, 2006Plain Dealer - Cordray rips officials who own stock
Rather than buy and sell individual stocks, candidates for statewide office who want to dabble in the market should own mutual funds, says Richard Cordray, the Democrats' candidate for state treasurer.
The Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Apr 11, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Taft in trouble with the lawyers
A complaint says Gov. Bob Taft violated Ohio’s Code of Professional Responsibility for lawyers by failing to disclose gifts. Gov. Bob Taft is guilty of misconduct as a lawyer because he failed to disclose free golf outings and other favors that led to four ethics convictions this past summer, a...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 11, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Quill dropping out of state treasurer’s race
Democrat Hugh Quill is pulling out of the race for state treasurer. Quill, 49, Montgomery County treasurer and a longtime political activist,
will make the announcement this morning at the Statehouse, accompanied by Richard Cordray, his opponent in the May 2 primary, and Ted Strickland,...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 10, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Election cycle brings flurry of rules
It's springtime in Fairfield County, with grass beginning to turn green again and flowers starting to sprout up through the ground. Also sprouting are another spring tradition - campaign signs. The signs symbolize more than just who is running for which office; they also mark the beginning of...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Apr 9, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell’s office spent less tax money but budget soared
When he lists his accomplishments as secretary of state, J. Kenneth Blackwell proudly says he has improved service while reducing the office’s reliance on tax dollars by 61 percent. What he doesn’t say is that the office has increased overall spending by 73 percent since he arrived in 1999, by...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 9, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Petro efficient manager, but critics allege ethical lapses
Critics said Petro also waited too long to act after MDL Capital Management of Pittsburgh lost $215 million of bureau investments in 2004. Petro didn’t sue MDL to recover funds until June 2005, saying he wasn’t told until then. "It’s an abysmal record of being asleep at the switch when tens of...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 9, 2006Eagle-Gazette - Congress culpable if it can't stand up to Bush
President Bush's secret intercepts of American citizens' communications are "more serious abuses" than President Nixon perpetrated in Watergate, according to an informed observer. John Dean, counsel to Nixon during Watergate, was on target when he told the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing March...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Apr 7, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Slots opponent Blackwell owns stock in manufacturer
Secretary of Sate J. Kenneth Blackwell is on record opposing any constitutional amendment to expand gambling. Although he opposes potential November ballot initiatives to permit slot machines at Ohio’s horse-racing tracks, Republican gubernatorial candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell holds stock in...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 4, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell reports shares in Diebold
Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell revealed yesterday that he owned stock in Diebold, a voting-machine manufacturer, at the same time his office negotiated a deal that critics have said was an attempt to steer business to the company.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 4, 2006Dispatch - Four Democrats see chance to Tiberi
Political scandals, an unpopular president and opposition to the war in Iraq could spell trouble for majority Republicans in Congress in this year’s midterm elections.
Ohio Democratic Partymore...
Apr 3, 2006Dispatch - Scandal sparks Ney's rivals
Rep. Bob Ney's Democratic challengers are emboldened by Ney’s ties to Jack Abramoff, a Washington lobbyist who has pleaded guilty in a widening political-corruption scandal.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Apr 3, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - opinion: Blackwell freezing out competition
SECRETARY of State Kenneth Blackwell has effectively told Ohioans they only need to hear the message he chooses. They don't need to question him or even see him face questions. That's the message Blackwell sends by refusing to debate Attorney General Jim Petro before the May 2 gubernatorial...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Apr 3, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Church says it wants ‘decent people’ elected
It doesn’t hurt to have a few thousand friends in faith when seeking public office in Fairfield County. Fairfield Christian Church, the county’s largest, has been accused of using its pulpit to promote the statewide gubernatorial candidacy of Republican Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 2, 2006Advisory post gave Noe voice in U.S. Mint policy;
In the months before Tom Noe came under scrutiny for his state-funded rare-coin venture, he used a federal appointment to forge relationships with U.S. Mint officials that opened doors for him on Capitol Hill, documents obtained by The Blade show.
Toledo Blademore
Apr 2, 2006The Other Paper - Facing reality, Petro thinks of his dignity
Petro's preliminary ad strategy is to slam Blackwell as a big spender while warning that the TEL will cripple the Ohio economy. Then Petro will probably wrap up the campaign with warm, fuzzy ad about himself.
The Other Papermore...
Apr 2, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Democrat begins uphill climb as write-in
At Sonny Boy restaurant, where the coffee is strong, the cream pie is 6 inches high and the air is stained blue with smoke, the customers like Charlie Wilson a lot. As a store owner and funeral director, he’s sold them furniture and buried their loved ones. "He’s a 100 percent straightup guy,"...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Mar 27, 2006Blade - Noe casts troubling shadow over campaigns
Nearly a year after scandal erupted at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Tom Noe's shadow follows the campaigns of key Republicans.
The Toledo Blademore...
Mar 26, 2006Plain Dealer - Ohio 'ground zero' in critical House battles
Buoyed by President Bush's weak poll numbers and Republican corruption and scandal run amok, Democrats are banking heavily on terrific Congressional candidates to gain seats needed to take control of Congress.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Mar 26, 2006Toledo Blade - Strickland says he's the fighter who can win governor's job
A young man walked up to Ted Strickland shortly after a candidate forum this week in Canton. He identified himself as a Republican, shook Mr. Strickland’s hand, and delivered a quick but harsh message. “You’ve got to add details to your answers,” said the Republican, Matt Miller, who is an...
Toledo Blademore
Mar 23, 2006Enquirer - Barrett leaves run for Senate
Hamilton County Democrats avoided a primary election battle Wednesday night, when state Rep. Catherine Barrett announced she will not challenge state Sen. Eric Kearney for an Ohio Senate seat.
The Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Mar 20, 2006AP - Hundreds protest at Statehouse
More than 800 people met at the Ohio Statehouse on Saturday to call attention to their opposition to the war in Iraq, one of dozens of such protests around the country.
The Associated Pressmore...
Mar 20, 2006Enquirer - McEwen censured over false statements
Congressional candidate Bob McEwen got a public reprimand Thursday for making false statements during last year's campaign. But his legal problems aren't over.
Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Mar 19, 2006Plain Dealer - Blackwell defends way funds were raised
Ken Blackwell preaches the need for transparent fund-raising in his campaign for governor, but in his 2001 race for state treasurer, much of the money he received could not be directly traced to specific donors
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Mar 19, 2006Dispatch - Noe facing Aug. 29 trial date
Already facing a July 24 trial on federal campaign-finance charges, coin dealer Thomas W. Noe learned yesterday that he is to stand trial a month later on state charges related to his handling of a rare-coin investment.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Mar 17, 2006Plain Dealer - Blackwell plan called flawed
Had Ken Blackwell's TEL Amendment been in place over the past three years, most school taxes that passed would have failed, critics of the amendment contend.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Mar 14, 2006AP - Republicans face awkward identity theft fix
Republicans clamping down on a potential identity theft crisis must tread carefully because the issue is full of controversy because of social security numbers posted on Ken Blackwell's SOS website.
The Associated Pressmore...
Mar 9, 2006Enquirer - Prentiss' bill aims to secure our data
Social Security numbers would have to be removed from all public records in Ohio, including those posted on the Internet, under legislation introduced by Senate Minority leader C.J. Prentiss.
Cincinnati Enquirermore...
Mar 8, 2006The Other Paper - 'Toxic' Petro was lt. guv material for Blackwell
Last week, Ken Blackwell described Jim Petro as "a clear and present danger to
the health and well-being of the Ohio GOP ticket." Blackwell said Petro's seedy
reputation "threatens to spread its toxic influence across the entire GOP
ticket." Blackwell didn't mention that just a month ago,...
The Other Papermore...
Mar 5, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Voting machine support costly
The cost of service contracts for new touchscreen voting machines has left county elections officials across Ohio in sticker shock. Many say they need the extra — and expensive — technical support to program and run the machines properly and ensure the integrity of elections.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Mar 5, 2006Ohio News Network - Governor Candidates' Ads Focus On Attacks
Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell has unleashed another television ad attacking his rival in the race for the GOP nomination for governor. Blackwell's opponent, Attorney General Jim Petro, has responded with an ad that quotes newspaper editorials calling Blackwell "sinister" and "scummy."
Columbus Dispatchmore
Mar 3, 2006Plain Dealer - Redfern questions Petro endorsement of Montgomery
Party Chair Rep. Chris Redfern publicly questioned why Jim Petro has endorsed Betty Montgomery if he believes she ran a corrupt, "Tammany Hall-style" office while Attorney General.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Feb 27, 2006Slashdot - Diebold Whistle-Blower Charged With Felony Access
An employee of law firm Jones Day found legal memos showing that their client, Diebold Election Systems, had used uncertified voting systems in Alameda County elections beginning in 2002 - violating California election law. The whistle-blower turned over the memos to the Oakland Tribune, which...
Slashdot.more
Feb 25, 2006Toledo Blade - Ex-Taft aides fined for ethics breaches
A pair of former high-ranking aides to Gov. Bob Taft and former Gov. George Voinovich were convicted yesterday for not publicly disclosing thousands of dollars they received from Republican fund-raiser Tom Noe, who was indicted last week for stealing from a $50 million state rare-coin investment
Toledo Blademore
Feb 24, 2006Beacon Journal - Bill would bar Ohio adoptions by GOP
If Sen. Hagan's (D-Youngstown) proposal becomes Ohio law, Republicans would be barred from being adoptive parents. The bill is, of course, a joke, meant to illustrate the stupidity of Rep. Ron Hood's(R-Youngstown) bill barring adoption by gay partners.
Akron Beacon Journalmore
Feb 22, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Board of elections needs more employees
The Fairfield County Board of Elections could be going to court soon to get the Fairfield County Commission to pay about $500,000. If the board does not get additional allocations it needs to operate elections and for four more full-time employees, the board plans to take action, said Board of...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Feb 22, 2006The Columbus Dispatch - $13.6 million missing from coin fund, audit reveals
Coin dealer Thomas W. Noe used state money for work on his homes in Florida and Ohio, appliances, golf outings and other personal items and covered up the improper expenditures through phantom transactions, according to a new state report released today. In all, $13.6 million is missing from the...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Feb 20, 2006Daily News - Tax scofflaws may get off the hook
Tax cheaters who don't pay their tax bill after 10 years could get off the hook under a bill introduced by the Ohio GOP's candidate for State Auditor.
Dayton Daily Newsmore...
Feb 16, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Blackwell’s blast at Petro suggests rough campaign
With today’s filing deadline for statewide offices looming, Ohio Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell launched a new attack yesterday on Republican rival Jim Petro in a potential preview of the type of gubernatorial campaign that lies ahead. Blackwell accused Petro, the attorney general, of...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Feb 16, 2006Lancaster Eagle-Gazette - Stoutsville man will run for state rep
Kirk is co-owner of Sleep Care of America LLC. He's a member of the New Beginnings Assembly of God, an evangelical Christian church in Columbus. He is a member of the National Rifle Association. Politically, Kirk is the chair-person of the Business Outreach Committee for the Fairfield County...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore...
Feb 15, 2006Pickerington 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-Sunmore
Feb 15, 2006ThisWeek 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 Winchestermore
Feb 14, 2006Blade - 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 Blademore...
Feb 13, 2006Dispatch - 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 Dispatchmore
Feb 9, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Feb 9, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Feb 8, 2006Vindicator - 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 Vindicatormore...
Feb 8, 2006Dispatch - 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 Dispatchmore...
Feb 7, 2006Chicago 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 Tribunemore...
Feb 1, 2006Dispatch - 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 Dispatchmore...
Jan 30, 2006Plain 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 Dealermore...
Jan 29, 2006Toledo 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 Blademore
Jan 29, 2006ThisWeek 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 - Pickeringtonmore
Jan 28, 2006Toledo 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 Blademore
Jan 27, 2006AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jan 27, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 27, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 26, 2006Enquirer - 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 Enquirermore...
Jan 26, 2006News - 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 Newsmore
Jan 22, 2006Toledo 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 Blademore
Jan 19, 2006Enquirer - 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 Enquirermore...
Jan 19, 2006Blade- 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 Blademore
Jan 18, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 18, 2006Columbus 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 Dispatchmore
Jan 17, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 16, 2006AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jan 16, 2006New 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 Timesmore
Jan 14, 2006Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jan 11, 2006Toledo 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 Blademore
Jan 9, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 7, 2006Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jan 5, 2006AP - 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 Pressmore...
