Jan 3, 2006Columbus 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 Dispatchmore
Dec 31, 2005Longtime 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 27, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Dec 27, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Dec 20, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Dec 20, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Dec 16, 2005Youngstown 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 Vindicatormore...
Dec 16, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Dec 15, 2005Akron 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-Journalmore...
Dec 13, 2005Slashdot - 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 9, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Dec 8, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Dec 7, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Dec 7, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Dec 6, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Dec 4, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Dec 2, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Dec 2, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Nov 24, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Nov 23, 2005Plain 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, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Nov 22, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Nov 17, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Nov 17, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Nov 17, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Nov 13, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Nov 12, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Nov 12, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Nov 11, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Nov 9, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Nov 9, 2005Miami 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, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Nov 6, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Nov 6, 2005Toledo 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 4, 2005BG 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 Newsmore
Nov 2, 2005Mount 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 Newsmore
Oct 30, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 29, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 29, 2005ThisWeek 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 Pickeringtonmore
Oct 28, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 25, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Oct 25, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 24, 2005Dayton 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, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 24, 2005New 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, 2005Lancaster 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 20, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Oct 19, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Oct 19, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Oct 18, 2005Washington 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 Postmore...
Oct 16, 2005Mount 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 Newsmore
Oct 13, 2005Lorain 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 Journalmore...
Oct 13, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Oct 13, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 9, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Oct 8, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Oct 7, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Oct 7, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Oct 6, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Oct 4, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Oct 3, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Oct 2, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Oct 1, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Sep 26, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Sep 25, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Sep 25, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Sep 18, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Sep 14, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Sep 13, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Sep 12, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Sep 8, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Sep 7, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Sep 7, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Sep 6, 2005Noe'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 Blademore
Sep 1, 2005The 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 Dealermore...
Aug 28, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 26, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Aug 26, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 26, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 26, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Aug 24, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Aug 23, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Aug 22, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 22, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Aug 20, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 19, 2005New 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 Timesmore
Aug 17, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Aug 16, 2005Canton 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 Repositorymore...
Aug 11, 2005Toledo 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, 2005U.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 Bishopsmore...
Aug 10, 2005Discontent 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 9, 2005Cincinnati 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 Postmore...
Aug 9, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Aug 7, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 5, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 5, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Aug 4, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 4, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Aug 3, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 2, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Jul 28, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jul 27, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Jul 26, 2005Cincinnati 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 Postmore
Jul 23, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jul 21, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Jul 18, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jul 16, 2005White 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-Gazettemore
Jul 13, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Jul 11, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jul 11, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jul 8, 2005Columbus 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 Pressmore...
Jul 7, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jul 6, 2005NBC 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 Newsmore
Jul 5, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore
Jul 1, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jun 28, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jun 28, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jun 26, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jun 20, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jun 17, 2005New 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 Timesmore...
Jun 16, 2005Cleveland 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, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Jun 7, 2005Business-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-Journalmore...
Jun 5, 2005Washington 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 Postmore...
Jun 1, 2005Does 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
May 31, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 30, 2005Bridge 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 Journalmore...
May 30, 2005Bridge 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 Journalmore...
May 23, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
May 21, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 19, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
May 18, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore...
May 13, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 12, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
May 11, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
May 9, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
May 5, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore...
Apr 22, 2005University 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 Cincinnatimore
Mar 29, 2005Mount 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 Newsmore...
Mar 21, 2005Coleman '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 Couriermore
Mar 21, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Mar 15, 2005Mount 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 Newsmore...
Feb 15, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Feb 7, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jan 18, 2005AP - 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, 2005Columbus 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, 2005Columbus 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, 2005Plain 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 8, 2005Columbus 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, 2004Plain 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 Dealermore
Dec 21, 2004Columbus 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 Dispatchmore
Dec 15, 2004Several 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 Postmore
Dec 9, 2004Taft’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 7, 2004Akron 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, 2004Plain 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 Dealermore
Nov 17, 2004Dayton 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 Newsmore
Nov 16, 2004Enquirer - 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 Enquirermore
Nov 15, 2004Cincinnati 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 Postmore
Nov 10, 2004Plain 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 Dealermore
Nov 4, 2004Democrats 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 Dispatchmore
Oct 18, 2004N.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 Timesmore
Oct 5, 2004Cuyahoga 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 Dealermore
Oct 1, 2004Let 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 Pressmore
Aug 2, 2004Jacobson 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.
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Top 5 stories
Kerry team visits...
Dayton Daily Newsmore
Jul 12, 2004ODP 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 Todaymore
Jul 2, 2004Dayton 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 Newsmore
Dec 29, 2003State 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...
Nov 12, 2003Devotion 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, 2003Democrats 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...
Agriculture
Aug 29, 2006Beacon Journal - Ohio Farmers Could Rotate Political Field
Ohio farmers, who are traditional conservatives, are lining up behind Democrats Ted Strickland and Sherrod Brown as Republicans have ignored agricultural issues in their zeal to raise taxes and focus on hot-button social issues.
Akron Beacon Journalmore...
Civil Rights
Apr 29, 2005ODP - 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 Partymore...
Mar 18, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Mar 3, 2005Plain 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 Dealermore...
Mar 2, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Feb 24, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Crime and Justice
Oct 4, 2010Fairfield County Sheriff seeking budget increases
The leaders of the two county departments with the largest budgets warned of cuts in the detective bureau and the major crimes unit or a break in faith with the people of Fairfield County if their 2011 budget requests were not accepted.
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jun 8, 2007Dispatch - 10 mortgage lenders sued; state alleges illegal practices Friday
Accusing 10 mortgage lenders of "unconscionable acts," Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann yesterday sued the companies he said violated the state's 5-month-old predatory-lending law. Dann's lawsuits say the lenders and brokers pressured real-estate appraisers to inflate the value of homes to "make...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 28, 2006Columbus Dispatch - 4 more convicted of ethics charges in Noe investigation
The ongoing investigation into state-government corruption that is roiling Ohio politics produced four additional convictions today. Four current or former elected officials from the Toledo area each pleaded no contest and were found guilty this afternoon to a single ethics charge related to...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Feb 14, 2006Daily 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 Newsmore...
Jan 13, 2006Beacon 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 Journalmore...
Nov 16, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Nov 11, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Nov 5, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Nov 3, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Oct 27, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Oct 10, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Sep 28, 2005Washington 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 Postmore...
Sep 26, 2005Miami 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 Heraldmore...
Sep 26, 2005Newsweek - 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.
Newsweekmore...
Sep 2, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Sep 2, 2005Akron 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 Journalmore...
Aug 25, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 20, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Aug 19, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 19, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore...
Aug 18, 2005Washington 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 Postmore...
Aug 18, 2005ONN - 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 Networkmore...
Aug 17, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 15, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Aug 15, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Aug 3, 2005Toledo 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, 2005Records 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
Jul 30, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jul 30, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jul 21, 2005Rove'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.
AlterNetmore
Jul 20, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jul 16, 2005Probe 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 Dealermore...
Jul 14, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jul 13, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jul 12, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jul 8, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jul 7, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jul 7, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Jul 2, 2005Ohio 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 Blademore
Jun 29, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jun 25, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jun 22, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jun 18, 2005E-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 TVmore
Jun 15, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Jun 13, 2005Toledo 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, 2005Petro 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, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jun 4, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Jun 4, 2005Cleveland 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, 2005Bush 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 Blademore...
Jun 1, 2005Plain 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 Dealermore...
May 27, 2005Democratic 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 Blademore...
May 26, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 26, 2005Up 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 Blademore
May 24, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
May 24, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
May 23, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
May 16, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 13, 2005NBC 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 Newsmore...
May 1, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Apr 29, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Apr 28, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Apr 22, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Mar 14, 2005The 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 Dispatchmore...
Mar 10, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Mar 9, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Feb 25, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Oct 23, 2010Changes ahead for high-tech jobs plan
No matter who wins the Ohio governor's race, changes are coming to the popular Third Frontier jobs-creation program.
Fairfield County Democratic Partymore
Oct 16, 2010Train foes have roads agenda
Once again, the Buckeye Institute reveals its love for the free market so long as its beloved highway monopoly is immune from liability while being lavished with billions annually in taxpayer subsidies.
Cincinnati Enquirermore
Sep 24, 2010Ohio releases faster passenger train schedule
A new analysis says trains running on Ohio's passenger rail project are capable of completing the entire Cleveland-to-Cincinnati route in just over 5 hours, about 90 minutes faster than a previous estimate.
State transportation officials say the new schedule is based a more detailed computer...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Sep 24, 2010Ohio releases faster passenger train schedule
Trains running on Ohio's planned passenger rail project are capable of completing the entire Cleveland-to-Cincinnati route in just over 5 hours, about 90 minutes faster than a previous estimate, state transportation officials said Friday.
Dayton Daily Newsmore
Sep 20, 2010Report ties jobs to high-speed rail bid
Ohio Public Interest Research Group says the state’s high-speed passenger rail plan would create jobs and drive economic growth.
The nonprofit advocacy organization released a 63-page report Monday as Ohio officials consider whether to accept a $400 million federal stimulus grant to help...
Columbus Business Journalmore
Apr 1, 2007Buckeye Lake Beacon - Jobs Coming to Buckeye Lake
The Beacon learned this week that the Ohio Department of Development plans to announce within days a joint venture with Vanashree Agrotech of Pune, Maharashtra in India. The company is a leader in the conversion of biomass into fuels. The announcement could be made by Ohio Governor Ted...
Buckeye Lake Beaconmore...
Aug 9, 2006Dispatch - Rally, petitions seek amendment to raise Ohio's minimum wage
Supporters of a drive to increase Ohio's minimum wage turned in over 700,000 signatures of those backing the drive. The ballot amendment the campaign is supporting would raise the wage from $5.15 to $6.85, which would help raise families out of poverty.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Apr 23, 2006Blade - Sherrod Brown reveals plan to develop Ohio
Sherrod Brown unveiled an economic platform for Ohio yesterday, blending trade restrictions, small business support, prescription-drug costs, and college affordability, and vowing to make Ohio "the Silicon Valley for alternative energy development."
The Toledo Blademore...
Oct 23, 2005Ohio 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 Networkmore
Sep 27, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Sep 6, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
Sep 4, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 15, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Aug 10, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Jul 1, 2005The 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 Timesmore...
Jun 29, 2005Senate 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 UKmore...
Jun 2, 2005Ohio 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 Blademore...
May 20, 2005Cincinnati 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 Postmore...
May 20, 2005Chillicothe 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 Gazettemore...
May 13, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore
May 10, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Apr 27, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Apr 25, 2005Newark 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 Advocatemore...
Apr 20, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Apr 20, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Apr 12, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Apr 11, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Apr 1, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Mar 22, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Mar 19, 2005Akron 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 Journalmore...
Mar 14, 2005The 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 Dispatchmore...
May 21, 2007Dispatch - Pickerington schools will place levy on November ballot
Pickerington voters, who turned down a 5-mill replacement levy two weeks ago, should expect to return to the polls in November. School board members announced the plans this morning. The board still has to decide whether to return to voters with a 5-mill replacement levy or another operating...
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jan 25, 2007Eagle-Gazette - Several candidates want Pickerington Schools' top job
The Pickerington Local School District released a list of candidates who have submitted resumes for the superintendent position. Bob Thiede, the district's current superintendent, announced his retirement late last year. Thiede will retire in July. The person will lead the Fairfield County's...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Dec 3, 2006Toledo Blade - Strickland vows fix in school funding
In an interview after his speech to the Ohio Education Association, Mr. Strickland said his plan would grow out of a consensus from teachers, parents, businessmen, and the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
Toledo Blademore
Jun 2, 2006Toledo Blade - Ohio schools anticipate tough times over 5 years
Many northwest Ohio public school districts, and others across the state, are predicting significant money problems over the next five years, according to financial forecasts recently submitted by districts throughout the state.
Toledo Blademore
May 13, 2006Bond issue failed in 20 of 39 precincts
The difference between 'yes' and 'no' voters for the 2.3-mill, 28-year bond issue on the May 2 primary election ballot was 182 votes. The narrow defeat left many in the community wondering what was coming next.
Pickerington Times-Sunmore
Mar 14, 2006Plain Dealer - Strickland wants to close Ohio's digital gap
Ted Strickland proposed to connect Ohio's poorest communities to the Internet by increasing use of existing high-speed fiber-optic lines that crisscross the state but remain largely "dark," or unused.
Cleveland Plain Dealermore...
Feb 22, 2006Buckeye Lake Beacon - New middle school on hold
Don't expect to see a new Liberty Union Middle School until at least 2009 or 2010, even though voters approved funding for it in 2002. Liberty Union Superintendent Paul Mathews said that the state won't divvy up its share of the school’s $12 million price tag any sooner, and there's a chance...
Buckeye Lake Beaconmore...
Feb 2, 2006ThisWeek 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 - Pickeringtonmore
Jul 2, 2005Ohio 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 Chroniclemore
Jun 6, 2005Financial 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 Timesmore...
Apr 19, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Apr 11, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore...
Apr 1, 2005Mansfield 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 Journalmore...
Mar 1, 2005Marion 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 Starmore...
Apr 1, 2007Blade - Ohio seeks limelight as next corridor of energy innovation
New York had its Silicon Alley, Michigan its Automation Alley and Illinois its Silicon Prairie. Now comes Ohio in the parade of Silicon Valley wannabes. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and Gov. Ted Strickland, both Democrats, pledged during their 2006 campaigns to join forces in Washington and Columbus...
Toledo Blademore
Jul 1, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
Sep 14, 2006Dispatch - Brown sets modest health-insurance goal
Democratic Senate challenger Sherrod Brown unveiled a plan yesterday to provide greater access to health insurance to the hundreds of thousands of Ohioans who lack health care.
The Columbus Dispatchmore...
Apr 3, 2006Blade - Brown criticizes DeWine's vote on health care issue
Rep. Sherrod Brown attacked Sen. Mike DeWine yesterday for casting a decisive committee vote for a bill that would allegedly reduce health-care costs for small employers.
The Toledo Blademore...
Jan 10, 2006Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Jun 8, 2005Uninsured 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.
Reutersmore...
Apr 7, 2005Cleveland 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 Dealermore...
Mar 16, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Mar 6, 2005Dayton 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 Newsmore...
Aug 3, 2005Lancaster 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-Gazettemore
Jun 8, 2005After 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 Timesmore...
Rural Issues
Jan 12, 2007Eagle-Gazette - Access management plan jammed with disagreements
It doesn't appear a countywide access management plan will be implemented anytime soon. A two-hour meeting involving the committee designated to draft the plan and township trustees from throughout the county ended with a postponement Thursday. Some Fairfield County trustees said the county...
Lancaster Eagle-Gazettemore
Jan 22, 2006Columbus 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 Dispatchmore
Mar 28, 2005Toledo 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 Blademore...
Mar 9, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Feb 26, 2005Plain 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 Dealermore...
Feb 22, 2005Akron 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 Journalmore...
Jan 11, 2005Taft 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...
Veteran Affairs
Jun 1, 2006Blade - Brown slams DeWine, GOP on veterans health care
Sherrod Brown brought his U.S. Senate campaign to Toledo yesterday to talk about his agenda for improving the federal government's support of veterans and their families.
The Toledo Blademore...
Aug 8, 2005Chicago 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 Tribunemore...
Aug 4, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
May 28, 2005Clark 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.
CNNmore...
May 23, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Working Families
Dec 1, 2007Dispatch - Ohio Foreclosure Rate Still Highest
A mortgage research company says Ohio continued to have one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country last month. RealtyTrac says Ohio reported one foreclosure filing for every 290 households. The state had more than 17,000 filings in October, up 136 percent from a year ago.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jul 19, 2007Dispatch - GOP disputes union order
Many of the state's 7,000 independent home health-care workers -- the ones who look after low-income elderly and disabled Ohioans -- say Strickland's order gives them a long-awaited opportunity to address concerns about pay, benefits and working conditions.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Apr 15, 2006Associated Press - Most Americans Still Say Tax System Unjust
People think the middle class, the self-employed and small businesses pay too much in taxes, the poll found. And they think those with high incomes and big businesses don't pay enough. The survey was conducted in the days before the mid-April deadline for filing income tax returns.
Associated Pressmore
Feb 25, 2006Columbus Dispatch - Wal-Mart workers costing taxpayers
Taxpayers are picking up the tab for health-care costs of more Wal-Mart workers and dependents than for any other Ohio employer, long-awaited state figures show. And McDonald’s has the most workers and family members getting food stamps and cash assistance.
Columbus Dispatchmore
Jun 14, 2005AP - 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 Pressmore...
Mar 17, 2005Columbus 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 Dispatchmore...
Mar 11, 2005Cincinnati 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 Enquirermore...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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...
(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...
