Finney's check returned to sender -- 5 months later

When conservative Republican lawyer Christopher P. Finney contributed $200 to the campaign of Democratic City Council candidate Jeff Berding on March 22, it raised some eyebrows among liberal Democrats. Finney, after all, is best known for his efforts opposing campaign finance restrictions, gay rights laws and almost every tax ever invented at City Hall or the county building.

Five months later, on Aug. 29, Berding returned the contribution, according to his most recent campaign finance report with the Cincinnati Elections Commission.

Berding works in the front office of the Cincinnati Bengals and leads the league in council fundraising this season. A self-described "conservative Democrat," he would not say why he returned the money, saying only that he discussed his reasons with Finney.

Finney was similarly circumspect, but made clear he still supported Berding: "I like Jeff a lot and think he would make a fine council member."