We cut off everyone's heads!

Ohio state Rep. Tom Brinkman, R-Cincinnati, who announced earlier today that he's backing Republican Bob McEwen's attempt to oust Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township, in the GOP primary May 2, sent out this statement in response to Schmidt's earlier statement:

What statement? You know, the one where she was upset that Brinkman and others (including McEwen) "had a great time pretending to cut off" her head.

Here's the statement:

COAST (Coalition Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes) has bestowed the Marie Antoinette "Let them Eat Cake" Award on a deserving politician for five years, starting with Commissioner Thomas L. Neyer, Jr. in 2000. This year, Jean Schmidt richly earned it. Other winners have included Council member Alicia Reece, Governor Bob Taft and Commissioner John Dowlin.

It is intended to be a fun poke at the politician who displays the most blithe ignorance of the plight of innocent taxpayers. The peasants of France, carrying pitchforks, of course beheaded at the guillotine the Queen who had created their misery.

COAST annually prepares a cake to celebrate the award recipient, and with great fanfare and celebration serves it to its members at its annual membership fundraiser. It was presented with much humor and enthusiasm, including by a bi-partisan assembly of elected officials, and was received by the attendees thusly.

"No honoree before has complained of the honor, and we doubt anyone will again," said COAST President Jim Urling. "In addition to being unable to control her urges to tax and spend, Ms. Schmidt obviously has no sense of humor."

In addition, there is no distortion of her voting record. During her time in the legislature, she NEVER voted against a single tax increase, and voted in favor of more than a dozen, including the sales tax, and gasoline tax and adding a new dry cleaning tax.

Brinkman, the founder of COAST, was asked - to be fair - if the group severs the heads of everyone who wins this award.

His answer?

"Only people who raise my taxes!"