Getting some exposure

Democratic gubernatorial longshot Bryan Flannery called a Statehouse news conference today to talk about his EducateOhio school funding plan.

But most of the questioning by reporters dealt with Flannery's criticism of U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland for hiring "an individual who had exposed himself to children on at least four separate occasions" in Athens and Washington counties. Flannery handed out a one-page Athens Police Department report, with four complaint numbers on it, as proof of the incidents.

The drama heightened afterward when the convicted offender's Dayton attorney, Jesse R. Lipcius, insisted all records of the 12-year-old incidents have been expunged. Lipcius promised to provide proof of the expungement to anyone guaranteeing his client's confidentiality.

Lipcius said the former Strickland congressional and campaign employee is married with one child, a Christian and wants to get on with his life. He also has not been affiliated with Strickland for six or seven years, Lipcius said. The man was convicted of one fourth-degree misdemeanor, which is not classified as a sex offense, Lipcius added.

"I'm concerned about my client's privacy,'' Lipcius said. "He hasn't slept in weeks now."

While acknowledging he is not a lawyer, Flannery insisted, "This is definitely something that's very serious.''

If Strickland wins the Democratic primary May 2, Flannery said, "This issue isn't going away. . . He's got both personal and political problems. It just raises a lot of red flags here.''

Strickland has said he was unaware of any charge, but confronted a former employee about an anonymous accusation during his 1998 re-election campaign. The employee denied the charge and left Strickland's staff the following year.

Even Brian Rothenberg, communications director for the Ohio Democratic Party, was taken aback by Flannery's charges. "I'm not sure if he's running for governor or Inside Edition.''

Update, 6 p.m.


Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern issued this statement about his party candidate:

"Having served (in the Ohio House) with Bryan Flannery, I am surprised at the the increasingly outrageous comments he is stringing together about Congressman Strickland. His constant act of bombastic allegations is reminiscent of a 19th Century snake oil salesman -- buyer's beware.''

Redfern was among the first to endorse Strickland before becoming party chairman in December.