Rep. Schmidt made false statements in 2005 campaign

There is probable cause that U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt made false statements last year when it was widely reported she had two undergraduate degrees from the University of Cincinnati, a bipartisan panel of the Ohio Elections Commission found today.

But in a separate 4-0 vote, the elections panel found that Schmidt, a Republican candidate in the May 2 primary, did not continue to make false statements during her 2006 campaign. Her chief of staff said last week that Schmidt completed coursework for a bachelor's degree in education but never collected the second diploma.

Philip C. Richter, the commission's executive director, said he is unsure how quickly a hearing on the evidence can be scheduled. Both sides are seeking to subpoena witnesses.

A separate probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 27 on a complaint by James P. Urling of Cincinnati that Schmidt falsely reported an endorsement by U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot and others in campaign literature and on her internet Web site. The commission found probable cause on that complaint last Wednesday.

Read Thursday's Enquirer for details on today's Elections Commission hearing.