Bob McEwen's letter to the Enquirer editor

Bob McEwen, who hopes to unseat Rep. Jean Schmidt Tuesday, sent this letter to Enquirer editor Tom Callinan on Friday.

April 28, 2006

Mr. Tom Callinan
Editor, Cincinnati Enquirer
312 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Dear Mr. Callinan:

Less than 24 hours after being reprimanded by the Ohio Elections Commission for a “reckless disregard for the truth” Congresswoman Jean Schmidt repeated those same falsehoods in a massive media blitz. Just days after pledging to the Cincinnati Enquirer editorial board not to mention her opponent by name, she took advantage of the weekend to make claims we know are untrue. Previously, the seven counties of Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District were represented with distinction by Rob Portman

One of her many false claims is that I personally wrote bad checks. This was a broad attempt by the House Democrat leadership seeking to cover up its poor management of the House Bank more than a decade ago. Many members, myself included, demanded a full accounting of the House Bank, a special prosecutor was appointed, a complete audit was made, and the vast majority of us were given what the press called “letters of exoneration.” Coincidentally, my good friends Jack Kemp, Dick Cheney and I received our letters of exoneration on the same day. This is a truth of which Jean Schmidt has full knowledge and she publicly spoke of it when the exoneration was initially made. The letter itself is readily available at www.bobmcewenforcongress.com. Jean Schmidt further seeks to distract attention from her harmful voting record in support of the massive new taxes and fee increases which caused Ohio to sink to 47th in new job creation and carry the third-heaviest state and local tax burden among the 50 states. She creates this distraction by distributing photographs of a property Liz and I own near Washington DC. She then repeats the charge concerning our residency, a charge which was dismissed by the Ohio Elections Commission on Thursday.

It has been my privilege to serve among the leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives representing the state of Ohio. My legislation expanded the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which was necessary for Comair and Delta to use as a hub; built the Appalachian Highway, opening up southern Ohio to commerce and hope; built the water system so necessary for Clermont County to prosper, so significant that the Clermont County Commissioners have named it the Bob McEwen Water Treatment Plant. My votes in support of lower taxes and greater economic growth are very much needed at this point in time for our state. With a son in the Marines, I understand the challenging times we face and I care deeply that our district’s voice is heard with respect in Washington. Jean Schmidt and I will face the voters on Tuesday. I eagerly await their judgment.

Sincerely, Bob McEwen