Marathongate reaches Montana

The male runner shown crossing the finish line two places in front of U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt in her campaign web site photo of the 1993 Columbus Marathon says he has an original print, and videotape, of the disputed finish. Dennis Hayslett of Montana said he's willing to produce it -- for a price.

Hayslett called the Enquirer today to say he'll sell his photo -- in which the clock apparently reads one second prior to Schmidt's photo -- to the congresswoman's campaign, her write-in opponent Nathan Noy, or any news outlet willing to make an offer. Hayslett wouldn't say whether Schmidt is shown in his photo. In his complaint, Noy claims Schmidt doctored the photo that appears on her web site, or didn't run the 1993 race at all.

Hayslett said he couldn't care less what the Ohio Elections Commission wants since he doesn't live in the Buckeye State. "I'm not an Ohio resident," he said. "I have no vested interest in this, but if somebody wants to purchase the photo. . ."

The elections commission plans a hearing Thursday to consider evidence related to Noy's complaint Schmidt made false statements about the race.