Findings detailed in 2004 election lawsuit

Here is an affidavit filed Friday afternoon in federal court in Columbus by Richard Hayes Phillips, a scientist from Canton, N.Y., who has investigated ballot-counting problems in Ohio ever since the 2004 election.

Phillips' declaration to U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley was made in support of a lawsuit filed Thursday in U.S. District Court alleging ballot irregularities in 11 counties including Hamilton, Butler, Clermont and Warren counties.

In several passages, Phillips expresses concern that unused ballots -- which were to be saved at least until this weekend under federal law -- could provide evidence of tampering. They've been discarded in at least two counties.

"The Butler County Board of Elections was able to produce the unused punch cards. They also produced, in the form of a packing slip, what appeared to be a complete inventory for each precinct," Phillips writes. "All were accounted for, and all were pristine. This only raises the question as to why the Boards of Elections in Clermont, Hamilton, Montgomery, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Warren counties cannot produce their unused ballots."

Phillips later concludes: "Having reviewed a substantial amount of forensic evidence, it is my conclusion that there is direct evidence of ballot tampering in each of the eleven counties whose public records I have examined, and that there is a compelling need to protect the evidence from destruction, presently scheduled to take place on or shortly after September 2, 2006."

His complete declaration can be found here:
Declaration%20of%20Richard%20Hayes%20Phillips.doc

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.

Update: The statue is back

The "Genius of Water" is back on Fountain Square, Feoshia Henderson reports:

DOWNTOWN – She just wanted to be left alone.

The Genius of Water epitomized actress Greta Garbo’s famous plea for solitude with a quiet return to Fountain Square Saturday.

The city’s iconic statue came back downtown after nearly a year away because of the square’s ongoing $42.7 million redevelopment.

The statue made its way down Fifth Street at about 12:30 p.m., with a Cincinnati police escort. She was outfitted with golden sunglasses and a maroon-colored head scarf, and was pulled onto Vine Street by a red truck. A few dozen people gathered to watch as the Genius of Water appeared to float, with the help of a crane, onto her pedestal in the center of the square. Workers at nearby businesses walked onto the street to catch a glimpse.

Many were caught off guard by the event, which hadn’t been publicized. Several took photos with cell phone cameras, while others called friends and family to let them know what was happening.

Three men with Megen Construction Co. bolted down the statue onto the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain shortly after 1 p.m. People scattered and work resumed at the square. She was covered by a tarp late in the afternoon.

Marion Haynes, 25, and his fiancée Jessica Niblock, 23, were among those who knew about the planned return. They were at Fifth and Vine about a half hour early.

The couple recently bought a condominium downtown.

“I’m really interested in keeping up with the square,” Haynes said. “I saw there was going to be some secret ceremony and it piqued my curiosity.”

The 9-foot tall Lady had been at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is overseeing the square renovation. The organization decided to not announce the statue’s return because construction at the square has been difficult for crowds to maneuver, said communications director Kevin Armstrong.

There will be a public dedication Oct. 14 where the Genius of Water will be prominently featured, Armstrong said.

As for the sunglasses and scarf?

“We were going for a whole ‘40s theme: the Lady makes a low-key return,” Armstrong said. “We were just trying to have some fun.”

Fountain Square blogging

Reporter Feoshia Henderson is at Fountain Square watching the re-installation of the "Genius of Water" statue.

About a half dozen workers from Megeen Construction Co. are on the square now.

Workers are on the pedestal, prepping it for Genius' return, expected between 12 and 12:30 p..m.

More on Noy complaint

No word yet on how many, if any, subpoenas Nathan Noy has asked the Ohio Elections Commission to issue in his complaint against U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, but...

The reaction continues from others crossing paths with the write-in congressional candidate from Chillicothe

Noy threatened to subpoena former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder as well as Householder's ex-chief of staff, Brett Buerck.

Noy said he wants to question anyone who may have been involved in posting Schmidt's 1993 Columbus Marathon finish-line photo on her campaign web sites dating back to 2000 when Schmidt first ran for state legislature. In his elections complaint, to be heard Thursday, Noy alleges Schmidt made false statements about running marathons, including fabricating a photo from a 26-miler in Columbus.

Earlier today, Buerck said, "I have no idea what he's talking about."

"I wasn't a part of putting the photo on the web site, so I don't know if it is a doctored photo," he said in a telephone interview.

"And if it is a doctored photo, I have no idea who would have done it or why they would have done it."

"I tried to win campaigns and get people elected," Buerck said, "and doctoring photos doesn't have a place in that process."

Separately, Sean Gleeson, an artist and college teacher from Oklahoma City, informed me of his recent conversations with Noy and today's posts on his blog:

http://sean.gleeson.us/2006/09/01/noy-sock-puppet-confession

Gleeson said he never heard of Noy before reading about him in news accounts Aug, 24, and never contacted him before Thursday.

If you can't debate 'em. . .

Since he was wasn't invited to participate in Tuesday's debate between Democrat Ted Strickland and Republican Ken Blackwell, Libertarian Bill Peirce sent this invitation to reporters:

Titled: "Have a beer with Bill," the invitation says:

"Bill Peirce, an independent candidate for Governor in November’s election, was recently denied a spot in the gubernatorial candidates debate taking place in Youngstown, Ohio on Tuesday, September 5, 2006. The debate sponsors, WFMJ-TV and the Youngstown Vindicator, have refused to allow any independent candidates to participate in the debate.

When asked why he should be included in the debate, Peirce (pronounced 'purse') had this to say: 'I have spent the last year campaigning full time. I secured the endorsement of Ohio's third largest political party and submitted a nominating petition containing over 13,000 signatures from all 88 counties in Ohio. I have a Ph.D. in Economics from Princeton University, taught economics at Case Western Reserve University for more than 35 years, and have published books on bureaucratic failure, energy economics, and technological change. The people of Ohio deserve to hear from an economic specialist who can lead them out of problems that career politicians of both major parties have caused.'

Peirce and his campaign, practiced in the art of making lemonade from lemons, invite you to join Bill for a drink after the debate at Cedar's Lounge & Restaurant (23 N. Hazel St., a brief walk from the debate), where Bill will be available from noon until 4:00 p.m. Bill will be answering the same questions posed to Ted Strickland and Ken Blackwell during the debate, along with any other questions from the media. We hope to see you Tuesday!

In an interview, Charles Peirce, campaign manager, spokesman and the candidate's son, called it ironic that his father is not invited to the third formal debate at the University of Cincinnati on Oct. 4 where the topic is the economy. That's because his dad is the only economist running for governor.

Here is a copy of Thursday's 2004 election complaint

King Lincoln Bronzeville Neighborhood Association et. al. v. J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio Secretary of State:

KLBFiledComplaint.pdf

Sunday TV

Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, will be on "Face the Nation" on CBS this Sunday to discuss the 2006 elections.

We wonder what he'll say about Ohio Sen. Mike DeWine's race against Democratic Rep. Sherrod Brown, especially considering a new USA Today/Gallup poll that shows DeWine down six points and a recent Wall Street Journal/Zogby poll that shows him down eight points.

Btw, we accidentally left McConnell off our earlier post about the "Best & Worst of Congress" list. His office pointed out the senator's TWO mentions on the Senate list in an e-mail to reporters. Here they are:

SENATE:

Best Leader
1. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
2. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
3. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
In a mostly party-line vote, Democrats unite around their soft-spoken, sharply partisan leader, while Republicans rally around their leader-in-waiting.

Workhorse
1. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.)
2. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.)
3. Tie: Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.); Carl Levin (D-Mich.)
The Democratic lion still roars after more than 40 years in Senate; Specter barely missed a beat during cancer treatment.

Sherrod ad: "Change is coming"

From the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee:

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee unveiled a new television commercial today highlighting Sherrod Brown’s efforts to help the middle class. Brown has fought against trade deals hurting Ohio’s workers, has sought tax relief for the middle class and has worked to provide quality, affordable health care for all Ohioans.

“Sherrod Brown has always worked to help the average person, not the special interests,” DSCC spokesperson Phil Singer said. “Washington needs more people who care about the middle class and that’s why Ohio should send Brown to the Senate.”

LINK TO AD: http://www.dscc.org/news/multimedia/20060901_ad/

Battles over ballots

From the AP this morning

CLEVELAND – A coalition suing to throw out Ohio’s new rules governing voter registration drives is set to make its case before a federal judge.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen O’Malley set a hearing on the lawsuit for Friday morning. She ruled Thursday that state Democratic lawmakers could join the challenge.

Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, Ohio’s chief elections officer and the Republican candidate for governor in the Nov. 7 election, predicted the courts would let the new rules stand.

Meanwhile, Jon Craig reports on a the fight over the 2004 presidential election - yes the one from two years ago - still going on...

Here's the story in today's Enquirer

Violent Crime Seminar

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory and Police Chief Tom Streicher joined their peers from all over the nation in Washington, D.C. Wednesday for a day-long National Violent Crime Summit.

Mallory said the most shocking thing about the summit is that everyone reported that crime in general is declining while violent crime is on the rise. Most of the cities represented say they are on pace to set a new homicide record this year.

Philip Bates became the city's 58th homicide victim this year when he was gunned down early Sunday morning on his front porch. There were 79 homicides last year -- the most since 1977.

"Almost without exception, the overall crime rate is down but there is a spike in violent crime," Mallory said. "That is just a national trend. There is a sense among people that grabbing a firearm and using it is an acceptable way to resolve problems."

The morning session focused on national trends in violent crime while the afternoon the group participated in a facilitated discussion on solutions to the problem.

"The rise in violent crime that we have seen in Cincinnati has been seen in almost every city across the country," Streicher said in a prepared statement. "We are encouraged that our situation is at the low end of the tide. I think that we can still safely say that we are one of the safest major cities in the United States."

The FBI reports a 5-percent increase in homicides nationwide last year. Mallory said most of the 200 or so officials attending the summit said their homicide rates would surpass last year.

"That's true in smaller cities of 50,000 or 100,000 people," Mallory said. "It doesn't matter if you're big or small, there's just been an increase."

Mallory made the point that it will be important to be united in efforts to pursuade national and state lawmakers to help. Ten years ago, for example, nearly every city had more officers on the streets because of an initiative by the Clinton administration. Others said it would be nice if there were no restrictions on how homeland security equipment can be used.

Mallory also said a pending bill that would restrict information sharing between local officials and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms would be a mistake.

"We're trying to get guns off the streets, and that's what they do," Mallory said of the ATF. "It's troubling. You want to think there's one or two things causing this. But it's happening nationally. And it's hard to identify why. What makes a 12-year-old inner citiy kid deal drugs then shoot somebody because they trashed his car?"

Cincinnati home to best-, worst- dressed lawmakers

Washingtonian magazine's annual lighthearted list of the "Best & Worst of Congress" is in the September issue that just hit newstands. And several of our local lawmaker made the cut, including new House Majority Leader John Boehner of West Chester and freshman Jean Schmidt of Miami Township.

The list is based on 1,700 ballots sent to congressional staff members from both parties. The magazine donates $1 for each returned ballot to a charity. Here are excerpts of the categories that mention area members of Congress:

SENATE:

No Rocket Scientist:
1. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.)
2. Tie: Rick Santorum (R-Pa.); George Allen (R-Va.)
Aides on both sides wish the Hall of Fame pitcher had more than a good arm.

HOUSE:

Straightest Shooter
1. Tie: John Boehner (R-Ohio); David Obey (D-Wisc.)
2. Tie: Steney Hoyer (D-Md.); Gene Taylor (D-Miss.); John Murtha (D-Pa.); Sam Johnson (R-Texas)
"Are you kidding? They're politicians!" wrote one aide in a category with little agreement and lots of choices.

Meanest
1. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.)
2. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-Texas)
3. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)
Both sides have darts for Thomas and Jackson-Lee, while Schmidt has rubbed mostly Democrats the wrong way.

Best Dressed
1. David Dreier (R-Calif.)
2. Mark Foley (R-Fla.)
3. Tie: John Boehner (R-Ohio); Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
The natty Californian wins in a bipartisan landslide, as he did in the 2004 poll.

Fashion Victim
1. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)
2. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio)
3. Cynthia McKinney (D-Ga.)
DeLauro continues to get much bipartisan grief for her mismatched ensembles.

House Member I'd Like to See Win the Presidency in 2008:
1. Steney Hoyer (D-Md.)
2. John Boehner (R-Ohio)
3. John Spratt (D-S.C.)
Hoyer and Boehner get the nods from their party. But the last time a House member went directly to the White House was more than 100 years ago.

More on NoyGate

Nathan Noy, the write-in congressional candidate who filed five Ohio Elections Commission complaints against U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt is not giving up on his claim she or her campaign fabricated a finish-line photo of the 1993 Columbus Marathon.

Noy said today that he plans to ask the Elections Commission to subpoena several people who helped her during her runs for state legislature because the disputed photo first appeared on her 2000 campaign web site.

Among those to be subpoenaed, according to Noy, are former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and his chief of staff, Brett Buerck.

Buerck had no immediate comment, but needless to say wasn't happy about getting dragged into Noy's legal quagmire.

The Elections Commission plans an evidentiary hearing next Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.

Here is a copy of Noy's email sent to Buerck today:

Brett,

If you follow the news at all these days I’m sure you’ve seen that I’m going after Jean in the OEC for the fabricated photo she has on her website regarding the 1993 Columbus Marathon. I’ve tracked down another runner from the race and I believe I’ll be producing an alternative photo that does not show her in the same pose as the one I know is a fake.

My preference is to keep your name out of this. I know you’ve been through enough and you and I share some mutual friends. However, it is critical for me to know who doctored the picture. You were a proverbial genius back in the day and our team has a good faith belief you are behind this. However, like I said I’d rather keep your name out of the public spotlight if at all possible.

I assume Exxicte did the photo, but I’m not sure. Later today we will issue subpoenas and release information to the press. Jon Craig at the Enquirer is hot to trot for this story and it will be a headliner for him. I am faced with two options:

(1) Subpoena you to testify at the September 7 hearing at the OEC or
(2) Ask that you tell me who doctored the photo and hope they are willing to admit to it and leave out your name.

Since you are a law student you obviously know that the Character and Fitness Committee will be made aware if you dodge a subpoena or lie under oath to the commission. I think your best bet is to talk to the person that doctored the photo and ask they come forward. Jean is the only one facing charges here and I promise not to pursue anyone else on my end.

Please let me know what you are inclined to do by the end of the day. I have a meeting at 4pm to set the subpoenas. I apologize for the short notice but Joe Braun pushed the hearing date and I just tracked down your contact info this morning.

Again my preference is to keep you out of this. But I will not rest until the truth comes out.

Regards,

Nate Noy


Noy told the Enquirer:

"I tried to do the 'right' thing and give Brett an out by letting him disclose to me who actually doctored the photo.

He responded by requesting a phone call then proceeded to tell me that he considered this a 'threat.' He also said he has released this to the media, the Ohio Bar and the OEC. However, he never denied making the photo. He also told me 'I have a ton of money in the bank and I’ll use every penny of it to hire a team of lawyers to defend myself.' He then told me to 'go ahead and subpoena me.' So, I most certainly will.

My only goal in this remains at getting to the truth. As Jefferson said: 'For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead.' and 'It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.'"

Another day, another presidential candidate in town

Howard Wilkinson reports:

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a former Clinton administration cabinet officer and baseball fan, joked he came to Cincinnati Wednesday to meet Ken Griffey Jr.

But Richardson, who wants to be the next president, knows perfectly well that, number one, the Cincinnati Reds aren’t in town; and, number two, that the road to the White House in 2008 will run through Ohio.

“This is the state that is probably going to, again, determine who wins the presidency,’’ the former energy secretary and UN ambassador told the Enquirer Wednesday, after speaking at an Ohio Democratic fundraising event at the downtown law firm of Ulmer & Berne, where long-time Cincinnati Democratic activist Don Mooney is a partner.

Richardson told the crowd at the morning event that he is likely to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, although he said that, as of now, the Democratic field is made up of “Hillary Clinton and the seven dwarfs.’’

Ohio, which decided the last presidential election, has become a magnet for potential presidential candidates of both parties. Last week, Republican John McCain stumped Ohio with Sen. Mike DeWine, while Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is coming next week to raise money for Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich.

Wednesday, in his speech and in an interview with the Enquirer, Richardson wore his hat as the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association and touted gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland’s chances of joining that group.

“Never mind Congress, the governors are becoming the most important players in public policy in this country; Congress can’t seem to get itself together to solve anything,’’ said Richardson, who served with Strickland in the U.S. House in the early 1990s.

Democrats hold governorships in 22 states now. Richardson said that after the Nov. 7 election, he believes at least 27 statehouses will be in Democratic hands.

“I think we can win in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado, Arkansas, Maryland and Ohio,’’ Richardson said. “But Ohio is the big prize.’’

A Democratic sweep in Ohio, Richardson said, “could set the stage for the next presidential election.

Richardson went on to Cleveland Wednesday afternoon for a Strickland campaign event at the Great Lakes Science Center.

Dem events this election season

Here’s the list of upcoming election-related events listed by the Hamilton County Democratic Party (as of Aug. 22):

August 30
Greenhills Concert on the Commons, American Legion Post 350 Concert Band
Time: 7 PM
Location: Winton and Cromwell Roads
Contact: 825-8100

Party in the Park
Time: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: Yeatman’s Cove
Contact: Chris Hoover 579-3124 or www.partyinthepark.com

August 31
State Representative Tyrone K. Yates Fundraiser
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Porkopolis (formerly Rookwood Pottery) 1077 Celestial St. in Mt. Adams
Contact: HCDP 421-0495
Suggested contribution: $50
Refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres provided.

September 1
St. John Neumann Festival
Time: Fri 7 PM – Midnight, Sat 4 PM – Midnight, Sun 4 PM – 11 PM
Location: 12191 Mill Road, Fairfield
Contact: 742-0953

Nativity of Our Lord Festival
Time: Fri 6 PM – 11 PM, Sat 5:30 PM – 11 PM, Sun 3 PM – 11 PM
Location: Ridge and Woodford Roads, Pleasant Ridge
Contact: 531-3164

September 2
Plaza Jazz, Jazz Boutique
Time: 12:30 Pm – 2:30 PM
Location: Burnett Woods, Diggs Plaza
Contact: 352-4080 or www.cincinnati-oh.gov/parks

Cruise a Palooka Classic Car Show
Location: Coney Island
Contact: www.coneyinc.org

Lincoln Heights Founders Day Festival
Time: Fri 6 PM – 10 PM, Sat and Sun Noon – 10 PM, Mon 10 – 8 PM
Location: Lindy and McGee Avenues
Contact: www.lincolnheightsohio.org

September 3
Friends of Connie Pillich Party and Fireworks
Time: 8 PM
Location: Nancy Minson’s Home, 415 Bond Place, East Walnut Hills.
Parking is at 12616 E. McMillan, located between Victory Parkway and the Williams YMCA. A shuttle will run from 8 – 9 PM and return you to your car after the fireworks party.
Contact: RSVP by September 1 to 221-5566
$35 per person (Children and out of town guests free)

Cheetah Run 5K
Location: Zoo
Contact: www.raadmc.com or www.cincinnatizoo.org

Riverfest
Time: 12 Noon-10 PM
Location: Banks on the Ohio River
Contact: 794-3674 or www.webn.com

September 4
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic
Time: All Day
Location: Coney Island
Contact: Bridget Doherty @ 513-421-1846
CANDIDATES: Check with local union for specific dates/times and to see if there are restrictions on political activity.
UAW, UFCW, Painters, UNITE/HERE, Steelworkers, Roofers, Painters, Laborers, Operating Engineers, IBEW, IUE-CWA, GCIU, & AFSCME

Thursday
Harvest Home Parade
Time: Line up at 5 PM
Location:
Contact: Dave Backer 661-7500 or www.harvesthomefair.com

Harvest Home Fair
Time: Thurs 5PM – 11 PM, Fri Noon – 11 PM, Sat Noon – 10 PM,
Sun Noon – 10 PM
Location: 3981 North Bend Road, Harvest Home Park
Contact: 662-0524 or www.harvesthomefair.com

Friday September 8
Our Lady of the Rosary Festival
Time: Fri 6 PM – Midnight, Sat 4 PM – Midnight, Sun 1 PM – 8 PM
Location: Farragut and Winton Roads, Greenhills
Contact: 825-8626

September 9
Fundraiser for Dr. Victoria Wells Wulsin
Time: 3 PM – 7 PM
Location: 6235 and 6243 Orchard Lane in Pleasant Ridge
Food, beverages and entertainment provided.
Suggested donation: $30

House Party Reception for Ted Strickland for Governor
Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
Location: The home of State Representative Tyrone K. Yates
1734 Fairfax Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207
Contact: RSVP to 478-5928 or info@tyroneyates.com
Special Guest: Mrs. Frances Strickland.

Hispanic Festival
Time: 12 Noon-10 PM
Location: 115 West Seymour Ave
Contact: 761-1588

Kolping Society Octoberfest
Time: 6 PM-1 AM
Location: 10235 Mill Road
Contact: 851-7951

Postal Workers Local 7038
Time: 12 Noon
Location: Sharon Woods
Contact: Lori Fischer @ 513-563-2233 or apwu@fuse.net
CANDIDATES: Check with local union for specific dates/times and to see if there are restrictions on political activity.

September 10
Hispanic Catholic Community
Time: Noon-10 PM
Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Vine & 77th Carthage
Contact: 948-1760

Kolping Society Octoberfest
Time: 3 PM-Midnight
Location: 10235 Mill Road
Contact: 851-7951

September 11
Taste of Reading Arts and Crafts
Time: Noon-11 PM
Location: Downtown Reading – Benson St.
Contact: 733-3725; recreation@readingohio.org

Hispanic Catholic Community
Time: Noon-10 PM
Location: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, Vine & 77th Carthage
Contact: 948-1760

Kolping Society Octoberfest
Time: 1 PM-9 PM
Location: 10235 Mill Road
Contact: 851-7951

September 12
Taste of Reading Arts and Crafts
Time: Noon-8 PM
Location: Downtown Reading – Benson St.
Contact: 733-3725; recreation@readingohio.org

Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus Reception with Senate Minority Leader CJ Prentiss
Time: 5:30PM – 7:30PM
Location: Tony’s Italian Restaurant
16 West Beck St.
Downtown Columbus
Contact: (614) 228-6850
Suggested contribution is $500. Checks can be made payable to : The Ohio Senate Democrats, 271 E. State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

September 14
Democracy for Cincinnati’s Iraq War Forum: A View From the Ground
Time: 7 PM
Location: Clifton United Methodist Church, 3416 Clifton Ave., 45220
Contact: RSVP at http://www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=11433 or 604-9210
Ward 15 Democratic Club Meeting
Time: 7 PM
Location: 4040 Hamilton Ave, Hobo Books (Northside) in the back room
Contact: Brian Garry, 221-5537
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month.

September 15
Saints Peter and Paul Festival
Time: Fri 5:30 PM – 11 PM, Sat 5:30 PM – 11 PM, Sun 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Location: 416 West Vine Street, Reading
Contact: 554-1010

September 16
Ohio Democratic Party 2006 State Convention

Blue Ash Airport Days
Location: Blue Ash Airport
Contact: www.airportdays.com

Glendale Street Fair
Time: TBA
Location: TBA
Contact: 771-7200 or www.glendaleohio.org

St Clement Festival
Time: Sat 3 PM – 11 PM, Sun 1 PM – 9 PM
Location: Vine Street Park in St. Bernard
Contact: 641-3176

Octoberfest
Time: Sat 11 AM-12 Midnight, Sun 11 AM – 10 PM
Location: Fountain Square
Contact: 579-3111

September 18
Earlham College Artist and Lecture Series Featuring George Lakoff
Time: 7 PM
Location: Goddard Auditorium
Contact: Lynn Knight, Earlham Events Coordinator, 765/983-1294 or
knighly@earlham.edu
Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. We can also offer a discount on a block of tickets.

September 20
Walnut Hills High School Campaign Fair
Time: 10:00a.m.-11:45a.m.
Location: Walnut Hills High School
Mid Point Music Festival
Location: Various Clubs and Locations

September 26

Hamilton County Democratic Party Annual Fall Fundraiser
Time: 5:00-7:30 PM
Location: Vernon Manor, 400 Oak St
Contact: 421-0495

Green Township Concert in the Park
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Kuliga Park 6717 Bridgetown Road
Contact: www.greentwp.org

September 28
Jazz on the Square
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
Location: Hyde Park Square
Contact: 352-4080

October 2
Hyde Park Art Show
Time: 10 AM-5 PM
Location: Hyde Park Square
Contact: Theresa Sunderhaus

October 4
Tall Stacks
Location: Sawyer Point

October 7
Wyoming Fun Run/Walk
Location: Hilltop School (pre register at rec center)
Contact: 821-5423 or www.wyoming.oh.us

Wyoming Fall Festival
Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Location: Village Green Park, Wyoming Ave
Contact: 821-5423

St. Boniface Festival
Time: Sat 5 PM – 11 PM, Sun 1 PM – 6 PM
Location: 4305 Pitts Ave
Contact: 541-1563

Chili Fest and Harvest Moon Celebration
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Location: Swain Park, Montgomery
Contact: 891-2424

October 12
Ward 15 Democratic Club Meeting
Time: 7 PM
Location: 4040 Hamilton Ave, Hobo Books (Northside) in the back room
Contact: Brian Garry, 221-5537
Meetings are held the second Thursday of each month.

October 14
Loveland Small Stacks
Time: TBA
Location: Downtown Loveland
Contact: 683-0150 or www.lovelandoh.com

Mt Airy Forest Festival
Time: Noon – 5 PM
Location: Mt. Airy Park, Oak Ridge Lodge
Contact: 352-4080

October 28
Wyoming Howling Pooch Parade
Time: TBA
Location: Civic Center, Worthington Ave
Contact: 821-5423

October 30
Reading Halloween Parade
Time: TBA
Location: Downtown Reading
Contact: www.readingohio.org

DeWine on San Diego competition panel

Hamilton County Commissioner Pat DeWine is going to San Diego next week to talk about efforts to make government more efficient.

DeWine is a discussion panelist for a seminar titled “Competition Works: How Managed Competition Can Enhance Accountability and Efficiency in City Government.”

DeWine is on the Sept. 7 panel for a discussion called “Managed Competition Success Stories from Across the Nation.”

DeWine, a Republican commissioner, has been a key member of Hamilton County’s managed competition committee.

It is reviewing services now provided by government to see if they can be done more efficiently or at less cost.

The most recent example is the maintenance and repair of the 14,000 fire hydrants in the unincorporated areas of Hamilton County.

The Hamilton County committee studied to see how the cost and efficiency of government employees doing that worked compared to a private company doing it.

County workers won.

The committee found that county workers are doing the servicing and maintenance of fire hydrants for $500,000 less per year than a private company would charge Hamilton County.

The same study, though, found that Hamilton County could save $20,000 this year by using the current city of Cincinnati’s fire hydrant purchasing contract.

Up next for the committee: Studying the Hamilton County vehicle fleet to see if the cars, trucks and other vehicles can be bought and maintained cheaper or more efficiently if done by a private company.

DeWine’s panel discussion is in San Diego where citizen will vote Nov. 7 to decide if the city can use managed competition to remake the city’s government.

Also on the panel with DeWine is the director of procurement for Mecklenberg County, N. C. (Charlotte). The seminar’s keynote speaker is former Indianapolis mayor Steven Goldsmith, who pioneered managed competition in his former city.

After DeWine was elected, he and Commissioner Phil Heimlich visited several governments to view what were considered best practices. Two of the counties they visited were Indianapolis and Mecklenberg County.

The seminar is hosted by San Diegans for City Hall Reform. DeWine's expenses are paid by The Performance Institute, a private non-profit think tank pushing managed competition in government.

Sheriff scares Packers fan

After his favorite team got whomped last night, Hamilton County Administrator Patrick Thompson (left) was making threats today – but fears of Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. kept him from imposing them.

Thompson, a Wisconsin native and avowed Cheesehead Packer Fan, was at the game last night where the Bengals drubbed the Packers 48-17 in an exhibition game.

Thompson, who admits he has a large plastic cheesehead on the administrative floor of the Hamilton County Building but refused to say where, was so distraught at halftime, he admitted he considered pulling a Greg Gall.

Gall is the fan who, last October, ran out on the field as the Bengals were whipping the Packers in a regular season game and took the ball from Packers quarterback Brett Favre.

Gall later was convicted of trespassing and disorderly conduct while intoxicated and sentenced to 14 months of probation.

“I was going to go on the field,” Thompson said, tongue firmly in cheek, “but there’s no room at the jail.”

Hamilton County’s jail is so overcrowded that the Sheriff has had to release some inmates early and not admit others.

GOP announces events

The Hamilton County Republican Party has released its list of events for the next few weeks. Events will be added.

The Hamilton County Democrat Party didn’t immediately respond today for requests to print its upcoming events. When we get the list, we’ll publish here.

Here’s the GOP list:

September 5
Greater Cincinnati Women’s Republican Club
Time: 6:30 p.m. – Social; 7:00 p.m. – Dinner; 7:30 p.m. – Meeting
Location: Sharonville Community Center (Thornview and Creek Road)
Contact: Shirley Smith (793-1836)

September 6
Anderson Township Republican Club
Time: 6:00 p.m. – Social; 7:00 p.m. – Meeting
Location: Anderson Township Heritage Center (890 Eight Mile at Forest Road)
Contact: Russ Jackson (235-4054)

Judge Patrick Dinkelacker’s Fundraiser
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: The University Club (401 East Fourth Street)
Contribution: $250/person
Contact: Melissa Keyer (515-3960 or mkeyer@cinci.rr.com)

September 7
Colerain Township Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Speaker: Frank Birkenhauser (Assistant Colerain Township Administrator)
Location: Colerain Senior and Community Center (4300 Springdale Road)
Contact: Jason Tonne (923-1439)

Harvest Home Parade
Time: 5:00 p.m. – parade forms; 6:00 p.m. – parade starts
For an application, please contact Dave Backer (661-7500)

Keep Phil Heimlich Commissioner Fundraiser
Time: 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Location: Home of Frances and Craig Lindner
Contribution: $2,000 – VIP Reception and Photo; $1,000 – General Reception
Speaker: Mitt Romney, Governor of Massachusetts
Details/Notes: 5:00 p.m. – Private VIP Reception and Photo
6:00 p.m. – General Reception with Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres
Contact: Mike McNamara (351-PHIL {7445})

September 8
Congresswoman Deb Pryce’s Fundraiser
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: The Queen City Club (331 East Fourth Street)
Speaker: Rob Portman
Contact: Hamilton County Republican Headquarters (381-5454)

September 9
Delhi Republican Club Reverse Raffle
Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Location: Delhi Township Park Lodge (5125 Foley)
Contact: Steve Bartholomew (319-5214)

September 11
Hamilton County Republican Women’s Club
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel (4554 Lake Forest)
Contribution: $25.00/person
Contact: Ginny Martina (533-9373 or 484-3527)

September 12
Northeast Women’s Republican Club Meet the Candidates
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Clarion Hotel (5901 Pfeiffer Road)
Contribution: $15/person for lunch – RSVP by September 8, 2006
Contact: Pat Stern (489-9098 or Pat@icrctv.com)

September 13
Blue Ash Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Blue Ash Recreation Center – lower level (4433 Cooper Road)
Contact: Lee Czerwonka (745-0402)

Green Township Republican Club Spaghetti Dinner
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Nathanael Greene Veterans Lodge (6394 Wesselman Road)
Contribution: $15/person
Contact: Larry Riesenberg (922-9026)

September 14
Blue Chip Young Republicans Club Happy Hour
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: McFadden’s (19 East Seventh Street)
Contact: Betsy Sundermann (307-7676 or dgbetsy@yahoo.com)

September 15
Keep Phil Heimlich Commissioner Fundraiser
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: The Queen City Club (331 East Fourth Street)
Hosted by: John Kruse
Contact: Heimlich’s Campaign Headquarters for more information, 351-PHIL (7445)

September 18
Silverton Republican Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Silverton Municipal Building (6860 Plainfield Road)
Contact: Mike Morthorst (791-6481)

September 20
Deer Park Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Deer Park Community Center (7640 Plainfield Road – in Chamberlain Park)
Contact: Vern Collins (791-9368)

20th and 21st Wards Republican Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Holy Family Gym (in the small club room – enter in the rear – Price and Grand Avenues)
Contact: Ted Bird (471-3355)

September 21
Reading Republican Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Foley’s Irish Pub (200 West Benson)
Contact: Mary Beth Shelton (821-0880)

Bill Seitz for State Representative’s Fundraiser
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Western Hills Country Club (Cleves-Warsaw & Neeb Road)
Contribution: $100/person; $150/couple
Contact: Bill Seitz (357-9332)

September 22
4th and 5th Wards Republican Club Indoor Picnic
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Kona Bistro (3012 Madison Road)
Contact: Kay Simon (871-6452)

The Hamilton County Juvenile Court Advisory Council Golf Outing
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Neumann Golf Course (7215 Bridgetown Road)
Contribution: $100/person (includes lunch, golf, cart & prizes)
Contact: Chip Hendon (366-3424) or Mike Mestemaker (534-8985)

September 25
Blue Chip Young Republicans Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Monty’s on Montgomery (4108 Montgomery Road)
Speaker: Commissioner Phil Heimlich
Contact: Betsy Sundermann (307-7676 or dgbetsy@yahoo.com)

U.S. Senator Mike DeWine’s Fundraiser
Location: Home of Eileen and John Barrett
For more information, please contact the Hamilton County Republican Headquarters (381-5454).

Loveland Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lebanon Citizens National Bank (Loveland-Madeira Road and Valleyview Road)
Contact: David Kothman (683-1427)

Norwood Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Norwood Community Center (1810 Courtland Avenue)
Contact: Steve Thornbury (531-9084)

September 26
Delhi Township Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Delhi Township Park Lodge (5125 Foley Road)
Contact: Steve Bartholomew (319-5214)

North College Hill Republican Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: North College Hill Senior Community Center (1586 Goodman Avenue)
Contact: Patrick Hartzel (521-8335)

Springfield Township Republican Club
Time: 6:00 p.m. – Dinner; 7:00 p.m. – Meeting
Location: Angelo’s Restaurant (8270 Winton Road)
Contact: Christa Criddle (821-5451)

Sycamore Township Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Deer Park Community Center (7640 Plainfield – in Chamberlain Park)
Contact: Mike McKeown (891-9140)

September 27
Greg Hartmann for Secretary of State Fundraiser
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Home of Eleni and George Triantafilou (3561 Country Walk)
Contribution: $100/person
Contact: Don Robinson (283-3096)

September 27
Senator Bob Schuler’s Fundraiser
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Kenwood Country Club (6501 Kenwood Road)
Contribution: $300/person; $500/couple
Speaker: Bill Harris, President of the Senate
Contact: Shelagh Schuler (891-6293)

25th Ward Republican Club
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cheviot Elk’s Lodge (4101 Harrison Avenue)
Speaker: Sheriff Simon Leis
Contact: Mike Robison (481-5014)

September 28
Bond Hill, Paddock Hills and Roselawn Community Councils’ Election Forum 2006
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Community Action Agency (1780 Langdon Farm Road)
All candidates are invited. Please confirm your presence by the deadline date of September 2.
Contacts: Aaron Fairbanks, President of Bond Hill Community Council (212-2120) or Michael Watson, President of Roselawn Community Council (631-3126)

Mt. Healthy Republican Club
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Mt. Healthy Community Building (7700 Perry – behind City Hall)
Contact: Terry Todd (738-2698)

Sharonville Republican Club
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Sharonville Community Center (Thornview and Creek Road)
Contact: Mary Haimerl (563-1393)


October 6
Friends of the NRA Dinner
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Social; 7:15 p.m. – Dinner
Location: Southern Ohio Dog and Game Hall (10630 E. Miami River Road)
Contribution: $25/person; (table of eight available)
Contacts: For tickets: Sue Moore (574-0542). For additional information: Denny Mason (385-3607)

October 9
25th Ward Republican Club Golf Outing
Time: 11:00 a.m. – Shotgun Start
Location Hidden Valley Golf Course (19775 Alpine Drive in Lawrenceburg, IN)
Contribution $75/golfer (dinner included); $25/hole sponsor
Contacts: Gary Rutz (706-8606) or Leo Morand (347-3299)

October 10
Fundraiser for the Ohio House and Senate
Location: Home of Ginger and David Warner
For more information, please contact the Hamilton County Republican Headquarters (381-5454).

October 16
Congressman Ralph Regula’s Fundraiser
Location: Home of Ginger and David Warner
For more information, please contact the Hamilton County Republican Headquarters (381-5454).

October 30
25th Ward Republican Club Oktoberfest/Candidates’ Night
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Delhi Township Park Lodge (5125 Foley Road)
Contact: Mike Robison (240-3467)

November 2
Brinkman for State Representative Fundraiser Reception
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: The University Club (401 East Fourth Street)
Contribution: TBA
Contact: Tom Brinkman (321-6591)

November 4
Northeast Hamilton County Republican Club Rally
Location: Deer Park Community Center (7640 Plainfield Road – in Chamberlain Park)
Contact: Eileen Simon (891-8661)

November 7
General Election

Portman paddling

In U.S. News & World Report.

Here's a look at it.

Former West Chester marathoner says Schmidt ran it

Pam Saylor, who placed 6th in the 1993 Columbus Marathon among women ages 40 to 44, said today that Rep. Jean Schmidt ran the marathon. Saylor, a former West Chester resident now living in Plant City, Fla., should know. Schmidt passed her near the end of the 26-mile race, according to Saylor.

Nathan Noy, a write-in candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, has alleged that Schmidt never ran the marathon and fabricated that fact and other race placements and times on her campaign web site. Noy has one of four complaints against Schmidt pending before the Ohio Elections Commission.

"She's telling the truth...I lived in Cincinnati all of my life and ran many marathons up there, and Jean beat me in that one right at the end,'' Saylor said today. "She was starting to pass me and I didn't have the gumption to keep it up."

"I would like to have beaten her, but no, she beat me fair and square,'' Saylor said. "I did beat her before in the Blue Ash Marathon but not in this one."

Joseph Braun, Schmidt's attorney, and Noy said they plan to get a statement from Saylor.

The state Elections Commission, which voted 3-1 Thursday to hear additional evidence in the complaint, has set a hearing for Sept. 7 at 10 a.m.

Braun said Schmidt finished 5th among women in her age group in 3:19:09.

Noy has alleged Schmidt falsely reported running it, going as far as doctoring a finish-line photo.

New poll shows Strickland up 25 points

From the Strickland campaign:

Columbus, Ohio - Ohio gubernatorial candidate Congressman Ted Strickland has extended his lead to 25 points over Republican nominee Ken Blackwell in an independent poll released this week.

Strickland's 57% to 32% lead in the new Rasmussen Reports poll is consistent with two recent non-partisan, independent polls which also indicate Strickland holds at least a 20-point lead over his opponent. An August SurveyUSA poll showed Strickland leading Blackwell by 22 points, 57 % to 35%. A Columbus Dispatch poll, conducted in July, also showed Strickland with a 20-point lead over his opponent, 47% to 27%.

"There is a hunger for change in Ohio and a strong distaste for Mr. Blackwell's divisive and negative politics," said Strickland Press Secretary Keith Dailey.

Republican voters continue to move away from Blackwell, as evidenced by his 59% support among Ohio Republican voters. Strickland, according to Rasmussen reports, "appeals to 88% of Democrats, and 55% of unaffiliated voters."

Rasmussen also notes the candidates' favorability ratings: "Blackwell is viewed unfavorably by 55%. More ominously, 35% view him “very” unfavorably, a four-point increase since last month."

Blackwell is viewed favorably by only 40% of survey respondents. By contrast, Strickland's favorability rating is 59%.

Rasmussen Reports is an independent public opinion polling and research firm that will be polling every U.S. Senate and Governors' race once per month throughout the year. The survey of 500 likely voters was conducted on August 22, 2006.

According to the Web site, Rasmussen Reports was the nation's only polling organization "to project both Bush and Kerry’s vote total within half a percentage point of the actual outcome" during the Presidential election.

For more information please visit: http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/August%202006/ohioGovernor.htm

New ad from Blackwell: "Taxin' Ted"

From the Ken Blackwell campaign

COLUMBUS – Gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell today unveiled his first campaign ad of the general election. Entitled “Taxin’ Ted,” the ad focuses on Congressman and former prison psychologist Ted Strickland’s 31 votes to increase taxes and 52 votes to oppose tax cuts.
Following is the text of the ad:

In the campaign for Governor, watch out Ohio for Taxin’ Ted
Strickland. In Congress, Taxin’ Ted voted 31 times to increase taxes - on gasoline, family income, even social security. Fifty-two times he opposed a tax cut - on married couples, families with children and even medical savings. Taxin’ Ted hasn’t ruled out raising taxes as Governor.Ohio’s already one of the highest taxed states – costing us jobs.We don’t need Taxin’ Ted to make us number one.

The video is available for review at www.kenblackwell.com.

Heimlich, Pepper at OTR Chamber gathering

With the unofficial kick-off of campaign season next Monday, candidates are gearing up for personal appearances.

One place to see Republican Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich and his challenger, Democrat David Pepper, at the same place and time is the Oct. 5 luncheon of the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce.

The program will begin at noon at Music Hall’s Corbett Tower, 1243 Elm St.