Oops. I may have a conflict

It looks like there may be a problem with Greg Harris' candidacy for Commissioner Pat DeWine's seat.

Harris said today he may have a conflict of interest because he sits on the Governor's Workforce Policy Board.

Harris says it may be a conflict of interest because on the Governor’s board, he can help funnel money to Ohio counties, including Hamilton County. If elected commissioner, that could be seen as a conflict.

“I could be seen as funneling disproportionate resources to the county I represent,” he said.
He’s checking with Governor Ted Strickland’s office to get an opinion on the issue.

“I’m pretty sure Strickland’s office will say if you run for commissioner you have to give up your seat on the board.”

Harris is meeting with the Democratic Party later today to talk about the potential conflict and decide whether the party should have a backup candidate in case Harris doesn't run.
"If there is a conflict, I don't know if I would be willing to give that board seat up because it allows me to effect positive change on issues I'm passionate about," said Harris in an e-mail.

If he doesn't run, that would put the Dems in the position of having to find a viable candidate to run against Greg Hartmann, and getting the 50 needed signatures in less than a day. That's probably not too difficult a feat, though, since tons of Democrats will be in one place for the caucuses tonight.