A lot of stuff going on today i see, after getting back from work.
Always nice to see the culture of corruption in Ohio frontpaged - even if it is embarrassing to live in a state that can now be fairly compared to Texas.
So why don't we start with coingate and then work our way through the Senate and RON...
coingate
After reading that Blade article i didn't really see much in the way of news, more a bringing it all together.
I had reported on the Bernadette Noe reporting Joe Kidd to the authorities, claiming he might be trying to cut a deal with diebold. Well we know that was bullshit - maybe. Kidd was having a lovers tiff - but he spun it all around on the Noe's and the rest as we say is history.
Anyhow, to get back to this whole diebold issue, because it nags me all the time. I have never seen a satisfactory answer as to why Bernadette Noe would think this, unless she thought she was in on the game. I know they had been doing this in other counties, such as Franklin and my own, Licking, plus Athens and if the wheels were turning in Bernadettes criminal mind, Lucas county.
There REALLY ought to be a serious investigation here, let's hope we get a Democrat elected to the AG position.
The other loose end which the blade didnt address was this open grand jury investigation into the campaign finance fraud that Noe was part of (giving folks $2,000 a pice, who then gave it to Bush/Cheney). I have a few calls into a couple of folks to see what is going on here. Feet dragging ? I dunno, if i find out i will let ya'll know.
Ok, the Ohio Senate Race.
Brown was at a meet the candidate night last night, that was focusing on RON, and it appeared he got some tough questions from the crowd - as reported by Ohio Honest Elections
Reader email regarding last night's meeting with Sherrod Brown: "A Candidates' Night with Congressman Sherrod Brown" as the main speaker, sponsored by the Upper Arlington Progressive Action group, proceeded smoothly until a young man rose and asked why Brown was running against Major Paul Hackett after assuring the Iraq veteran that he had no intention of challenging DeWine's senate seat. The questioner was concerned about a primary struggle, with Democrats fighting Democrats instead of Republicans. Brown responded that circumstances changed his mind, that Hackett had also changed his mind after once saying that he would go back to Iraq if he lost his bid for office. Hackett is presently on military maneuvers and not responding to anyone."
"After that, the moderator tried valiantly to keep the agenda on discussion of "Reform Ohio Now." However, there were other questions relating to concerns over a Democratic primary between Brown and Hackett. As soon as the meeting was adjourned, lively confrontations erupted pertaining to citizen concerns around two excellent candidates engaging in mortal combat that should all be directed toward defeating Mike DeWine in 2006."
"Unfortunately, even though there were numerous front row seats reserved for media, no reporters seemed to be present to observe the defensiveness of the Brown defenders and insistence that, if there was a primary, it would all be Hackett's fault. But they were sure Hackett would agree to running for another office, and within a couple of weeks there would be no more questions, since they were absolutely positive Brown would be the superior candidate, and everyone would be happy about it."
"Hopefully, Sherrod Brown may profit from this experience since there is no doubt that he is just beginning to realize the serious divisiveness of the situation."
I don't really like Brown trying to flip it onto Hackett's shoulders here about the whole Iraq deal - that aint very classy - anyhow...
There is also a report that Schumer and the DSCC DID ask Hackett to step out of the race.
Just called my senator's office.
Aide I talked to told me it's true, Schumer is asking Hackett to stay out of the Senate race in Ohio.
Take that for what it is worth. I'm trying to confirm it one way or the other and again if I hear anything, I'll report back. If I had to guess, i would say Hackett is out, and I think everyone knows how I feel about that.
Finally RON, I am trying to prod the RON campaign folks to set up an out of state phone banking system, a little like the Kerry folks had, so we can leverage more volunteers who are living in states where not as much is going on. I'll make a big splash if they give me the go ahead they are doing it.
Finally, Hypothetically speaking reports in with this good news
We just received an email from a reader who says that the America Votes trainings for Reform Ohio Now ground forces has been going great. Apparently (as the below photo shows) the training this Saturday in Columbus packed 'em in with 150+ in attendance.
He has a pic too.
I am starting to see RON yard signs sprout up all over the place now, which makes me feel pretty damn excited. If you live in Ohio and want one here is a list of regional organizers who should be able to point you to a distribution location near where you live.
That's it !