I know it's been a while since I last posted a diary here. And yes, this headline is blunt. But Tom Ganley is someone who is trying to take his used car tricks and bring them to Capital Hill.
According to the Huffington Post, and originally written by the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Tom Ganley is accused of sexually harassing a 39-year-old married mother of four who he met at a Tea Party rally, and asked to get involved in his campaign. The lawsuit states, and I quote, "Ganley told her he wanted to dominate her, parade her on a leash, and have sex with her in front of his 'play friend'." The lawsuit also states that Ganley repeatedly grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arms around her, kissed her, and, despite her resistance, reached into her pants. After no settlement had reached, the woman decided to file a lawsuit.
A long time ago, such accusations would almost certainly doom any campaign. The fact that it has not is just one sign of how bad our political discourse has deteriorated. The Republicans are running candidates who have had sex with prostitutes, dabbled in witchcraft, mocked autism, and denied global warming. How can they claim to represent the people when they can't even take care of themselves?
Tom Ganley would like you to believe that he is just like you and me. He'd probably brag about his experience as a "small businessman" who will be hurt by those evil Obama "tax hikes".
The truth? Tom Ganley owns the largest group of car dealerships in the state of Ohio, with 32 dealerships and all of your major brands. He has been sued over 400 times for age and gender discrimination, as well as deceptive business practices. In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina, the Ohio Attorney General filed a lawsuit against one of his dealerships after they advertised deals for cars moved out of Louisiana. The resulting investigation found that Ganley had never even received a shipment from Louisiana.
How can Tom Ganley claim to know what Ohio's 13th District thinks when he has spent most of his adult life never having to worry about the problems we face on a daily basis? Tom Ganley may do one thing good: he sells a lot of cars. But behind that smiling face and cheerful attitude is nothing more than a scumbag, who feeds on profit and power.
Betty Sutton understands what Ohio's 13th District thinks about. She created the "Cash for Clunkers" program, which needs no explanation. She's fought for clean energy and consumer protection. She worked for oversight on Capital Hill. Most importantly, she supports the public option and better healthcare choices.
Betty is one of the best progressives we have in the US House. She's worked for the common man and woman to get them back on track. Tom Ganley may appear to be right, but he's nothing but a bad deal for Ohio.