Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Suitcase causes bomb scare at Akron bus terminal
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Motorcyclist killed, wife injured in Stark County crash
New eateries expand menu of options
Man says he was punched, robbed by 3 people in parking lot
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Louisville athlete commits to play for Boston College
Family found dead in Ohio home
Blogs:
Pets:
It Takes All Kinds
The Heldenfiles:
Tuesday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
An interesting thought from a reader
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Mount Union — Liveblog
Tribe Matters:
Indians announce spring dates
Cleveland Browns:
Mangini doesn't name a quarterback
Kent State Sports:
Flashes interested in another Cincinnati player
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Shaq: It’s All About Winning Championships
Buckeye Blogging:
Buckeyes Roll 100-60 / Season Outlook
Varsity Letters:
Report: Walsh baseball player commits
All Da King's Men:
More On The Fort Hood Jihadist
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Simply Incapable of Telling The Truth
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (63) Commonwealth Fund Report on Primary Care
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Clock Tender- Extending the Life of Collector Car Clocks
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Rumors: Akron Starbucks Closing
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
Aeromsith looking for new singer as Steven Tyler contemplates solo career
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
Video: 'Modern Warfare 2' hits the streets
The Ohio Elections Commission appropriately lowers the boom
Published on Sunday, Apr 06, 2008
Those representing the committees, All Children Matter Ohio and its Virginia affiliate, characterized the violations as technical, the fines of $2.6 million each out of proportion. They also attempted to argue that the commission was squelching free speech rights, as if Brennan will be hampered in widely expressing his views on education.
In truth, the often-toothless commission, acting on a complaint by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, deserves credit for cracking down on what amounts to a money-laundering scheme. More, the laundering was done to keep Ohio voters in the dark about who was really supporting whom.
Brennan and his allies were well aware of similar shell games in political fund-raising, at both the national and state levels. They were warned by the elections commission about making large transfers from the Virginia-based political action committee (not registered in this state) to the Ohio organization, which in turn donated to individual candidates. They did so anyway. Why? Virginia, unlike Ohio, allows unlimited donations and corporate contributions.
The essential point the elections commission correctly underscored with its record fines is the need for transparency in the political system. In order to make an informed judgment at the polls, Ohio voters must have access to information about the source and amounts of campaign contributions.
All Children Matter left those principles behind when it arranged for a torrent of political cash to flow from Virginia to Ohio.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
