I just received an email from Paul Wilson, a talented video producer from Wilson Grand Communications, who I met on the Blackwell campaign. He is a veteran of the Ohio political scene and frequently shares his expertise with students of the Leadership Institute’s campaign school (I’m an LI campaign school graduate.).

Mr. Wilson agreed that there are plenty of legal issues involved here and, depending on what Steve Buehrer signed, the Strategy Group may have had the rights to the video. And that is why I removed the original post, which BSB republished here (scroll down… it is below paragraphs of personal attacks against me).

I’m not a lawyer, but the issue of video rights here is not my concern. Instead, I wish to inform everyone in the political arena to stay the hell away from Rex Elass’ The Strategy Group, as they will gladly (legally) burn you in the future, possibly violate an implied client relationship, and sell video of you to an opponent down the road.

I hope that Pat Tiberi, Steve Chabot, Jim Jordan, Paul Pfeifer, Jim Petro and others understand that if they run for office again and dare to find another media group, Rex may sell video of you to your opposition.

And if you do work in politics and would rather conduct business with an ad firm with the highest of ethical standards, I would suggest hiring Wilson Grand Communications instead.

Because of this, I created this ad below, which will remain on Right Angle Blog:

Why would “Birthright” Bob Latta and his campaign “officially approve” a TV ad which included a seriously unethical act committed by an unethical ad firm?

Update @ 3:00 pm: Here is an official comment from Paul Wilson, who wishes to totally stay out of this race, but offered me this text for publication:

A number of years ago I proposed in writing a “Consultant’s Code of Ethics” to the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). They did not adopt the code. But it expressly addressed this issue and I have long been on record. In the code, I advised candidates and consultants to have a confidentiality clause in their agreements prohibiting disclosure of unfavorable information (including pictures) that the consultant might have. I also explained and recommended a copyright protection clause in all contracts, also to cover the distribution of unfavorable images of a former client.

I do not believe any candidate would willingly want their image used inappropriately by a former consultant.