Pass a criminal background check or else!!

http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/thecori10.htm

Only in the swimmer's home state...

From politics1.com

The Akron Beacon-Journal reported Sawyer "alleges 16 violations of election law in his six-page complaint. His complaint can result in the payment of a civil penalty but cannot change the outcome of the election." Sawyer alleged the pro-choice Emily's List group and an Ohio affiliate unlawfully coordinated their purportedly independent mailings with Sutton's campaign.

From the Cincinnati.com blog

Standing in the parking lot of the African-American Chamber of Commerce Monday afternoon, with a Shell gas station sign advertising $2.68.9 per gallon gas in the background, Brown argued for a temporary suspension of the 18.4 cent federal tax. Repealing some $10 billion in "unnecessary'' subsidies for oil companies granted by Congress would more than make up for the lost revenue.

Sherrod is such a supply sider.

From Real Clear Politics

And so at the end of the day, if you are looking for a surprise in the Big Three (FL, OH, PA) governor's races it is likely to come with Ken Blackwell in Ohio. Rendell, who is an underappreciated political force and a potential VP candidate in his own right (if the Dems are smart) is very unlikely to lose in Pennsylvania, not withstanding all of the buzz the star candidacy of Lynn Swann might generate. Florida looks like a boring race where the GOP will hold the state house. But the Ohio Governor's race will be one to certainly watch, because if Ken Blackwell can pull out a come from behind victory he will immediately be a serious VP candidate who would take Ohio out of play for Democrats, severely complicating their ability to get to 270 Electoral Votes and win the Presidency.

Provided that he wins of course.

I have been participating in a discussion over at the State of Ohio Blogger Alliance HQ blog about the results of the primary and what it means for the conservative movement in Ohio. It is my belief that the Republican electorate in Ohio didn't seem to be in the mood for total change. Granted, we got Blackwell and O'Brien, two non-establishment candidates; but that's it.

So, what does that mean? I think it means that we in the conservative movement still have a LOT of work to do in order to expand our own tent. And let me explain what I mean by expanding our tent. This is a phrase that Republicans have been throwing around for awhile and the meaning has become synonomous with "move to the left so we can get more votes." That's not what I mean.

In order to expand our tent, we need to educate the Republican electorate on what it means to be conservative. I don't believe it is neccessary to bend our principles in order to garner enough votes to win. I do think it will require even more outreach efforts of the type that will recruit/create more conservatives in to the Republican party.

It really won't hurt to have a discussion of what conservative values and principles are and then hold our politicians accountable for upholding them. Conservatism means many things to many people, but there are certain commonalities that bind the various brands of conservatism together. It is upon those strengths that our coalition must be built.

It can be done. The Blackwell win in the primary proves that much.

I was just sent an email confirming that Jim Petro will be attending the Ohio Republican Party's "unity party" and he will throw his full support behind Ken Blackwell.

I voted for Ken Blackwell- But I now have so much respect for Jim Petro. This shows that Jim Petro is truly a class act.

This will help the Republicans regroup and defeat tax-raisin' Ted "chicken shack" Strickland.

Details of the event can be found here.

From the Youngstown Vindicator

"I don't agree with his plan, and I don't believe in the whole socialist thing," said Nathan Hudzik, a Fitch senior planning to attend Youngstown State University in the fall majoring in physical therapy.

Nathan said he and his family aren't struggling to pay for his tuition, particularly with scholarship money available to him.

As for others who won't receive scholarship money, Nathan said, "You do what you have to do to pay for it. It shouldn't be the state's responsibility."

Who all is going to the unity event on Saturday?

My WMD co-blogger, Mark, and I are planning to attend. Who else from the blogsphere will be there?

I'm looking forward to meeting all of you, whoever you are...

UPDATE: I'll be weaing a white golf shirt with the State of Ohio Blogger Alliance logo...look for me! :)

(promoted from the blog section- RAB)

Don't look to Colorado to "save" you.

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, writing for The Buckeye Institute, sets the record straight:

As Ohioans debate government spending limits, some may be misled by those who claim Colorado’s spending limit law was so bad that it has been repealed.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Our Tax Payer Bill of Rights (TABOR) is still in place and it still limits government growth to reasonable, prudent levels that allow our state’s public and private sectors to be strong and productive.

And, I am amused by TEL opponents who say our TABOR was ‘harmful’ and caused ‘headaches’ for our citizens. Colorado is a prosperous, growing state. Ohio TEL opponents who suggest otherwise and then blame our spending limit are twice wrong.

Even though I am not counting on Democrats in and outside the media to report the fact accurately, I have faith in my fellow Ohioans -- the truth will win out.