Taft, Ney, Noe, and the ragtag collection of Republican ethics violators, have made Ohio the "Center of Republican Corruption." Hurray! The Republican managed state government and our elected Republican U.S. Senate and Congress members can't bring jobs to Ohio, but they sure can line their pockets. Isn't that the true measure of success? The Republicans have ripped off Ohioans by having political campaign contributors placed in positions of power. They've even given funds from the Bureau of Workers Compensation to party supporter, Tom Noe, so that he could invest in rare coins and art. They've gotten rides on the private jets of lobbyists (Boehner and Pryce). Ski trips, foreign travel, "study groups" at resorts, and lavish parties have been enjoyed by our Republican elected representatives while we sit here in one of the worst state economies in the nation.
Democrats plan to use Ohio as an example of why we need ethics reform in government.
(1) The Toledo Blade has the story.
(2) The New York Times has an article about how Democrats plan to control lobbying.
(3) The Shreveport Times has a list of members of Congress who benefitted from Abramoff. Here is an important excerpt:
The upscale restaurant between the Capitol and the White House was a popular watering hole and fundraising site for mostly Republican lawmakers before it closed last year.
Among the dozens of lawmakers holding fundraisers at Signatures were House Majority Leader Roy Blunt of Missouri, Robert Ney, R-Ohio, John T. Doolittle, R-Calif., Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., and Tiahrt.
Rep. Deborah Pryce, R-Ohio, the Republican conference chairman, held 10 fundraisers at the restaurant.
"It had good food, good service and a good location," said Pryce press secretary Sean Spicer.
How nice.