Marc Dann: the Dennis Leone of the Ohio Statehouse?

Article published Nov 2, 2005

Ohio Dems attack 'bad apples' in GOP
Candidates visit Newark, focus on scandals

By KENT MALLETT
Advocate Reporter

NEWARK -- State Sen. Marc Dann, of Youngstown, didn't let a little thing like being struck by a car distract him from his mission.

Dann was in Newark as part of the Bad Apple Tour, a group of state Democratic candidates trying to focus attention on recent scandals and investigations involving Republicans. After being struck by a car while crossing North Park Place, Dann dusted himself off and got to the business of addressing 25 Democratic supporters who gathered at the gazebo on the Square.

"I got hit by a car and I'm still here. It shows how committed I am," said Dann, who is considering a run next year for state attorney general.

He and other Democrats are touring mid-sized Ohio cities in response to the investment scandal at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, Gov. Bob Taft's conviction for failing to report gifts such as golf outings, and other investigations into state and national Republican office-holders.

"Right now, the governor, attorney general, auditor and secretary of state are more loyal to campaign contributors than the people of Ohio. I think we need to take the state back -- not for the Democrats, but for the people," Dann said.

John B. Reardon, a Democratic candidate for state auditor and treasurer of Mahoning County, criticized former auditor Jim Petro and current Auditor Betty Montgomery, both gubernatorial candidates.

"Republican scandals, Republican corruption, Republican failures -- the problems are no more evident than in the auditor's office," Reardon said. "Betty Montgomery failed to do her job and Petro failed to act as state auditor before Betty Montgomery.

"This office needs to be much more than state Republican politicians that need a job while waiting to run for governor. I believe Ohio needs an auditor vigilant in rooting out corruption."

Dann said the title of the tour comes from state Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett's comment that the Republicans' problems were caused by a few bad apples that the party will weed out.

"It's really sad about our current situation," Dann said. "We're so beholden to special interests, there's no money left to make critical investments (for Ohio). We're falling further and further behind."

Dann also spoke in favor of state Issues 2, 3, 4 and 5, which he said will reduce the influence of big money in political campaigns and make legislative districts more competitive. He said district lines should be drawn to avoid one-party domination in an area.

"In my district (32nd, including Trumbull County), I don't have to talk to Republicans," Dann said. "I do because I try to be conscientious, but I don't have to, and Jay (Hottinger, state senator from Newark) doesn't have to talk to Democrats.

"Dann said an elected official from either party will be more responsive to all people if his district includes a significant percentage from both sides of the political spectrum.

"Competitive districts make for better legislators," Dann said. "Even if Republicans get elected, they will be more responsive to you."