Even lobbyists are gagging on Ohio's sleaze

[Algorem]

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/sandy_theis/index.ssf?/base/opinion/112271595060650.xml&coll=2

Sunday, July 31, 2005
Sandy Theis
Plain Dealer Columnist

Although a pay-to-play system in Ohio has been long rumored, and occasionally documented, it was still stunning to hear super-lobbyists Paul Tipps and Neil Clark go public with the assertion that Ohio has become the most corrupt state in the nation.

They maintain that Gov. Bob Taft and his predecessor, George Voinovich, employed a sophisticated system of awarding state contracts based largely on political donations.

"For the past two years, I've been complaining about two things," Tipps, a Democrat, told The Plain Dealer.

"One is that the criteria for a successful legislative candidate today is, 'How much can you raise?' The other: The standard practice in the executive branch is, 'How can we turn every contracting entity into a campaign fund-raising opportunity?' That's terrible."...

[Callalily]

1. Ohio, I'm sad for you

Hmmmm "most corrupt state in the nation". Not a pleasant title to hold.

[WhiteTara]

4. took over the number one spot from Florida

wow, that took some doing!

[greenpagan]

2. Re: "Even lobbyists are gagging on Ohio's sleaze"

Ohio should be ashamed of itself. Especially after becoming the Florida of 2004…courtesy of Bush-friendly Diebold!

[justgamma]

3. How is this different from Bushworld? n/t