Ohio Sen. Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton, has stooped to a shocking new low in her race against Athens restaurateur and former journalist Terry Anderson. Her campaign, in coordination with the Ohio GOP, has distributed fliers that show Anderson meeting with one of the men who tortured him during his long captivity in Lebanon. The flier uses the picture to make the point that Anderson is soft on terrorism. If any illusions remained about civility in 21st century politics, they now have been obliterated.
Padgett's flier is awful for so many reasons it's difficult to know where to begin. Perhaps it's most infuriating that the flier cynically takes out of context a photograph of Anderson with an ominous-looking Middle Eastern man. The Republican strategists doubtlessly hoped readers would not do their own research and just assume Anderson routinely associates with terrorists. The flier is awful because it exploits Anderson's horrific experience in Lebanon -where for seven years he was imprisoned, away from home and family -for a cynical political purpose. And it's awful because it assails Anderson's views on terrorism in a race for state senate, a position that has nothing to do with foreign policy.
Perhaps if an out-of-state GOP consultant with no knowledge of Padgett or Anderson had put the flier together, it might be easier to excuse. But by her admission, Padgett herself had a hand in designing it. This was not some anonymous party stooge hurling dirt at Anderson; it was the candidate, a member of the Ohio Senate. Padgett must withdraw her flier. There was no need to make this such a dirty race.
Moyer for chief justice
In the first of three Ohio Supreme Court races, incumbent Thomas Moyer is seeking his fourth six-year term as chief justice of the court against retired judge C. Ellen Connally. For the past 18 years, Moyer has occupied the highest position in the court, and despite Connally's ability, there is no reason Ohio voters should replace him as the court's leading figure.
The professional experience of Moyer is undeniable. Although Connally certainly would be competent and professional in the position, she does not make a strong enough case for replacing Moyer. In addition to his vast experience, Moyer has a far superior rating than Connally does with the Ohio State Bar Association. Change can be a good thing, but only when the current leadership can no longer produce results. This race, however, is not such a case. Moyer has done a fine job and will continue to do so with the support of voters.
O'Neill for Supreme Court
In this election year, the second open seat on the Ohio Supreme Court is being hotly contested. Either incumbent Judge Terrence O'Donnell or Judge William O'Neill will fill the second seat. Both candidates are experienced and well qualified for the position on the Ohio Supreme Court, but O'Neill deserves the public's support to replace O'Donnell.
O'Neill will be a breath of fresh air to the court. Not only is he a competent judge, his ideals on campaign financing are a needed dissident voice at this level. Despite O'Donnell's slightly higher rating -as ranked by the Ohio State Bar Association -his past political alliances raise concerns surrounding his potential objectiveness. O'Neill has no such ties. He is a man with strong ideals and the character to stand by them, which makes him deserving of the public's support.
Lanzinger for Supreme Court
For the third vacant seat of the Ohio Supreme Court, the public's choice is between Judge Judith Lanzinger and Judge Nancy Fuerst. Although both candidates have adequate experience for the seat, Lanzinger is the clear choice because of her more extensive experience and a far superior rating according to the Ohio State Bar Association. Further, Lanzinger is endorsed by a number of independent organizations, most notably the Fraternal Order of Police.
Also, a reputation of fairness and integrity precedes Lanzinger and those characteristics are essential for a judge to possess. Although Fuerst is qualified and could with little doubt serve on the court, the edge must be given to Lanzinger who has a superior ranking and solid reputation. Voters would be wise to support Lanzinger because she would serve Ohio excellently.
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