There are many obstacles that Edward Baum could face on his quest to become mayor of Athens this November.
On Tuesday, he successfully dodged one of them, as the Athens County Board of Elections voted to allow him to run as an independent candidate in the November mayoral race against democratic candidate Paul Wiehl. Baum's independent candidacy had recently been challenged by Rob Dorans, Ohio University senior and president of the college democrats.
Dorans filed a protest with the Athens County Board of Elections on July 26, citing numerous instances that he believed confirmed Baum as a republican. Dorans argued that Baum was still a republican because he had run for a seat on the board of elections as a republican in January 2007. Baum also circulated a letter to the public about his strong republican background.
Dorans also cited a June 4 statement by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in which she said that an independent candidate must actually be unaffiliated and that when an unaffilitation is claimed
it must be made in good faith.
On Tuesday, Baum did not deny his past affiliation with the Republican Party, but said that he has grown apart from the views of the Republican Party. He defended his actions in running for the board of elections and said that he had to choose a party in order to run for the board.
This led to a moment of tension between Baum and Board of Elections Chair and Democratic Party boss Susan Gwinn. Gwinn accused Baum of being misleading to the Republican Party and stated that it seemed that he only does what is necessary at the time for his own personal gain. Gwinn was the only board member to vote against Baum's candidacy.
I believe that (Gwinn) was active in getting me off of the ballot Baum said.
Gwinn denied this allegation, calling Baum's accusation immature.
After the 3-1 decision, Baum said that he was happy that the voters of Athens will decide if he is a reputable candidate for mayor. I have been out of politics for a few years and this will get my name out and give new members of the community a chance to see that I am a man of good faith.
Dorans, likewise, appeared undaunted. my focus now will be to make sure Paul Wiehl will be elected as the next mayor of Athens
he said. And I will do all that I can to see that happen.
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J.W. Johnson
