Ohio's top Democrat slammed the local Democratic Party today for scheming to pay Ohio University students $5 for each 4th Ward resident brought to the polls for early voting.
The Ohio Democratic Party had no role in this stupid idea and I urge Athens County Chairwoman Susan Gwinn to suspend the program immediately and not issue any payments that may have been planned. I call for a complete investigation and prosecution for any wrongdoing in this case
said Chris Redfern, chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, in a statement.
An e-mail from Kellie Galan, vice president of the College Democrats, sparked the controversy Monday. She promised money to any volunteers who brought 4th Ward residents to the polls.
Republican Randy Morris challenged incumbent Democrat Christine Fahl for the 4th Ward council seat this fall, saying the homogenous council needed a critical voice. No other city incumbent has a challenger this year.
Remember if you bring a friend from 4th Ward they are more then a friend they're 5 bucks! said Kellie Galan, vice president of the College Democrats, in the e-mail.
A complaint to the Athens County Board of Elections led to an investigation by the county prosecutor on Monday afternoon. National political blogs also picked up the story, lambasting the College Democrats and local party for vote-buying.
In a statement, the College Democrats denied that any member had ever paid someone to vote or accepted money to vote. The idea to pay volunteers came from the Athens County Democratic Party and the College Democrats decided, after the controversy, not to accept the money, according to the statement.
I think it smells like the Democrats are trying to buy an election
said Dave Warren, the county prosecutor and a Democrat.
The case could be referred to a special prosecutor if it ensnares Susan Gwinn, the embattled chairwoman of the county party. A grand jury indicted Gwinn last month for money laundering and theft in office, but the party has largely stood behind her.
Neither Gwinn nor a spokesman for the College Democrats could be reached for comment this morning.
1
News
Dave Hendricks
