Butler County: 2000 Flashback - Politics in Prosecutors Office

Intrepid reporter Josh asks a very good question -- one that I had myself, actually -- about one of the questions that was asked at last night's meeting. Josh tells this better than I would, so let's go to the blockquote...

After Hamilton attorney Tim Evans and Barbara Schneider Carter, a magistrate with common pleas court domestic relations division, gave their speeches seeking the party’s nomination to run for juvenile judge, the floor was opened to questions. Someone asked both how long they had been a registered Republican.

Evans said he had been a member of the party all his life. Carter said she was raised a “Cincinnati Chabot Republican,” and had always supported the party, but changed her party affiliation when she worked for John Holcomb. Holcomb was the last Democrat serving in county-wide office when he died in 2000.

Her statement: “It was expected when I joined the prosecutor’s office under Holcomb that we register as Democrats.”

Emphasis added.

Now, the question that answer raised is this:

Didn’t U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales lose his job for something similar? Does the same rule exist under Republican Prosecutor Robin Piper?

Of course, intrepid reporter Josh asks it as if he expects the answer to be "yes" since Robin Piper is a Republican. But I'd like the real answer...and am going to attempt to get it. Something that I think intrepid reporter Josh MIGHT have had an easier time doing than I will...