But Ohio Republicans’ woes seemed much more self-inflicted. Besides Ney’s scandal, Gov. Bob Taft was charged with four misdemeanors for failing to disclose golf outings paid for by lobbyists and about 50 gifts estimated to be worth a total of about $5,800. As if this weren’t enough, the party as a whole became defined by a classic what-the-hell-were-they-thinking scandal when it was revealed that the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in unusual and rather risky investments, including rare coins. These investments were run by GOP donors and others with ties to the state party. The bizarre decision led to a criminal probe when it was revealed that millions of dollars’ worth of rare coins were missing. Independents and non-diehard Republicans could be forgiven for thinking that it was time for a change, time to give the other side a shot.So...what's changed? That is an honest and serious question that we should all take some time and ponder...
UPDATE: SOB Blogger Jon Keeling (aka djtablesauce) of ThirdBasePolitics, is quoted in the piece with something that Ohio GOPers in Columbus really ought to take to heart:
“These are Party leaders, grassroots coordinators, fundraisers and combinations thereof. The very people that need to be inspired to work hard to make sure victory is assured in November. It would be easy to say that these people can be counted on already. There is no need to waste time courting folks that will already help you, just as they help each campaign cycle, right? But as a campaign veteran I can tell you there is a ginormous difference between Party activists who feel obligated to help you and Party activists that WANT to help you.”Emphasis added for our friends in Columbus who may have a difficult time figuring out the key point there.....
