Ohio's Online Checkbook for Local Government

Friend of WMD, Gary Lewis, the Auditor of the City of Hillsboro, has begun participation in a program that State Treasurer Josh Mandel started that posts local government spending online. It's the sort of transparency that government should be scrutinized by the public. Politicians ought to desire this level of openness and the taxpaying public ought to demand it.

Local government can be the worst for corruption and bad fiscal policy. By posting financial transactions, governments -- and politicians -- can be held accountable for their fiscal condition. Mandel's willingness to spearhead such an effort is a testament to his dedication to government reform. More local auditors ought to follow Lewis's lead and hop on board this bandwagon.

Check out Ohio's Online Checkbook to see if your local government is participating. If they aren't, be sure to ask your local elected officials why not.

Resistance Forming to Kasich's Medicaid Expansion

A well placed source informed me today that a group was planning to have a discussion with leadership of the Ohio House tonight regarding their intent to oppose the Medicaid expansion requested by Governor Kasich in his proposed budget.

This is great news. As a fiscal conservative, I welcome the state legislators to this fight and hope that there are enough of these brave souls willing to take on their governor to matter.

It is bad enough that this budget increases government spending by 10%; but if it passes, our governor will have allowed government spending to increase by 24% since taking office. This Medicaid expansion relies on a two-year bribe by the federal government with absolutely no answer as to who will be paying for the expansion after that. There was a time when Kasich and his secret society of smart dudes made fun of former Governer Ted Strickland for such maneuvers. I'll remind the governor that it is exactly this sort of risky venture that sent this state's finances plunging in to an $8 billion abyss.

Earlier today, it was reported that Josh Mandel has come out against the expansion. The Ohio Liberty Coalition has issued a warning that legislators who vote for it may be facing primary challengers. AFP-Ohio's Seth Morgan doesn't seem to be a fan either. Americans for Limited Government says Kasich "cut and ran" and that going along with the expansion would waste $17 billion.

If there is a conservative organization out there that supports this move at all, you can't find them with a search warrant. I have had a few conversations on Facebook with center-right legislators and none of them have shown any enthusiasm at all for the proposal.

PREDICTION: The Medicaid expansion gets pulled out of the budget.

DEVELOPING

Sherrod Brown Voted to Raise Taxes and Raise His Pay -- But Didn't Pay His Own Taxes

Release:

Columbus, OH – State Treasurer Josh Mandel was joined by homeowners today at press conferences across Ohio and highlighted that Senator Sherrod Brown voted to raise taxes, but didn’t pay his own taxes three times.

“Senator Brown is a serial delinquent when it comes to not paying his property taxes. He voted to raise our taxes more than thirty times, but failed to pay his own taxes three separate times,” Treasurer Mandel said. “Sherrod Brown only managed to pay his property taxes after a reporter asked him about it, and at one point in time he had fallen so far behind that his condo was listed for public auction." 

 

Treasurer Mandel was joined by concerned homeowners in Hamilton, Franklin, and Cuyahoga counties.

 

“To make matters worse, Senator Brown sits on the Banking Committee and the Subcommittee on Housing. When the guy who’s supposed to be writing our banking and housing laws can’t be bothered to pay taxes on his condo, it’s time to send him packing,” Mandel added. 

 

Treasurer Mandel also released a new TV ad to highlight the issue. 

 

Josh Mandel Ad: "Serial Delinquent"

 

 

WATCH

 

SCRIPT

 

ANNOUNCER:  Sherrod Brown caught not paying his taxes.

 

NEWS ANCHOR: According to The Cleveland Plain Dealer, Senator Brown was also delinquent in 2006 and 2007.

 

ANNOUNCER: But Brown had no problem raising our taxes and voting six times to raise his own pay.

 

Sherrod Brown, making Washington work for himself.

 

Marine Veteran, State Treasurer Josh Mandel, has a plan to bring jobs to Ohio and change to Washington.

 

JOSH MANDEL: The only way to change Washington is to change the people we send there.

 

I’m Josh Mandel and I approve this message.

 

BACKGROUND

 

YouTube: WCMH-TV (Columbus): NBC4’s Mikaela Hunt Reports on Sen. Brown’s Tax Delinquency 

WATCH: http://youtu.be/AVGtQUXZKPc   

 

Sherrod Brown Acknowledges He Forgot To Pay His Taxes On Apartment He Has Owned In Washington For Twenty Years. “Sen. Sherrod Brown acknowledged today that he was late paying 2011 property tax on a 400-square-foot apartment he has owned for 20 years in Washington. (Jack Torry, “Brown admits he was late on property tax,” The Columbus Dispatch, 2/25/12)

 

Records Show Sherrod Brown is a Repeat Offender When It Comes To Paying His Taxes. “This was not the first time, records Show … When a reporter noted that it also happened five and six years ago, Brown said: ‘I misplaced it then.’” (Stephen Koff, “Sen. Sherrod Brown was delinquent on taxes for his D.C. condo,” The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/15/12)

 

The Associated Press Reports, “Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown Was Late On His Taxes.” “Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was more than four months late paying a $922 tax bill on his Washington, D.C., condo apartment and got slapped with $123 in penalties and interest.” (AP, 2/15/12)

 

The Cleveland Plain Dealer Awards Sherrod Brown “JEERS” For Failing To Pay His Taxes. “To Sen. Sherrod Brown for forgetting (again) to pay the taxes on the condominium where he stays in Washington, D.C., when the Senate is in session. The Democrat always makes it right, eventually, but being late costs him penalties and interest. In  2007, the local taxman put the place on an auction list for delinquent taxes before he paid up. ("Cheers and Jeers," The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/16/12)

 

Brown Voted Six Times In Favor Of A Pay Raise For Members Of Congress. (H.R. 3756, CQ Vote #323: Passed by a vote of 215-207: R 209-20; D 6-186; I 0-1, 7/17/96, Brown Voted Nay; H.R. 2378, CQ Vote #435: Motion agreed to by a vote of 229-199: R 114-110; D 115-88; I 0-1, 9/24/97, Brown Voted Yea; H.R. 4104, CQ Vote #494: Adopted by a vote of 290-137: R 209-15; D 81-121; I 0-1, 10/7/98, Brown Voted Nay; H. Res. 560, CQ Vote #419: Motion agreed to by a vote of 250-173: R 124-94; D 126-77; I 0-2, 7/20/00, Brown Voted Yea; H.R. 5120, H. Res. 488, CQ Vote #322: Motion agreed to by a vote of 258-156: R 128-84; D 129-71; I 1-1, 7/18/02, Brown Voted Yea; S. 1813, CQ Vote #38: Rejected by a vote of 41-57: R 38-7; D 3-48; I 0-2, 3/13/12, Brown Voted Nay)

Ohio Isn't Better Off with Sherrod Brown in the US Senate: Energy Edition

Sherrod Brown has been a key booster of Barack Obama's policies. He has marched lockstep with Obama on the road to corporatist communism, aka crony capitalism while the rest of us out here in small business land are regulated to death. Donors and buddies get breaks, while others get screwed. Here is how Sherrod Brown has worked to screw over the energy industry:
Brown Supports The EPA’s Job-Killing Cap-And-Trade Mandate

Brown Voted Against An Amendment Which Would Have Blocked The EPA From Regulating Carbon Dioxide And Other Greenhouse Gasses. “McConnell, R-Ky., amendment no. 183 that would block the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.” (S. 493, CQ Vote #54: Rejected 50-50: R 46-1; D 4-47; I 0-2, 4/6/11, Brown Voted Nay)

Knowing Full Well That Obama’s EPA Regulations Could Be “Burdensome” And Could Harm Economic Growth. “A key Midwestern Senate Democrat on Monday called on the Obama administration to reconsider its approach to greenhouse gas regulation, as EPA critics weigh their legislative options for blocking the new rules. Ohio’s Sherrod Brown called the new permitting requirements for large emitters ‘burdensome’ and said they could harm economic growth, echoing the concerns of industry and GOP lawmakers.” (Geof Koss, “Ohio’s Brown Is Latest Senate Democrat To Criticize EPA Greenhouse Gas Rules,” Congressional Quarterly, 2/28/11)

Which Will Kill 53,000 Ohio Jobs

New EPA Rules Threaten 50 Ohio Jobs At Dayton Power & Light Plant. “Facing the prospect of having to shut down a coal-burning power plant that employs 50, Dayton Power & Light said it’s studying a plan to repower the O.H. Hutchings Station plant here with natural gas as a way to keep the facility along the Great Miami River operating.” (Steve Bennish, “EPA Rules To Force Old Coal Plants To Adapt, Close,” Dayton Daily News, 1/6/12)

Dayton Power & Light Plant Is The Latest Among Ohio Coal Plants To Be Threatened By The Obama Administration. “Large Ohio coal plants will go dark within a few years. Duke Energy announced that the Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station in Clermont County east of Cincinnati will cease operating coal-fired units in 2015. … Other Ohio utilities have announced coal-burning power plants headed for closure, including American Electric Power in Columbus. AEP said it would close two West Virginia plants and one Ohio plant, Picway. Two other Ohio plants, Conesville and Muskingum River, would close generating units.” (Steve Bennish, “EPA Rules To Force Old Coal Plants To Adapt, Close,” Dayton Daily News, 1/6/12)
The EPA’s Regulation Will Shut Down The Muskingum River Coal-Fired Power Plant. The Muskingum River coal-fired power plant in Ohio is nearing the end of its life. AEP, one of the country’s biggest coal-based utilities, says it will cut 159 jobs when it shuts the decades-old plant in three years — sooner than it would like — because of new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. (Jia Lynn Yang, Do regulations cost jobs?,Washington Post, 11/15/11)

And Increase Energy Rates On Families In Ohio By 13 Percent

OHIO MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION: National Economic Research Associates, a firm that evaluates economic impacts for government agencies, associations and businesses, in a preliminary analysis for the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity projects that Utility MACT and CSAPR will result in 1.4 million lost jobs nationally over the next nine years, including 53,500 jobs in Ohio. And that’s net job losses, because the research takes into account jobs created by the two new rules as well those that will be lost. Additionally, according to NERA, utilities’ compliance costs for the two regulations would total $17 billion annually and electricity costs in Ohio would increase by about 13 percent. (Kevin Schmidt, Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Columbus Dispatch , 10/20/11)

So, while Obama and Sherrod Brown pat themselves on the back for regulating Carbon Dioxide, SOMETHING WE ALL BREATHE OUT AND SOMETHING PLANTS NEED TO LIVE, Ohioans are going hungry and losing jobs, and very soon are going to be experiencing longer and more frequent blackouts. Motivate Sherrod Brown to get a new job. Vote for Josh Mandel for US Senate!

Mandel on SCOTUS Decision

Release:

Columbus, Ohio -- Today’s Supreme Court decision sets the stage for the November election. Now, the only way the American people can stop the federal government’s takeover of health care is to change the people we send to Washington. Sherrod Brown cast the deciding vote for the Affordable Care Act that Ohio voters overwhelmingly rejected last November. Josh Mandel believes that the legislation must be fully repealed in order to reduce costs, protect access, and prevent this bill from doing further harm to the economy.

Please see the below statement:

“Sherrod Brown staked his 38-year political career on casting the deciding vote for what will likely go down as the biggest tax increase in history. This is not just any old tax increase, it is a tax increase that falls squarely upon the shoulders of the poor, the middle class, and small businesses that can least afford to pay it. Even worse, this law increases the cost of care, puts government bureaucrats between patients and their doctors, and hurts the ability of private sector job creators in Ohio to give their workers the benefits they deserve. The voters of Ohio overwhelmingly rejected this one-size-fits-all approach last November, and I am confident they will do so again this November.

We can fix the problems in our health care system without a federal takeover and without a massive new tax on the poor and middle class. As Senator, I will fight for market-based solutions that allow patients to choose their doctor without government interference. I will fight to reduce the cost of insurance by increasing competition, encouraging innovative ideas like association health plans and health savings accounts, and reducing junk lawsuits that drive up the cost of everyone’s medical care. The choice in this election is between taxing the uninsured to pay for a big government plan that takes away freedom and a free market plan that reduces costs, increases access to high quality care, and protects the relationship between doctors and their patients.” -- State Treasurer Josh Mandel, Republican Candidate For U.S. Senate

Congressman Jordan, Senate Candidate Mandel Featured Speakers at Tea Party Convention

Release:

Columbus, Ohio – The We the People Convention announced today that Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan and Ohio Treasurer, and Senate Candidate, Josh Mandel will be the featured speakers at the We the People Convention dinner on Friday night, June 29, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Ohio Expo Center. In making the announcement, We the People Convention President, Tom Zawistowski said, “We are honored to have Congressman Jim Jordan and Senate Candidate Josh Mandel attend the Convention and speak to our attendees. Both men represent the conservative views and values of our movement. Our attendees will be anxious to hear from them what we can to do together to get our nation back on track economically.”

Congressman Jordan said “Our nation is at a crossroads, with an important election on the horizon. I look forward to the opportunity to speak to folks who have been fighting to protect our freedoms and will be on the front lines this fall.”

Josh Mandel, Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate, said “I’m thankful for the opportunity to speak to the We the People Convention, and I’m going to tell the activists gathered there the same thing I’m telling hardworking folks all across Ohio, that in order to change Washington we must change the people we send there.” He continued by adding, “There are big fundamental differences between me and my opponent in this election on almost every issue, and I look forward to discussing the bold solutions it will take to get our great Republic back on track.”

Sherrod Brown Threatens Coal Jobs In Ohio

Release:

Columbus, Ohio – Today, thirty-eight year politician Sherrod Brown voted against S.J. Res. 37, which would have prevented one of the most expensive Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules in history that threatens coal jobs in Ohio and will lead to higher energy costs for families across the state. S.J. Res 37 was a joint resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act intended to stop implementation of the EPA's Utility MACT rule. Sherrod Brown, who was considered a swing vote on this important issue for several months leading up to today’s vote, dodged media questions about the legislation before ultimately voting against it today.

Please see the below statement:

“Thirty-eight year politician Sherrod Brown’s vote to uphold the expensive Utility MACT regulation is a perfect example of how he has lost touch with the people he represents. Brown is fond of saying that choosing between jobs and environmental policy is a false choice, but today he used his vote on the Senate floor to make his choice clear by opposing coal jobs and coal-fired electricity plants. When it came down to it, Sherrod Brown did not have the courage to stand up to Barack Obama and radical environmentalists in order to protect jobs in Ohio’s coal industry. Ohio families should be concerned about the effect Sherrod Brown's vote will have on energy prices and the reliability of our power supply.

Sherrod Brown’s vote not only means higher electricity bills for families and businesses, it threatens the jobs of our fellow Ohioans that work in or around the coal industry. I have been in the mines and have stood shoulder to shoulder with the very coal miners that Sherrod Brown’s vote threatens to impact, and I will continue to do everything possible to protect their jobs, which begins with voters firing Sherrod Brown and changing Washington by changing the people we send there.” – State Treasurer Josh Mandel, Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate

Josh Mandel Endorsed By U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Release:

Columbus, Ohio – Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will officially endorse State Treasurer of Ohio Josh Mandel in the race to defeat incumbent U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. Treasurer Mandel is the first candidate to be endorsed by the Chamber this election cycle, signifying how important the Ohio election is to restoring balance in the U.S. Senate. A press conference will take place today at 2:00 p.m. announcing the endorsement at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, 230 East Town St., in Columbus. “I am proud to have earned support from the world’s largest business organization. As a strong advocate for the free-enterprise system, my number one priority in the U.S. Senate will be to help create an environment that allows the private sector to grow and create jobs,” said Treasurer Josh Mandel. “We need to replace Washington failures with common sense solutions like reducing regulatory burdens and fixing our tax code to make America more competitive in the globalized marketplace.” Rob Engstrom, the Chamber’s National Political Director, told The Columbus Dispatch yesterday, "[Sherrod Brown] has one of the worst records in the U.S. Senate on business issues … We're really excited to support Josh Mandel and we desperately need his help in Washington to restore a free enterprise approach to the economic challenges we're facing.” The endorsement comes in the middle of a statewide tour Treasurer Mandel is conducting to discuss his pro-growth agenda with job creators and blue-collar workers in several different industries across 22 of Ohio’s 88 counties

Josh Mandel Launches Statewide Jobs Tour

Release:

Columbus, Ohio -- Yesterday in Akron, State Treasurer Josh Mandel, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, launched a statewide jobs tour to visit and learn from job creators and workers across the Buckeye State. This week, Treasurer Mandel will visit small businesses in 22 of Ohio’s 88 counties and discuss his pro-growth solutions with the men and women who help move Ohio's economy forward and strengthen the middle class. “Ohio is home to small businesses and blue-collar workers that are the backbone of the American economy,” said Josh Mandel. “Yet many Ohio businesses are struggling to survive while politicians in Washington spend hard earned tax dollars like there’s no tomorrow, bankrupt our children's future, and stifle any hope of private sector growth with high taxes and costly regulations.” This week, Josh will make stops in Summit, Trumbull, Mahoning, Jefferson, Knox, Muskingum, Guernsey, Tuscarawas, Wayne, Stark, Lake, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lucas, Wood, Henry, Fulton, Williams, Allen, Darke, Miami and Montgomery counties. “Politicians want us to believe that Washington has all the answers. My message to private sector business owners and blue collar workers across Ohio is that Washington isn’t the answer -- Washington is the problem,” said Mandel. “Unlike some of the plans out there, my jobs plan isn’t full of new ways to spend your tax dollars. Rather, it talks about common sense solutions that get the government out of the way so Ohio families and business owners can unleash the private sector economy for new job growth in Ohio and across America.” Treasurer Mandel's plan includes reducing federal spending, balancing the budget, overhauling the tax code, and removing barriers to energy exploration. A downloadable version of the plan can be found at Jobs.JoshMandel.com.

National Right To Life PAC Endorses Josh Mandel For Senate In Ohio

Release:

Columbus, Ohio – Today, the National Right to Life Political Action Committee endorsed State Treasurer Josh Mandel for election to the United States Senate. “The National Right to Life Political Action Committee is pleased to endorse pro-life state Treasurer Josh Mandel for election to the United States Senate,” said David N. O’Steen, Ph.D., National Right to Life Committee Executive Director. “We look forward to working with Josh Mandel to restore legal protection for innocent life – unborn children and medically disabled or dependent persons whose lives are threatened by abortion or euthanasia.” Please see the below statement: “I am honored to have earned the endorsement of such an esteemed organization as National Right to Life. They share my deep and abiding belief that life is a precious gift, and it must be protected at every stage. I will continue to work with pro-life leaders and pro-life activists across Ohio to promote a culture of life, and to stand in defense of innocent life, every single day." -- Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel, Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate # # # NRL PAC Endorses Josh Mandel for Senate in Ohio By Karen Cross, National Right to Life Political Director The National Right to Life Political Action Committee has endorsed pro-life state Treasurer Josh Mandel for election to the United States Senate from Ohio. The contest against incumbent pro-abortion Sherrod Brown (D) is expected to be one of the closest of any Senate race in 2012. Mandel, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq, is well known as an extremely hard-working candidate. He was elected to Ohio’s state legislature in 2006 after knocking on 19,679 doors and wearing out three pairs of shoes. There is a stark contrast between Josh Mandel and Sherrod Brown on life issues. For twenty years, first in the House and now in the Senate, Sherrod Brown has consistently voted for pro-abortion legislation, including taxpayer funding for abortion. He voted to enact President Obama’s pro-abortion health care law (ObamaCare), which will provide government funding for health plans that pay for abortion on demand, and will promote the rationing of lifesaving treatments. During consideration of that legislation, and throughout his congressional career, Brown has consistently opposed limitations on federal funding of abortion. Brown also consistently opposed the legislation to ban partial-birth abortions, which was enacted over his objections. The ban was ultimately upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2007 on a 5-4 vote. As a senator for the past six years, Brown has already voted to confirm two justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who had histories of supporting extreme pro-abortion positions. In recognition of his strong pro-abortion stance, both the political arm of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider, and NARAL’s political action committee have endorsed Brown for re-election. By contrast Josh Mandel is a strong advocate for life. Mandel opposes ObamaCare and will vote to repeal it. He believes that “government-run healthcare should be repealed in whole immediately.” Mandel’s support is needed to reverse the pro-abortion and pro-rationing effects of ObamaCare. He supports pro-life legislation and opposes the use of government funding for abortion. “The National Right to Life Political Action Committee is pleased to endorse pro-life state Treasurer Josh Mandel for election to the United States Senate,” said David N. O’Steen, Ph.D., National Right to Life Committee executive director. “We look forward to working with Josh Mandel to restore legal protection for innocent life -– unborn children and medically disabled or dependent persons whose lives are threatened by abortion or euthanasia.” Ohio’s U.S. Senate race is in a statistical dead heat. According to an April 20, 2012, Rasmussen Poll of likely voters, Sherrod Brown has 44% to Josh Mandel’s 41%.

Sherrod Brown Voting Record Nets 'F' Grade From National Taxpayers Union

Release:

Columbus, Ohio -- After analyzing 234 Senate roll call votes on taxes, spending and regulations, the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) gave Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown an “F” rating for voting the pro-taxpayer position only six percent (6%) of the time in 2011.

Brown tied two of his colleagues for the lowest taxpayer rating of any Senator. His F-rating also earned him NTU’s designation of “Big Spender."

“Since Sherrod Brown began his spending binge in Washington two decades ago our national debt has increased more than $11 trillion. If we want to change the out of control spending in Washington, we have to change who we send there. State Treasurer Josh Mandel has protected taxpayer money by cutting his office budget by more than a million dollars, returning $400,000 in unspent dollars to the state treasury, and earning Ohio the highest credit ratings possible for the funds he manages. As Senator, Josh Mandel will fight to balance the federal budget and stop the wasteful spending that is burying our children and grandchildren in debt.” – Travis Considine, Communications Director Josh Mandel For U.S. Senate


Treasurer Mandel's Record Of Success

Josh Mandel Protects Hard Earned Ohio Taxpayer Dollars. “‘As the chief watchdog of Ohio’s tax dollars, I feel a responsibility to root out fraud wherever I see,’ Mandel said. He described the allegations of fraud against the two banks as ‘an extreme breach of the public trust.’” (Alan Johnson, “Statewide pension funds drop two banks,” The Columbus Dispatch, 3/20/12)

“Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel severed contracts yesterday with two major banks that handled $41 billion in Ohio pension investments, accusing them of ‘systematically exploiting public pension funds and taxpayers.’” (Alan Johnson, “Statewide pension funds drop two banks,” The Columbus Dispatch, 3/20/12)

Josh Mandel Fulfills Campaign Pledge To Help End Fraud And Corruption. “’The pattern of fraud that has been detailed and alleged across the country against banks entrusted to safeguard funds for Ohio teachers, police, firefighters and retirees is an extreme breach of the public trust,’ Mandel said. ‘I have been fighting against abuse and corruption in banks that serve as international custodians for Ohio pension funds for the last two years, and as treasurer I feel that I have a duty to end custodial agreements with banks being sued for defrauding taxpayers.’” (Laura Bischoff, “Ohio claims fraud involved 2 East Coast banks,” Dayton Daily News, 3/19/12)

“His predecessor, Democrat Kevin Boyce, had hired the wife a State Street lobbyist as an office assistant. Mandel also questioned why Boyce would choose State Street less than a year after California’s attorney general sued the bank, accusing it of overcharging pension funds for foreign currency trades — the same practice DeWine is investigating.” (Joe Guillen, “Ohio treasurer ending relationships with 2 banks,” The Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/19/12)

Josh Mandel Takes On Big Wall Street Banks. “The Ohio move is the first time a state publicly completely has severed ties with BNY Mellon amid the currency-trading investigations; previously, pension funds in Massachusetts and Los Angeles have restricted foreign-exchange trading with the bank.” (Matthias Rieker and Jean Eaglesham, “Ohio Cuts Ties With Mellon, State Street,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/19/12)

Mandel Overhauls The Treasurer’s Office To Save Ohio $1.2 Million. “[Mandel’s] changes helped produce a $400,000 surplus that Mandel returned to the state treasury at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. In addition, he projected an estimated $1.2 million savings in the current biennium.” (Alan Johnson, "Mandel Tightens Money Belt," The Columbus Dispatch, 07/12/11)

Mandel Implements Electronic Bank Transfers, Which Will Save Ohio $100,000. “Until recently, a state treasurer employee was making a round trip to a Cleveland bank five days a week, transporting an average of $11million a day in checks written to the state of Ohio. No more. By converting to electronic deposits, the state is sparing taxpayers the cost and security risk of the weekday trips, plus an estimated $100,000 a year savings in check-processing and related fees and by gaining access to deposits more quickly, Treasurer Josh Mandel said.” (Alan Johnson, "Mandel Tightens Money Belt," The Columbus Dispatch, 07/12/11)



Mandel Saves Ohio $30,000 By Disconnecting Unused Phone Lines. "The treasurer reported saving $30,000 annually by disconnecting unused phone, fax and mobile phone lines; $10,000 by lowering cellphone minutes; and $47,000 by consolidating regional offices." (Alan Johnson, "Mandel Tightens Money Belt," The Columbus Dispatch, 07/12/11) 



Mandel Maintains The Highest Rating Possible For STAR Ohio. "Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel said the state's STAR Ohio investment fund has maintained the highest possible rating, AAAm, from Standard & Poor’s rating agency. The fund is invested by the treasurer for contributing school districts and local governments." (Alan Johnson, "Ohio investment fund retains top rating while others are downgraded," The Columbus Dispatch, 09/08/11)

Sherrod Brown's Campaign Spreads "Pants on Fire" Lie About Treasurer Mandel

Release:

Columbus, Ohio -- Today PolitiFact Ohio gave a "Pants on Fire" rating to the Ohio Democratic Party (ODP) as a result of an "incorrect" and "misleading" statement it made in a March 20, 2012 press release. After examining the claim, PolitiFact Ohio concluded,"[I]t is ridiculous for the Ohio Democratic Party to charge Mandel with more than a year of neglect ... That leaves the party without a sturdy leg of truthfulness to stand on. Pants on Fire!"

While we agree with this assessment, it is important to note that the ODP is not alone in its attempt to spread lies about Josh Mandel's proven record at the Treasurer's Office. In fact, they were not the first to make the debunked accusation. Sherrod Brown's campaign is guilty of establishing the lie and perpetuating it in the media. On March 19, the day before the ODP issued their release, a spokesman for Sherrod Brown's campaign stated, "Had Josh Mandel truly been concerned with protecting retirees and taxpayers from fraud, he would have taken the initiative to act more than a year ago -- not when it became politically expedient for him to do so."

Please see the below statement:

"This is just one example of how Sherrod Brown's campaign is responsible for spreading lies about Josh Mandel's record of success at the Treasurer's office. I have no doubt that Sherrod Brown, his staff, and their puppets at the Ohio Democratic Party will continue to lie about Josh in an attempt to hide from Sherrod Brown's failed record after twenty years as a DC politician." -- Travis Considine, Communications Director Josh Mandel for U.S. Senate


BACKGROUND

Ohio Democratic Party's Claim Collapses Under Scrutiny. "'The Ohio Democratic Party's claim -- 'Mandel first claimed bank fraud in June 2010 but did nothing for more than a year while raising money for his Senate campaign' -- collapses under scrutiny." (Henry Gomez and Robert Higgs, "Ohio Democratic Party says Josh Mandel accused banks of fraud but waited a year to take action," PolitiFact Ohio, 4/3/12)

Ohio Democratic Party’s Claim Is "Incorrect" And "Misleading". "It is incorrect and misleading to say Mandel ‘claimed bank fraud' against BNY Mellon and State Street when he focused his public statements solely on State Street and clearly attributed them to the investigation in California. It also is misleading to strip those statements of the full context: that Mandel was mainly concerned about contract-steering and cronyism." (Henry Gomez and Robert Higgs, “Ohio Democratic Party says Josh Mandel accused banks of fraud but waited a year to take action,” PolitiFact Ohio, 4/3/12)

Sherrod Brown Campaign Echoes "Pants On Fire" Claim. "Mandel announced last month that his office was cutting ties with two banks he suspects of fraud. His opponents pounced. Justin Barasky, a spokesman for Brown and former state party press secretary, emailed that Mandel had raised questions about fraud while campaigning for the treasurer's post nearly two years ago. 'Why,' Barasky wondered, 'did Mandel not lead the way by acting against the banks as soon as he took office?'" (Henry Gomez and Robert Higgs, "Ohio Democratic Party says Josh Mandel accused banks of fraud but waited a year to take action," PolitiFact Ohio, 4/3/12)

Sherrod Brown Spokesman FIRST to Suggest Treasurer Mandel Claimed Bank Fraud And Failed to Act: "'Had Josh Mandel truly been concerned with protecting retirees and taxpayers from fraud, he would have taken the initiative to act more than a year ago -- not when it became politically expedient for him to do so.'" (Michael McAuliff, "Josh Mandel, Senate Candidate And Ohio Treasurer, Attends Board Of Deposit Meeting," The Huffington Post, 3/19/12)


* Sherrod Brown Campaign Implies Josh Mandel Allowed Fraud To Go Unanswered On Columbus Television. "'If there was fraud being committed with our tax dollars against the taxpayers of Ohio, why didn't Josh Mandel do something about it on day one?' said Justin Barasky, spokesman for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, (D)-Ohio." (WSYX-TV, Link, 3/19/12)


Sherrod Brown Spokesman Confuses Facts With Fiction. "Mandel is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in November.' He should have done something on day one in office,' said Justin Barasky, spokesman for Brown's re-election campaign. 'It took him more than 14 months for him to finally say 'We’ll stop dealing with them'?'" (Laura Bischoff, "Ohio claims fraud involved 2 East Coast banks," Dayton Daily News, 3/19/12)

Sherrod Brown Campaign Perpetuates Lie. "Mr. Barasky said that if Mr. Mandel believed the banks were defrauding Ohio's pension boards he should have acted as soon as he took office, rather than 14 months later. 'If this is true, what the heck has he been doing for the last year-plus in allowing this to go on?' Mr. Barasky said. 'It was certainly a political stunt by Mandel.'" (Tom Troy and Jim Provance, "Ohio treasurer attends board of deposit session, Appearance at panel is 1st since election," The Toledo Blade, 3/20/12)

Sherrod Brown’s Campaign Communications Director Tweets False Accusation: "Still wondering: Why did Josh Mandel allow alleged fraud against taxpayers of OH for more than a year? #ohsen #bahamas." (@JustinBarasky, Twitter, Link, 3/20/12)

SHERROD BROWN'S UNFORTUNATE PATTERN OF NOT TELLING THE TRUTH

BARELY TRUE: Sherrod Brown Says Financial Bill Will End "Too-Big-To-Fail." "[I]t's an exaggeration to say that the bill would put an 'end' to future bailouts. Short of, say, passing a constitutional amendment ruling out bailouts, any future Congress or administration would be able to act as conditions demanded, even after passage of this bill. So we rate Brown's statement Barely True." (Louis Jacobson, "Sherrod Brown says financial bill will end 'too-big-to-fail'," PolitiFact Ohio, 4/26/10)

FALSE: Sen. Sherrod Brown Overstates Amount That 'Millionaires and Billionaires' Would Get In Tax Deal. "We're asking something more basic: Will there really be $700 billion worth of tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires? A short answer: No. That's because Brown's figure is loaded with an assumption and a rhetorical flourish." (Stephen Koff, "Sen. Sherrod Brown overstates amount that 'millionaires and billionaires' would get in tax deal," PolitiFact Ohio, 12/15/10)

MOSTLY FALSE: Sherrod Brown Says Elderly Account For Two-Thirds of Medicaid's Costs. "In reality, elderly beneficiaries by themselves account for nowhere close to the two-thirds of Medicaid's costs that Brown suggested." (Louis Jacobson, "Sherrod Brown Says Elderly Account For Two-Thirds of Medicaid's Costs," PolitiFact Ohio, 5/10/11)

FALSE: U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's Campaign Warns There Is A Republican Plan To End Medicare. "And we see a problem with the Brown campaign's claim, because Republicans have not said they want to end Medicare. PolitiFact has noted this several times, and many political operatives are aware of the issue and its broader debate." (Stephen Koff, "U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown's campaign warns there is a Republican plan to end Medicare," PolitiFact Ohio, 2/27/11)

Ohioans, Don't Be Fooled By Sherrod Brown's "Early April Fools"

Release:

Columbus, Ohio – Sherrod Brown tried an interesting new tactic today to distract voters from the fact that it has been 1,065 days since he and his Senate Democrat colleagues last passed a budget.

Brown sent a press release this afternoon accusing his opponent of “lying about Senate Dems not passing a budget”.

Then, Brown inexplicably tried to cite a PolitiFact article as proof. But the article confirms that: “Indeed, the last time the Senate passed a budget resolution was in 2009 for the 2010 fiscal year, according to a report on the budget process by the Congressional Research Service.”

“We were scratching our heads until we looked at the calendar and realized that this must be Sherrod Brown’s early April Fool's joke on the people of Ohio,” said Travis Considine. “Well, we’re not laughing, because all this twisted new tactic shows us is that the arrogance of two decades in Washington, where politicians still expect people to believe every mistruth they say, has finally caught up to Sherrod Brown.”

Josh Mandel on Fox and Friends: Where's Sherrod Brown?

One of the best quotes: "Obama is like fingernails on a chalkboard." Check out the interview from 1/5/2012:

Josh Mandel Opposes New EPA Utility MACT Decision, Calls on Sherrod Brown to Join Him in Bipartisan Effort to Stand Up to This Job-Killing Regulation

Release:

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Yesterday afternoon the federal Environmental Protection Agency announced a new job-killing rule known as Utility MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) that is expected to cost Ohioans thousands of jobs, close energy production plants and increase energy rates for Ohioans.

The Ohio Manufacturers Association anticipates 53,500 Ohio jobs will be lost and electricity rates will increase 13% as a result of the Utility MACT rule. Moreover, according to the EPA’s own numbers, Utility MACT will impose an estimated $11 billion each year in new costs for our already struggling economy. Several Ohio power producers representing thousands of Ohio jobs, such as American Electric Power, Duke Energy, and FirstEnergy have announced plant closures and layoffs as a result of this most recent overreach by the EPA.

The Utility MACT regulation has been at the center of intense scrutiny as a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, including Democrats Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), have called for a delay in its implementation so that its negative economic impact may be fully studied and to allow companies to adjust. The EPA has acknowledged that Utility MACT may be the most expensive rule ever issued for power plants. Ohio will suffer more than most states due to Ohio’s reliance on coal-fired power generation.

This new job-killing regulation bombards Ohio businesses in the wake of yesterday's report by The Columbus Dispatch that, according to population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohio ranks 48th in growth.

“Republican, Democratic and Independent civic leaders and elected officials have joined together to voice their concerns over this irrational, unnecessary and job-killing EPA rule,” said Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. “Why is Sherrod Brown standing idly by and doing nothing while Washington bureaucrats issue job-killing regulations for Ohio?” Mandel asked.

Mandel added, "We've already drawn a line in the sand on oil and gas exploration with Sherrod Brown choosing fringe extremists and Washington bureaucrats over jobs for Ohio families. Now we are drawing another line in the sand where Sherrod Brown can either stand with us on jobs for Ohio, or once again stand with fringe extremists and bureaucrats in Washington. This out-of-touch Washington regulation will hit especially hard on Ohioans who work in manufacturing jobs throughout the state and in energy jobs in Appalachia. With families struggling throughout Ohio, the timing could not be any worse."

Sen. Sherrod Brown has refused to speak out against this economically destructive regulation that disproportionately targets thousands of Ohio jobs and will cause energy costs to rise on Ohio's families, senior citizens and small businesses. Brown remains indecisive despite the fact that he stated just last month that he would not be afraid to take a stand on this crucial issue for Ohio's economy and jobs -- he stated , “That’s what my job is, to make decisions.”

“It’s time for Sherrod Brown to do his job, make a decision and tell Ohioans where he stands,” said Mandel spokesman Joe Aquilino. “In Ohio, Sherrod Brown runs around claiming he is fighting for Ohio jobs, but while back in Washington D.C. he is undermining the very economic fabric that sustains Ohio businesses, manufacturing and industry. Where is Sherrod Brown when Ohioans need a voice for jobs in the United States Senate?” Aquilino continued.

“During Sherrod Brown's past decade in Washington, Ohio has lost 600,000 jobs and 3,500 factories. Yesterday, Washington bureaucrats launched a vicious assault on Ohio’s staggering economy and all Sherrod Brown can offer is silence. Sherrod Brown has once again put Washington bureaucrats and fringe extremists ahead of jobs for Ohioans,” Aquilino concluded.

BACKGROUND

"New federal pollution rules will cost Ohio power companies billions", Akron Beacon Journal, 12/22/11

"EPA toughens clear air rules", The Columbus Dispatch, 12/22/11

"U.S. EPA issues tough mercury and other toxic emission standards; some coal-burning power plants may close", The Plain Dealer, 12/22/11

New EPA Regulation Ignores Industry Concerns and Calls for Improvement: Utility MACT, Section 112 of the Clean Air Act, was signed by the Environmental Agency on December 16, 2011 and was published on December 21, 2011. Industry calls for the “EPA to give companies an additional year to comply” were ignored. (“EPA Final Rule for Coal Plants Deemed “Unfortunate” by Industry,” Bloomberg, December 19, 2011 )

New EPA Regulation Kills Ohio Jobs and Increases Energy Costs: The Ohio Manufacturers Association, citing a National Economic Research Associates study, anticipates that 53,500 Ohio jobs will be lost and electricity rates will increase 13% as a result of the Utility MACT rule. (“Impact of regulations is costly,” The Columbus Dispatch, 10/20/11)

New EPA Regulation Will Force the Closing of Power Plants and Job Loss: American Electric Power, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, announced in June that the Utility MACT rule would force it to close parts or all of 11 power plants and eliminate 600 jobs. The Wheeling News-Register reports that American Electric Power’s Muskingum, Ohio Power Plant will close as a result of the Utility MACT rule. Duke Energy says compliance costs with the new Utility MACT rule will force it to shutter six coal-fired generation units at the 60-year-old Beckjord station. (“EPA’s War on Coal Deadlines Irrational,” The Wheeling News-Register, 11/16/11; “Duke Energy Anticipates Ohio Coal Plant Retirement,” Duke Energy, 7/15/11)

New EPA Regulation Will Create “Rate-Shock” for Ohio Ratepayers: The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's comments submitted to the EPA stated, "The current and foreseeable economic environment indicates that Ohio's ratepayers will be hard-pressed to absorb rate-shock due to the implementation schedule advanced in the proposed rule.” (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio's Comments submitted 10/1/10)

New EPA Regulation Most Expensive Ever: EPA Has Acknowledged that Utility MACT would be the most expensive direct rule in the agency’s history. (“ERCC Comments on Utility MACT,” Electric Reliability Coordinating Council, 8/4/11)

Bipartisan Group of Senators Seek to Delay Implementation: The Fair Compliance Act of 2011, (Senate Bill 1833), would provide additional time for compliance with the new Utility MACT rule and help preserve jobs and protect consumers from increased utility bills. The bipartisan bill, introduced on November 8th, is co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sen. Daniel Coats (R-IN), Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Sen. John Thune, (R-SD).

Sherrod Brown Refuses to Take a Stand Despite Exclaiming “That’s what my job is, to make decisions”: According to a recent Bloomberg interview, Brown is “in a bind” and is “facing demands from two of his key supporters, labor unions and environmentalists.” The article details that Brown is “waiting for the Environmental Protection Agency to issue its final rules…before taking a position.” (“Obama’s $11 billion rule roils Democrats who see lost jobs,” Bloomberg, 11/9/11)

Sherrod Brown Has Previously Voted Against An Amendment Which Would Have Blocked The EPA From Regulating Carbon Dioxide And Other Greenhouse Gasses: “McConnell, R-Ky., amendment no. 183 that would block the EPA from regulating carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act.” (S. 493, CQ Vote #54: Rejected 50-50: R 46-1; D 4-47; I 0-2, 4/6/11, Brown Voted Nay)

Sherrod Brown's Dismal Jobs Record: During Sherrod Brown's past decade in Washington, Ohio has lost 600,000 jobs (The Plain Dealer, 9/5/11) and 3,500 factories (Dayton Daily News, 10/22/11).

Congressman Jim Jordan endorses Ohio Treasurer and Marine Veteran Josh Mandel for U.S. Senate

Release:

COLUMBUS, OHIO — Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) today announced his endorsement of Josh Mandel for U.S. Senate in Ohio, recognizing Mandel for his leadership as current State Treasurer of Ohio and commitment to restoring fiscal sanity to government.

“Our nation’s AAA credit rating was downgraded because liberals like Sherrod Brown, Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi think we can borrow and spend like there's no tomorrow,” said Jordan. “In order to stop the out-of-control borrowing and spending before it bankrupts our country, we need to change control of the Senate and the White House. I believe Treasurer Josh Mandel is a fiscal conservative who is committed to changing the deficit culture in Washington. Josh understands that the federal government should balance its budget just like families and small businesses have to do every day – just as Josh did as State Treasurer,” Jordan continued.

Treasurer Mandel ended the fiscal year with a $400,000 surplus in the Treasurer’s office and reduced general revenue fund operating expenses by $1.2 million over the next two years.

"Jim Jordan is a tireless advocate for fiscal restraint and pro-growth policies in Congress and I am truly honored to receive his endorsement,” said Mandel. “I was proud to lend my vocal support in favor of the ‘Cut, Cap and Balance’ plan championed by Rep. Jordan. It is crucial that we stop spending money we don’t have by mortgaging our children and grandchildren’s future to do it,” Mandel continued.

Representative Jim Jordan’s endorsement adds to the many endorsements Mandel has received from conservative grassroots leaders and Tea Party leaders throughout Ohio and nationally. Mandel has also earned the endorsements of Senator Jim DeMint's Senate Conservatives Fund, the powerful free-market organization Club for Growth, and Ohio’s Republican Senator Rob Portman.

Jordan’s endorsement helps build upon momentum Mandel gained by outraising ultra-liberal incumbent Sherrod Brown, $2.3 million to $1.5 million, in the last fundraising quarter. As a conservative from the heavily Democratic Cleveland area, and as the top-vote getter of all statewide executive candidates in the last election, Mandel is well positioned to beat the vulnerable Brown in the increasingly anti-incumbent environment.

Mandel: Financial Prudence Paying Off

From an op/ed at Cincinnati.com:

While global financial markets are marred by uncertainty, Ohioans' hard-earned tax dollars are being prudently invested and safeguarded.

To highlight the contrast between Ohio's fiscal management with that of the federal government, look no further than the recent actions of Standard & Poor's.

In analyzing the fiscal management of each, the firm decided last month to upgrade Ohio's outlook (from "negative" to "stable"), but last week downgraded the federal government's credit rating. Additionally, Fitch also recently improved Ohio's bond rating. These ratings agencies applauded state leaders for bringing our budget into balance through sound financial management, and credited the Ohio Treasury with conservatively managing debt.

One of the reasons that Ohio's outlook is improving while the federal government is drowning in red ink is that Ohio's constitution mandates a balanced budget. Our state is prohibited from racking up and carrying over deficits, and finally has elected leaders who are taking this requirement seriously.

In the Treasurer's office, we have taken many steps to insulate public funds from the uncertainty that has shaken global markets. This puts taxpayers and local governments in the safest position to weather the storm, even if the worst-case scenario plays out in the stock market and bond yields continue on a downward path.

Over $1 billion in Ohio taxpayer dollars are being safeguarded in secure short-term and overnight investments to maintain liquidity and guarantee that cash will be available when needed by cities, counties and school districts. My office is constantly monitoring markets in Europe and Asia so that we can act quickly if international securities take a hit.

On behalf of the State Treasury Asset Reserve (STAR Ohio) program, where we invest funds for local governments, we have also increased liquidity and eliminated investments in banks in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Greece who could be impacted by the European sovereign debt crisis.

Contrast this approach with what happened in Florida, where rather than stressing safety, the state sought higher yields through risky and legally questionable investments. These investments potentially cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars after the collapse of housing and financial markets in 2008.

In our office, we ended the fiscal year with a $400,000 surplus, and are reducing general revenue fund operating expenses by $1.2 million over the next two years. We will also save $100,000 annually by automating check processing and ending the unsecure daily practice of physically driving checks across the state to the depository bank. If families and small businesses are tightening their belts, then government should do the same.

In Ohio we have embraced our balanced budget requirement, and raised our fiscal outlook in the process. We accomplished this without raising taxes. By charting a conservative fiscal course we are achieving positive results for taxpayers, even amidst global economic uncertainty.

Josh has done a fine job so far. He and this new team of executives in the Ohio government (with the exception of the "hot water bottle" Jon Husted, who was actually FOR voter ID law before he was AGAINST IT) are doing a great job and getting Ohio back on track.

Senator Jim DeMint on Debt Ceiling 'Deal'

From the ole email mailbag:

Fellow Conservatives:



The debt deal has been made and now Congress has adjourned for the August recess. I wish I could tell you that our principles prevailed, but they didn't and there's no honest way to put a happy face on the outcome.



The final agreement, which the President signed into law yesterday:

Raises the debt limit by as much as $2.4 trillion;
Allows the debt to continue to grow by $7 trillion over the next decade;
Creates a new, 12-member "super-committee" with the power to force major tax increases through Congress;
Threatens our AAA bond rating; and
Never balances the budget

Washington is addicted to spending and it's a bipartisan addiction. The debt deal passed the Senate with 74 votes -- 46 Democrats and 28 Republicans. You can see the full results at SenateConservatives.com.



Some of you are outraged. Many are discouraged. In fact, a number of you have emailed me asking what this means for our cause, where we go from here, and what we should do next.



I believe it confirms that many of our elected leaders in Washington are the problem, and the only effective strategy to solve it is to elect new senators who truly share our values and have the courage to fight for them.



You helped us do exactly this last year and I'm proud to report that all five of our 2010 winners voted against the debt agreement. These men stood shoulder-to-shoulder throughout this debate and fought for a balanced budget.



If you have time, please take a few minutes today to call their offices to thank them for their courage and to urge them to keep fighting. Taking a stand like they did can be isolating at times and it's critical they know patriots like you are standing with them.

Pat Toomey (R-PA) -- (202) 224-4254
Marco Rubio (R-FL) -- (202) 224-3041
Rand Paul (R-KY) -- (202) 224-4343
Mike Lee (R-UT) -- (202) 224-5444
Ron Johnson (R-WI) -- (202) 224-5323

I am also happy to report that both of the U.S. Senate candidates we have endorsed for 2012 -- Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel (R-OH) and former Texas Solicitor General Ted Cruz (R-TX) -- publicly opposed the debt deal.



Conservatives fought for the right policies throughout this debate and forced the President and the entire Washington establishment to respond to our arguments. Our opponents even felt compelled to parrot our message of less spending.



Our strategy of electing rock-solid leaders to the Senate is working. Now we need to expand it so the policies enacted in Washington actually match the rhetoric coming out of it.



The awful outcome of this debate is discouraging, but it makes me want to work harder than ever to elect more leaders who have the courage to balance the budget. We can bring real change to Washington but it means changing the people we send there.



I hope you will continue to be a part of our team and help us recruit more Americans who will help us take our country back.



Respectfully,



Jim DeMint

United States Senator

A Word on Ken Blackwell

I just caught a link to this April 22 piece on Ken Blackwell's arrogant presumption in trying to muscle out Josh Mandel for the right to beat Sherrod Brown like a bongo drum.  Here is a quote:

"I reminded young Josh what the word 'senior' means," Blackwell said.

...which is pretty darn funny coming from the guy who told Jim Petro, et al, that there was no such thing as "my turn."  Ken, buddy, your day is done.  Pack it in.  Enjoy the book-writing and whatever else it is that you do.  Stay off the stage here in Ohio though, we've had enough of your nonsense.

UPDATE:  I do think Josh Mandel ought to say for sure what his plans are and start taking positions on issues, but for Ken Blackwell to say, "Step aside, sonny, it's my turn." just takes some serious stones.

An Update From Josh Mandel

State Treasurer Josh Mandel

Email:

I thought you might enjoy a report on some of the many operations in my office.

I am focused on managing the Treasury and proud to report that our office is running smoothly.  We have assembled an outstanding team, ripe with experience, and quietly going about their business with a sharp sense of integrity, clarity and discipline.  Here’s a glimpse into some of our recent activity…

 

First Bond Issuance of 2011:  The Treasurer’s office is one of the main authorities in the state that issues Ohio municipal bonds.  Accordingly, the office is charged by the State Legislature to help fund various state projects that serve Ohioans.  Next week, our office will begin pricing its first bond issuance of 2011, entering the market with $58,000,000 of special obligation bonds.  These bonds will finance state parks and recreation facilities throughout Ohio.  In the coming months, our office will also be issuing bonds to support highway infrastructure projects and logistics and distribution programs.  Citizens, businesses and organizations that wish to invest in these and other Ohio bonds can log onto www.buyohbonds.com for more information.

 

Eliminating Ohio’s Estate Tax:  As promised, I am continuing my charge to eliminate Ohio’s Estate Tax.  The Estate Tax is a form of double-taxation that has perpetuated the unfortunate and predictable result of making Naples and Palm Beach second capitals of Ohio.  By forcing retired Ohioans to become citizens of other states, our state government has energized an exodus of financial and intellectual capital that should be invested in our communities.  Ohio’s Estate Tax hurts the middle class, homeowners and farmers while driving jobs, capital and families out of Ohio.  I am committed to fighting for the elimination of this economic burden on Ohio’s families.

 

Financial Planning and Supervision Commission:  As more local governments unfortunately trend towards classifications of “fiscal watch” and “fiscal emergency,” our office is working alongside the Auditor’s office to monitor these entities through our participation in the Financial Planning and Supervision Commission.  Recent Commission meetings included discussions regarding the Village of Bethel, Bloom Township, City of Campbell, City of Galion, Village of Leipsic, City of Mansfield, Scioto County, and City of Wellston.  As always, my perspective in monitoring these communities is one that embraces fiscal conservatism, merit-based management and application of private sector business principles.

 

State Board of Deposit:  As Treasurer, I chair the State Board of Deposit, which designates banks to serve as depositories of public dollars and approves state banking expenses.  Our office recently lead the first Board of Deposit meeting of 2011, where our financial team reported to the Board on Ohio’s economic condition and outlook.  The Board, also including the State Auditor and Attorney General, reviewed and approved the State’s banking expenses for the prior month.  Serving on the State Board of Deposit is an excellent forum and responsibility for the Treasurer’s office to advocate for the tightening of state spending and the need to act with the utmost integrity on fiscal matters.

 

Financial Literacy Training: In addition to collecting, protecting and investing the hard-earned dollars of Ohioans, one of my goals is to provide access to financial education for more citizens.  In partnership with the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, our office recently conducted financial literacy training for high school students at Thomas W. Harvey High School in the City of Painesville (Lake County).  Through this interactive spending and budget simulation training, our staff presented high school students with information on basic budgeting and money management.  I believe it is important that young Ohioans are equipped with adequate tools in order to make intelligent financial decisions throughout their lives.

 

Director of Revenue Management:  I am proud to announce that this week, Michael Fracassa began work as the Director of Revenue Management in the Treasurer’s office.  Michael is the former Assistant Vice President of Finance and Director of Financial Services at Ohio Christian University, where he managed the University budget.  He also previously served as the Assistant Director of Accounting at Indiana Wesleyan University.  As one of the core functions of the office, the Revenue Management Department is responsible for collecting, processing and depositing state revenue, and for providing cash management services to state and custodial agencies.

 

Top-Bottom Review of the Treasurer’s office:  Even before taking office on January 10th, our Transition Team was hard at work conducting a top-bottom review of the Treasurer’s office operations, staffing, personnel and contractual obligations, in order to increase efficiency and make the office leaner.  As I’ve mentioned on many occasions, families and small businesses throughout Ohio are tightening their belts and so should state government.  The Treasurer’s office is proud of the fact that we are working hard to cut the fat, increase efficiencies and reward integrity and results.