Elections commission panel finds probable cause in Daniels/Evans complaints
An independent panel with the Ohio Elections Commission found probable cause to proceed to a full hearing regarding the campaign literature of David Daniels and Clyde Evans, in the race for Ohio's 17th Senate District.
"A full investigation will take place and the final hearing will be held on Monday, May 3," according to a press release.
Daniels and Evans each told The Highland County Press that they intend to be in attendance during the hearing, though it will be up to their attorneys if they make any statements.
"I am glad that they have found cause to move on with a full hearing," said Daniels (R-Greenfield).
Evans (R-Rio Grande) filed a complaint regarding mailers Daniels sent out in the Chillicothe and Washington C.H. area, which Evans said were misleading. Evans said they stated he, along with Gov. Ted Strickland, earmarked funds for "a Ukranian museum." Evans told The Highland County Press that funds for a museum in Cleveland were earmarked in a bill he voted for, and that Daniels voted for the same bill. Evans said other information passed out by Daniels' campaign contained inaccurate information regarding union support and stimulus funds.
Evans said that his campaign was positive until Daniels disseminated the aforementioned information, and after that he sent out the mailers in question.
"We made an unintended error," Evans said. "The researchers said it was true, and they were wrong. We immediately apologized. I admitted I made an unintended error. I have no idea what is going to happen Monday.
"That message was totally distorted with lies, and the elections commission found three of those claims had probable cause," Evans said. "Throughout the campaign we've tried to tell people he's lying about our position. People think we're just doing a negative campaign. This is the first time we have had any validity to it."
Daniels filed a formal complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission last week in response to what Daniels called "untruthful attacks" against him in a campaign mailer.
The Evans campaign sent voters in the 17th State Senate District a mailing saying, "Danger is closer than you think" and that had David Daniels, "Supports Sexual Predators on our Streets" and that David Daniels is, "Putting Our Children in Danger."
"This attack from Clyde Evans is despicable and false. I filed a complaint to make sure my opponent is held accountable for his blatant lies about my record," Daniels said. "I have a clear voting record of supporting legislation that cracks down on sexual predators and I have always been a strong advocate for protecting those that are most vulnerable in our society. This mail piece is nothing but a mudslinging effort by a desperate politician who will stop at nothing to try to get elected."
Both candidates received a letter from the Ohio Elections Commission this week informing them of the hearing scheduled to be held Monday, May 3, stating, "Parties have the right to subpoena witnesses, make an opening statement, question any witness called to testify, offer exhibits and make a closing statement at the hearing.