Council Money Reports Are Out

The money makes it for some campaigns and the big money story has to be Nick Spencer. When Nick gets more contributions than Jim Tarbell, Damon Lynch, Eve Bolton, and John Eby, than he is much better positioned to have a shot for office. This showing and his mention in the Korte article should get him a little boost in the money race.

If was funny reading how the rich fundamentalists are out giving money to Sam Malone:

Much of the increase can be attributed to the power of incumbency. But his campaign finance report shows that his conservative Republican base has not abandoned him over allegations that he whipped his 14-year-old son with a belt. Malone called the incident an act of "parental intervention."

In fact, all but $5,550 of Malone's contributions came after his May 14 arrest. Reds owner Carl Lindner and his family gave $5,000, with JTM Food Group President Anthony A. Maas and other JTM employees kicking in another $5,000.

"I think when you look at all the crime on the street and all the young men wearing their clothes down to their knees, people see a father who is trying to rear his child and be responsible," said GOP mayoral candidate Charlie Winburn, who contributed $1,000 to the Malone campaign. "I think all the media he's gotten has been good. It's helped his name recognition."

Nice to see that 11 people make up almost half of his contributions and likely all but one of those 11 will actually be able to vote for him. It would interesting if those contributions came before or after the report about the 2002 beating allegation made against Malone by his son.

Nick's blog has the full listing of contributions:

Jeff Berding $150,740.00
John Cranley $135,297.00
Chris Monzel $94,234.00
David Crowley $92,419.00
Chris Bortz $83,050.00
Leslie Ghiz $75,663.00
Chris Smitherman $33,363.00
Sam Malone $23,805.00
Laketa Cole $21,155.56
Nick Spencer $15,414.00
Damon Lynch $9,914.00
Samantha Herd $8,420.00
Jim Tarbell $7,750.00
John Eby $7,375.00
Paul McGhee $5,500.00
Eve Bolton $4,145.00
Robert Wilking $4,000.00
Gerry Kraus $1,300.00
Wendell Young $1,548.20
Andrew Warner $1,005.35
Robert Wilson $955.00
Curtis Wells $763.34
Bill Barron $258.51
Cecil Thomas $250.00

Who is looking better than expected along with Nick Spencer? I would give that to Chris Monzel, but in his case he will need every penny he can to get back on council. Cecil Thomas looks like he is not doing much to get elected. Smitherman's numbers are also not what they appear. I wonder how much of the 33K is from himself. Of the top nine listed Malone, Monzel, and Bortz are those who need more than money to get on council. At this point I see 14 possible contenders, the top 13 listed and Eve Bolton. The money race is off and it will matter. It will not get people out to vote, that takes handshakes and a well crafted message.

UPDATE: More from the Post.

More Maisonette Relocation Problems?

I don't know what a "buffer" entails at the proposed new location for the restaurant, or what makes a buffer to big, but some think it could kill the project.

Reece's Aide Not Aiding Police

Peter Bronson has a good column (hell is not freezing over, yet) on Brandon Elliott, Reece's community outreach representative, who was caught in the crossfire of a recent shooting incident. He is not stepping up to help police catch the shooter.

The staffer, Brandon Elliott, is not talking, and all questions have been referred to Reece, said her spokeswoman at City Hall.

Elliott is also refusing to cooperate with the investigation, Reece acknowledged. "I hear he is willing to cooperate if they catch somebody, but my understanding is it's his personal choice."

She said Elliott is afraid to cooperate for now because someone might retaliate against him or his mother. She said he would not talk to the media because he was at home on pain medication for the shooting injury.

If a politician can't get a member of her staff to take action against a crime committed against them, how as mayor will she be able to get the public to take action and work with police to catch the criminals plaguing neighborhoods? Reece and her aide have let down the city. I hope Mr. Elliott has changed his view on working with police after this column has made Reece looking totally ineffectual as a leader.

Private Jets vs. Paddlefest Champ?

Who would you rather have as your Representative to Congress: Someone who flies on a corporate jet to Washington DC during the campaign to shoot a commercial or someone who wins a race at Paddlefest, a race that runs on the Ohio right along the congressional district?

Sure, this will not sway many, who like me vote based on issue stances and ideologies, but the campaigning approach and style should be considered. Paul Hackett is campaigning for votes here in the District, while Jean Schmidt is off in DC looking for money and pretending to be a Congresswoman. She should earn the seat, not be awarded it because of political party.

Council Money

It is reporting time for Council Candidates, where the campaigns have to file reports with the city on how much money they have raised and have on hand. Greg Korte should have the full scoop in a day or so. This is one of the important insider measurements as to whom will be considered a favorite come the Fall election. Money is not the only way you get on council, but it shows your level of support. The game as to the ranking of money raisers has great interest in political circles and will be an indicator as to which candidates get more attention from party officials, and which ones get written off.

The Klan Hates Almost Everyone

I think the only subgroup of humans the Klan does not really hate are white people in the Klan. Now, local racist extraordinaire Nate seems to think every white person is a racist, and for some reason Nate must not be to big on geography. The City of Hamilton is about 25 miles from Downtown Cincinnati, so why is Nate pulling Charlie Luken into this? Oh, right, Nate attacks all white people who are not laden with 1,000 pounds of white guilt and who don't think he is wonderful person. Nate also attacks people who help put him into jail for breaking the law, thus part of his attack on Chaz.

It really is a problem for the Klan to be openly out in Hamilton. It should be a concern for all, especially Latinos, who are the main target of the latest hate filled rant from the kings of all things racist. The Klan is horrible group of nutsacks. They do however have the same right to push their hate, as Nate or the Black Fist have to push their hate.

Meet the Opposition

George Vincent is replacing Mike Barrett as head of the Hamilton County Republican Party. Everyone in the party is singing his praises from Leslie Ghiz to Charlie Winburn. Will that last? Also, unless the party moderates, how will they ever compete in the city again? I think it is really PR bullshit to say the rank in file County Republican gives a rats ass about the city, even if they live there. We shall see if George is happy to get behind the nutty Charlie Winburn or the thug Sam Malone.

Son Tells Enquirer Malone Lied

Well, 'someone' has either forgotten the past or is lying about it. Sam Malone son has spoken with the Enquirer and says he came forward because his Dad taught him not to lie:

Malone's son told The Enquirer Friday that he wrote the e-mail after seeing his dad on television.

"He always told us not to lie and then he was lying. I just wanted them to know the truth,'' said the boy. The teen was joined by his aunt, Melinda Wreh, who has temporary custody of the boy.

Talk about something coming back to bite you in the ass.

Lesson to parents out there: There is no reason good enough to beat your kid with a belt. He they broke the law, send them to jail. If they broke curfew have the balls to ground them. Beating a teenager cause them to learn that violence is how to gain power and how to control people. That is teaching your child to be a thug.

I don't think this has been that big of a political divide issue. Those defending Malone are doing it either out of race politics (see Nate, and Charlie Winburn) or they are just advocates for the Children are Chattel movement, an old fashioned system that has been abandoned by most educated people, and has become the refuge for the other side of lazy parents. That is the side who don't have time to talk to their kids, or find out why they do things wrong, they just beat them like an animal in the insane belief that they will just do what they are told, never again question them out of fear of getting beat again. Instilling the Fear of violence is not how you treat anyone you love. The other lazy parents just do nothing and let their kids run wild.

Is Sam Malone Lying?

In the latest on Sam Malone, we get his son's side of what happened back in 2002:

"HELLO. THIS IS CINCINNATI COUNCILMAN SAM MALONE'S SON. I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU THAT MY DAD IS A LIAR. HE KNOWS ABOUT THIS ABUSE WITH A BELT. IT WAS AT MY OLD SCHOOL NAMED ST. CLEMENT A COUPLE OF MONTHS AFTER MY MOM DIED AND I STARTED STAYING WITH HIM.

I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH THE BRUISES AND SHOWED THEM TO MY TEACHER... THE SCHOOL CALLED 241-KIDS AND THEY TOOK PICTURES OF MY RIGHT LEG WHERE I HAD A CUT FOR A VERY LONG TIME. MY DAD SOON PULLED ME OUT OF THE SCHOOL AND I... GOT ANOTHER BAD WHOOPING. AND I REMEMBER THESE WORDS FROM HIM. 'HOW COULD YOU LET SOMEBODY PUT THEIR HANDS ON YOU AND LET THEM TAKE PICTURES?'... HE GOT MAD BECAUSE I TOLD THE SCHOOL ABOUT THE SEVERE BEATINGS. "

If true, this makes Malone a thug. It does raise one big question, if this is true, why did the investigation not lead anywhere?

I bet Mike Barrett is just wishing he could take back the GOP endorsement Malone got.

What kind of parent bruises their child intentionally? In my opinion an unfit parent does that.

Schmidt Under Investigation

GOP Nominee for Congress Jean Schmidt is under investigation for failure to report a gift from a lobbyist. Will this have any impact on the race? I am surprised and please the Enquirer posted this on their website, but I am disappointed they had to use an AP story. I hope tomorrow's Wilkinson story includes this issue front and center.

Blame the Liberals!!!!

It is so sad to read the ignorant Letters to the editor:

"Public's support must not waver

Unfortunately terrorist attacks are a sad part of the 21st century. However, how America presents itself is critical. The terrorists know they cannot defeat us in a traditional sense but believe they can beat us in the public opinion arena.. Remember Vietnam! When will the Democrats in Congress and other liberals stop worrying about the treatment of the enemy combatants and start presenting a united front, with President Bush, against all terrorists?

Ronald P. Heile

Pleasant Ridge"

Let me translate: "They are out to get Us. Liberals are to blame it Bush can't do things all alone." I guess the terrorists when every time I say 'Bush sucks?'

Bush fucking sucks. Does that count double for this mythical game of "War" we are playing here on the homefront? I mean we can't question the motive, actions of Bush in public, that might help the "enemy." Who the enemy is depends on who Bush wants to attack next.

What I say does not affect the City of Cincinnati let alone terrorists in Saudi Arabia (remember that terrorist haven?). If a congressman is trying to make sure that our military does not become the same as the military under Saddam, then they not only are fighting for the country, they are fighting for truth and honor, which as a human being rank higher than who wins a war. Survival is not at stake. Republicans and Conservatives might do some good and understand that neither Iraq nor the War on Terror is like World War II. People like Mr. Heile seems to think it does, and makes fun of comparisons to Vietnam.

I have not spent any time on the right wing news outlets/blogs after the London attacks, but I wonder if they are angry and looking to carpet bomb someone. Nothing makes peace like a war, after all.

Deeper and Deeper

The Taft Administration just keeps sliding into a deep dark hole of scandal. Now they even have roped the White House into their web of fat cat appeasing.

Inside Arts & Culture Series

Enjoy the Arts has a great series for those who love the arts or want to get an up close look at the exceptional cultural community in Cincinnati. Here are the details:

Enjoy the Arts' Cultural Party is Back! Starting July 13, on one Wednesday a month from 5:30-7:30 PM, meet with other "arts sleuths" and explore the fascinating and sometimes mystifying world of the Cincinnati art scene. Inside Arts & Culture is $75 per person for one six-month series and will be limited to 50 insiders per session. For more information or to make reservations call (513) 621-4700 or email info@etastart.com.

The still have open spots for the series, so get out and experience the arts.

Debate: Hackett Vs. Schmidt

Well, how was the debate? Who did well, who did not, how many voters are actually paying attention?

Reece Campaign Volunteer Caught In Crossfire

Nothing brings home gun violence to a candidate like one of their volunteers being shot. He was shot in the foot by a stray bullet. This did not happen in OTR either. Many of the shootings are not happening in OTR or West End, where people expect it to occur, when it does. Will this light a fire under Reece to stop what is becoming a childish turf war, something closer to the Hatfields vs. the McCoys, instead of Scarface?

One Eye, One Horn

The Purple bridge's yellow art not only cost a ton, it also does not look very appealing. "Who was the ad wiz who came up with this one?"

Bronson Wants a Culture War

Mr. Civility swings at the left with a punch of "suck it up fuckers, you lost 'we' one, eat it." He dares complains that the left is up in arms because Bush might appoint a fascist to the court. Well, guess what Peter, he might. That may give you a woodie, but for the reality based community, that is bad news. Since many of the rights people are fighting for (separation of church and state, abortion, gay rights) don't affect Peter, and others who think like him, he doesn't care. Now, he also wants laws out there to force religion on others, to control women's bodies, and to oppress gays, but that is a tangent issue. If Bush appoints a more sane conservative, Bronson and the rest of the Storm troopers will scream and yell and be ready to oust the President. If you want an example see how good old Peter and his lot treat Bob Taft. Bronson's whining about people fighting for their beliefs indicates two things; one is that he really sucks at making cultural references (Tom Cruise? WTF?), the second is that he has no argument to make against people hold strong beliefs other than belittling them for holding strong beliefs. If he can't respect people for standing up for what they believe in, then he is a hack. Well, he is a hack anyway.

London Attacked

Sad, Horrible news from the UK.

Krispy Kreme Stores Out of Cincy Area

I guess they couldn't compete with low carbs or with Busken.

Whose Ten Commandments?

In comments we had a discussion about the variations in Ten Commandments between religions and sect. This story tackles that very issue.