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   By Ed Richter

 | 	Thursday, October 29, 2009, 12:02 PM

		A.J. Smith, a candidate for the 2nd Ward seat on Middletown City Council received an expensive lesson in local politics.

Several weeks ago, his opponent John Soppanish, filed a complaint
with the Ohio Elections Commission concerning the use of photographs in
Smith’s campaign literature.

While a probable cause panel rejected Soppanish’s complaint, Smith
ended up getting billed nearly $1,200 in legal fees to defend himself
and his campaign.

In these hearings, the person filing the complaint has the burden of
proof to convince the panel there was a violation of the elections law.
However, Soppanish was not at the hearing and was not required to be
there, although it was strongly encouraged. Soppanish was at a meeting
with The Journal’s editorial board to discuss the Middletown city
charter amendment.

If anything, it goes to show folks that candidates need to be prepared financially for setbacks or potential legal challenges.