No probable cause found in election complaint

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   No probable cause found in election complaint

			By Ed Richter

 | 	Wednesday, October  7, 2009, 03:05 PM

		COLUMBUS
— No probable cause was found in a complaint filed against A.J. Smith,
a candidate for the open 2nd Ward seat on Middletown City Council.

Mark McGinnis, a Columbus-based attorney who represented Smith
during the hearing before a panel of the Ohio Elections Commission
today, Oct. 7, said the panel ruled 4-0 in favor of Smith. He said
there will be no further action in this matter.

John Soppanish, Smith’s opponent, filed the complaint alleging false
statements being made in campaign literature in that photos were
“doctored.”

McGinnis said Soppanish’s issues were not specific in his complaint
and did not have personal knowledge other than it was something he
felt. In addition, McGinnis said there was no inquiry made of Smith
about the photos that he owned because he worked on the Obama campaign
in 2008.

Neither Soppanish or Smith attended the hearing in Columbus.
Soppanish also did not have representation at the hearing, McGinnnis
said.

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Disturbed Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Outsider Joined: Oct 07 2009 Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote Disturbed Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: No probable cause found in election complaint Posted: Oct 07 2009 at 4:00pm
	No probable cause found in election complaint By Ed Richter \| Wednesday, October 7, 2009, 03:05 PM COLUMBUS — No probable cause was found in a complaint filed against A.J. Smith, a candidate for the open 2nd Ward seat on Middletown City Council. Mark McGinnis, a Columbus-based attorney who represented Smith during the hearing before a panel of the Ohio Elections Commission today, Oct. 7, said the panel ruled 4-0 in favor of Smith. He said there will be no further action in this matter. John Soppanish, Smith’s opponent, filed the complaint alleging false statements being made in campaign literature in that photos were “doctored.” McGinnis said Soppanish’s issues were not specific in his complaint and did not have personal knowledge other than it was something he felt. In addition, McGinnis said there was no inquiry made of Smith about the photos that he owned because he worked on the Obama campaign in 2008. Neither Soppanish or Smith attended the hearing in Columbus. Soppanish also did not have representation at the hearing, McGinnnis said.

tootie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Sep 16 2009 Status: Offline Points: 32	Post Options Post Reply Quote tootie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct 07 2009 at 5:01pm
	Welcome to politics mr Smith. Mr Soppanish had the right to question the photos just as you have questioned other election processes. If his methods are completely legit and is running on his own morals and decisions then he should have no reasons to make to worry. However he should keep himself in check. He shouldn't say things he can't back up either. I would also like to know more about Mr Smith's work background so see what experience he has that would be useful in attracting business to Middletown

Murdock Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Resident Joined: Mar 24 2008 Location: Middletown, OH Status: Offline Points: 71	Post Options Post Reply Quote Murdock Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct 07 2009 at 10:05pm
	Hey Tootie.....it was dismissed! DUH

tootie Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Immigrant Joined: Sep 16 2009 Status: Offline Points: 32	Post Options Post Reply Quote tootie Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct 08 2009 at 9:37pm
	Hey Murdock, WOW, DUH!! Good for Mr Smith. So What if it was dismissed. Maybe he slid under the radar. Who knows. Doesn't mean he is the most qualified candidate. Doesn't mean he might not do a good job either. I still want to know more about his work experience. I haven't heard him say anything about working anywhere.

Smartman Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List MUSA Citizen Joined: Jun 14 2008 Status: Offline Points: 299	Post Options Post Reply Quote Smartman Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: Oct 08 2009 at 9:48pm
	He has no work experience that is worth mentioning! Trust me!