By http://www.middletownjournal.com/o/content/shared-gen/blogs/dayton/middletownnews/entries/2009/10/29/welcome_to_middletown_politics.html#postcomment - 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.

Having  campaigned with Obama, Which Mr. Smith loves to remind people of, he should be well aware of the game and how its played. He Raised all that money he can pay the bill.