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DeWine for Patriot; Brown not

By Jessica Wehrman

Staff Writer

The Patriot Act promises to be another key point of differences highlighted in the U.S. Senate campaign of incumbent Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, and Rep. Sherrod Brown, D-Avon.

The measure expanded the authority of U.S. law enforcement with the goal of better fighting terrorism.

Here's where the candidates are on the issue:

DeWine: Supported the act both times. He said the Patriot Act gave law enforcement the same tools to use against terrorists "that we use against pornographers and drug dealers. It puts terrorism on the same footing."

He questions Brown's decision to oppose it. "I'm not questioning anything about his motives," DeWine said. "I'm just questioning his judgment."

Brown: Opposed the act both times. "It overreached," he said, arguing he opposed provisions in the bill that he believed imposed on the privacy of everyday citizens, including provisions allowing FBI agents to search library or bookstore records.

"I am very willing and encouraging of the government to go after anybody with suspected terrorists ties, absolutely. But I am not willing to have the government wiretap, to find out people's libraries and personal health records and financial records when we don't have a good reason to do it."

More: The latest on the 2006 election