County Republicans withdraw complaint in commisison race

The chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party on Monday withdrew a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against County Commissioner Judy Dodge over two campaign videos on her website.

Dodge, an incumbent Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Dave Vore, a former sheriff, and William Pace, an Independent candidate.

The complaint had been scheduled for a probable cause hearing before the Elections Commission at 9 a.m. Monday.

Republican Party chairman Rob Scott and Vore, at a press conference last week, accused Dodge of “falsely” claiming an endorsement from the Dayton Daily News. But Dodge said her website includes photos and information about her years of service to Montgomery County including the videos and she had no plans to bring them down.

The Dayton Daily News did endorse Dodge in her 2008 race against Butler Twp. Trustee Joe Ellis, but is now among a growing number of newspapers that have decided not to endorse candidates or issues.

The two videos, which also can be viewed on You Tube, were created for Dodge’s 2008 campaign. At the end of the videos, a banner “quotes the Dayton Daily News as saying that Dodge is the best choice for county commission,” according to the complaint.

County Democratic Chairman Mark Owens called the complaint a publicity stunt with no merit.

“They filed a frivolous complaint and now they’ve withdrawn it,” he said.

Dodge said she was en-route to the hearing in Columbus when she learned the complaint had been withdrawn.

“They got a day of publicity from it,” Dodge said. “It’s a shame because it took time away from my campaign.”

Scott said he had concerns about use of the videos, but the complaint was withdrawn, because “We probably were not going to get a determination until after the election.”

Vore declined to comment on withdrawal of the complaint on Monday.

The chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party on Monday withdrew a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against County Commissioner Judy Dodge over two campaign videos on her website.

Dodge, an incumbent Democrat, is being challenged by Republican Dave Vore, a former sheriff, and William Pace, an Independent candidate.

The complaint had been scheduled for a probable cause hearing before the Elections Commission at 9 a.m. this morning.

County Democratic Chairman Mark Owens called the complaint a publicity stunt with no merit.

“They filed a frivolous complaint and now they’ve withdrawn it,” he said.

Republican Party chairman Rob Scott and Vore, at a press conference last week, accused Dodge of “falsely” claiming an endorsement from the Dayton Daily News. But Dodge said her website includes photos and information about her years of service to Montgomery County including the videos.

The Dayton Daily News did endorse Dodge in her 2008 race against Butler Twp. Trustee Joe Ellis, but is now among a growing number of newspapers that have decided not to endorse candidates or issues.

The two videos, which also can be viewed on You Tube, were created for Dodge’s 2008 campaign. The videos do not name Dodge’s opponent or indicate the election year. At the end of the videos, a banner “quotes the Dayton Daily News as saying that Dodge is the best choice for county commission,” according to the complaint.The chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party on Monday withdrew a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission against County Commissioner Judy Dodge over two campaign videos on her website.

Vore declined to comment on withdrawal of the complaint Monday. Dodge and Scott could not be reached for comment.

About the Author