Ohio and political scandal just seem to go together

When the general election campaign hits fifth gear this fall in all-important Ohio, residents of the Buckeye State can be forgiven for casting a jaded eye on the presidential contenders from both parties. Given their experiences with state pols, they have reason to be skeptical about anyone seeking their votes.

A few years back, a multimillion-dollar scandal involving state investment funds roiled the Republicans who reigned over state government. The result, in 2006, was a banner year for Democrats; the victors included then-Rep. Ted Strickland, who was swept into the governor's office (and could end up as the vice presidential nominee on his party's ticket this year).

Recently, another Democrat who snared a good job two years ago -- state Atty. Gen. Marc Dann -- was forced to resign after a sexual harassment scandal in his office was made worse when he acknowledged an affair with a subordinate.

On Wednesday, Ohioans learned of yet another misdeed by a public official -- a state legislator from the Akron area gave up his seat after reports of improprieties involving Ohio State football tickets.

The lawmaker, Republican John Widowfield, spent almost $8,000 from his campaign coffers over several years to purchase the tickets, which in and of itself is legal (even if his contributors might be a bit taken aback by the practice). Where Widowfield went wrong was scalping the tickets for personal profit.

More can be read here about the wayward Widowfield.

-- Don Frederick