Ha Ha Ha....this is getting even better. The Ohio GOP Coin-gate scandal really does involve all the major players in the party, including George Bush. The AP is reporting that a who's who of GOP leaders in Ohio will be giving up the money they got from Coin-gate star, Tom Noe:
Gov. Bob Taft and other Ohio Republicans said Wednesday they were relinquishing thousands of dollars they got from a leading GOP donor and coin dealer who's under state and federal investigation.Big Deal. They created the monster. And, these elected GOP leaders may be out a couple thousand here and there. But the citizens of Ohio are out MILLIONS.
The money came from Tom Noe, who managed rare coin investments for the state's workers' compensation bureau. At least $10 million of the state's $55 million coin investment is believed to be missing.
Taft, three other statewide officeholders, several House lawmakers, U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine and the state Republican party said they were giving up campaign contributions from Noe totaling nearly $60,000. Many of the officials designated charities or a workers' compensation fund to receive the money.
Those who received contributions included Auditor Betty Montgomery, Attorney General Jim Petro and Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. All are candidates for governor next year.
Still no word from George Bush. Noe was a Bush Pioneer...who "raised" hundreds of thousands for Bush. But, the Bush folks have other Tom Noe things to worry about. There was a Grand Jury convened in Toledo today to investigate that whole mess, too. The Toledo Blade reported:
Investigators are trying to determine if Mr. Noe gave money to people in order for them to give to the Bush campaign, allowing him to skirt federal campaign contribution limits.So, Bush is the only major player who still holding on to his Noe money. In Bush's case, that may be a very significant amount if the prosecutors prove their case.
And, we let this state decide the President.
