CNBC's Larry Kudlow's Absurd Political Acrobatics: Kudlow Has Donated $31,827 To GOP Candidates

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Sham journalism has gotten a foothold in Ohio politics, and it arrived via national television. Cable TV economist Larry Kudlow -- who writes checks to Republican candidates -- interviewed the Ohio GOP's candidate for governor during his CNBC show Thursday. Their sit down now appears more about political theater than substantive business news, which is supposed to be CNBC's stock in trade. There were no sparring words. By today the interview has become a means for John Kasich to produce a political advertisement without spending any campaign cash -- the interview tape is on Kasich's official website. What's really shameful about the incident is that Kudlow has his money riding on the Republican party; he's actually a donor posing as a business journalist. It is not likely that he would frame his inteview with challenging questions, or fire anything tough squarely at his fellow Republican. Kudlow threw softballs at John Kasich, who posted the tape of his CNBC appearance on his campaign website late last night. Thus, the Kudlow interview had the tone of a political advertisement from the start -- and that is what it has become. Kasich delivered his stump speech -- he never strayed from being on message -- and Kudlow pretended it was news. Kudlow should have forcefully mentioned that he's an active Republican who has written checks for dozens of his political party's candidates. As recently as last May, Federal Election Commission records show Kudlow gave $1,000 to Connecticut's Christopher Shays, who used the money to pay off debts left over from his 2006 loss. Worse for Kudlow is that Shays in on the board of CIT, a financial giant that specializes in business loans. CIT filed for bankruptcy last year and is seen as part of the Wall Street mess.

Kudlow is a former Bear Stearns economist; Kasich is a former Lehman Bros. managing director. Newsmeat has a list of Kudlow's political donations over the years. The interview/ad is making the rounds of political websites in Ohio including Kasich for Ohio. Matt Naugle has a copy of the tape at RightOhio. There is a clip at American Conservative Values.

Plunderbund, a Democratic blog also has the tape and notes that Kasich's appearance echoes much of what Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has been saying about rebuilding the state's economy. Kudlow seems not to have noticed. The take at the Daily Bellwether is that Kudlow and CNBC owe equal time to Strickland. Kudlow is a Republican activist -- and there are Federal Election Commission records to prove it.

GOP's Candidate For Ohio Governor John Kasich: His County Property Tax Records Reveal Odd Numbers

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- John Kasich acquired 10 acres of land in one of Ohio's fastest growing counties in April 1996 for less than courthouse property tax records show the land was worth. Delaware County appraised the property at an average of $17,250 per acre, but after Kasich bought it the land value dropped to $10,500 per acre. In other words, the tax value of the 10 acres fell from $172,500 to $105,000. Kasich's tract is next to a private country club outside Westerville in Central Ohio, and he built a 4,387-square foot home on the site. At the time, Republican Kasich was one of the nation's most influential congresssmen as chairman of the House Budget Committee. The Delaware County purchase allowed him to build on a secluded homesite in an exclusive area. Kasich's compound -- including the land and home -- is currently valued at $759,500 on county tax records. Kasich quit Congress after a failed presidential campaign in 2000. He became a FOX News commentator and worked at Wall Street investment bank Lehman Bros., as a managing director until the firm's collapse.

Kasich's property tax records are available online at the Delware County Auditor's Office. The Daily Bellwether looked them up earlier this week. Other records in the courthouse seem to indicate that Kasich purchased the property out of an estate. The estate may have been controlled or administered by a campaign aide or partner. That suggests the land transaction may not have been an arm's length deal. Or it may be that Kasich heard about a good buy on the real estate market and pounced. Either way, there is a possibility of insider trading. At some point in the campaign against Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, Kasich may have to answer questions about his real estate dealing in Delaware County.

The county property tax records show that several years passed before Kasich's 10-acre tract of land was reappraised in excess of its 1996 valuation.

Columbus Dispatch Sports Writer Slams Cincinnati: Too Catholic And Too Kentucky For OSU Football

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Rob Oller's commentary today is an attempt to explain why most Cincinnati-area college football recruits won't flock to Ohio State University. He says "historical, cultural and geographical issues hinder OSU from cleaning up down there." It's also "because of Cincinnati's large Catholic community." Apparently, Cincinnati Catholics just don't put as much faith in Coach Jim Tressel as true believers ought. The Queen City has wicked ways. A day after signing day, Oller even reached into his sportswriter cliche bag to quote a "media wag" whom he doesn't identify:

"Tressel has a reputation for locking down Ohio for the Buckeyes. If there's a crack, it's Cincinnati. Or maybe not. As one media wag pointed out, Cincinnati should not count. After all, it's really northern Kentucky. Or at least acts like it."

Whistleblower Lawsuit Tees Off: Cincinnati's Hyde Park County Club Accused of Hiring Undocumented Aliens

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The toney Hyde Park County Club in Cincinnati could be on the verge of a scandal involving allegations it employed illegal aliens. There also may be problems with fake Social Security numbers. Former food and beverage director Ted Marinakis, who has been at the club for some 24 years, filed a whistleblower lawsuit claiming he was sacked after reporting suspected violations of immigration rules. Marinakis is represented by noted Cincinnati civil rights lawyer Alphonse A Gerhardstein, an experienced litigator whose many victories included a huge settlement from the State of Ohio for prisoner abuses after the Lucasville riot in 1993. Marinakis' lawsuit is 10 pages long and was filed earlier this week in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. It has been assigned to Judge Dennis Helmick.

The country club has not yet filed its reply to the Marinakis' complaint, which is available on the Hamilton County Clerk of Court's website. About the undocumented workers, the complaint states: "In 2008, Mr. Marinakis learned that HPCC [was] hiring illegal immigrants and then giving them fake Social Security numbers. Mr. Marinakis reported the illegal activity both verbally and in writing to . . . HPCC did not stop its unlawful conduct. Mr. Marinakis reasonably believed that hiring illegal aliens and falsifying identification documents were criminal offenses that were felonies, likely to cause an imminent risk of physical harm to persons or a hazard to public health or safety, or against federal law."

Marinakis also claims the club allowed smoking in violation of the anti-smoking measure passed in 2006. He claims gambling was tolerated. He claims he had been harassed in the past and targeted with pornographic e-mails. Marinakis is seeking an injunction requiring the county club to reinstate him. The lawsuit says that in 2004, Marinakis reported sexual harassment against two female employees and was fired. It says he was reinstated after filing a discrimination charge with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission: "The OCRC found probable cause that HPCC discriminated and retaliated against Mr. Marinakis for engaging in protected activity. As part of a settlement of the charge, the HPCC reinstated Mr. Marinakis to the position of Food and Beverage Coordinator."

Corporation Announces Run For Congress: It Shares Name With Cleveland Neighborhood

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Murray Hill Inc. is a public relations firm that plans to file as a Republican candidate in Maryland's 8th Congressional District. The company's slogan: "Corporations are people, too." In years past, its clients have included the Laborer's Union in Cleveland. And the company's name looks to be borrowed from Cleveland, where Murray Hill is the formal name for the Little Italy section of town. The candidacy seems an effort to mock the 5-4 Supreme Court ruling that opened the doors to wider campaign activities by corporations. Murray Hill Inc. said it is off and running:

"The campaign’s designated human, Eric Hensal, will help the corporation conform to antiquated 'human only' procedures and sign the necessary voter registration and candidacy paperwork. Hensal is excited by this new opportunity. 'We want to get in on the ground floor of the democracy market before the whole store is bought by China.'
Murray Hill Inc. plans on filing to run in the Republican primary in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. Campaign Manager William Klein promises an aggressive, historic campaign that 'puts people second' or even third.

Cincinnati Company Seeking Blogger: $13 An Hour And You Mitigate Online Criticism About Diapers

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- AdeccoUSA has listed the job, which is a temp position in Cincinnati now open for someone with a flair for writing. The skillset calls for an ability to mitigate criticism and provide balance to online conversations about diapers. Adecco is a Swiss firm that handles outsourcing for major corporations. Its client is identified only as a "Fortune 100 Consumer Products company in Downtown Cincinnati." Hmm. Could it be Procter & Gamble, manufacturer of Pampers? Here's what AdeccoUSA is looking for:

"Seeking a parent that is currently using diapers on their little one to share their experiences,answer questions and give feedback to other parents like yourself!!
Looking for a parent (mom or dad) that would like to work in a new and exciting customer service role with a Fortune 100 Consumer Products company in Downtown Cincinnati. This is a full time opportunity working Monday-Friday with flexible work hours.

"The idea candidate would have to have a flair for writing, excellent customer service skills and experience with Online Social Networking tools such as Facebook,Twitter or other blogs.

"Be Responsive! Using social media tools, seek out dialogue opportunities to resolve issues, correct misinformation, provide help. Mitigate criticism by providing balance to online conversations.

"Be Proactive! Seek opportunities to build relationships, trust and drive brand loyalty.

"Identify opportunities to share with the team to further build the community management strategy for the brand/category. Stay up to date on best practices and new tools.

"Communication: a flair for writing - excellent verbal and listening skills as there is responsibility to professionally interact with Brands and other internal/external customers.

"Risk takers - proactively reaches out and reacts to consumers with diplomacy. Confidence to challenge the status quo when situations dictate.

"Please contact Amy Morgan for more details 513.241.2342"

Amy Morgan
580 Walnut Street
Plaza Level
5132412342

Cecil Thomas Says He May Run For Hamilton County Commisser: A Dem Primary With Jim Tarbell?

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Cincinnati City Councilman Cecil Thomas tells The Daily Bellwether he's reconsidering his decision that took him out of the contest for a seat on the Hamilton County Commission. Last Friday, Thomas said he would not be a candidate. Now he says he's wavering: "I may do it. I'm hearing from a lot of people, the governor on down. I'll decide by the end of the week." Asked directly if he was leaning toward running, Thomas said "yes." Former vice mayor Jim Tarbell says he's coming out of political retirement and running as a Democrat for the open County Commission seat now held by David Pepper, the Democratic candidate for state auditor. Tarbell served four terms on city council as a member of the Charter Party.

So far, it's not clear if Tarbell would withdraw to clear the way for Thomas or if they would face each other in the May primary. Tarbell could not be reached for comment. (There may be more from him later today.)

Two Republican council members plan to run for Pepper's seat -- Leslie Ghiz and Chris Monzel. Thomas is in his third council term. He is a former police officer and former director of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission. He is African American, and could make history if he becomes the first black elected to the commission. Thomas said he had been concerned that he would not be able to raise a large enough campaign warchest for the race. He now thinks he could be competitive: "People know me, they know what I stand for, what I'm about."

Caterpillar Putting 500 New Jobs In Ohio: Gov. Strickland Nails Down $65 Million Project Near Dayton

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Ohio's package of economic development incentives steamrolled Kentucky and Indiana, which were in competition for Caterpillar's new parts distribution center. The 500 jobs will pay average hourly wages of $11.75. The state Controlling board last week signed off on $600,000 for roadwork development in Clayton, a small town north of Dayton in Montgomery County. The road money followed a 10-year 75% tax credit approved in December.

From the Controlling Board agenda: "As a result of the project and State assistance provided, Caterpillar will create 500 new, full-time jobs with average hourly wages of $11.75. Based on the number of new, full-time jobs created, the average cost of Roadwork Development Grant assistance is $1,200 per job.

Caterpillar will construct a 1,300,000 square foot distribution facility in the City of Clayton. This facility will help to relieve demand from the company’s primary facility in Morton, Illinois. The City of Clayton facility will move the company closer to its supply base as well as its dealers, allowing improved service and response time. Caterpillar will make an investment of $65,000,000 in land, building construction, and machinery and equipment. "

Lee Fisher Dumps Campaign Manager: Hires Gun Who Worked for Dems Dodd and Landrieu

By Anthony Fossaceca and crossposted at OhioDailyBlog

The Fisher campaign now confirming what we reported last night - Geri Prado is no longer with the campaign and is being replaced by veteran operative Jay Howser:

Columbus - Today the the Fisher for Ohio campaign is announcing a new campaign manager, Jay Howser. Jay is one of the most experienced Democratic campaign managers in the country, having worked most recently with Senators Chris Dodd and Mary Landrieu. Fisher campaign spokesman John Collins released the following statement:
“Geri Prado worked tirelessly over the past 10 months to help us put this operation together and Lee is enormously appreciative of her leadership. Jay Howser comes to us as one of the most experienced campaign managers in the country, and we are excited to grow our operation. As the campaign season draws near, we will continue to work aggressively to make sure voters understand the choice they face this Fall, between a Washington insider who created this economic mess or a candidate who has a proven record of protecting and creating jobs in Ohio.”

Cincinnati Officials Propose Rail Station In Bond Hill: Keeps Passengers Away From Downtown

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The map above is today making the rounds at City Hall. It puts the Cincinnati station for the Ohio 3C passenger rail project in a largely residential neighborhood that is several miles away from downtown. The proposed Bond Hill station -- which is near a closed movie theater with a gigantic parking lot -- is being pushed by city economic development and transit officials. It is just west of Norwood, a suburb whose nearby business district might be in store for a huge boost if a planned rail project gets off the ground.

State officials in Columbus have tentatively selected an east side site near Lunken Airport near the Ohio River for the Cincinnati rail station. City officials have complained the Lunken site "scores low on the Ohio Rail Development Commission station site selection criteria due to poor vehicular, pedestrian and transit access." City officials now want Bond Hill studied. They also believe that the ridership figures for the train would be better. A City Hall memo that is circulating with the the map showing the Bond Hill site notes that ridership numbers look weak. They are projected to be 65,534 per year from Cincinnati, versus 193,622 from Cleveland. The memo suggests a better station location could improve the ridership count and urges that city officials:

"Request that the original Amtrak ridership figures for the City of Cincinnati be studied further. The North Cincinnati station shows a significantly higher ridership figure than the City of Cincinnati. If the inputs and assumptions are identified, that might show how the numbers were derived. We believe these ridership numbers could have a significant impact on the construction phasing of the Cincinnati area stations."

[UPDATE: 12:05 pm -- Just got off the phone with Cincinnati Councilman Cecil Thomas who said there is a second Bond Hill site being talked up -- west of the theater lot and closer to St. Bernard, another small suburb. Thomas said, "One of the questions I have to ask is in terms of the residents in Bond Hill. What is the net effect on residential properties? I think it's a good idea to look at Bond Hill, I just heard about it yesterday. But there needs to be some community awareness because rumors are going to start to fly. Let's study the pros and cons." Thomas said he did not favor putting a train station near Lunken Airport. "It's way out of the way."]

[UPDATE: 2:33 pm -- COAST has followed the Bond Hill developments. Its observations are available here.]

Ohio U Faculty Gone Wild: Journalism Prof Carves Arm After Drinking Bottle of Vodka

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is supposed to be among the nation's elite academic programs. This report in the campus newspaper of a faculty tenure hearing makes the professional training ground for journalists sound like Animal House or worse. And here's more on the story in the Athens News. Vodka and self-mutilation? Threats? Power plays from the top? Even the assistant dean calls it a terrible work environment where professors constantly bully each other. Below are excerpts from Wesley Lowery's report in the Athens Post:


Toward the end of the nearly three-hour hearing, Assistant Dean Eddith Dashiell said she's considered the school a 'hostile work environment' since 1997. 'The school of journalism has had a history of bullying,' Dashiell said, adding that the behavior of the school's tenured faculty during her 18 years in Athens has made her feel threatened and uncomfortable.

Hodson cited complaints from three tenured faculty members as well as a list of eight other incidents of "inappropriate behavior" as justification for his negative recommendation. . . also cited unprofessional e-mails to other faculty members, a complaint by a former colleague and a leak of confidential information to The Post as reasons to deny Reader tenure. Hodson provided the committee with numerous e-mails sent by Reader to other journalism faculty, arguing that Reader's blunt and, at times, profane exchanges made it impossible for him to work "collegially" with other faculty.When Reader said he privately apologized to faculty after some of the heated e-mail exchanges, Hodson said niceties and apologies were not enough to cover a pattern of "bullying behavior.""There's no such thing as 'just words,'" Hodson said. "He didn't apologize for threatening me!"Hodson also recounted one of the case's most bizarre allegations: that Reader showed the school's leadership his mutilated forearms and threatened to put Hodson on his "list." Reader exposed scars on his arms and knuckles from self-mutilation during his divorce."He rolled up his sleeves and showed us where - after drinking an entire bottle of vodka - he had carved the words truth and comfort," Hodson said. The display was not only an attempt at intimidation, but also a threat, Hodson said.

"Dashiell [the assistant dean] . . . described a culture of hostility, where tenured faculty routinely insulted and belittled each other. The school's troubles date back to the mid-1990s, Dashiell said.Her speech provoked an outburst from Hodson - whose frustration finally boiled over from pen snapping and fist clenching to vocal interruption. "We're not here for the history!" Hodson interrupted. "We're not here to discuss the history ... "