Dem-on-Dem impeachment drama in Ohio
The Democrat attorney general in Ohio is in boiling hot water with his own people over a messy sexual harassment scandal that’s tearing the party apart. The Democrat Party has filed nine articles of impeachment today against the AG, who has refused to step down. The drama is unfolding fast this afternoon:
When Ohio’s democratic leaders said they were none-too-happy with AG Marc Dann, they weren’t kiddin.
Just in, from the Business Courier of Cincinnati: Democrats in the Ohio House of Representatives have filed nine articles of impeachment against Dann, many of which reportedly point to alleged instances of neglect that legislators identified in Dann’s sworn testimony during an investigation into sexual harassment allegations involving former Dann staffers.
Anthony Gutierrez, Dann’s general services director and the subject of the harassment probe, was fired along with spokesman Leo Jennings. Ed Simpson, the office’s chief of policy and administration, resigned rather than being fired after the report found he didn’t properly investigate the harassment allegations.
More on the impeachment counts from the Columbus Dispatch (hat tip – reader Tom):
House Democrats filed articles of impeachment this morning against Attorney General Marc Dann, charging him with nine counts relating to a sexual harassment scandal that has led to widespread calls for him to resign.
The articles, sponsored by 42 of 45 House Democrats, contend that Dann warrants impeachment for “misconduct in office rising to the level of malfeasance, neglect, nonfeasance, gross neglect of duty, improper exercise of authority and gross immorality.”
The nine counts allege that Dann:
» Obstructed the internal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment in his office.
» Willfully and intentionally issued misleading statements under oath.
» Neglected to perform the duties of his office and by his own admission was not competent or qualified for the job.
» Knew or should have known that his own admitted sexual affair with an employee contributed to and allowed a hostile work environment.
» Failed to ensure the safety and security of state property.
» Failed to investigate and prohibit improper use of state property.
» Knew or should have known of the misuse of state property for personal business.
» Committed acts of gross neglect of duty by undermining the integrity of his office; bringing disrepute upon the office; betraying the public trust as Ohio’s chief law enforcement officer; and undermining the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.
» Committed acts of gross immorality and knew or should have known that his personal conduct undermined the effectiveness and efficiency of the office.
Dann’s spokesman, Jason Stanford, issued a one-sentence response:
“The attorney general has said that he does not believe there are grounds for impeachment, and he will continue to do the job that he was elected to do.”
The Cleveland Plain Dealer says Dann is expected to resign.
He’s reportedly negotiating his exit:
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann apparently is trying to negotiate the terms of his resignation, offering to quit in exchange for legislative leaders killing a bill that would authorize Inspector General Thomas P. Charles to investigate the scandal in Dann’s office.
Sources said Dann told a number of legislators that an investigation by Charles “would cause all sorts of problems” for him and he offered to leave office if the bill is scotched.
Stay tuned for more on the stand-off.
***
Update: FBI asked to investigate.
Update: Commenter Tom Blogical:
The funniest thing about this entire situation is Ohio Democrats like Dann ran against former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (who wasn’t running–and couldn’t–for re-election) and the “culture of corruption”. The old “guilt by association” ploy.
Ohio Democrats are taking Dann out so they won’t be dragged down with him in the next election cycle. Irony at it’s finest.
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dude, when your own party, [who controls that chamber!] wants you out, i’d say it’s time to get out …
/HA-HA!
NOW Democrats want to impeach a politician for sexual misconduct and perjury? Where were they 10 years ago?
Michelle, I sent you two tips on this one today. The last one I sent includes a link to the Columbus Dispatch saying that Dann may be trying to negotiate his resignation–by offering said resignation if the articles of impeachment are dropped. There must be some really good scum under the rocks he’s trying to protect.
Tom – Yes, thanks. I hat-tipped you in the post and am adding continuous updates.
par for the course.
I’m going to get some popcorn and watch this one.
# 2 t
big heh …
# 3 TB
out of curiousity, what does he gain by resigning? [i mean, besides the presumed lack of criminal charges being brought against him]
also, who becomes ag once he leaves?
Didn’t a Republican Senator promise to resign? I seem to remember . . . Something about a wide stance?
You know, this is some good material. You just can’t make this stuff up!
I wonder if all these accusations help Michelle Obama’s kids…
What a dunderhead.
this should be good indeed!
He’s reportedly negotiating his
exitpayoff:A Democrat is being actively pursued for impeachment because he “Committed acts of gross immorality” and Republicans are opening our borders and destroying our nation? Has the world gone mad or is it just crazy? This is going to be a long four years but kudos to any party that holds their own accountable in these insane times we live in.
# 8
dude, you in the wrong place if yer lookin’ for l. craig defenders, he will leave come january [not soon enough!] …
/you can blame the people of idaho for not trying to recal him, annnnnd you can blame yer very own reid and co. for not trying to expel him …
Thanks Michelle–I wasn’t digging for a tip, just thought I may be on a filter list since I used my Hotmail account.
Buckaroo:
I’m assuming the impeachment investigation will make his life very uncomfortable–hence his using it as a negotiation tool.
hey bucky! he’s in your party, you clean your own mess! you blame everybody but your own …pathetic!
# 15
as soon as you get rid of jefferson, nagin, kilpatrick, we’ll be right behind ya ..
/eyeroll
What does this have to do with this story? or do you agree with what he’s doing?
You’re becoming predictable. *yawn*
Yeah, there must be more uglies under the rocks.
I guess the Dems didn’t get the memo so I will clue them in.
Marc Dann(D). The (D) stands for pass.
I hope this helps.
lgm is just a juvenile troll.
I mean get real. Clinton is blasting Presidue all over a 23 year olds dress in the Oval office, and that’s hunky dorie. Craig is a scum bag, and generally speaking lgm and his ilk like bathroom boofing scumbags.
If the party that endorses gay marriage, or a allows a Congressman to take bribes and hit on underage pages, accuses one of their own of gross immorality, it must be bad.
McGreevy was a nice man too!
Walter, after Mel Reynolds had sex 12 times with a minor and was PARDONED BY CLINTON, Jesse Jackson, Reverend adulterer hired him.
Liberals have NO morals. They don’t condemn filth or immorality unless they can use it for political advantage.
3 words.
Mary Jo Kopechne.
so what is he going to do if the bill isn’t killed? lol.
he seems to have this confused…he has no bargaining chips. he’s in no position of power. they’re going to have his job whether he quits or not.
this smacks of Spitzer’s arrogance.
unfortuantely I’m sure some of those uglies are Ohio Repugnatcans.
Gods I hate being in a state where electiosn turn on a “We suck worse” campaign.
#8 lgm said,
Better an Idaho Republican with a very wide stance, than a Massachusetts liberal* who always drops his pants…
*I’ll let you guess which one!
#25 this is another 49-51 election. I like this one 51% and the other 49% so this one gets my vote. But there is nothing to get excited about on either side.
The FBI has also initiated and investigation of his office – quid pro quo to look the other way on the gambling industry for campaign contributions LINK
Thank youGrazi for using imbroglio instead of kerf—le!Oops. Didn’t mean to copy so much above of the FBI story. Must have caught more than I thought. Apologies.
Why does the image of Cleavon Little holding his gun to his own head in Blazing Saddles come to mind?
In Illinois the Dems are also fighting with each other. It’s fun to watch them destroy each other.
I wish the voters would “impeach” the whole democratic party there and start again…”fresh”.
# 29 mmpp
fwiw, kerfuffle is one of my all time faves …
# 31 JSR
“look like he’s got the drop on us!”
the liberal troll is the perfect liberal specimen.
you see, he/she/it is completely devoid of ideas. they’re contrary at every turn.
from their post, you know they take a cocktail of legal and illegals drugs to keep them hanging on to their miserable lives.
LGM,
To remind you of this from the other post, and since it DOES apply here…
This couldnt have happened to a better person.
AND he deserves it.
The funniest thing about this entire situation is Ohio Democrats like Dann ran against former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (who wasn’t running–and couldn’t–for re-election) and the “culture of corruption”. The old “guilt by association” ploy.
Ohio Democrats are taking Dann out so they won’t be dragged down with him in the next election cycle. Irony at it’s finest.
I think Buckeye Brouhaha has better alliteration.
According to Columbus Dispatch the FBI is looking into Mark Dann’s connections to organized crime
I like that one–just change the name to Buckeye Brew-haha and it describes the Dann office very well. He had an apartment employees would show up to to drink, and this apt. also happens to be where the sexual harassment took place.
Yeah. And then Barney Frank, Democrat – said that he shouldn’t.
So what’s your problem?
There are HEDONISTS in our midst.
Bill Clinton is there leader (in my best Marvin the Martian voice).
Sexual harassment especially when involving a quid pro quo situation (Teacher/Student, Boss/Employee) is an Abuse of Power.
Courting or making inappropriate advances while in a position of power to someone under ones direction (especially a relationship based on employment OR TRUST), clearly has no scruples left.
Why am I surprised Politicians have a track history of this?
I’m torn on this. I don’t really care why they are doing it … I’m just glad that they are. I also think that we Republicans should do the same for Vitter (and he’s one of mine), Craig and anyone else that screws up like that. I mean, thats the only way we’re gonna take the ammunition away from smarmy seagulls like LGM.
Also once we clean our own house and hold our own accountable, we can DEMAND they do the same. (Not that expecting most of the other side to take the high road would do any good *sigh*)
I just think we should ALL stop playing the moral equivelancy game and demand accountability (and morality) from the men and women we send to represent us. Maybe if we did that, we would have better candidates to choose from when selecting our leaders.
Yeah I know, but I can dream, can’t I?
When the Democrat Party is itself leading the charge, then we don’t have to play Guess The Party.
I’m in Ohio and vaguely know about our state AG. Looks like he’s out of here. Bob Taft didn’t do nearly as bad. Maybe a misdemeanor or two, nothing impeachable. A golf trip or fudged expense report here or there. A learned friend said the import of the Taft governorship was to have put a period on the 100+ years Ohio Taft dynasty. Leave it to the progeny to ruin the family business. Now we have Gov Ted Strickland (D), an unremarkable former Ohio congressman, supporter of Hillary, former pastor (eek — shades of Huckabee), and on the short list of Obama VP’s? Surely Obamessiah (PBUH) can do better.
The Dems in Ohio are cleaning house. Isn’t there a Republican from New York City who could use a little broom action too?
…. Peanut Butter be Upon Him?
Hey lgm, why didn’t you answer my question. What – seagull didn’t see it? Here it is again:
Yeah. And then Barney Frank, Democrat – said that he shouldn’t.
So what’s your problem?
The F.B.I. is cleaning lmg you imbecile.
How’s that William Jefferson caper working out for you?
Holy cow!!!!!!!!!!
see in lgm land, Dann should be running for president.
And I remember when it was asked why the Democrats wouldn’t impeach Gov Taft.
“Why would we? He’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
Too bad it’s old news. This Ohio stuff, though, lgm, will give us yet another glimpse into the true democratic party.
This corruption stuff….you guys and gals are pretty good at it.
Dann denies resigning as deal falls through
Facing impeachment, attorney general sought to avoid new investigation
Attorney General Marc Dann offered to resign today if the state legislature agreed to delay an investigation of his office, but legislative leaders refused, a state lawmaker said.
Having read the arguements presented here, well some comments anyway, I have a question:
When it comes to someone like Mr. Wide-Stance, isn’t it up to his state to kick him out of office?
My point is that if it isn’t the purvue of the Republican party, or of the US Senate, how can anyone compare toe-tapper with Dann? In Ohio, the officials with the authority to do so are impeaching Dann. In the case of bathroom boy, the people with the authority apparently don’t care enough to kick him out. Ergo, no comparison.
In case you’re wondering, I don’t care much for toe-tapper, and certainly don’t defend him or his decision to stay in office. He’s a maroon that should have resigned and saved what thimble full of decency he might have had left.
SHOWARD, good question. Why do libs believe Toe Tapper Craig should be disqualified from office?
They don’t. They are USING the issue to criticize Republicans. I personally believe Craig is gay (gay/bisexual/tri-sexual or transgendered-to be p.c.) and was seeking sex in a public restroom. He was apprehended by a police officer, he was given a summons and he didn’t fight the misdemeanor charge in Minnesota. He was therefore found guilty and was adjudicated. A reporter noticed the misdemeanor filing and the incident became public and embarassing.
The Republican party quickly sought to have him step down.
So to review, LIBERALS, take an oppurtunity to attack both Republicans and Gays. It’s a game. They want to have it both ways.
{A HA!! A bad Republican seeking male sex in a public restroom!!)
THEY DON’T OBJECT TO GAY MEN HAVING SEX IN PUBLIC BATHROOMS.
So it becomes….{A HA, he’s against Special Rights for GAYS, yet he is GAY!!!! He’s hypocrite}
NONSENSE. He knows his actions were wrong. Is Ted Kennedy supposed to SUPPORT legislation that allows people to SWIM AWAY from the DEAD WOMEN that they killed??? HE DID SO.
Question to LIBS. Which do you object to.
1)Craig seeking gay sex in the Minneapolis airport.
2)The GOP asking him to step down and go away.
or
3)Object to Republicans in general and will take any cheap shot no matter how dishonest to discredit Republicans?
This just goes to show corruption of all kinds is truly bi-partisan.
Faction R can always point to Faction D’s dirty-birds and vice versa.
And as for Sen. Craig, the only way a Senator can be removed from office is via a 2/3rds majority of the Senate voting to expel one of its members (US Constitution, Article I Section 5 paragraph 2).
This would be a good topic for an Constitutional Amendment proposed by an Article V Convention, whereby the states at their option could recall a Congressman or Senator via legislative resolution or referendum .
Had this been in force Larry Craig would likely be a *former* Senator.
No matter which of the 3 Amigos gets sworn in come next January, it’s going to be business as usual on Capitol Hill.
Hence if we want REAL change the place to work is at the State Legislature level to get 34 resolutions demanding Congress convene an Article V convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution.
Methinks the Dems realized that their dream of impeaching Pres. Bush was just that, and figured that they had to impeach someone.
DemocRATS here in Ohio want everyone to believe that their AG Marc Dann suddenly became a sexual misfit when he became AG. Kinda like Spitzer in New York. What people really want to know is how many decades has Dann been “riding dirty,” who in the Dem party knew about it, how was he chosen by the Dems over qualified people. I think it goes, “Who in the DemocRAT party knew it, and when did they know it?” I would like them to contrast their reaction to Bill Clinton, who did exactly the same things and worse, with their new found puritanism with Dann.
lgm, all you really have is “Well, this Republican did something bad too”, isn’t it?
I mean, it’s the only thing you EVER post, as if we weren’t already aware of those guys, and didn’t already argue that they should be removed from office too.
Just a reflexive (knee jerk?) defense of a Democrat. (Psst! Try the higher brain functions!)
He can’t help himself.
Do we really want to go through the list of Dems that need sweeping out of office? I am happy to, if it will enlighten you.
Isn’t that list from the Columbus Dispatch usually resume enhancement for Democrats?