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Local News

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Candidate disputes ballot decision
By JORDAN CRAVENS

staff writer

An attorney who practices in Hancock and Hardin counties is challenging a decision to leave him off the May primary ballot as a candidate for Ohio attorney general.

Steve Christopher, a Republican, was told he didn't have enough valid signatures to be certified for the ballot, but the Forest resident says the Ohio Secretary of State's Office lost some of the signatures he collected and failed to send them to the proper county boards of elections for validation.

"We have heard from numerous counties stating they did not receive any petitions (to validate) for Steve Christopher," said Mark Lucas, a spokesman for Christopher.

Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner denied that signatures were lost or mishandled, according to a statement issued by her office.

Christopher was disqualified as a candidate last week after Brunner announced he had submitted only 638 valid signatures, short of the 1,000 signatures necessary.

But Christopher contends he submitted more than 2,700 signatures from various counties.

Statistics released by Brunner's office state that Christopher circulated petitions in 44 counties and the office received a total of 788 signatures. Of those, only 638 were deemed valid by the various boards of elections, according to the statement.

"We haven't heard from Mr. Christopher, and I'm surprised that he hasn't just called or come to our office to try and resolve what he claims are discrepancies between what was filed and what was examined by the state's bipartisan boards of elections and found to be deficient," Brunner said.

Christopher responded Wednesday, saying a representative of his campaign did visit Brunner's office on Monday.

"In this meeting, it was reiterated by Secretary of State personnel that the 788-signature count would stand," according to a statement issued by Christopher.

Lucas said Christopher has hired a law firm to represent him in the matter.

They have set a meeting with Brunner's office to try and reach a resolution. If a resolution is not reached, an attorney for Christopher will file a motion seeking for his name to be placed on the ballot, Lucas said.

In the meantime, he will continue to campaign, Christopher said. If he is able to get on the ballot, Christopher would face former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine in the May primary.

Cravens: 419-427-8422,

Send an e-mail to Jordan Cravens


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2 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
Michael wrote:
Ballot Decision
“ Sounds like Christopher wants on the ballot by "hook or crook". If you didn't have enough signatures, forget it. ”
Thursday, March 11, 2010 1:44:48 PM
Linda wrote:
Steve Christopher signatures
“ I know that what Steve Christopher is saying is true. I signed a petition and Brunner doesn't have my valid signature! I can't imagine why she thinks she can so flagrantly dismiss these petitions! She needs to be kicked out of office. ”
Thursday, March 11, 2010 1:39:13 PM
   NEWS VIDEO

Benton Ridge Shooting

This video, released by the Hancock County Prosecutor's Office, shows the shooting of a Lima man who led authorities on a three-county chase ending Aug.24 in Benton Ridge. Be cautioned, the video contains graphic content.
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Bennett's Furniture Town
News Briefs Firefighters discover 20 marijuana plants in house
After fighting a house fire early Monday at 815 Howard St., firefighters found 20 marijuana plants in the residence.

"They ran across it and called us," said police Sgt. Justin Hendren with the Hancock County METRICH Drug Enforcement Unit.

Police seized all 20 plants, and Hendren said charges are pending.

High-powered growing lights, fans, and a box filled with dried marijuana were also found in the house, according to a police report.

Investigators said an electrical short started the fire before 3 a.m. Monday.

The blaze caused an estimated $12,000 in damage to the residence, owned by Amanda Crawford. No one was injured, according to the Findlay Fire Department.

Carey announces holiday closing
CAREY -- Carey offices, including administrative, income tax and utilities, electric, wastewater treatment plant, and public works, will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day.

The curbside recycling program will be held Tuesday through Thursday, Sept. 7-9.

Findlay trooper named sergeant
Trooper Jacob L. Fletcher, assigned to the Findlay post of the State Highway Patrol, was promoted to sergeant Wednesday by Patrol Superintendent Col. David Dicken.

With the promotion, Fletcher will stay at the Findlay post and serve as an assistant post commander, according to the patrol.

Fletcher began his patrol career in 2002 after graduating from the 139th Academy class and has been assigned to the Findlay post since.

Owens announces holiday schedule
The Toledo and Findlay campuses of Owens Community College will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Labor Day holiday.

There will be no classes and the college offices will be closed.

Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

Holiday changes ad deadlines
The Courier won't be published on Monday, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Because of the holiday, some advertising deadlines have been moved up this week:

Black and white display advertising for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by noon Friday. Display advertising for Wednesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Color display advertising for the Thursday, Sept. 9 newspaper must be placed by Friday.

Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.