The banner headline today warmed my soul. It's a small local victory that demonstrates the true morals of the Republican party.
http://www.timesreporter.com/left.php?ID=40998&r=0The Tuscarawas County Republican Party has issued an apology for false statements made in the November 2003 election campaign and has agreed to pay $1,000 to the county Democratic Party.
(snip)
As part of the settlement reached between the parties Monday, the complaint was dismissed and the money was paid to the Democratic Party’s attorney, Rick Brunner of Columbus, for fees incurred in bringing the complaint. Attorney Sarah Morrison of Columbus represented the defendants.
(snip)
The apology states, in part:
“The Tuscarawas County Republican Party agreed to apologize as part of the resolution reached in the Election Commission matter. … In campaign advertising, … claims were made about a ‘300 percent utility rate increase’ and that water and sewer rates were ‘nearly tripled.’ The Tuscarawas County Republican Party has acknowledged that the claims were false and not accurate. The Tuscarawas County Republican Party publicly apologizes for the use of the false and misleading statements.”
(snip)
“It’s why people don’t want to serve on the local level,” he said, mentioning city councils, school boards and village offices. “Things like this – vicious negative ads attacking individuals and outright lies – discourage people from sticking out their necks and getting involved.
edit: By the way, we won the election as well.