Friday, July 21, 2000
Resnick foes win decision
Group need not open its records
By Spencer Hunt
Enquirer Columbus Bureau
COLUMBUS — A not-for-profit group that hopes to persuade voters to cast out Ohio Supreme Court Justice Alice Robie Resnick will not have to reveal its supporters or its bank balance to the public.
Government watchdog group Ohio Common Cause wanted the state to order Citizens for a Strong Ohio to open its books because it promises to play a key role in the high court races. But Ohio Election Commission members dismissed the complaint Thursday, saying they can't go after the group for something it has not yet done.
“You are speculating on what they are going to do,” election commission Chairman Alphonse Cincione told Common Cause. “I am not going to rule on speculation.”
The dismissal means the business-backed Citizens for a Strong Ohio can continue to receive undisclosed donations for a fall “issue advocacy” ad campaign. Although these ads can't legally urge a vote against Justice Resnick, they are likely to make it clear she's a target.
The 60-year-old Toledo Democrat has infuriated Republicans and business groups with decisions on school funding, lawsuit reforms and worker compensation. Justice Resnick seeks a third term against Terrence O'Donnell, a Republican Cuyahoga County appeals court judge.
Judges are limited in what they can say and spend to get elected, so special interests are expected to invest millions to spotlight this race. Though political action committees must report their donations and expenses to the state, it appears issue advocacy groups are unrestricted.
David J. Young, a Citizens for a Strong Ohio attorney, told commissioners the group is not a PAC because its mission is to educate voters about the importance of the Supreme Court.
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