COLUMBUS — The Ohio Elections Commission has agreed to a hearing on a congressman's complaint about a campaign charge made by his challenger.

        U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, has asked the commission to rule that the campaign of Republican Mike Azinger distrib uted false information. A commission panelvoted Thursday to send the case to a full hearing.

        Mr. Strickland retained his seat in the 6th District, which includes half of Warren County.

        At issue is a description of Mr. Strickland's vote on a resolution condemning a child molestation study. Mr. Strickland voted “present” — in effect, abstaining.

        The congressman said he agreed with most of the resolution but couldn't endorse it because it characterized child victims of mo lestation as having a tendency to become sex abusers. A letter sent to GOP volunteers described Mr. Strickland's stance as a vote “to give child molesters a free ride.”

        “If they had not passed this legislation, the study would be used in court to support pedophiles' actions,” said Azinger campaign manager Dave Mehaffie.

        If the commission agrees the information in the flier was false, it could refer the case for criminal prosecution or issue a reprimand.

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