COLUMBUS — One-party rule is not working in Ohio, Sen. Leigh Herington says, pointing to a number of management problems that have cost the state millions of dollars.

        The Democrat from Ravenna, who wants to be attorney general, argues that state officials gave Bank One an unbid contract that overpaid $40 million, delayed child support payments, overspent millions on computer consultants, and let some charter schools get away with fraud.

        “We aren't doing anything about it because we don't have anyone in the attorney general's office who's there and can keep some balance,” he said. “I truly believe the one-party rule is a significant problem.”

        All statewide offices are held by Republicans.

        He also places at least part of the blame for such problems at the feet of his opponent, Republican state Auditor Jim Petro, both in his role as auditor and as a member of the State Board of Deposit.

        “In fact, one of the groups is asking the justice department to do something about (child support payments), because the attorney general and auditor didn't do anything about it,” Mr. Herington said.

        Mr. Petro, who also wants the attorney general's job, denies a role in those issues, particularly the Bank One contract. He points to his record as an independent manager who cleaned up an auditor's office once known for its heavy partisan ways.

        “Leigh continues to try to link me to an unbid contract, when in reality for all these years I've been auditor we've been the organization out there suggesting in every element of government that they use competitive bidding,” he said.

        Instead, Mr. Petro said it's Mr. Herington's actions in the Legislature that show he may be inclined to use the attorney general's office to go after Republicans.

        “I would caution Leigh, if you take the partisan positions you've taken in the General Assembly ... if you take that role into a state administrative office, you will lose the credibility in that office,” Mr. Petro said.

        The two are vying for the office left open by the departure of Betty Montgomery, who is being forced out by eight-year term limits. She is running for auditor.

        If elected, Mr. Herington said he will work to speed up the state evidence testing done for local communities and push for greater access to DNA testing in criminal cases. “(DNA testing) is so conclusive that we should use it and need to be able to use it in an appropriate way,” he said.

        Mr. Petro said he would work on a better system of communication for law enforcement agencies across the state. He also would work to put DNA and chemical testing facilities to better use.

        “There's technology available that needs to be put to use,” he said. “There's staffing needs where there needs to be a prioritization.”

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