By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Two Republican leaders who have stayed on the sidelines of the Pat DeWine-John Dowlin shootout for Hamilton County commissioner said Wednesday a Dowlin campaign commercial went too far.
"I hate to see the negative personal attacks," U.S. Rep. Rob Portman told the Enquirer. "Both of these candidates have track records, so there is plenty to talk about."
County GOP Chairman Michael Barrett was brief but blunt: "There's no place in a Republican primary for an ad like that."
Dowlin's 30-second spot, airing since Monday, accuses Cincinnati Councilman DeWine of changing his vote on tax breaks for Convergys after the company employed a woman for whom DeWine left his wife and children.
DeWine plans to begin running a new commercial today that counters the allegations in Dowlin's ad. DeWine has also filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission claiming that the ad contained factual inaccuracies.
Dowlin, however, said at a Wednesday night candidate forum in Sharonville that he stands by the commercial's accuracy - and its appropriateness.
"I don't think it's appropriate that (DeWine) is running against me, period," said the 13-year incumbent commissioner.
DeWine went negative first, he said, by blaming Dowlin for high taxes and questioning his travel expenses.
Blue Ash Mayor Rick Bryan, a Dowlin supporter, said he believes the commercial is fair, even though he knows and likes DeWine. Bryan said he is disappointed in DeWine for leaving his wife and young children.
During Wednesday's forum, DeWine challenged Dowlin to pledge to run only accurate commercials. Dowlin refused to discuss a pledge.
About 90 people attended the forum, which included the five Republicans seeking the nomination to run against Democratic Commissioner Todd Portune.
Republican voters will choose among the candidates March 2, with the winner to face the winner of the Democratic primary in November. Kabaka Oba and Erich Streckfuss are running for the Democratic nomination.
E-mail candrews@enquirer.com
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