Depth of state corruption debated

[Judi Lynn]

Article published Friday, January 6, 2006

Depth of state corruption debated
Gubernatorial candidates agree there are 'pockets of illegality'

By JAMES DREW and STEVE EDER
BLADE STAFF WRITERS

COLUMBUS - Leading candidates for governor sparred yesterday over the extent of corruption in Ohio government after 15 years of GOP rule.

"I don't think there is a culture of corruption," said Republican Attorney General Jim Petro, in response to a reporter's question at an Associated Press event. "In every government - local, state - you will find instances where activities by those who become active in government kind of border or cross the line, but that's not what we see throughout government."

Republican Auditor Betty Montgomery said she didn't know if there is a "culture of corruption," but she said Ohio has "pockets of illegality and criminality" in state and local governments.

"Those who have committed crimes and violated the ethics laws have to pay the price," Ms. Montgomery said. "I don't care whether they are Republicans, Democrats, or independents. The party in power is more likely to have access to those kinds of corrupting influences and in some instances, create those corrupting influences."
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