Ohio gov. to enter plea to settle case

[Omaha Steve]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Charged with ethics violations, Gov. Bob Taft was expected to enter a plea Thursday and apologize, wrapping up the case less than 24 hours after it was filed, two top state leaders said.

Senate President Bill Harris and House Speaker Jon Husted, fellow Republicans, wouldn't be specific Thursday about whether Taft would plead guilty or no contest. But Husted said the plea would resolve the case, which would rule out a plea of innocent.

Taft plans to apologize to Ohioans for his ethical lapse that led to him being the first Ohio governor charged with a crime, the lawmakers said after talking to Taft on Wednesday.

"He specifically said that he would apologize to the citizens of Ohio when he appeared in court," Harris said.

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt but means the defendant will not fight the charges.

Taft spokesman Mark Rickel said he could not immediately comment, but emphasized that Taft has no plans to resign. Taft announced a news conference Thursday at the courthouse after the hearing.

City Prosecutor Stephen McIntosh told The (Toledo) Blade earlier that Taft was expected to reach a plea agreement.

Taft was charged Wednesday with four misdemeanor ethics violations. He is accused of failing to report 52 gifts, including dinners, golf games and professional hockey tickets.

If convicted, Taft could be fined $1,000 and sentenced to six months in jail on each count, though time behind bars was considered unlikely.

Complete story here.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-18-taft-plea_x.htm

[Toots]

1. Can Ohio launch a recall?

Some states can and some can not. Ohio should rid itself of such corruption.

[Kelvin Mace]

2. Here's a question for any Ohio reporter to ask Taft

Since you forced the resignation of people uder you for the very same offense, how do you justify keeping your job?

[Gunit_Sangh]

3. re: question

Hope reporters in Ohio has more cajones than the national press!

[mopinko]

4. happening now, guilty of paperwork violation

is what he is apologizing for. an immunization, it looks like to me.

[newscott]

5. Screw him it's blatantly obvious he made pay to play the rule!

[Javaman]

6. Should bar him from playing golf and take away his clubs.

[wli]

7. Another "get out of jail free" card for Republicans n/t