Golf gave partners access to governor;State contractors, donors took part

[Algorem]

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050822/NEWS24/508220343

By JAMES DREW
and STEVE EDER
BLADE STAFF WRITERS


COLUMBUS - Gov. Bob Taft said he innocently failed to disclose a number of golf outings with old friends, but critics charge that he is guilty of allowing the lobbyists and businessmen who hosted him at Ohio's most exclusive courses to bend his ear and influence his decisions.


The list of Mr. Taft's undisclosed golfing partners included dozens of businessmen who had lucrative state contracts or faced state regulation as well as campaign contributors, who, along with members of their companies, gave more than $230,000 to the governor's campaigns, a Blade investigation showed.

The governor's golfing partners also included lobbyists who have represented dozens of companies seeking state money, deregulation, or policy change.

Last week, Mr. Taft pleaded no contest to four first-degree misdemeanor ethics violations for failing to disclose dozens of gifts on his state-mandated financial disclosure forms. A judge ordered him to pay a $4,000 fine and issue a written apology to all Ohioans...

[tx_dem41]

1. It sounds silly, but if one wants to influence the political process...

one needs to go out to the driving range.

[nashville_brook]

6. you wouldn't BELIEVE how this figures into economic develop and

site selection. i worked for an economic developement magazine that hired a guy to do nothing but play golf. they called it "marketing."

[bpj1962]

2. Golf Outings

Many busniess deals are either originated or completed on the golf course. I work for a real estate settlement company and the owner does all of his new client business on the golf course. I would be willing to bet that Bob Taft never paid for a single round of golf since becoming govenor. He is the ultimate client as far as the State of Ohio is concerned and not a single suitor would ever make him pay for a round of golf. Everything he does is comped by somebody.

[SoCalDem]

5. This is one "prime beef" that women in business have always had

They are often denied these schmoozy little "boys' clubby" events.. If they are "invited", they can literally feel the chill..and know in their hearts that the "real deal" starts when they are gone.

[nashville_brook]

7. the real deals start before we even know a meeting happened

usually at dejavu the night the bigwigs fly in before the meeting. always nice to be in a morning meeting with a bunch of horny hungover men.

[Kelvin Mace]

3. How much corruption could be eliminated

if we outlawed golf?

[Neocondriac]

4. Kevin !

Blame the players , not the game!

[AngryAmish]

11. Take that back

You will have my golf clubs when you pry them from my cold, dead hands.

[Algorem]

8. Bar Association informed of Taft's ethics conviction

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/cleveland/index.ssf?/base/news-19/1124786063267740.xml&storylist=cleveland

8/23/2005, 5:37 a.m. ET
The Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — In a move that eventually could affect Gov. Bob Taft's law license, Columbus city Prosecutor Stephen McIntosh has formally informed the Bar Association of Taft's conviction on four misdemeanor ethics counts.

Taft has been a lawyer since 1976, although his license has been inactive since 2002.

Taft could be investigated by either the Columbus Bar Association or by Ohio Disciplinary Counsel Jonathan Coughlan...

Findings are forwarded to the Supreme Court's Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline, which can impose penalties ranging up to revocation of a lawyer's license...

[Algorem]

9. Taft still denies prior knowledge of coin funds

http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050823/NEWS24/50823001

Taft still denies prior knowledge of coin funds
But Noe's lawyer demands a correction - or else


MIDVALE, Ohio — In Gov. Bob Taft’s first public appearance since his criminal conviction on ethics violations, he refused yesterday to answer questions about his relationship with Tom Noe or recant statements he made last week that the Republican fund-raiser “ worked hard to conceal” his $50 million state-funded rare coin venture.

The failed investment is at the center of a scandal that has gripped the governor’s administration for the past five months, with 13 separate investigations launched to determine how millions went missing from the fund, and to investigate Mr. Noe’s gifts to the governor and top aides and charges that the former area coin dealer illegally laundered money to President Bush’s re-election campaign.

Mr. Taft also dismissed questions yesterday about whether his administration has steered contracts to contributors and golf partners, saying there is no evidence of such wrongdoing.

The governor has denied having any knowledge of Mr. Noe’s coin funds until The Blade first reported on them April 3...

[Algorem]

10. Governor makes first public appearance since convictions

http://www.cleveland.com/newsflash/cleveland/index.ssf?/base/news-19/112473207297180.xml&storylist=cleveland

MIDVALE, Ohio (AP) — The tiny town of Midvale got all dressed up for Gov. Bob Taft's first public appearance since he was convicted of ethics law violations. But some residents said they weren't impressed by the show featuring the governor breaking ground at an elementary school...

"I don't think this is what he'll be remembered for," said Beverlea Bell, 51, as she pointed to the shell of the school the village is replacing. American flags decorated the road to the nearby field where the new elementary school will be built, and cheerleaders performed at the site...

"He's not very well-liked around here," said Ford, a Democrat who did not vote for Taft...

Minority Democrats in the Legislature plan a meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether they should seek Taft's impeachment but say no decision is expected.

[mapleboard]

12. It was all a coincidence!!!!!!

It was all a coincidence! They just happened to be playing golf with politicians, who just happened to hand them fat contracts afterwards! Just because they were playing golf together, doesn't mean that's why they gave them contracts!!!

[LeftHander]

13. Culture of Golf sucks....

Golf perpetuates elitism, racism and sexism.

It damages the environment with chemicals and widens the cultural divide betwen rich and poor.

Many golf "clubs" around the country still do not admit blacks or women as full members.

So many crappy, greedy people have made the culture of golf what it is.

Nothing worse than a field full of drunken blaggards riding around in little cars.

Very unfortunate for a lifetime sport and a game I used to enjoy. Now it has become a symbol of our rampant culture of over consumption and uncontrolled development.