Cong OH-18: Space Assails Padgett's Record as Taft's Appalachia Chief

Today's opening of the state court trial of Tom Noe for embezzlement and other crimes relating to the Bureau of Workers Compensation scandal is an appropriate time to point out that Noe is a long-time friend of Gov. Bob Taft, and State. Sen. Joy Padgett (R-Coshocton) is a close ally of Taft. In fact, Padgett was chosen by Taft to run his Governor's Office on Appalachia. Padgett's opponent Zack Space (D-Dover) is not shy about criticizing Padgett's record as part of the Taft administration:

Under Padgett and Taft, Ohio lost 228,000 jobs, but the failures do not end there.

Under Joy Padgett's tenure in the Governor's Office of Appalachia, she was responsible for economic development projects in Ohio's 29 Appalachian counties. During this time Lawrence County lost nearly 1,500 jobs with the closing of three plants and offices, Meigs County was forced to close their emergency room due to lack of funding, and finally Padgett was investigated for using her influence in Appalachia to coerce prospective grant recipients to purchase goods from her now bankrupt company.

According to Zack Space, "Bob Taft broke state ethics laws, Bob Ney followed his lead in Washington, and both hand picked Joy Padgett as their apprentice to carry on their torch. It's time for a change from back room politics and business as usual, because the people of Ohio deserve better."

Space has a ten point lead over Padgett according to recent polling. "Fiscal discipline and creating jobs will be a top priority for me in Congress," said Space in today's press release. "I will oppose all trade deals that send Ohio jobs overseas and will work to create jobs by revitalizing our district's economy through an aggressive approach to developing alternative energy. By putting the needs of families first, we can create new jobs, revitalize our economy and restore fiscal integrity for the people of Ohio."