Cong OH-18: Space (D) Calls on Padgett (R) to Join Demand for Hastert's Resignation

City law director Zack Space (D-Dover) called for Hastert's resignation yesterday, and invited opponent State Sen. Joy Padgett (R-Coschocton) to join him:

Today the Washington Times, a conservative, well-respected newspaper, called for House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) to step down from his leadership position due to the neglect and mismanagement of the Mark Foley sex scandal. According to the Times, “Mr. Hastert has forfeited the confidence of the public and his party, and he cannot preside over the necessary coming investigation, an investigation that must examine his own inept performance.”

Meanwhile, Congressional candidate Joy Padgett has accepted campaign contributions totaling $5,000 from disgraced Bob Ney, $5,000 from Majority Leader John Boehner, and $10,000 from Dennis Hastert’s Keep Our Majority PAC. Amid questions about his role in dealing with the Foley sex scandal, Hastert will be joining Padgett for a campaign fundraiser next week.

In a district already tarnished with scandal and abuse of public trust, Congressional candidate Zack Space issued the following statement.

“Congress has been disgraced long enough. In the wake of yet another ethically challenged politician admitting to wrong-doing, along with reports of others looking the other way, it’s time for a change. It’s time for leadership that is accountable to the laws of this country as well as the people they serve,” said Space.

He added, “Joy Padgett, who was first Bob Ney’s hand picked successor, once again shows that she would fit right in as a VIP member of the club of cronyism and corruption in Washington. This type of behavior fuels resentment and distrust among the people and represents the wrong direction for our district.”

“This incident is another example of wrong priorities in Washington. Congress should be protecting children, not their political allies. We must protect America’s children from sexual predators through internet safety legislation that blocks children’s access to sexually explicit and inappropriate websites,” said Space.

Space continued, “I call on Joy Padgett to join me and the Washington Times in calling for Hastert to step down as Speaker of the House. Immediate resignation is necessary for Congress to begin repairing its relationship with the American people.”

Space knows how to handle the government corruption issue, which makes him perfect for this district. Here's the ad he's running about Padgett's ties to the Bobs, Ney and Taft:

[NOTE: I have removed the embedded link, but the video is available here.]