Accusations over Driehaus name change

CINCINNATI - ’Tis the season when campaign signs begin to sprout up in yards across the Tri-State.

On the west side of Cincinnati, they come in with the weeds of political charges, counter charges, rumors and innuendo.

As she entered the candidate field for 31st House District State Rep. Denise Driehaus has learned that it's no garden.

"I can't tolerate this. I mean, it's not true. It's rather offensive, really."

Tim Burke, chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party agreed.

"We know, that congressman Chabot and particularly, Robison, who is Denise Driehaus' opponent, is continuing to make the claim that Denise Driehaus tried to call the Board of Elections and change her name on the November ballot."

Driehaus denied that that ever happened. She said she has never considered giving up her maiden name when she married.

She decided to take action. She went to Tim Burke, the head of the Democratic Party, and a member of the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

"It is against Ohio election law to make false claims about an opponent," Burke said.

And he wanted Robison and Chabot to explain what's going on.

"I won't know until we sit down together and I asked for a subpoena to be issued. Then we'll find out."

In an e-mailed statement, candidate Mike Robison replied:
 

I am a first time candidate running a grassroots campaign against a member of an established political family. Unfortunately Denise Driehaus and her allies are trying to silence my campaign with intimidation tactics and distract voters from the real issues. Despite their efforts I will continue to discuss Rep. Denise Driehaus' failure to lead, as jobs are lost at an unacceptable pace and spending spirals out of control. It's time to deal with the many challenges facing Ohioans instead of engaging in desperate political games and gimmicks.

The mystery remains: why would anyone circulate a rumor that a candidate tried, but failed to change his or her name?

"I really, frankly, don't understand," said Driehaus from her home.

Whatever the reason, we can probably expect more distractions like this to pop up like dandelions.

The election takes place on Nov. 2.