Taft's Resume

The more one sees and hears of Ohio's Governor, Bob Taft, the more a man ought to be reminded of Richard Nixon without the swear words. High gov't spending, criminal charges, tax-increases, and a stagnant economy run a parallel to Nixon.

National Review Magazine's "The Week" Feature runs this editorial analysis of Taft in its Sept. 12, 2005 issue

"Ohio's Bob Taft was never our favorite governor. Although a Republican, he oversaw steep spending increases and received one of only four failing grades in the Cato Institute's latest fiscal-policy report card. Governor "Taft and Spend" pushed through tax hikes including a "temporary" 20% sales-tax increase that he sought to make permanent even after the state's deficit closed. With this record Taft's greatest asset was his stringent, self-proclaimed code of ethics, but now that's gone too. On August 18, Taft became the first Ohio governor ever convicted of criminal charges, for failing to report $6,000 worth of golf outings and other gifts. While this may seem a trivial offense, Taft has pressured other state officials to resign for similar lapses. And the conviction could not come at a worse time, as the Ohio GOP is emeshed in growing scandal over management of a state fund. Taft said he accepts "total responsibility" for his mistake. If so, he should resign, at least creating a possibility that a conservative Republican can run for statewide office without Taft's legacy hanging from his neck."

Boy-Scout Bob is now criminal. This legacy almost brought down the most recent GOP House-candidate in Bob Portman's special election. It's past time to go Mr. Nixon.

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