Ohio Eelections Commission Finds Vilolation By Candidate Nancy Abbott

Lori A. Henry, Clerk

Medina Municipal Court

September 11, 2006

For Immediate Release

OHIO ELECTIONS COMMISSION FINDS VIOLATION BY

CANDIDATE NANCY ABBOTT

            On September 7, 2006, the bipartisan Ohio Elections Commission unanimously ruled that Nancy Abbott violated Ohio election law by distributing misleading literature in her campaign against Municipal Clerk of Court Lori Henry.  Abbott’s literature falsely identified her as “Muni Clerk.”  She has never served in that job.

            Presenting her case without an attorney, Clerk Lori Henry successfully argued that Ms. Abbott, having run for elected office at least three times prior to this election, was experienced enough in campaigning to know that the literature was misleading to the public.  At the hearing, Abbott said that some of those who received the handout told her that they found it confusing.

            “I’m grateful that the Commission recognized the violation,” said Henry.  “The campaign should focus on who is best qualified to do the job, not misleading statements by a candidate.   After serving in this job since January 2005, it was upsetting to me to see my opponent make the claim without ever having served in this position.”