Oh what a tactical blunder by team Cordray on this simple issue. This guy is running to be the AG who can bring respect, ethics, and transparency back to AGs office in Ohio, and his team is splitting hairs on what the definition of criminal is. What a huge opening, an easy slow over the plate lob for former U.S. Attorney and GOP AG candidate Mike Crites to crush into the cheap seats. Why are Ohio Democrats circling the wagons on this one instead of throwing the bums and their money overboard like they did with Marc Dann? Because these boys have got juice in Ohio politics – pure and simple. From Dispatch Politics:

Russo and Dimora were the target of FBI raids July 28, when agents lugged away documents from their homes and county offices pertaining to construction projects such as a county administration building and a juvenile court and jail. Investigators also looked for documents about remodeling projects at Russo’s and Dimora’s homes.

Neither officeholder has been charged.

Still, the Ohio Republican Party yesterday called on Cordray, now a candidate for attorney general, to give back the $20,600 he received from Dimora and Russo in 2006.

Republicans cited a statement that Cordray made in 1998, during an unsuccessful campaign for attorney general, in which he said he would refuse contributions from people under criminal investigation.

“We called on Mr. Cordray to take immediate action based on his pledge,” said Jason Mauk, the GOP’s executive director.

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