$80,000 Bucks And All I Got Was This Dumb Beltbuckle

So, if the Republicans EVER complain of fiscal irresponsibility or requests for an increased budget remind 'em about this one:

On his way out the door, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell handed 19 of his key employees more than $80,000 in bonuses, even as his replacement, Democrat Jennifer Brunner, said he left her some $1 million short to meet her office’s obligations for this fiscal year.

...Although it has been the office’s practice in the past to supply year-end bonuses to some employees, she said her research showed the amounts paid this year just before Mr. Blackwell’s departure were much higher, in some cases more than double, past bonuses.

“We have already had $225,000 in legal fees that apparently Mr. Blackwell couldn’t pay until January because he didn’t have the money..." [Brunner said]. (Blade)

Secretary Brunner mentioned this one to me on Friday at her reception in Columbus; it was only a day after she had discovered Blackwell's indiscretion and she was clearly upset. Add this to the long list of ways Kenny B has given the people of Ohio the big "up yours" since November. For those keeping track at home he also refused to grant Brunner access to SoS records prior to the 8th (all other offices granted early access to incoming officers), he refused to grant office space, and he refused to grant petty things like SoS email addresses.

Me thinks the Controlling Board better approve more funds for the SoS. It still is GOP heavy; I'd advise they don't play politics on this one.

Rest assured, in the future if Blackwell so much as runs for dog catcher, we're gonna be all over his ass.