Jerid's election complaint against Bill Brownson makes the Dispatch blog

and the Ohio Elections Commission ruled in Jerid's favor although Brownson got off without a fine.

Republican Bill Brownson began campaigning for Columbus City Council too soon, the Ohio Elections Commission ruled today.

But the state agency that makes sure everyone plays by the rules in Ohio politics chose not to fine the candidate, saying it's his first time running for office and his first time running afoul of election law.

Brownson was the subject of a complaint filed by Jerid Kurtz, a Clevelander who oversees the liberal Buckeye State Blog. Kurtz said Brownson purchased a domain name for his campaign Web site before he filed paperwork this summer with the Franklin County Board of Elections to run for council.

Kurtz also said Brownson didn't put a disclaimer on his site.

The commission ruled against Brownson on both counts.

Kurtz called the ruling a slap on the wrist but said he was glad the elections commission is taking violations seriously.

"That is a good sign," he said.

Can't wait to read Jerid's write up.