MOUNT VERNON — Political signs for Duane Grassbaugh have brought more attention to his campaign than he was probably hoping for. Grassbaugh, who is running for state representative, District 90, has signs promoting his campaign throughout the district that do not include the words “for” or “elect.” The implications of these signs give the premise that Grassbaugh already holds this position.
According to the Ohio Revised Code 3517.21 the use of an office title, not currently held by a candidate, in a manner that implies that the candidate does currently hold that office is in violation of the code.
“There is a law that says you cannot imply that you are the officeholder. The Ohio Revised Code 3517.21 section B1 [indicates that] you have to have a ‘for’ or ‘elect’ somewhere in there, or something to imply that you are running for the office,” said Kelvin Kidder, media relations coordinator of the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.
The Ohio Election Commission that oversees the campaigning and election process for the State of Ohio did explain that a complaint has been filed against Duane Grassbaugh. “We have a complaint filed. My staff is in the process of processing it though our system, contacting my members to determine when the matter will be reviewed by a probable cause panel,” said Saul Richter, executive director of the commission.
“[The complaint] does allege that their is a violation against Mr. Grassbaugh for his campaign signs,” he said.
However along with that complaint, another allegation was filed against his advertisement. “In addition there was also an allegation that in a particular newspaper advertisement Mr. Grassbaugh did not include the required necessary disclaimer that the statue requires in campaign material,” said Richter.
Although the political signs held a disclaimer, he explained, there was no disclaimer on an advertisement for Grassbaugh.
When asked, Grassbaugh knew nothing about the law or that a complaint was filed against him for the signs.
“I apologize for the oversight in the omission of the word ‘elect’ on my campaign signs. It was human error and I take full responsibility,” he said. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the help of so many wonderful people in the community through this process. I thank them and everyone in the district for their understanding.” He also knew nothing about the allegations against his advisement.
“I didn’t know anything about [this law],” said Jim Zak chair for the Knox County Democratic Party. “There are guidelines when it comes to signs like how large they can be and such.”
Grassbaugh said that he and his campaign supporters were working to correct the situation with the signs as soon as possible.
