"Mean Jean" Schmidt Gets Reprimand - False Statements Cited

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Schmidt gets reprimand
'False statements' cited; McEwen's residency upheld
BY JON CRAIG | ENQUIRER COLUMBUS BUREAU

COLUMBUS - A unanimous Ohio Elections Commission voted to issue U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt a public reprimand Thursday for "false statements" - claiming she had a second undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati that she never received.

A letter citing the campaign's "reckless disregard for truth" was to be sent by the commission today to Schmidt, her campaign and her husband, Peter, as committee treasurer. It's the most serious punishment short of fines or criminal prosecution.

Schmidt spokesman Allen Freeman said the campaign would appeal the 7-0 ruling.


The reprimand comes just five days before the May 2 primary. Schmidt and former Rep. Bob McEwen are locked in a fierce Republican Party battle for the 2nd Congressional District seat nomination.

William Todd, Schmidt's attorney, conceded, "Yes, there was a mistake and the mistake was corrected."

The commission dealt two other blows to the Schmidt campaign Thursday by:

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