Voinovich Keeps Dodging Corruption

[OzarkDem]

Voinovich says he didn’t help brokers with BWC connection

U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, facing scrutiny from political opponents after disclosing his ties to two investment brokers indicted for allegedly bribing an Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation official, is adamant that he never used his clout to help the men collect millions of dollars in commissions from the embattled agency.

In a phone interview with The Blade on Friday, Mr. Voinovich expressed disappointment in the federal indictments of Michael Lewis, a high school friend, and Daniel O’Neil, who handles his personal financial portfolio. He also discussed several figures tied to the scandal that has gripped state government and led to the downfall of several people who rose to power during his two terms as governor. For example:

# The senator offered no criticism of James Conrad, a longtime aide to Mr. Voinovich and the bureau’s former CEO-administrator, who was forced to resign amid the scandal a year ago.

# After a year ago telling The Blade he had never heard of BWC financial chief Terrence Gasper, he acknowledged that while serving as governor, he was told that Gasper — recently convicted on corruption charges — was a “genius.” He couldn’t remember who complimented Gasper.

# Mr. Voinovich said he came forward quickly to disclose his ties to Mr. Lewis and Mr. O’Neil because some would have thought he was “trying to hide something.” The brokers have pleaded not guilty to attempting to bribe Gasper.

# He refused to release private records of his agreements and payments to Mr. O’Neil, saying instead he would cooperate with authorities if that information is requested as part of the ongoing investigation. He could not remember who recommended Mr. O’Neil to handle his portfolio.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060625/NEWS24/60625021

[cmd]

1. It's hard to hide when you name is one everything

George, you can't depend on your friends to take the fall. The buck stops in your office.