ACKISON
The Ohio Elections Commission (OEC) ruled unanimously Thursday that senate candidate Melissa Ackison violated elections laws, but also decided the violations did not warrant any form of punishment.
Ackison, from Marysville, is running for Ohio Senate in the 26th district. She will face Bill Reineke in the Republican primary in March.
Earlier this year, Chelsea Wynegar of Marysville and James Cline of Tiffin filed complaints with the OEC.
James Cline filed two complaints against Ackison, one regarding the improper display of a disclaimer on campaign materials and the other claiming she filed her designation of treasurer form with the OEC late.
Wynegar’s complaint alleged that Ackison collected and spent campaign money before filing complete and accurate paperwork with the Ohio Elections Commission about her treasurer.
Phillip Richter, executive director and staff attorney for the OEC, said that while Ackison did circulate campaign materials without the “paid for by” designation required, when it was brought to her attention, she stopped using the faulty literature and created material in line with the requirements.
He said that while Ackison did not file her paperwork on time, she did file it eventually.
“The commission did find there was a violation of the statute, but for good cause did not impose a fine or refer the matter for prosecution,” Richter said.
Ackison said she was “thrilled with the commission” calling it “a blessing of a day” and noting that the notoriety actually increased campaign donations.
“I’m glad the Ohio Elections Commission representatives were able to see and smell the desperation of the lengthy campaign ‘violations’ and various complaints that were coordinated as nothing more than a ploy to drain my cash on hand,” Ackison wrote in a statement to the Journal-Tribune.
Caleb Stidham, campaign manager for Bill Reineke also called the decision a win.
“Melissa Ackison’s campaign has been a sham from the very beginning and the Election Commission’s decisions yesterday are yet another glaring example that she is completely unqualified to be in the Ohio Senate,” Stidham wrote. “Personal responsibility matters. Mrs. Ackison should have accepted responsibility for her illegal campaign activity from the beginning and should donate every penny of the illegal contributions to a worthwhile charity immediately.”
Sen. Dave Burke currently holds the seat for the district, which includes all of Union County as well as part or all of Crawford, Marion, Morrow, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot counties.