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April 28, 2002      

Time is running out on us. We are feeling the urgency to get as many signatures as possible before the May 6th deadline. Our goal must go beyond the required 5,000 because there will be some signatures that get invalidated due to poor handwriting, relocation, or other technicalities. We are still doing everything possible to obtain those signatures. If we fall short, our only recourse will be to file as “Write-in” candidates. This would be a major disappointment to say the least. While we await the return of our petitions over the next few days, we are still involved in a variety of other activities.

Last week, I attended an OCLRE (Ohio Center for Law-Related Education) conference which focused on the Executive Branch of our state government. As part of the conference, we visited the Governor’s mansion and met the First lady of Ohio, Hope Taft. A very sweet lady, Mrs. Taft gave us a tour of the mansion and shared her experience as an active volunteer in a variety of programs. The mansion was a modest residence when compared to other estates. Located within an elite residential community, it is about ten minutes East of the Statehouse. The residence is guarded by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, which provides protection for both the Governor and First Lady. We toured the family room, great room, governor’s den, and garden room. I even signed the guest book. Personally, I would have a difficult time sleeping with a clear conscience in a mansion, when there are so many homeless people out on the streets just a few blocks away.

We traveled back to the Statehouse and toured the Governor’s ceremonial office. The we crossed the street to the Rhodes Tower and met with the Governor’s assistant press secretary, his personal aide, and a variety of other state officials including State Auditor Jim Petro. While maintaining a low profile, I did manage to ask several questions of each speaker. The following day we toured the Columbus Police Academy Training Facility, met with members of the Ohio Emergency Management Agency, and the Governor’s campaign manager, David Payne, shared his experience with our group of teachers. At the conclusion of the conference, I was given time to share my campaign story with the group. The teachers were anxious to support our cause, and overall, it was a fantastic learning experience.

As our signature campaign winds down, I have plans to visit a few more schools to share this incredible adventure. As I travel the state speaking to different groups, I am finding that this campaign is not the voice of one, but MANY!

Paid for by the Committee to elect Whitman and Clark.  

Treasurer, Lana Whitman, 3716 Co. Rd. 31 South, Bellefontaine, OH 43311