We Believe Calls on Russell Johnson to Join GOP Chair in Denouncing Smear Tactics

Monday, July 31, 2006

July 31, 2006 (Columbus, Ohio) – Two weeks ago, we issued a public statement denouncing campaign tactics evident in the state gubernatorial campaign using religion as a weapon of attack. Last week, we were disheartened to learn that an employee of the Ohio GOP sent emails to supporters questioning Ted Strickland's and his wife's sexual orientation. GOP Chairman Bob Bennett fired the employee and apologized to Strickland last Thursday. Newspapers report that the employee, hired to serve as the party’s “social conservative coordinator,� was until recently the Director of Russell Johnson’s Ohio Restoration Project.

This weekend, Joe Hallett reported in his Columbus Dispatch column, “In an interview Thursday, Johnson perpetuated the rumor by suggesting that the Stricklands file a lawsuit and go to court to prove they are heterosexuals. If Lankford's claim is untrue, Johnson said, ‘It's slanderous and they've got a case. I'm withholding judgment until the facts are in.’�

We wonder if Johnson applies this legal standard to members in his own church as well.

Since the employee was fired and Johnson made these comments, Ken Blackwell’s spokesperson has voiced support for Bennett’s decision to fire the employee and the employee has expressed regret for including the suggestion in his emails.

Today, we join the Chairman of the Ohio GOP in denouncing political smear tactics and personal attacks, and call upon Rev. Johnson to do the same.

We Believe is a diverse movement; we are clergy and lay leaders that are conservative, moderate, and liberal on the spectrum of faith and public policy. In that diversity, we are strengthened by our united belief that people of faith are meant to build bridges, not construct barriers. We believe God calls us to unite and heal. We hope and pray that Rev. Johnson and the Ohio Restoration Project join us in that call by making clear that people of faith in this state do not, and will not, stand by as such destructive tactics are used to divide the people of Ohio.

CONTACT: Eric McFadden (614) 551-8907