Rep. (Mean Jean) Schmidt's marathon ad questioned

[deadparrot]

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt is fast, capable of running a marathon in 3 hours, 19 minutes, 6 seconds.

At least that's what a photo on the Ohio congresswoman's Web site shows.

No way, says a rival who contends that the picture from the 1993 Columbus Marathon is doctored and complained to state election officials. A four-member commission panel ruled Thursday that there was enough evidence to look into the complaint.

State law prohibits candidates from publishing false statements designed to promote their election.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060824/ap_on_el_ho/candidate_marathon_photo

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

1. Damn, damn, damn.

Here I was going to vote for her because I thought she could finish a marathon in 3 hours, 19 minutes, and 6 seconds and thus was a powerful ally in our War on Persians.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

83. That's as good a reason as

voting for someone who made amusing movies with a chimp.

[Greeby]

2. Cowards cut and run, Jean

Although apparently you can't :eyes:

[boilinmad]

31. It might be 'Cowards cut and run", but its...

"Bitches cut and paste"

[badgerpup]

65. OOoooh...good one!

:spray: :applause: :rofl:

[aquart]

95. No. REPUBLICANS cut and paste.

Soil the word.

[VolcanoJen]

73. LMAO LMAO LMAO

Yay!! That's my Congresswoman!!!

I'm so ashamed. I really am. She turns my stomach.

And that photo is fake as hell. Did she have that fancy Schmidt graphic all the way back in '93???

[onenote]

78. why wouldn't she have had the same "graphic"

The name Schmidt in red block letters: you think that's "fancy"?

[VolcanoJen]

98. Seeing as how I've lived in Cincinnati and been her constituent...

... in one way or another for more years than I care to admit, yeh, I think it's fancy. I never saw her use that logo until the '05 OH-2 special against Hackett.

Sorry. I live here. Just an observation.

The truth might lie in someone digging up one of her older re-election to council signs...

[neuvocat]

85. BWA-HAH-HAH

She isn't good enough to even be a coward!!!

[trotsky]

3. Found the pic

Doesn't look like an obvious fake - and the missing shadow appears to be because another runner is blocking it. Yeah, Schmidt is a foul nasty person but I don't think this is an example.

[Monkeyman]

4. Chicago Tribune Swamp has a runner who said no way was she there

[Anakin Skywalker]

5. She Looks a Little

too fresh there to have just finished a marathon. The smile on her looks posed.

[Tin Man]

6. Odd that MeanJean is the only person in the photo wearing sweatpants

...everyone else in the pic is wearing shorts and (very sweaty) tee-shirts. Furthermore, 3hrs 19min is an VERY good finishing time for an amature women racer - as such, I would expect to see MeanJean looking a bit more haggard after putting forth such an effort.

If the photo is real, I'd guess that MeanJean pulled a Rosie Ruiz and shortcut the race course. For those who don't remember, Rosie Ruiz was the previously unknown runner who initially 'won' the women's division of the 1980 Boston Marathon by starting her race at the 25 mile marker, and acting the part of an exhausted racer as she crossed the finish line. In short order, she was exposed a fraud (mostly because none of the top-ranked women could remember ever seeing Rosie anywhere on the race course), but not before Rosie appeared in TV interviews and newspaper articles as the 'winner' of one of the world's most celebrated marathons.

[Tin Man]

8. Found some interestingi info - 3:19 finish puts her ABOVE 97th percentile

found Columbus Marathon race results for years 2000-2005 (published online here: http://www.marathonguide.com/races/racedetails.cfm?MIDD=473011021 )

Reviewing the results, and 'doing the math' - I deduced that MeanJean's reported 3hr 19min finishing time (in 1993) would put her into the 97th and 98th percentile of women finishers during the period 2000-2005. Like I said in the post above, for somebody finishing so highly, she doesn't look the part - inappropriately dressed and too 'fresh' in appearance. My guess is she shortcut the race course, big time.

[Jack from Charlotte]

49. Having run a few marathons.... that time is at about 7 :30 per mile...

That's pretty fast unless you're a full time runner. Running 7/12 minute miles... 26 times in a row ain't easy. In my 40's I never came close.

Records should be easy to find. Entry fees need paying. One needs to fill out health forms and a number is issues to each runner. There are people all over the course checking numbers and times.

[hughee99]

12. Since there's only 2 other runners

who's legs we can see, I'm not sure that the sweatpants means too much. Every year I go to the finish of the Boston marathon, and I wouldn't say she looks "too fresh" to have run the race either. I'm not saying this is authentic, and sure, they can look into it, but if I were Noy, I wouldn't try make this photo a major election issue without more evidence. Just my 2 cents.

[Arkansas Granny]

24. This is what I think too. By all means, look into it and if she has

made a false claim, call her on it. I wouldn't make too much of this until it's documented one way or another.

[The Wizard]

57. if the race took place in 93

what does the T-shirt say? Could it be related to Jean's last campaign in 04?

[onenote]

68. it says Re-elect Jean Schmidt Trustee

In 1993 she was running for reelection as "trustee" of Miami Township. As I've previously said, its extremely likely that her claim and the picture are completely legit. And to correct something else I've previously said, it turns out that it was a write in candidate, not the Democratic candidate, that is trying to make an issue out of this.

[VolcanoJen]

74. I find it a little odd that she had that Schmidt logo back in '93

Granted, I'd never heard of her then, but living in Cincinnati, I've seen gazillions of election signs through the years, and I never noticed the Schmidt logo until her race for the Ohio 2nd against Hackett.

[Richard Steele]

19. You know she has an identical twin, right?

An identical twin who has previously been caught
impersonating MeanJean at a "public appearance"
that Jean didn't have time to attend, IIRC.

Just sayin'....

[Tin Man]

21. I didn't know. Looking into it, I see MeanJean's twin is also a runner

MeanJean's twin sister, Jennifer Black, is also a marathon runner - it appears that both have a habit of running together in marathons (I found online documentation showing that both JS and JB ran and finished Boston Marathons together in 2000, 2002, and 2004; as well as Columbus Marathon in 2005)

Wouldn't it be funny if the photo evidence supplied by MeanJean were actually a pic of her sister crossing the finish line?

But finally, my last word on the subject... in the brief time spent researching published results for marathons in which I found Jean Schmidt of Loveland OH, I discovered that she is an accomplished marathoner in her own right, having 8 finishes during the period 2000-2005 in the Boston and Columbus marathons alone. Her 2000 & 2001 finish times for both events were around 3:40 (for a 48/49 yo woman, mind you, pretty impressive) - this leads me to retract my earlier doubt that she could have finished the 1993 Columbus in only 3:19 - as a consequence, I'd have to say the photo is likely legit.

[Richard Steele]

23. Well, my own www-searchin' has led me to believe...

...that the fellow making the original 'fake photo' claim
juuuust MIGHT be full of sh*t.(SARCASM; I'm actually convinced he is.)

He's claimed more than a fake photo; he also accuses that the 5th-place medal and plaque
that MeanJean keeps in her office next to the photo were
awarded to an un-named "someone else" who just let her BORROW them.

Seems to me that if any of this were true, PROOF could be found
in about 5 minutes.
Just call the Columbus Marathon people, or local newspaper archives, and check
the official results of the 1993 race; BAM! question answered.

Either the 5th-place Medal went to Jean that year, or it didn't.
And if it DIDN't, this guy would have some easily-obtained incontrovertible PROOF.
Instead, he offers wilder and wilder accusations.

[Jo March]

50. I agree that he may be a bit full of crap

I don't see very much evidence that she doctored the photo. There's not that much out there that contradicts the photo.

Of course, Jean is full of crap, too. Calling a decorated Marine veteran a coward... well, I'll just say that Jean is full of crap and leave it at that.

[Kierkegaard]

64. I agree...

There is some circumstantial evidence to be found here:
http://onlineraceresults.com/search/index.php

Search results for 'Jean, Schmidt, Ohio' shows her finishing under 4 hours a couple of times, and that is almost a decade after the photo in question. It would seem that she has routinely participated in this race and was, at least at one time, capable of finishing in that amount of time.

For all the good it would do, I'd love to see her get caught being stupid, but let's see the evidence of photo retouching.

[54anickel]

13. What's in her hands? Looks like someone holding fists full of dollars

or something. "I won, I won".

[Pacifist Patriot]

37. I think it's fake. Okay, this is going to sound strange...

but aside from the sweatpants (which don't phase me) and too fresh smile (which also doesn't phase me), there is something about the carriage of her shoulders that does NOT jive with having completed a marathon. I know the body language and that is not someone who just finished running for over three hours. I can't put my finger on it, but her stance and posture just don't ring true to me. Sorry!

Definitely worth investigating. I'll be curious to see the results of an inquiry.

[Tab]

43. If anything was faked, it was the time

The shadow thing is inconsequential - it would have fallen to the second guy up from the bottom, and wouldn't be visible anyway. Everything else - lighting, etc. - looks real - it'd be a hell of a fake job, and for something so easily verifiable, I can't see why someone would go to that much trouble.

Faking the time would be a lot easier. I'm not saying it was done, but all you need Schmidt to do is come in at the end, and just change the time, rather than try to insert her into the photo.

[Bette Noir]

53. shadow

I don't know why people are focusing on whether or not she's casting a shadow. It's not relevant. Republicans don't cast shadows. They can't see their reflections in the mirror, either.

[electropop]

54. She looks as fresh as if she just climbed out of her coffin.

[Tippy]

59. If you look close I believe she is standing still... both

legs seem to be firmly planted...not so with any of the others in the picture....

[gasperc]

87. that's what I think

I think the photo's partly legit, but it might just be the time that got photo shopped, we'll see

[Sequoia]

56. No shadow=vampire, ghost? Heh, heh.

[Orrex]

66. Obviously a fake

Here's the real one, and she finished a helluva lot faster than they gave her credit for!

[trotsky]

71. Bwah ha ha!

Ran it so fast, she experienced time dilation! Or did she pass through a couple of double slits on the course??

[Orrex]

76. Or maybe...

She's a candidate of such gravity that she distorts light, thereby creating the multi-image.

[Ian_rd]

77. Doesn't look fake to me *shrug*

[neuvocat]

86. Are those sweat pants? Who runs marathons in sweat pants?

[panzerfaust]

90. Agree

As someone who has spent thousands of hours with various photoediting programs, I can see no evidence that the area of the image showing the runners is faked.

The quality of the light, the angle of the light, the similarity of the image quality, hue, and focus in the runners rules this out.

The digital timer, being in such an isolated area of the image, could have been altered; but, again, there is no obvious evidence of this having been done.

[stevedeshazer]

91. That photo is definitely fake

Mean Jean has her right arm upraised and it appears to be in the shade...

A poster above in this thread (sorry I forgot who you were) suggested that this was because it was being shaded by the runner behind her, but to me the angle isn't right...he'd have to be a lot taller than he appears to shade MJ's arm.

And please, I was no marathoner but I used to run the 10,000 meters and NOBODY wears sweatpants at distance unless it's in winter.

Also, how did she know to look at the camera on cue?

And why is her name missing from the list of top finishers?

[tanyev]

7. Vote Republican. Because integrity just doesn't matter anymore.

Maybe they should try that for a slogan.

[Bombero1956]

9. is there a way

to check the number on her sweats against the official entry list for the 93 marathon.

[WCGreen]

10. My brother ran that race......

[AlCzervik]

11. anybody Du'er in her district know how she's polling? any chance she'll

lose---hopefully?

[longship]

14. AP: Rep. Schmidt's marathon ad questioned

Mean Jean is at it again. Apparently, she's been using a doctored photo of her 1993 run in the Columbus Marathon which shows her running the distance in 3 hours, 19 minutes, 6 seconds, which would incorrectly put her as one of the leaders.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Republican Rep. Jean Schmidt is fast, capable of running a marathon in 3 hours, 19 minutes, 6 seconds.
ADVERTISEMENT

At least that's what a photo on the Ohio congresswoman's Web site shows.

No way, says a rival who contends that the picture from the 1993 Columbus Marathon is doctored and complained to state election officials. A four-member commission panel ruled Thursday that there was enough evidence to look into the complaint.

State law prohibits candidates from publishing false statements designed to promote their election.
...

More at Rep. Schmidt's marathon ad questioned

On Edit: Before it goes into the memory hole, here's the pic:

[saltpoint]

15. Next she'll release the shot of her as Mary in the manger.

This woman is off her damn rocker, isn't she.

[DRoseDARs]

17. That wasn't Kate Winslet on the bow of the Titanic, that was ME!!!

My lies... er... heart will go on!

[saltpoint]

25. A recent poll in that district showed Democrat Victoria Wulsin within

the margin of error against Mean Jean.

Sure would love it if we could grab that seat. It would likely herald a real happy night for Democrats in Ohio on Nov. 7th.

[DRoseDARs]

16. This sounds like the start of a GREAT photoshop contest...

Let the games - and picture doctorings - begin... :thumbsup:

[radfringe]

18. pic doesn't match this snippet

The photo was taken in 1993, seems she's slowed down since then..

Last modified: Saturday, July 1, 2006 11:30 PM EDT
Schmidt runs in more ways than one
By FRANK LEWIS
PDT Staff Writer
http://www.portsmouth-dailytimes.com/articles/2006/07/02/news/front_page/1news_schmidt.prt

Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township (2nd District in Ohio), is a runner.

Whether it's running in three elections in one year or a 5K race in Portsmouth, she is comfortable in both.

“Running relieves tension, clears the cobwebs in your brain and keeps you focused,” Schmidt said after not only finishing the event in a time of 23:05, but running back on the course and cheering other participants on.

[MiniMe]

20. Found the previous results section from the Columbus Marathon site

http://www.columbusmarathon.com/

You can do a search for previous races. There is a Jean Schmidt that has run in previous Marathons, but the search only goes back to the 2001 Columbus Marathon. She ran that one in 3:50.

http://onlineraceresults.com/search/index.php

Now the question is, is it the same Jean Schmidt?

date event no name place sexp divp time

11/24/05 96th Thanksgiving Day Race - ... 5690 Jean Schmidt 1623 314 7 50:18
10/16/05 Columbus Marathon 2005 4164 Jean Schmidt 1698 399 12 4:05:15
06/11/05 Quad Cities Race for the Cure... 844 Jean Schmidt 2104 1532 22 53:40
11/25/04 95th Thanksgiving Day Race - ... 5642 Jean Schmidt 1452 273 2 48:51
10/17/04 Columbus Marathon 2004 7129 Jean Schmidt 2410 648 22 4:13:37
11/27/03 94th Thanksgiving Day Race - ... 11125 Jean Schmidt 1034 148 1 47:14
10/19/03 Columbus Marathon 2003 3378 Jean Schmidt 1468 346 12 3:56:06
05/26/03 Lou Cox Memorial Run - 2003 828 Jean Schmidt 222 36 2 22:22
11/28/02 93rd Thanksgiving Day Race - ... 10381 Jean Schmidt 1022 136 3 46:59
10/20/02 Columbus Marathon 2002 3815 Jean Schmidt 1279 258 6 3:50:32
11/22/01 92nd Thanksgiving Day Race - ... 5420 Jean Schmidt 759 74 1 44:35
06/09/01 Quad Cities Race for the Cure... 1375 Jean Schmidt 4605 3922 127 55:58

tried to format it, but it doesn't seem to work. The last quasi-column is time

[Tin Man]

22. Yeah, that's her - it turns out MeanJean is an accomplished runner

and her twin sister is too. See my post #21 above

[itsrobert]

26. If she runs with her sister wouldn't she finsih with her

Or did she leave her sister behind?

[Tin Man]

42. Looks like MeanJean is faster than her twin Jennifer

From the limited records I found online, for races in which MeanJean and Jennifer ran together, MeanJean's finishing times are consistently better than her twin. I guess twins don't have to do everything in tandem, e.g. crossing the finish line similtaneously.

[Jersey Ginny]

27. Can you clarify your data?

The numbers don't make any sense. It appears there is a 3:56 marathon and a 2 22:22 marathon.

[MiniMe]

35. I tried,

It looked great when I pasted it. If you go to the second link and type in Jean Schmidt and female in the appropriate boxes, you will get the chart.

[rateyes]

39. Well, her T-shirt would match

one that she would be wearing in 1993. The previous post I made shows results from th 2003 race, and the website allows you to search databases for other marathons, which shows a "Jean Schmidt" from Ohio running in several Marathons across the country. The 2000 results of the Columbus Marthon shows her about 20-25 minutes slower than the time in the pic for 1993.

Hate to say it, but it would be better, strategically speaking to leave this issue alone, IMO. Beat her because she is a lousy Representattive.

[Jack from Charlotte]

52. That's at more like 9 minute miles.... which is typical of many....

Being under 4 hours is a big deal for many people. Doing 3:19 like trhe photo above is a huge difference.

[MiniMe]

62. I agree, but it was also 8 years after the 1993 marathon in the pic

It is very conceivable that in 8 years her time could slow by 30 minutes or so in 8 years. Age, different demands and training schedules, etc.

I'm not saying that the 3:17 is true, or a fact. Just saying it is possible. I agree with a previous poster that says this isn't an issue worth taking on. The only campaign ad on her you need is that little rant on the House floor where she ripped into John Murtha and was forced to apologize.

[LiberalFighter]

70. Other Columbus Marathon 2001

10/21/01 Columbus Marathon SCHMIDT, JEAN (F49) 3:41:36
Overall 819
Women 137 LOVELAND, OH, USA

[Jersey Ginny]

28. These runners have back of the pack strides

I'm one of those folks so I recognize that. I would guess that the picture is correct but the time has been altered. I don't know why she would not be wearing shorts though. Also, if she has run 50+ marathons, her times are easy to look up on the internet, so I'll do that. Runners are quite consistent. A 4+ hour marathoner won't run a 3:19 marathon all of the sudden.

[Pacifist Patriot]

38. Maybe that's what's bugging me about her posture.

As I mentioned above it's not the pants or the smile that get me, it's her body stance. It doesn't look like a 3:19 finish to me. But I'm no expert so...

[EnviroBat]

29. Don't Care

I don't give a rat's ass if this skank can run a marathon, leap tall buildings or shovel shit. I want this assclown OUT OF OHIO! I can't believe she's in a close race to keep her seat after the rediculous crap she's pulled. Why hasn't she gone the way of Katherine Harris already? God help me I'm living in a state of ignorant hillbilly's! Well, thanks, I'm off to New Zealand...

[Felinity]

33. I agree

This whole thread makes us look like babies. Aren't we the folks who want to talk about real issues?

[Pacifist Patriot]

40. Why wouldn't violation of campaign law be a "real" issue?

I recognize that the economy, education, crime, etc. are all "real" issues, but I would think the behavior of a candidate with regard to respect for the law would be a legitimate discussion point within a campaign.

I would also think it possible to discuss this issue in one breath and a particular policy discrepancy between candidates in the next.

[BigDDem]

30. Mean Jean: She puts the "run"

in "cut and run."

[graywarrior]

32. Perspective seems a bit off. She's slightly smaller than other

runners, even tho she IS smaller than the guys. It just doesn't seem to fit with the overall size of the photo. Shadowing seems ok. But speaking as a trained artist, I see something off about the perspective.

Besides that, she sucks and god help the world that she has a twin. Jesus, who coulda figured that?

[triguy46]

34. 59 Marathons?

I've been a competitive runner for 20 years, and know the sport and those who are entusiasts. This level of achievement would not be something that would be hidden, if in fact she has run 59 marathons, her training partners (she surely would have some), race organizers (who would want to promote her participation), and those whom she competed against can com forward. I think I recognize a little "Rosie Ruiz" here. You just don't hide 59 marathons, let alone the significant amount of training time required.

Is there not an Ohio running magazine that could review results and look for her? At her age, 3:19 is clearly a Boston qualifying time, and she would have to be a salty runner to turn in that sort of time.

[Tin Man]

46. In fact, she's run a number of Boston Marathons

I found Boston Marathon results from 2001-2005 (inclusive) showing Jean Schmidt of Loveland OH among the finishers. Her times were pretty respectable for a woman now in her 50s. When it comes to foot races, I'd say MeanJean is legit. Which makes a lot of sense, because the Devil is supposed to be pretty fleet afoot...

[triguy46]

60. Oops, my apologies

[GETPLANING]

81. Vampires don't cast shadows

Schmidt has run marathons and many Schmidt boosters are posting results of many of the races she has run- but no one has posted her results from the one on the photo.

[rateyes]

36. Sorry my mistake:

On EDIT: Sorry, I got the dates wrong....Below is the official results of the 2003 Marathon. I'll see if I can find 1993.

http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=473031019&Gen=B&Begin=1461&End=1560&Max=3993


Jean Schmidt DID run in that marathon. Her finishing time was 3:56:06 (not 3:19:06) She finished in 1461st place overall. She finished 344th among all women in the marathon. She finished 10th in her DIVISION in the marathon.

The race took place on October 19, 2003

http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?Year=2003

http://www.marathonguide.com/results/browse.cfm?MIDD=473031019

[Jo March]

44. She is NOT LYING! It's Overzealous Staffer!

It was the work of Overzealous Staffer! Don't you guys remember Overzealous Staffer?!? OS is always pulling these kinds of stunts.

OS must be fired or reprimanded or scapegoated!

:evilgrin:


On edit: I think that OS is from a Ted Rall cartoon but I'm not sure.

[rateyes]

63. Yes, the OS

always seems to be the SG (scape goat).

[struggle4progress]

92. Looks like she's faked her run time

[jmowreader]

108. Slowing down 40 minutes over 10 years?

Guys, the 1993 marathon picture looks legit. I downloaded it and opened it in Photoshop. It looks smooth, like a photo made with a camera would.

This is REAL quick, folks. I went to http://www.bostonmarathon.com, which is the Boston Athletic Association's website, and looked at the qualifying times for the Boston Marathon. An 18-year-old male needs to run a 3:10 marathon to qualify for the 2007 Boston Marathon. Women get an extra 30 minutes, so you can see she was exceptionally fit in 1993.

Now I ask myself: Why in HELL would she fake THAT? I can't think of a reason. It's an issue that doesn't connect with most Americans. Only a serious runner would be appreciative of a 3:19 marathon, and there aren't that many serious runners in America, let alone Ohio. And the consequences of getting caught are too great. I'd say the 3:19 marathon is legitimate, even though she dresses really strangely for them. (I said the same thing: who the hell races in sweats?)

It's a good thing she IS a long-distance runner; if our Democratic candidate has any sense at all, he/she (who IS running against her? and I don't mean the asshat write-in) will get Mean Jean running away from all the stupid shit she's said and done in the last couple of years. Her "Cowards cut and run" comment directed against John Murtha is just a decent start.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

41. I doubt it is photoshopped, at least by any GOP

photoshoppers, because they would have taken out the black guy, and put Saddam riding a WMD in there.

[IWantAChange]

45. marathon running means what?

if I'm to believe statistics the majority of Americans are overweight - I would think incapable of running a marathon or to the store for that matter - so what the heck is the MESSAGE Schmidt is trying to convey - 'I'm different than you?' - HEY WE GET THAT ALREADY YOU REPUG!!!!!!!

[Jo March]

51. No, it's not that she runs marathons

People of all political persuasions run marathons.

The message that she is trying to convey is that of a winner, a tough-as-nails type woman. I would be extremely proud if I could run a marathon without falling flat on my face after the first 10 minutes. I can understand why she's proud of running marathons. I don't like her attacks on Dems but I can understand her pride in any legit accomplishments that she would achieve.

Welcome to DU. :hi:

[YOY]

47. I dunnot if that's her

I mean, she's not draped in the flag with a foul look on her face like usual...

[YOY]

48. Dupe

n/t

[onenote]

55. stupid stupid stupid ... the only thing this can do is hurt the Democrat

Did her opponent bother to do any research before latching onto this story? Apparently not since the evidence seems to support the photo's likely accuracy (lots of documentation of schmidt running in marathon's with times that would suggest that 3:19 back in 1993 (when she was 41) would not be at all unlikely. This is only going to make her opponent look foolish, which given how foolish Schmidt usually looks, is exactly not what he should be doing.

[rich4468]

58. Agreed...

I'm not sure why this democratic candidate isn't just addressing the issues (her Murtha cut and run nonsense) rather than chasing after meaningless crap like this... There are pictures of her with tons of medals from various marathons... and the shadow angle is such that it would not be visible given the position of the camera. To the Democratic candidate: Just address the issues. Schmidt is a pro war Republican and in this age of increasing disdain for this war it should be easy to paint her as a chicken hawk. Stop wasting your time on crap like this which could have the potential to blow up in your face... all it would take is one press conference from a marathon official and poof your credibility is gone.

[onenote]

69. I stand corrected: it wasn't the Democrat who made an issue of this

Apparently it was a write-in candidate. Very unfortunate, because no matter who raised it, giving Jean positive publicity (which is what will happen if/when the story of her marathoning capabilities are confirmed) is a net positive for her.

[oc2002]

61. that photo is certainly doctored, SHE HAS NO SHADOW!

none. she must be a vampire!

[Vinca]

67. Not only does she not have a shadow,

she doesn't appear to have wrinkles, either. It doesn't look like the Mean Jean we know and love.

[clydefrand]

75. The devil leaves no shadow either

Right?

[hughee99]

80. Since the runner behind her

is casting a shadow forward and to their left, it would make sense that her shadow would go the same way, which would be directly behind the man standing in front of her, and off the front edge of the photo. I have no idea what her "wrinkle status" was 13 years ago when this picture was taken, but I assume it would be less than she has now.

[MonteLukast]

72. I first read about Mean Jean in "Runner's World", believe it or not.

But I didn't read about her actually running. I read her in the letters section. Complaining about John Edwards being on the cover of the November 2004 Runner's World. Remember that cover? I still have a copy of it. Lovely picture of JRE. Beautiful bright eyes and smile, really nice legs.

Anyway, here was Jean Schmidt in a nutshell: "Wahhwahh this magazine is becoming a mouthpiece for the Democratic Party wahhwahh how dare a *running* magazine do politicking wahhwahh I'm a MUCH BETTER RUNNER than Edwards will EVER be wahhwahh I've run marathons for YEARS and YEARS and Dubya Bush by the way is also a MUCH BETTER RUNNER and wahhwahh PRETTY BOY! TRIAL LAWYER!!"

What a projectionist-- seeing as how she quickly proved herself a mouthpiece for the pharmaceutical industry, among other things.

And if there is truth to this latest revelation-- hmmm, maybe she isn't such a BESTEST RUNNER after all.

This whole thing has put a big grin on my face.

(BTW... if you can still find a copy of that Edwards running article, do it. It's quite a heartwarming piece.)

[krispos42]

79. I think I can see a hint of a shadow, but track down her neighbors

To the immediate right of the black runner's waistline, right by the white road line, it looks like the periphery of a shadow starting. There's a slightly darker patch of pavement there. It might be her hip. Or it might be me seeing things.

I find it a little unusual that she's looking right at the camera when she's doing this, but being a political animal that might be expected.

I would suggest we find runners 320, 212, and 1210 and see if they remember Mean Jean. With any luck, a family member may have taken a picture or video that shows a remarkably different event than shown here!

[KansDem]

82. Some questions about her education too.

from Wikipedia:

In March 2006, it was reported that Schmidt had for years claimed a B.A. in secondary education from the University of Cincinnati, awarded in 1986. Schmidt's defenders pointed out that neither her current official or campaign website had the second degree posted, and said that Schmidt had completed the requirements for the degree but never filed the paperwork to be awarded a diploma. On April 27, five days before the May 2 primary, the Ohio Elections Commission voted 7-0 to issue Schmidt a public reprimand for "false statements" for her claiming to have that second degree. The Commission also found that Schmidt had made false claims of being endorsed by several organizations, but that these did not warrant any reprimand.


Also, here is a newspaper article with photo:



False claims by Schmidt

Jean Schmidt claimed as early as 1989 to have a college degree she was not awarded and was reprimanded in 2006 for her false claim.On March 8, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Representatives Tom Tancredo of Colorado and Steve Chabot of Ohio stated they had not endorsed Schmidt even though Schmidt's campaign site claimed they had.<33> Chabot later said he had endorsed both Schmidt and her primary opponent. Schmidt also claimed an endorsment from the Family Research Council which was repudiated by the organization. After a review, the Ohio Elections Commission found that the Tancredo and Family Research Council endorsement claims were false but did not warrant any reprimand.<34>
WLW-AM reported on March 28 that Schmidt had for years claimed a B.A. in secondary education from the University of Cincinnati awarded in 1986. Schmidt had previously listed two degrees on past campaign websites, but neither her current official or campaign website had the second degree posted. Schmidt's chief of staff, Barry Bennett, told The Plain Dealer Schmidt had completed the requirements for the degree but never filed the paperwork to be awarded a diploma. "I think it's fair to say that she earned it and never collected it," Bennett said. <35>

On April 27, five days before the May 2 primary against McEwen, the Ohio Elections Commission voted 7-0 to issue Schmidt a public reprimand for "false statements" for her claiming to have a second undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati that she was not awarded. The Commission wrote in its letter of reprimand that Schmidt had "reckless disregard for truth."

From Anwers.com

[bvar22]

84. The photo looks OK to me.

The Democrats don't need this, and I couldn't care less if "Mean Jean" can run a Marathon...HATE Powered!

ALL the Democrats need to do is play the clip from the night she called Murtha a coward....play it over and over and over!

[cannonfire]

88. If the photo is real, it's still damning

Think about it. She was obviously quite fit.

So why didn't she volunteer for military service? She claims to be a huge supporter of the military. So why didn't she join up back in the '80s?

Could it be that she was...what was the word again? Oh yes. Could it be that was a COWARD?

[aquart]

96. Fit to run but not to fight?

Able-bodied Jean Schmidt prefers to let others defend her freedom.

[GETPLANING]

89. Cut 'n' Paste Republican!

[Spiffarino]

93. Hugh!!!1 Unretouched photo of Mean Jean finishing marathon!!!!

She always brings a little snack.

[aquart]

94. "State law prohibits"? What is the punishment?

[Scout1071]

97. This has been debunked.

Race officials have every one of her times recorded for something like 10 years and they confirmed her time.

The photo is not doctored.

[VolcanoJen]

99. Debunked?

Far as I know, it's worthy enough for an Ohio Elections Commission hearing.

I'll let them debunk it.

While I doubt the veracity, I live in her district, it's important to me, it's fishy, and she's a proven resume-embellisher. Is the issue really that settled with you?

[Scout1071]

100. Read this:

Midday open thread
by kos
Fri Aug 25, 2006 at 01:29:12 PM PDT



There's a story going around that Mean Jean Schmidt lied about her time running the Columbus Marathon. TPM Cafe has a picture which has Schmidt crossing the finish line and is apparently missing her shadow.

Not only is the shadow thing easily explained by the crop of the photo, but I have confirmation that she did, in fact, finish the race at her claimed time. Confirmation came from Running USA.



According to the official 1993 Columbus Marathon results booklet (printed several months after the event), Jean Schmidt, 41, ran 3:19:09. She finished 930th overall and was 5th in the F40-44 age group. In addition, per the photo below, the male, male, female, male finish order and times are consistent per the results booklet and her bib # was F5505 (photo shows "F55").

http://jeanschmidt.com/...

In our rankings, she has plenty of times and her 3:54:22 at age 52 is comparable to her 3:19:09 at age 41.

For nearly 20 years, this office compiled, verified and cleared all the long distance running records for USA Track & Field, the national federation. The 1993 Columbus Marathon had a U.S. age group record.

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA researcher
www.RunningUSA.org



It's a non-story. Let's focus on her other unsavory characteristics.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2006/8/25/162912/249

[VolcanoJen]

101. Oh, I'm sorry.

Kos says it's debunked, so I guess that's the Gospel.

Love the way Kos hung Paul Hackett out to dry, by the way. He's not on the side of Ohioans and whether this story is true or not, Kos isn't the last word. He's fucked us over once and he'll do it again.

I live here. The stakes are high. Jean Schmidt must go, one way or another, but watching Kos jump to her defense makes me throw up just a little bit in my mouth.

Not buying. Feel free to sip the Kool-Aid on the patio if you want though.

I'm a Buckeye, not a Kossack.

[Scout1071]

102. Wow. Who pissed in your cheerios?

Defensive much?

Kos didn't provide the evidence, the running association did.

Sorry you have issues with Kos, but no need to take it out on me.

[VolcanoJen]

103. Who pissed in my Cheerios?

Try living in Ohio for the last six years. It's rough here.

It wasn't personal, my attack was directed at Kos. I hadn't seen that article that you posted, and it pissed me off, considering the nasty feeling some of us in the Ohio 2nd get from Kos after he threw Paul Hackett under the bus in support of Sherrod Brown.

It's a kind-of local thing, and sometimes I forget I'm not in the Ohio Forum. I do apologize for that.

But I'm a little weary of Kos telling us what the issues are and who we should go after. Sure, he says we should attack Jean on the issues, but he doesn't, and he hasn't, and he won't, because he's busy elsewhere and his allegiances are elsewhere. He should keep his nose out of my district if he's not in it to win it, if you ask me.

I sincerely apologize for taking it out on you. I'm just bored with the Kossacks and their complete lack of results or consideration in Ohio.

Is that fair? <extending hand>

[Scout1071]

104. Very well.

I'm one of those Kossack's. We'll just have to agree to disagree on the situation in Ohio. The intentions of Kossack's are good. The whole purpose of the sight is to help get Democrats elected. I understand the delicate nature of the Hackett race. Many of us - yes, all of us - were quite vested in Paul.

I know it's rough, but it could be worse...you could be in Kansas like me. At least you have some competitive races!

I like your spunk and your dedication. Good luck winning it back for all of us.

[winga222]

106. Wulsin tied with Mean Jean

I attended a fund raiser last night for Dr. Victoria Wulsin. She remarked that a recent poll shows her tied with Mean Jean. Remember, Wulsin isn't calling Schmidt a liar for posting the picture. Another Republican is, and that's A-OK with me. Vic called her an embarrassment, and I don't think we'll get any arguments on that here.

BTW, I was less than please as well when Kos and the DNC folks stepped in the squash Hackett. I'm not certain Kos and those who jumped in have ever been to this neck of the woods and have no idea what it takes to actual win Ohio. The only reason Vic is getting any support from the national party is because of how close a race Hackett ran. I think Kos and the DNC owe him a big apology. I'm assuming they made it in private. Personally I would rather it had been a public one.

Just my two cents as someone who's lived 43 years in this area.

[NastyDiaper]

105. Vain btch even thought to look at camera.

fwiw not fake i think. that time doable, and the people around her look like 3:20ers. Compare to some 4:00+ pics, where every person has 'i'm never ever doing this again' look on them.

[eviltwin2525]

107. Oh, no, it's not that....

It's not that she wasn't there....it's that she's such pure evil that light is gravitationally lensed around her *as if* she weren't there. And, of course, clocks run backward in her presence, making her appear to have finished long before she did.

[Poursha]

109. test

[Poursha]

110. It's real, it's so obvious!

1. 3:19 is NOT unrealistic for someone who regularily gets a 4 hours marathon. My PR is a 3:06. BUT, I've never even gotten close to that in another race. I've run 22 marathons, and my next best is 3:19, the 3:22. I usually run around a 3:35. So, there is no question that she is capable of that 3:19. FYI. My 3:06 was at Columbus.

2. Regarding the shadows. It seems like the logical folks have pretty much covered that one. There is no way that her shadow would be showing; it's just plain physics and geometry...

3. Regarding the "sweats??" Obviously these postings are from non-runners. It is obvious to me that they are NOT sweats, but more like tights, or a poly-pants of some kind. FYI to the liberals, Columbus is in the middle of October. When I ran it, it was 40-45 degrees. I wouldn't wear tights at 40 degrees, but ALOT of people would. You try standing for 20-30 minutes at the starting line of a 40 degree race. I remember when I ran, I thought that I was going to chip my teeth because they were chattering so much.

4. The thing that bothers me most is that this NOY person is WASTING tax payers money on this thing. It doesn't MATTER, it has no significance. What a waste of time and money; typical...

Poursha!