Emerging scandals put family's reputation in peril (Ohio Tafts)

[deminks]

This is a very interesting history lesson in the Toledo Blade this morning.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050626/NEWS24/506260393

(snip)

COLUMBUS - Embracing his place in a political dynasty that boasted a U.S. president and a chief justice of the Supreme Court, and two senators, Bob Taft vowed in 1999 as he became governor to carry on the tradition that ingrained the Tafts as Ohio's first family.

"The Taft family has worked hard to earn a reputation for common sense, for getting things done to help others, and for striving to live up to the highest standards of honesty and personal integrity," Mr. Taft said in his first inaugural address. "And that's the kind of administration I'll lead," he vowed.

More than six years later, Mr. Taft finds himself enveloped in an investment scandal. He's staring down calls for his resignation amid accusations that he broke state law and lost control of his administration.

"He has spoiled an impeccable record … of forebears,'' said David H. Burton, who has written five books on President William Howard Taft, Governor Taft's great-grandfather. "One would have said if he was not a good governor from the point of view of being effective, at least he would keep a low profile on that and a high profile on his integrity."

(end snip)