GOP Scandals Dog Ohio Candidate (Laura to the rescue)

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/26/AR2006092601262.html

GRANVILLE, Ohio, Sept. 26 -- Joy Padgett, the GOP's new congressional candidate in Ohio, has been in a jam when it comes to finding a big-name Republican who could come to town and bring more than trouble.

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This helps explains Padgett's excitement Tuesday as her lunchtime guest of honor took to the podium outside the historic Granville Inn. It was first lady Laura Bush. The president's approval ratings may be in the drain, but the first lady still regularly scores in the high sixties. She was in town to raise money for Padgett, and to offer the candidate at least a one-day respite from the troubles that her radioactive party affiliation is causing in Ohio's 18th District.

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Space, a 45-year-old lawyer, said the Ohio Republican party and the Iraq war have softened many "nevers" into "maybes." His strategy is to link the GOP hopeful with the GOP congressman so that voters will see "Padgett" on the ballot and think "Ney."

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And, though Padgett rarely mentions Ney by name, Space is convinced that her ties to the legislator will complicate her campaign. Space said that Ney "anointed" Padgett as his replacement. She has said that is not true -- but she has to deny it over and over, underscoring the predicament of Republicans in a year when bad breaks outnumber good by a wide margin.

The 18th is geographicly on of the largest, if not the largest, districts in Ohio. Bankrupt Joy couldn't even find a place inside the district to hold her love fest. Granville is outside the district near the home of Bob ( "casual" and "not social" friend ) Ney.