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_This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts._ When the general election campaign hits fifth gear this fall

in all-important Ohio, residents of the Buckeye State can be forgiven for casting a jaded eye on the presidential contenders from both parties. Given their experiences with state pols, they

have reason to be skeptical about anyone seeking their votes. A few years back, a multimillion-dollar scandal involving state investment funds roiled the Republicans who reigned over state

government. The result, in 2006, was a banner year for Democrats; the victors included then-Rep. TED STRICKLAND, who was swept into the governor’s office (and could end up as the vice

presidential nominee on his party’s ticket this year). Recently, another Democrat who snared a good job two years ago -- state Atty. Gen. MARC DANN -- was forced to resign after a sexual

harassment scandal in his office was made worse when he acknowledged an affair with a subordinate. On Wednesday, Ohioans learned of yet another misdeed by a public official -- a state

legislator from the Akron area gave up his seat after reports of improprieties involving Ohio State football tickets. The lawmaker, Republican JOHN WIDOWFIELD, spent almost $8,000 from his

campaign coffers over several years to purchase the tickets, which in and of itself is legal (even if his contributors might be a bit taken aback by the practice). Where Widowfield went

wrong was scalping the tickets for personal profit. More can be read here about the wayward Widowfield. -- Don Frederick