Okay, the dog didn't really eat her homework.  It was a staff member on maternity leave during the most important part of the election cycle who's at fault.

The local (OH 02) paper finally covered Jean Schmidt's use of an identical letter sent by another lawmaker.  Thankfully they put the charges in the context of an editor's expectations when publishing an article or letter-to-the-editor.  

A few key quotes:

A local editorial director for the Community Press who published Schmidt's column doesn't think it's plagiarism but...

"if I write something and my name is on it, those are my words, and I would expect that from elected officials or someone running for office," McHugh said.

1 in 6 families in the Greater Cincinnati Area were unable to afford regular meals in the last 12 months according to new study.
"Nationally, the estimate of families who can't afford to keep their cupboards stocked has been increasing since 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture."

"People got big utility bills, then we had the increase in gas costs. It really is killing people."

http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a rticle?AID=/20060801/NEWS01/608010377/10 77

I'm seeing the term "Progressive" being used rather liberally these days and often as a way for one person to define themselves from another liberal and claim some sort of higher ground. Yet, the term sometimes is being used in seemingly contradictory ways.
What is YOUR definition of a "Progressive"? Because I no longer have a clue as I keep seeing it in so many venues.

I heard on the radio this morning (sorry no links yet) that Paul Hackett is pulling out of the Senate primary against Sherrod Brown and will run against Jean Schmidt in the OH 02.
Good news.