by John S. Broom

   COLUMBUS - They are not expecting Howard Dean-like donations, but Ohio’s Republican candidates for governor are turning to the Internet to add money to their campaign coffers.

   The last week of June, both Ken Blackwell and Betty Montgomery sent out emails asking for donations by Internet - a fund-raising area made famous by Dean, who got more than $1 million in online donations while running for president two years ago. Blackwell’s fund-raising efforts have garnered the praise of NewsMax.com, a conservative news website.

   In an email sent to subscribers, NewsMax.com officials wrote, “It’s rare that we endorse a candidate for governor. But Ken Blackwell is no ordinary candidate.” The email praised Blackwell for playing “a critical role” in George W. Bush winning presidential re-election last year. The email also urges subscribers to donate online by clicking an email link, and urges readers to continue reading a letter from Blackwell. Blackwell writes, “The liberals know I am the frontrunner for Ohio Governor in 2006, and they’ll do anything to stop me from winning.”

   He later writes that he must raise $50,000 online by the middle of July to show liberals that he has national support. He states that liberal Democrats are raising money online as well to stop the GOP from getting another Republican governor for Ohio. “They know Ohio is the key to the 2008 Presidential election.”

   As for Montgomery, in her June 29 email she touts the endorsements she has received from Summit, Wood and Madison counties, as well as the endorsements of 38 of 55 Republican sheriffs from around the state. While she does not write how much she would like to raise online, Montgomery states, “We need your help to keep this momentum going by spreading our conservative and responsible message to others around the state.” She points out that contributions to a state candidate up to $50 can be used as a state tax credit. A disclaimer later explains that state law allows up to $100 for joint filers to claim as a tax credit. Also, state law requires the political campaign committee to report employer and occupation information for each contributor. Federal law does not allow for deductions or credits for political contributions, the email states.

   Jim Petro is the third Republican candidate seeking the governor’s seat. He also has an online section where visitors to his website can contribute. Like Montgomery, his website points out that state law requires campaigns to collect information from contributors, and that the law also allows tax credits for donations. Petro has endorsements from Coshocton and Delaware counties.

   Blackwell doesn’t mention the state tax credit, since he is seeking national donations, however he does ask for dollar amounts of $10, $25, $75, $100 or $250 by the end of July.

   “Your contribution NOW will make a difference in keeping Ohio ‘RED,’” he writes. A disclaimer at the end of Blackwell’s email states, “This advertisement was paid for by Ohioans for Blackwell....”

   The Ohio Democratic Party has a section on its website (www.ohiodems.org) telling visitors their donations will go for radio ads against Blackwell. It also gives three examples of these ads. A letter, written by Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Dennis L. White, on the website states, “’Vice President Ken Blackwell.’ It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up, doesn’t it? As scary as this sounds, national Republicans are seriously considering Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell - the man who certified Ohio’s votes for Bush in 2004 - for the number two spot on their 2008 ticket.”

   The letter goes on to state, “The Ohio Democratic Party is committed to doing whatever it takes to win the state for Democrats in 2006 and 2008.”

   Danny Diaz, with the Republican National Committee, said, national GOP leaders are very focused on Ohio’s 2006 governor’s race. “It is an important state that helped deliver the White House for George W. Bush once again. We will continue to effectively communicate our values and our principles.”

   Diaz said Ohio voters can expect to see funds pouring into Ohio for candidates on both sides of the ballot. “The expectation is that candidates will be well-funded from various sources. But in the end it comes down to what voters think about the candidates and their vision for the future.” He added that the Bush presidential campaign showed the importance of local support for a candidate. “It is the local precinct level that helps elect a candidate.”

   Donations to the Republican candidates can be made at their individual websites (www.kenblackwell.com, www.bettymontgomery.com, or www.jimpetro.com) or by mailing to the candidate’s campaign office (Ohioans for Blackwell, 865 Macon Alley, Columbus, OH 43206; or Montgomery Campaign Committee, 199 S Fifth Street, Suite 303, Columbus, OH 43215, and Citizens for Jim Petro, 211 South First Street, Columbus, OH 43215).