Will Dann, Jennings hurt Betras?

By Bertram de Souza (Contact)

Published April 12, 2009

David Betras, the publicity seeking criminal defense lawyer who has set his sights on the chairmanship of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, has never denied his friendship with Marc Dann, the disgraced former attorney general of Ohio, and his ties to Leo Jennings III, a self-styled political consultant who was a member of Dann's inner circle in the AG's office.

But now that Betras has announced his plans to seek the party's top spot, his connection with two individuals who have given new meaning to the phrase "politics of sleaze" has become an issue.

Copies of Dann's campaign finance reports showing Betras' contributions, a copy of the state inspector general's report about his leading role in Dann's transition team, and a recent meeting Betras had with Jennings have now become fodder for his campaign for chairman.

Will Dann and Jennings prove to be Betras' undoing?

We'll know soon enough.