For more than a decade, a rapist has prowled the Linden area, attacking women in their beds at night.

His attacks have been so sporadic -- he takes a breather for months and even years between assaults -- that many Linden residents thought the suspect had been caught.

Last night, Columbus police held a meeting to warn Linden residents that the rapist remains at large, on the prowl and he's getting better at covering his tracks. To date, 19 women between the ages of 15 and 45 have been attacked.

The most recent attacks occurred in June when two women were raped.

Police and community members have asked residents to watch their neighbors and to report any information about the rapes or possible suspects to Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS.

Meanwhile, in a state that allows its law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense, a shockingly different plan of self-defense is suggested by the Governor while police search for a serial killer:

Click on the "Read More..." link below for the full story.

Bob Taft delivered his gave his 2003 State of the State address last evening, and focused his remarks on repairing Ohio's budget woes. But we wish he'd be a bit more consistent with his values, and focus a couple of his quotes on the issue of concealed carry reform as well.

"We'll continue to protect our most vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women."

"In the difficult days ahead, we must rise above partisanship and personal ambition to do our duty. Like the leaders who have come before us, we must summon the courage to do what's right, not what is most expedient. Let us recognize and seize the opportunities that are surely ours."

The truth is, Bob Taft continues to oppose the very legislation that would level the playing field for "our most vulnerable populations", giving them the opportunity to defend themselves when attacked.

He speaks of duty and doing what is right, but opposes correcting a law which has been unanimously ruled unconstitutional by four Ohio judges.

Taft claims he wants to "sieze opportunities which are ours." We suggest he starts with the opportunity to save lives, protect from rapists, and reduce crime!

Click here to read the entire story from the Cincinnati Enquirer.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday opted not to review the strict campaign finance restrictions approved by Akron voters in 1998 -- meaning those long-abated rules might finally go into effect for this year's city elections.

Because the case never actually went to trial -- U.S. District Court Judge Dan Polster found the charter change had constitutionality problems and threw it out before a trial -- the case may end up back before the judge for trial preparation.

The limits, should they go into effect, would impose some of the most stringent limits in the country -- $100 for individual contributions to council candidates, $300 for at-large council and mayoral candidates and a $25 cap for cash contributions.
Click here to read the entire story from the Akron Beacon Journal.

Mayor, commissioner leave party over Washington appointment
The Associated Press
1/21/03 8:51 PM

Two northwest Ohio elected officials have switched their political parties in protest of a congressional Democratic leader's appointment, The Lima News reported Wednesday.

John Bergman, who will run for a third term as an Auglaize County commissioner in November, said he changed from a Democrat to a Republican because he thinks House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California is too liberal.

Van Wert Mayor Stephen Gehres announced earlier this month that he would leave the Democratic Party to become a Republican because he was dissatisfied with the choice of Pelosi.

Click here to read the entire story from the Associated Press.